[00:14, PLAINS OF DENARIA - DAY]

[A cloaked figure struggles to pull a horse cart along a dusty road. Four Knights approach on horseback.]

"Who wants to bet that's exactly who we all think it is?" Gwaine challenged

"Why would we bet, when you've just said we all know who it is."

"You're no fun Elyan"

SIR LEON Halt!

[The cloaked woman stops.]

SIR LEON Stay where you are.

[The woman sets down the cart handles a as the knights dismount, Sir Elyan among them.]

SIR LEON Where are you headed?

CLOAKED WOMAN The Seas of Meredor.

SIR LEON What's in the cart?

[The woman says nothing. Sir Leon motions for the spare knights to search the cart and the woman turns around, revealing herself to be Morgana.]

"I would have won"

"We all would have won… did Gwaine get a hold of some gin when we were on break." Elyan rolled his eyes

"No, but I wish," Gwaine said

SIR LEON (startled) Lady Morgana.

[Morgana uses magic to throw each of the knights to the ground. She looks around, pulls off her hood and pulls down a blanket in the cart.]

MORGANA Are you alright?

MORGAUSE Yes, thank you, Sister, but we must hurry. Night is nearly upon us and we still have far to go.

[Morgause turns her face towards Morgana, revealing a hideous deformity to the right side of her face and her right eye.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) And we still have far to go.

Arthur frowned brows furrowing "What are they planning?"

"It can't be anything good," Percival answered

[02:02, CASTLE SQUARE - MORNING]

[Merlin runs through knights and servants and into the Castle. Servants are decorating the castle with vines and Merlin ducks under one of them as he bolts up the Griffin Stairway.]

MERLIN Sorry.

Arthur shakes his head at his manservant his feelings of dread subsiding for a moment as he watched the pleasant scene before him. Everyone seemed so happy.

[02:15, CASTLE KITCHENS - MORNING]

[Merlin bumps into more servants and nicks some food off a passing plate. The head cook accosts him with a ladle.]

AUDREY THE HEAD COOK What are you doing in my kitchen?

MERLIN Uh, the prince's shirt.

[The cook motions to the line above the stove where the pots are hanging.]

AUDREY Keep your dirty fingers off my food. Do you understand?

[Merlin grabs the shirt and a hook on a string drops down in front of his face. He looks up, confused. Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are peering down at him with eager and mischievous grins. Gwaine puts a finger to his lips and Merlin laughs. Merlin attaches the hook to one of the roasting chickens and pulls on the string. The knights pull it up to them as Merlin exits hastily.]

Gwaine and Percival laugh

"Great." Arthur groaned "Gwaine's gone and corrupted Percival."

"I don't know, Percival only looks innocent, don't let him fool you." Lancelot grinned Percival frowned at his friend elbowing him and Lancelot laughed at him.

AUDREY Oi!

"I would have loved to have seen you get hounded by cook." Merlin laughed "she's harsh, she hits me with her spoon every chance she gets."

Both Gwaine and Percival wince.

[02:48, CASTLE HALLWAY - MORNING]

[Merlin weaves through bustling servants. A servant with wine pitchers bumps into him and spills red wine all over Arthur's newly washed shirt. Merlin picks up the stained shirt and stares at it.]

"And youy clumsiness strikes again."

"Hey, that wasn't all me." Merlin defended himself.

SIR LANCELOT You could try a bit of salt.

MERLIN Arthur is going to kill me.

SIR LANCELOT Let's see.

[Sir Lancelot looks at the shirt.]

SIR LANCELOT You've faced far worse, Merlin.

"Gee thanks Lancelot" Merlin deadpanned Lance just winked at him.

MERLIN He needs it for tonight.

SIR LANCELOT I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something.

[Lancelot lifts his eyebrows knowingly. Lancelot keeps walking and Merlin checks to see no one's looking.]

MERLIN Fordwin wamm.

Merlin winced as Gaius hit him upside the head. "In the middle of a crowded hallway Merlin." He scolded shaking his head.

[Lancelot stops and turns around. Merlin shows him the clean shirt and Lancelot opens his arms as if to say "See, that was easy." They both continue on their way.

Arthur felt a slight tinge of jealousy, it was stupid, he knew now, but it just didn't seem fair that Lancelot in the memory could know while Arthur did not.

"Can you do all the laundry like that?" Gwaine asked

"No… I mean occasionally if I'm in a rush I'll do that with Arthur's socks, but it would be too suspicious to do that all the time."

"Life must be pretty easy with magic." Gwaine mused

"Yeah if you don't count the being executed if caught part."

"Oh. Right." Gwaine looked sheepish

[03:22, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]

[Arthur's leaning against his desk and writing, as Merlin enters with his clean white shirt.]

MERLIN You're dressed.

ARTHUR Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot.

[Arthur turns around to walk behind his desk. He didn't manage to pull his shirt all the way through his belt in the back and his skin is showing. Merlin sniggers.]

Everyone laughs and Arthur's cheeks burn.

MERLIN Are you sure about that?

Arthur hit him and Merlin just grinned.

ARTHUR I beg your pardon?

MERLIN It's just that you-

ARTHUR Merlin.

MERLIN But you-

"I tried to help you."

"Merlin, shut up."

ARTHUR I am trying to write a speech.

MERLIN Do you want help?

ARTHUR No.

MERLIN You won't want this, then?

[Merlin holds up a scroll and Arthur looks up from his desk.]

MERLIN I spent all night working on it.

[Arthur takes the scroll and looks over it with exaggerated scepticism.]

MERLIN What do you think?

[Arthur hands it back to Merlin.]

ARTHUR Needs a polish.

MERLIN I'll add it to the list.

[Arthur tosses the speech he was working on.]

ARTHUR Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech. Obviously, it would be too much for you to say, "Thank you."

[Merlin stares at Arthur for a moment and walks out with his laundry without deigning reply. Arthur smiles.]

Everyone watched with fond smiles.

"You let Merlin write your speeches? You must have a lot of faith in him." Leon couldn't help but comment.

Arthur didn't reply but Merlin was grinning from ear to ear.

[04:11, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY]

[Morgana helps Morgause limp out of the cart in the foggy wood.]

MORGAUSE The Isle of the Blessed.

Merlin tensed.

[Morgana helps Morgause to the dock. A ferryman waits for them by a longboat. He holds out his hand. Morgause places a coin in it.]

MORGAUSE You know where we wish to go.

[The sisters huddle in the boat, the ferryman at the helm, as it glides across the sea.]

[04:49, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Uther's hand shakes badly as he lowers his goblet to the table in front of his chair. Gwen enters and watches him with a pitying expression before she approaches him.]

Arthur's joyful mood vanishes almost instantly as he stares at his father in shock. The room is silent. "That can't be my father." He whispers

Gaius was afraid of this being the outcome but it was difficult to see all the same. Despite all Uther had done he and the king had been tentative friends.

GWEN You've not eaten, sire? Sire?

[Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his own misery. Gwen takes the tray of untouched food and meets Gaius on her way out. She looks at the potion in Gaius's hand.]

GWEN (cont'd) It doesn't seem to make any difference.

GAIUS I'm not sure it ever will. But at least it gives him peace.

GWEN It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.

"A year. An entire year and he's still like that? Over Morgana?" Arthur had thought his father a stronger man. "I don't understand."

"His heart is broken, and his spirit is gone, he may never fully return to the man he once was." Gaius said softly. Arthur flinched.

GAIUS (nods) His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. You're joining us for the feast tonight?

GWEN I don't think so. I need to stay with the king.

GAIUS You're very good to him, Gwen.

GWEN I don't do it for him; I do it for Arthur.

"Thank you Gwen." Arthur's voice was slightly hoarse with barely concealed emotion.

[Gaius watches Gwen exit.]

[05:59, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY]

[Morgause and Morgana continue across the sea with the ferryman.]

[06:12, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - DAY]

Sir Leon and Sir Elyan ride into the square and report to Arthur and the Council.

SIR LEON The reports are true, sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria.

ARTHUR Was she alone?

SIR ELYAN (shakes head) There was someone else.

ARTHUR Morgause.

SIR ELYAN Couldn't be sure.

[A man speaks from the shadows.]

AGRAVAINE Where was Morgana heading?

"Who's that?" Merlin was starting to get a very bad feeling.

"I don't know." Arthur shrugged looking at the man still bathed in shadow.

SIR LEON To the Seas of Meredor.

GAIUS Isle of the Blessed.

[Agravaine steps into the light.]

Arthur's eyes light up "Uncle! It's my uncle from my mother's side."

AGRAVAINE I'll send out patrols at first light.

ARTHUR Thank you, Agravaine.

SIR LEON Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Montague are both dead.

Leon closed his eyes taking a deep breath.

ARTHUR Keep me informed of any developments.

[The councilmen all bow and exit. Agravaine remains.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) For months, nothing. Why now?

AGRAVAINE We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, what does it matter? Mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.

ARTHUR You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you. Thank you, Uncle.

AGRAVAINE I made a promise to your mother. I'll always be there for you.

[Arthur nods with a smile and exits.]

"I don't like him," Merlin said a frown on his face. Only Lancelot heard him and the man gave him a questioning look. Merlin simply shrugged "He just… I don't know.. There's something there."

[07:34, ISLE OF THE BLESSED - NIGHT]

[Wyverns shriek as they fly around the fortress as Morgana's boat continues to the isle.]

[07:55, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]

[Arthur and Agravaine sit on either side of the king's chair at the feast. Arthur stands and the laughter dies down.]

ARTHUR Samhain. It is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost to celebrate their passing.

"It's Merlin's speech." Gwaine grinned. Arthur stuck out his tongue at the man.

[08:15, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

MORGAUSE Samhain is almost upon us. We must hurry.

MORGANA I can't do this.

MORGAUSE Sister. Remember what I told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong, remember that.

[Morgause presents Morgana with a dagger.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) Do not be scared.

[Morgana takes the dagger.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now.

[Morgause weakly climbs onto the altar stone and takes Morgana's hand.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) Please, sister, let my parting be my final gift to you.

[Morgause lies down on the altar.]

Gwen gasps "She's going to kill her."

Gaius pales "This is not good."

[09:45, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]

[Arthur raises his glass in a toast.]

ARTHUR To the king.

[Everyone stands to toast as the bell tolls.]

[09:50, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

MORGANA Eala leofu sweoster, paem gastum befaeste ic pe. Alys pa peoster pe inne onwunap. [?]

[Morgana poises the dagger to strike, her eyes glow and she plunges it into Morgause's chest. Morgause gasps.]

Gwen looks away in horror

[10:07, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]

[Merlin senses the magic and everything goes into slow-mo.]

"What's happening to you Merlin."

"I can sense the magic."

"From that far away?"

"Whatever spell she used must be powerful. It's probably caused a shock to my body." Merlin explained and they all looked at him in worry.

GAIUS (distorted) To the king.

AGRAVAINE (distorted) To the king.

[The knights toast their glasses as Merlin freaks out.]

Their worry increases as they watch Merlin.

[10:21 , ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

[Morgana is blown off her feet.]

[10:27, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]

[Merlin sees a dead-looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the banquet hall.]

CAILLEACH (whisper)

Emrys. Emrys. Emrys.

[Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher and the whole hall goes quiet and stares at him. He swoons. Lancelot rushes to his side. Arthur rolls his eyes. Merlin shivers on the floor.]

"What just happened."

Gaius shook his head "Morgana has ripped the veil between the living and the dead."

"What does that mean?"

"It means a lot of people are going to die."

[10:53, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

Cailleach strokes Morgana's cheek and Morgana wakes. She sits up and sees the cloaked woman standing in front of the rift.

MORGANA Who are you?

CAILLEACH I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world. You have torn the veil between the worlds.

[Eerie screams echo from the rift.]

CAILLEACH (cont'd) The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless.

[Morgana looks around in fear.]

CAILLEACH (cont'd) You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must beware. Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world, and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny, and he is your doom. (whisper) Emrys.

They all turn to look at Merlin who is staring at the woman and Morgana.

[12:17, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT]

[Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed.]

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

GAIUS I don't know. I've never felt anyone so cold before.

SIR LANCELOT Will he be alright?

GAIUS I'll need Hawthorne to improve the blood flow. And blankets. Lots of blankets.

[Lancelot goes to fetch carries on shivering in the bed.]

"Honestly Merlin, you can't even attend a feast without almost getting yourself killed"

"It wouldn't be the first time." Merlin smiled but his face was pale.

"What?" Gwaine looked between the two of them.

"It's nothing Gwaine."

[12:36, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

[Gaius is grinding something as Merlin steps out of his chamber wearing a blanket. They sit together.]

MERLIN When she spoke, her voice...it was as though it came from the depths of the earth, and her eyes...they were so sad. So much pain in them. Who is she?

GAIUS The Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world.

MERLIN Why was she there?

GAIUS It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence.

MERLIN Why was I the only one to see her.

GAIUS You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.

"How powerful is Merlin?" Gwen asked

Gaius looked at Merlin for a moment and they seemed to have a silent conversation. Finally, Gaius spoke, "That is a difficult question, Merlin is still learning his magic after all."

Gwen had the feeling that he wasn't being completely honest but it wasn't her place to question him.

MERLIN But you don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys.

[Gaius ponders.]

MERLIN (cont'd) What is it? What does it mean?

GAIUS I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all.

"I do not like the sound of that." Leon grimaced.

[14:01, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]

[Merlin brings in a breakfast tray and sets it noisily on the table while Arthur's still in bed.]

ARTHUR Merlin.

[Merlin opens the curtains.]

ARTHUR Merlin!

MERLIN What?

[Arthur puts a pillow over his face. Someone knocks at the door.]

ARTHUR (muffled) Merlin!

"You're nearly king and you still can't wake up in the mornings." Merlin teases. Arthur glares

MERLIN That's not me.

"Of course not, you never knock." Arthur grumbles

[Arthur takes off the pillow and Sir Leon enters.]

SIR LEON Excuse me, sire. You're needed in the council chambers as a matter of urgency.

Everyone in the room tenses.

[14:22, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MORNING]

[The council is gathered around a weeping woman.]

ARTHUR What's happened to her?

AGRAVAINE Her village was attacked.

ARTHUR By who?

AGRAVAINE Not entirely clear, sir.

[Arthur approaches the weeping woman]

ARTHUR What's your name?

DREA Drea.

[Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and speaks tenderly.]

Gwen watches with pride. She didn't know why Arthur hesitated to take the crown he was more than ready to be king.

ARTHUR Drea.

[She uncertainly makes eye contact.]

ARTHUR I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened.

DREA My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're...

[She starts weeping again.]

ARTHUR It's all right. It's all right.

[Drea nods.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Someone attacked them.

[Drea nods.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Who?

DREA There was no one. Just...shapes.

ARTHUR You didn't see their faces?

DREA They had no faces.

[Arthur looks uncertainly at a few councilmen. Merlin turns at the sound of something behind him.]

DREA I- I keep telling you. They were there, but...they weren't there. They moved so quickly. It was as if they weren't real, but...they must've been. I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead.

"An entire village all gone, that poor poor girl," Gwen whispers.

"We can change this, stop Morgana from tearing the veil," Arthur said with determination in his eyes.

[Drea breaks down and Arthur comforts her.]

ARTHUR Hey. Thank you.

[Arthur turns her to cry on Gaius's shoulder.]

ARTHUR Where is this village?

AGRAVAINE Howden. It's to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride.

ARTHUR (to Sir Leon) Ready the men.

[16:12, WOODS - DAY]

[The Round Table knights ride out of Camelot. Merlin is startled by the sound of a woodpecker.]

ARTHUR Merlin, you need your comfort blanket?

MERLIN What do you mean?

ARTHUR You're making me edgy.

[Lancelot's mount whinnies and Merlin jumps.]

ARTHUR That's a horse.

MERLIN Maybe it sensed something.

ARTHUR Yes, that you're a clot pole.

MERLIN That's my word.

ARTHUR Yeah. And it suits you perfectly.

The familiar banter lightens the atmosphere but it is drowned again when they see the village.

[The knights survey the slaughtered village.]

ARTHUR It's too quiet.

[They enter the village on foot. All is silent. A door creaks loudly and they freeze until a goat bleats and wanders out. They split up in pairs to search. Arthur turns at a loud crunch. Gwaine just bit into an apple.]

"Gwaine!"

"Oops."

SIR GWAINE Sorry.

[Lancelot shakes his head.]

"You can't fault me for being hungry. Speaking of which when's dinner?"

SIR ELYAN Here!

[Gwaine drops the apple and they all run to Elyan. Inside one of the houses, they stare at frosted corpses. They all turn as something whips past behind them.]

"I've suddenly lost my appetite" Gwaine looked ill at the sight of the dead villagers.

ARTHUR You saw it?

SIR GWAINE We are literally chasing shadows.

ARTHUR Come on.

[They exit the house and search the village at night, bearing torches. Merlin splits off from Lancelot when he hears a door shut in a barn. He walks around cautiously and a chicken jumps out at him. He sighs in relief. Something shrieks quietly behind him and he sees a wisp of it as it exits the barn. Merlin chases the shrieking wisp and loses it.]

"How do we stop something like that. It's not even really there."

"I do not know my lord." Gaius told them honestly.

MERLIN Leoht.

[Merlin shines a light from his hand. The light fades.]

MERLIN Leoht.

[The light shines briefly and disappears.]

MERLIN Leoht.

[Nothing happens. Screams echo around him. A wisp shoots straight for him.]

Gwen nearly screams at the sight of it. The other knights feel chills down their spines.

MERLIN Fleoh nu on moras! Fleoh nu on moras!

[Merlin's eyes glow, but nothing happens.]

Arthur looked over at Merlin "Why isn't your magic working?"

Merlin was staring at the screen in shock "I don't know." he whispered hardly able to believe it himself.

SIR LANCELOT Merlin!

[Lancelot uses his torch to repel the wisp.]

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

MERLIN My magic...I couldn't use it.

[The others come running.]

SIR LANCELOT There's something out there!

ARTHUR You saw it?

SIR LANCELOT When it saw the light, it fled.

SIR GWAINE It scared the horses.

MERLIN It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.

[The shrieks echo.]

ARTHUR We need to get out of here.

[21:33, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]

[People are screaming and running into the Castle. Gwen rushes down a hallway with blankets and a torch.]

They all watch in horror.

AGRAVAINE Gwen! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate.

[Agravaine continues down another hallway and Gwen rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a knight. The skull wisp rushes in and the knight screams. Gwen takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the knight. He's frozen solid.]

Arthur curses. Gwaine echos his sentiment.

[22:10, MORGUE - NIGHT]

[Guards exit with a stretcher and Gaius pulls a cloth over the face of one of many victims.]

MERLIN Gaius.

GAIUS Merlin.

[Gaius can tell that Merlin is freaked out.]

GAIUS (cont'd) You saw them.

[Merlin nods.]

GAIUS (cont'd) Here, help me. Give me some more sheets.

[Merlin's still acting strangely.]

GAIUS (cont'd) Merlin?

MERLIN My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside. And when it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe. I'm scared.

"I don't think I've ever seen you that frightened."

"I've always had my magic, it's like a part of me is missing. It's not natural." Merlin shivered.

GAIUS Merlin, it's alright. It's not your fault.

[23:13, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]

AGRAVAINE We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town.

ARTHUR And there's no way of fighting them?

AGRAVAINE No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.

ARTHUR What are they?

GAIUS They're Dorocha, sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's Eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them.

AGRAVAINE But who'd do such a thing now?

GAIUS Morgana.

ARTHUR You see her hand in this?

GAIUS We know she was traveling to the Isle of the Blessed.

ARTHUR How do we defeat these creatures?

GAIUS I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch.

"We can't just sit there and do nothing, there must be a way." Arthur was frustrated at the turn of events. His people were dying and they had no way to stop them.

[23:57, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

[Merlin lights candles. He hears a Dorocha shriek and drops his basket of candles; one rolls near the curtains. Arthur looks up.]

MERLIN I thought I saw something.

ARTHUR What was it, a spider?

"Are you afraid of Spiders?" Percival asked

"He screams like a girl every time he sees one, won't go near it until I kill it." Arthur rolled his eyes. "He's worse than Gwen."

"They are creepy!" Merlin defended himself

"What does that mean?" Gwen asked at the same time

Arthur didn't reply and Gwen glared at him.

[Merlin sees the curtain move and stares at the candle on the floor. Arthur watches Merlin's hesitation.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Just pick it up.

[Merlin picks up the basket and they both stare at the curtain.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?

MERLIN It's not a joke.

ARTHUR Yeah.

[Arthur approaches the curtain, uses his sword to whip it open. Nothing's there. Merlin sighs in relief.]

ARTHUR You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. I could never let myself look so spineless.

MERLIN Oh, see, I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.

"I'm not heartless!"

"Bad choice of words, maybe thoughtless." Merlin tried he ducked as Arthur swiped at him.

ARTHUR What?

MERLIN Well, alright. Thoughtless.

ARTHUR Never.

MERLIN Definitely humorless.

ARTHUR Because you're not funny.

[Arthur hands Merlin the candle. They both turn when they hear the Dorocha.]

MERLIN You're not scared?

ARTHUR Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you.

No one commented, not even Gwaine.

[25:45, CAMELOT - NIGHT]

[The guards light fires in grates all over the city. A Dorocha sweeps past some candles in the Physician's Chambers and blows out some of them. Gaius snaps up from his work. Knights patrol the streets with torches. Sir Percival lags behind when he sees/hears something. He walks over to some barrels and finds three small children huddling behind them.]

SIR PERCIVAL Hey, hey, hey. It's all right. It's alright, you're safe now.

"You're a really good knight Percy." Merlin nodded at the big man. Percival appreciated the compliment and his cheeks tinged pink.

[Percival hears the Dorocha and checks to see the knights walking in the distance. He carefully calculates: 1 torch + 2 arms + 3 kids = oh no) Percival leaves the torch and runs through the street with the children in his arms. A Dorocha streaks right for them and Elyan jumps in with a torch just in time. Elyan takes one of the kids and they bring them to their parents in a house.]

The knights let out breaths of relief they hadn't realized they'd been holding.

"Thank you Elyan you saved our lives."

"Anytime." Elyan nodded.

SIR PERCIVAL Thanks.

SIR ELYAN Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?

[They grin at each other.]

Percival couldn't stop the bubble of warmth in his chest from forming. It was so strange but comforting to know that in the future he'd have such good friends.

[MAIN SQUARE - MORNING]

[Villagers crowd into Camelot with the belongings they can carry.]

[27:28, COUNCIL CHAMBER - MORNING]

[Arthur discusses the refugee villagers with Gaius, Merlin, and Agravaine.]

GAIUS They're coming from across the kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection.

ARTHUR And we will give it to them.

AGRAVAINE We cannot house them all.

Merlin glared.

ARTHUR We have to try.

AGRAVAINE How? We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.

"He's right." Arthur concedes.

ARTHUR Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.

GAIUS I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire. If I am right, and the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.

ARTHUR And how do I do that?

GAIUS I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created would've required a blood sacrifice. To seal will require another.

ARTHUR We ride before nightfall.

[All three of his councilors are surprised.]

GAIUS And who will be the sacrifice?

ARTHUR If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do.

"Are you mad! You're the only king your people have if you die you might as well be signing Camelot's downfall." Merlin glared at Arthur.

"I can't just do nothing, and I refuse to damn anyone else to that fate."

[Agravaine rides through the woods.]

"Where is he going?" Merlin wondered suspiciously.

[28:54, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY]

[Agravaine enters without knocking. She puts a dagger to his back.]

AGRAVAINE My lady?

MORGANA My lord.

[Agravaine sighs.]

Arthur freezes "Does everyone betray me?"

"Don't think like that," Gwen whispered.

"What else am I supposed to think." He said still staring at his uncle and Morgana. "I can't trust anyone!"

Gwen looked to Merlin for help

"We both know that's not true Arthur." Merlin stepped in "That's just how Morgana would want you to feel." Arthur looked over at Merlin's eyes unsure so Merlin continued. "She wants you to cut yourself off from everyone else because if it's just you alone, you're not much of a threat."

"Excuse me?" Arthur looked slightly offended

Merlin laughed "The people that matter, all of us here, we would never betray you." and Arthur knew that to be true he had seen the proof himself.

MORGANA (cont'd) I trust you bring me good news.

[She lowers the dagger and walks further into her home.]

MORGANA (cont'd)Tell me.

AGRAVAINE The kingdom is on its knees.

MORGANA How terrible.

AGRAVAINE (chuckles) Indeed.

MORGANA What of the poor people?

AGRAVAINE More fall every night.

MORGANA Such a shame.

Gwen glared. Maybe at one time, she felt pity for her friend, but that vanished in one moment. There was no longer any hope for Morgana.

AGRAVAINE You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.

MORGANA (scoffs) Impossible.

AGRAVAINE He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. If the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil.

[Morgana thinks it over and turns away.]

AGRAVAINE (cont'd) Something's troubling you. Morgana.

MORGANA Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom.

AGRAVAINE Your doom? What did she mean?

MORGANA I don't know.

AGRAVAINE Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir.

[Morgana smirks.]

"See that's exactly my point, you can't sacrifice yourself Arthur!"

"Well, what do I do then Merlin, who's to die in my place?" He said angrily "I will not condemn someone else to that fate."

[30:25, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Arthur sits with his absentminded father.]

ARTHUR There are many things I have to thank you for. You've taught me so much. Most of all, you have taught me what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time you'll be proud of me.

[Arthur cries as Gwen walks in the doorway. Arthur stands, cups his father's chin and kisses his forehead. Arthur turns to leave and Uther grabs his arm.]

UTHER Don't leave me.

ARTHUR I have to, Father.

UTHER Please.

[Arthur squeezes his father's hand, then wipes his tears and leaves. He sees Gwen and goes to her.]

Arthur does not look at anyone, he feels like he has been laid bare for all to see and it is not a feeling he likes.

ARTHUR Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.

GWEN What is it?

[Arthur doesn't respond.]

GWEN (cont'd) You don't have to go.

ARTHUR I do.

GWEN Please, Arthur, take care. You are precious, not just the kingdom.

ARTHUR Smile.

GWEN I can't.

[Arthur lifts her chin.]

ARTHUR Do you remember...the first time I kissed you?

[Gwen smiles. Arthur smiles at her reaction.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) There. That's the memory I will take with me.

[They embrace. Gwen holds him tight, still worrying.]

Elyan smiles. Any lingering worry over his sister's relationship with Arthur vanishes with the sight of his sister's smile. He would gladly give his life to seal the tear if it meant protecting his little sister's smile. Elyan kept it to himself however, Arthur would never agree, and this may never even come to pass, but if it does then he'd be the one to do it.

[32:19, GATES - DAY]

[The Round Table knights walk their horses out of the city in slow-mo.]

[32:28, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Arthur hands Agravaine a ring bearing the Pendragon seal.]

ARTHUR You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the kingdom rests with you.

A round of curse words and Arthur's knuckles turn white as he fights off the urge to punch something. "How could I be so stupid."

"Your not omniscient Arthur you can't have known."

"How am I to be a good king if I can't even tell if someone is betraying me?"

"He's your family had it been any of us, we would do the same."

AGRAVAINE What about your father?

ARTHUR Should he die, you're to assume the throne.

AGRAVAINE Arthur-

ARTHUR You're the only person I trust, Uncle.

AGRAVAINE I beg of you, for the sake of the kingdom, there must be another way.

[Agravaine presses the ring back into Arthur's hand.]

ARTHUR My mind's made up. I'm just grateful you're here.

[Arthur leaves Agravaine with the ring.]

"He's a very good actor." Gwaine grumbled.

[33:00, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]

[Gaius enters while Merlin is packing.]

GAIUS Merlin, what are you doing?

MERLIN It is my destiny to protect Arthur.

GAIUS How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.

MERLIN Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.

"Not a chance you idiot!"

"I can't let you do it, You're important, I'm just a servant."

"So your life is worthless!"

"No, it's worth less than yours." Arthur stared at Merlin the words his father once said coming out of Merlin's mouth seemed so wrong. Did he really think so little of himself?

"You're wrong," Arthur said firmly.

GAIUS No.

MERLIN My life has always been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be...I'm not afraid. I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...Albion will live.

"Your an idiot." Arthur glared and Merlin opened his mouth to argue but Gaius stopped him knowing the two could go on for hours.

Gwaine felt a cold spike in his heart at the thought of Merlin dying. The warlock had always been so selfless. He had grown to respect Arthur, but he stayed in Camelot not for his king, but for Merlin. His first real friend and Gwaine knew that he'd give his life so that Merlin would live because a world without Merlin just couldn't be comprehended. If this was the future than Gwaine would be sure it would be him dying and not Merlin.

[Speechless, Gaius hugs Merlin.]

[33:48, TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]

[The Round Table knights mount their horses. Lancelot watches with a smile as Gwen approaches him.]

SIR LANCELOT Gwen.

GWEN Will you grant me a favor?

SIR LANCELOT Anything.

[Gwen looks over at Arthur exiting the city gate with Merlin.]

GWEN Look after him. Bring him home.

[Lancelot looks sad and disappointed.]

SIR LANCELOT I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.

GWEN Thank you.

[Gwen walks back to the castle.]

Arthur looked at Gwen who was crying staring at her own self in horror at what she'd just asked. He had a choice to make.

Lancelot felt the now familiar pain in his chest and he was beginning to grow used to its presence. He'd said it before and He'd say it again. If it meant Gwen was happy then he would do anything including giving his life. Gwen had asked it of him and he could not deny her.

[34:33, WOODS - DAY]

[The knights ride out. After dismounting, they prepare to make camp.]

ARTHUR Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering. I need someone to volunteer to get wood.

MERLIN I'll do that.

[Lancelot watches Merlin go and follows.]

SIR LANCELOT You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.

"What does that matter. Arthur would be lost without me, magic or no magic." Merlin teased

"Exactly, so see you can't die Merlin."

"Why are we even still discussing this." Gwen finally spoke "No one is dying! We're not going to let Morgana do this!" She said firmly.

MERLIN Doesn't matter.

SIR LANCELOT You're not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt. If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.

MERLIN It's your duty to protect Camelot no matter what the cost.

[Lancelot nods.]

MERLIN Well, it's my duty to protect Arthur. Surely you can understand that.

SIR LANCELOT I can understand that very well.

[35:42, MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT]

[Still wearing her healing bracelet, Morgana has a prophetic dream. Red and black banners lie strewn on a battlefield with knight's corpses. A raven sitting on a helmet takes flight. Excalibur is stuck in the ground (or a knight's chest) Old Merlin walks on the field with a white cane, looking down at the camera.]

"Dragoon?" Arthur tilts his head confused

MORGANA Help me, Emrys. Please.

"But your Emrys, not him." Arthur is confused.

"But she doesn't know that perhaps that is all she can perceive." Gaius saves Merlin who looked ready to panic. Said boy shoots him a grateful look.

[Morgana's wrinkled hand reaches up to Old Merlin from her position on the ground, below the camera. She's wearing vambraces.]

MERLIN Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?

MORGANA Please...

[Morgana wakes in her bed. At first she seems afraid, than angry.]

MORGANA Emrys.

"That's not good, she's going to be after you."

"She doesn't know who I am," Merlin said with a shrug. "Besides it's better this way, if she's busy hunting me then maybe she'll leave Camelot alone." His life meant nothing to him as long as those he loved were safe.

[36:33, COUNTRY ROAD - DAY]

[The knights ride by a field full of peasant corpses traveling to Camelot.]

"All those bodies, all of those people dead, because of Morgana." Percival clenched his teeth unable to believe that someone could be so evil.

ARTHUR We need to reach Daobeth by nightfall.

[The knights pick up the pace.]

[36:46, CRUMBLING FORTRESS - DUSK]

ARTHUR Pair off. Find any wood you can. Get the fires burning.

[The knights collect firewood while carrying torches. Gwaine hears a man's scream and drops his firewood. The knights gather together as screams start to surround them. A Dorocha launches at them and Arthur wards it off with a torch.]

ARTHUR Let's go!

SIR PERCIVAL We haven't got enough!

ARTHUR Go!

[The knights are back at the fire pit with Merlin and Lancelot. Merlin pretends to use the flint, then...]

MERLIN (whisper) Bel onbryne.

"How is it you were never caught?" Gwen shook her head fondly

"Well see for yourselves, they're all oblivious." Merlin gestured at the knights whom all looked offended

[The fire lights instantly. Lancelot looks at him. Merlin makes a cute shrug face. Lancelot grins in amusement. The knights stand around the fire with torches. Percival looks at the fire, then at Arthur.]

SIR PERCIVAL It won't get us through the night.

ARTHUR it will keep the area safe for a while.

[Later, Gwaine throws a log on the fire.]

SIR GWAINE The last one. Maybe we should draw lots, see who gets some more.

ARTHUR I'll go.

SIR LANCELOT You'll need help.

MERLIN I'll go with him.

ARTHUR You sure you're the right person?

MERLIN Well, since when have you known how to collect firewood?

[The knights chuckle. Lancelot watches as they walk off. Merlin collects firewood while Arthur stands guard with a torch.

Gwen couldn't help a small smile at the men on the screen. Not many Knights would be so welcoming to Merlin's presence let alone the way he speaks It was good that Arthur had found himself some truly worthy knights.

A Dorocha charges them from behind.]

ARTHUR Merlin!

[Arthur drops the torch to tackle Merlin out of the way. They fall off the wall.]

"Thanks, Arthur."

"I've got to make up for the times you've saved me haven't I?"

"But now you've got no torch." Elyan reminded them worriedly.

ARTHUR Let's go!

[They rush through some passages and close a door behind them. The Dorocha seems to lose them. The knights back at the fire pit shuffle around anxiously.]

SIR LANCELOT They should've been back by now.

SIR ELYAN Someone needs to go and look for them.

SIR PERCIVAL We've only got one torch between us.

[Lancelot grabs the torch and starts walking off.]

SIR LANCELOT Who's coming?

[Elyan follows, then the other knights. Gwaine grabs his sword belt and puts it on as he follows. Arthur and Merlin hide behind a corner in one of the fortress rooms. Merlin ties a cloth around Arthur's injured arm. Arthur looks uncomfortable and Merlin gives him a confused look.]

ARTHUR It's cold.

MERLIN Right.

ARTHUR You're not feeling it?

"It's the touch of the Daracha, even the smallest brush with them can cause your body to be chilled," Gaius explained

MERLIN I c...

[Merlin shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.]

ARTHUR You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.

MERLIN Really? Was that a compliment?

ARTHUR Don't be stupid.

[Merlin chuckles and then Arthur does, too. Back in the passages, Lancelot leads the knights through the fortress, warding off Dorochas with the torch. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur listen to the screaming spirits.]

ARTHUR All the things I've faced...I never worried about dying.

MERLIN I don't think you should now.

ARTHUR Sometimes you puzzle me.

MERLIN You never fathomed me out?

ARTHUR No.

MERLIN I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends.

"Y'know I said that first."

"Yeah, but when you said it I was too distracted to really listen."

ARTHUR Yeah.

MERLIN That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollop head.

[Arthur chuckles.]

MERLIN (cont'd) We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together.

ARTHUR Well, I appreciate that. You know, you're a brave man, Merlin. Between battles.

All but the two of them rolled their eyes. Merlin and Arthur just grinned at each other.

[Merlin chuckles.]

MERLIN You don't know how many times I've saved your life.

ARTHUR: Ha. If I ever become king, I'm gonna have you made court jester.

"Please, I'm the only servant you've ever been able to keep around." Merlin said, "You'd never get rid of me."

Arthur hated to admit that he was right in some ways but he couldn't imagine Merlin being his servant forever, Merlin deserved better.

[They chuckle. Then they hear the Dorocha. In the passages, Lancelot and the knights continue the search. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur wait.]

ARTHUR They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

MERLIN Feels pretty dark right now.

ARTHUR Well, it can't be long then.

[The Dorocha finds them and sweeps through the door. Arthur starts to rush out from around the corner, but Merlin pulls him back and stands up himself, running straight for the Dorocha.]

"No!" Various echoes were heard from every occupant of the cave.

"You idiot what are you thinking."

"Someone's got to save you."

"This isn't the time for joking!"

ARTHUR Merlin, no!

[Merlin jumps at the Dorocha. It catches him in the chest, stops him mid-air and throws him back against the stone wall. Lancelot enters and wards off the Dorocha with the torch, then hands it to Percival and turns to Arthur.]

"We're too late." Gwaine's voice catches as he looks at Merlin's motionless form in utter horror.

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

[Arthur and Lancelot go to Merlin. They turn him over. He's frosted over like the corpses they found.]

"He can't be dead. He just can't be." Gwen whispers.