Dragon: In a land of myth and a time of magic,
the destiny of a great kingdom
rests on the shoulders of a young boy.
His name, Merlin.
(Branch breaking)
(Softly) Merlin?
What is it?
I don't know. We'll surround it.
I want you to go in there and flush it out.
You want me to go in there?
You just said you don't know what it is.
It could be dangerous.
Let's hope so. Now go.
Go! Go!
Please go!
They're gonna kill you. Please go!
Arthur, no!
(Whinnying)
I'm sorry.
Sorry.
(Chuckles) Unicorn.
- What have you done? - Don't be such a girl, Merlin.
What are you looking at?
Father?
A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot.
Magnificent.
It's the first one I have seen. Gaius, look at this.
It is very impressive, my lord.
What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind.
Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures.
There is a legend that says that
bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one.
Uther: Nonsense.
We will be the envy of every kingdom.
I am pleased you like it.
I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure
from killing the unicorn.
Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood.
Whereas you're something entirely different.
It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.
- I wish you'd been there. - It's a rare privilege.
Alas, there are very few unicorns still alive.
You try telling that to Arthur.
I can imagine it would be difficult.
Arthur: My horse threw a shoe. Take it to the blacksmith.
Make sure he does a good job. And when you've done that,
you can Polish my saddle.
Merlin, have you listened to a word I've said?
You've got a face like a wounded bear
ever since we got back from that hunting trip.
Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn?
I don't think you should have killed it.
Oh, really? And why is that?
It was doing no harm.
What purpose did you serve by killing it?
We were hunting. That's what you do.
Would you have me bring it home as a pet?
- Look at this. - What?
- Do you know what that is? - No.
Rat droppings.
My chambers are infested.
You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns,
and more time worrying about rats.
(Knocking on door)
Enter.
My lord, the king requests your service as a matter of urgency.
Find that rat.
Every single ear has died.
We have received reports that it is the same
throughout the entire kingdom.
I rode through this valley yesterday.
The crop looked healthy enough then.
It happened overnight. The farmers are at a loss to explain it.
- Is it a disease of some kind? - Perhaps.
I have asked the court physician to conduct some tests.
We must ration what little food we have left.
Merlin: Any idea what caused the crops to die?
I have yet to complete all the tests,
but no disease I have heard of
could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night.
What could kill all the plants other than a disease?
It's not killing all the plants.
The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed.
Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges.
- It's only killing plants we can eat? - It appears so.
If it's not a disease, it must be magic.
We can't assume that, Merlin.
Perhaps there is something in the soil or water that can explain it.
I can't tell the king it's caused by sorcery until I am completely certain.
Knight: Next. Arthur: The livestock is either dying,
or it's been eaten. Food and water is very scarce
and we are distributing rations, but they are very meager.
This is all the grain we have?
The people are growing scared. There's been some looting.
Maintain order at all costs. Panic will make the situation worse.
I will issue a decree that looters will be executed.
From tonight, Camelot will be under curfew.
I will see to it.
Man 1: Give that back. It's mine. Man 2: It's not yours.
Merlin, is it true what they're saying about the crops?
They're all dead?
I'm afraid so. We may have to start tightening our belts.
I'm sure Arthur will think of something.
And if he doesn't, I will.
Merlin!
Sand? And you say the well is full of it?
I sent men down to the underground reservoir.
There's no trace of water to be found.
First the crops and now this.
It's the same throughout the kingdom.
There's precious little water anywhere.
Gaius, can you offer any explanation for this?
I can't think of a scientific explanation.
I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery.
I believe you are right. It is the work of magic.
The kingdom is under attack.
(Chanting)
- I was just... - I was hoping you might be
trying to turn it back into water.
I know I've cautioned against using magic,
but if ever there were a time to use your talents, it's now.
I wish I knew how. I've tried everything.
If it is magic,
it's more powerful magic than I possess.
Arthur: Patrol the market and the lower town.
No one is to leave their homes. Dismissed.
Merlin, you do realize there's a curfew?
Yeah, I was in your chambers, hunting for the rat.
- Did you find it? - No.
So you have been outwitted by a rat?
They do say rats are very intelligent.
More intelligent than you it would seem. Go home.
It would be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servant
for breaking the curfew.
- What was that? - What?
That means you go the other way
- and cut him off. - Okay.
- Where is he? - I didn't see anyone.
He was right here. Don't tell me you let him get past?
- Arthur, no one passed me. - Are you blind?
Are you looking for me?
I am anhora, keeper of the unicorns.
Camelot's under curfew. What's your business here?
I have come to deliver a message.
- And who is this message for? - It is for you, Arthur pendragon.
Is it you who is responsible for killing our crops,
- turning our water into sand? - You alone are responsible
for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot.
Me? You think I would bring
drought and famine upon my own people?
When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse.
For this, Camelot will suffer greatly.
If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it,
- or you will pay with your life. - The curse is not my doing.
Undo the curse, or face execution.
Only you can do that. You will be tested.
You're under arrest.
Until you have proven yourself, and made amends
for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted.
If you fail any of these tests,
Camelot will be damned for all the eternity.
And you believe what this anhora said about the curse to be true?
You said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone
who slays a unicorn. It makes sense.
Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid.
We're down to our last few scraps of food.
Where did you get the water for the tea?
Fortunately, for both of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday.
You're making tea from my bath water?
It's not so bad.
Perhaps a little soapy?
What does Arthur think about the curse?
He doesn't believe it's his fault.
He's convinced anhora is responsible for it.
If you do not wish to drink bath water,
you better make sure Arthur sees sense.
That rat!
It's eaten through my boot. Look at it.
I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us.
- You think this is funny? - Moderately.
Get it mended, and find that rat.
Have you given any more thought to what anhora said last night?
Ah, well, he may have escaped last night,
but at least we now know who we're looking for.
I've told my father that I will find this anhora
and put an end to it.
What if he was telling the truth about the curse?
You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering
- upon my own people? - No, not deliberately.
When you killed the unicorn, I saw anhora in the forest.
- Why didn't you say anything? - It was just for a second
and then he disappeared. I thought I was seeing things.
But he was definitely there.
That doesn't actually prove anything.
Doesn't it make you think he might be telling the truth?
'Cause he was skulking about in the forest?
It makes me trust him even less.
Why would anhora appear in Camelot, then lie to you?
We had him cornered.
He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me.
Arthur, he can disappear into thin air.
He didn't have to talk his way out of anything.
My father has warned me about sorcerers like him.
They won't rest until our kingdom is destroyed.
- I believe he's telling the truth. - Then you're a fool.
You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says.
You would do well to remember that.
Now, I think I've figured out
what anhora's next move is gonna be,
and when he makes it, we're gonna be waiting for him.
Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlin.
You just make yourself comfortable.
Stop smacking your lips. It's annoying.
- I'm thirsty. - We're all thirsty, Merlin.
(Sighs)
Psst.
Someone's coming.
Show yourself before I run you through.
Who are you?
- My name is... - Speak up.
My name is Evan, my lord.
I see you think you can help yourself
to our grain reserves?
My father has ordered that looters will be executed.
Please, my lord. I do not steal for myself.
I have three children.
They have not eaten for two days. They are hungry.
- It is the same for everyone. - I know that it's wrong to steal.
I couldn't bear to see them starve.
And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?
Then you should go home.
If you are caught stealing again, I will not spare you.
Yes, my lord. Thank you.
Wait.
Use it sparingly. It might be the last food
you and your family get for some time.
You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, my lord.
This will bring its own reward.
- Guard: Stop him! - Stop that man! He's been looting!
I never knew water could taste so good.
My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk.
At least some good would've come from the drought then.
More?
The sand's disappeared and water returned to the well.
It doesn't make any sense.
(Clearing throat)
I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin?
Let's hear it.
Anhora said you'd be tested. And last night, in the grain store,
you let that villager go.
And he said it would bring its own reward.
He was just being grateful, and so he should've been.
Maybe that was your first test? You passed it.
So the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward.
I know you don't have to listen to me.
I'm glad we agree on something.
If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering.
I know you want that more than anything.
Perhaps we should seek anhora out.
I can't negotiate with sorcerers. My father won't hear of it.
Then it's probably best you don't tell him.
I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food.
Find some food.
(Chanting)
(Child crying)
Who are they?
They've come from the outlying villages in search of food.
There's not enough rations to feed the people who are already here.
You shouldn't blame yourself.
I'm sure you're doing everything you can.
It is not enough.
Did you manage to find any food?
Where did you get that?
I was able to smuggle it out of the palace kitchens.
Share it amongst the children and the old people.
Make it go as far as you can.
I have lost my appetite.
- You have to eat something. - I can't.
Not while my people are starving.
Do you really believe I am responsible for the curse?
I'm afraid so.
We're going to the forest first thing in the morning.
Maybe we can pick up anhora's trail.
Whatever it takes.
Okay, but you have to eat.
You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test.
What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture.
It's pork.
This isn't pork. It's far too stringy.
What is it? It's...
It's rat, isn't it?
Try not to think about it.
Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am stuffing my face
with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too.
Come on.
Take a seat.
Eat.
Arthur: Mmm.
Mmm.
- It's actually pretty tasty. - Well, I'm glad you like it,
because
there's plenty more.
(Knocking on door)
Enter.
- Morgana? - I hate to ask, but I was wondering
if you had anything to eat?
I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for.
You're looking for footprints or broken branches.
Anything that would indicate someone passed that...
Merlin!
Merlin! He's here!
Arthur?
You?
You're a thief?
Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?
You're fortunate I have more important things to do than deal with...
You didn't believe that story about my children, did you?
What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?
Your people starve because you let thieves steal their grain.
- That's why they doubt you. - You do not speak for my people.
Your father would never have allowed himself to be fooled like that.
You hold your tongue,
or I will make time to teach you some manners.
Your father would have had me executed.
But you didn't have the stomach for it, did you, Arthur?
And that's why he doubts you'll make a good king.
You know nothing of what my father thinks.
I think he wishes he had another son,
one who was worthy of taking his place.
You shame him.
Pick up your sword.
The king must fear the day when you will take the throne.
He fears you do not have enough strength to defeat his enemies.
The king must wonder if you are even his son.
(Grunting)
- This is your doing? - It was a test to see
- what is truly in your heart. - Your tricks prove nothing.
- Why did you kill this man? - He insulted my honor.
You could have chosen to ignore his taunts.
What harm would they do you?
- You will lift the curse, sorcerer. - It is not in my power.
Then you will die.
Killing me will not help you.
(Groans)
You have shown that you would kill a man to defend your pride.
You have failed the test.
For this, Camelot will pay dearly.
- My people have done nothing. - Your people's suffering
is not my doing. It is yours.
Arthur? Arthur?
(Panting)
Arthur: What is it? What has happened?
Uther: All our remaining supplies have rotted.
Every last grain.
I know Arthur's stubborn and pig-headed,
and annoying but he cares about his people
more than he cares about himself.
He will not forgive himself for making his people suffer.
You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash.
The mood he's in, I don't know what he's going to do.
- Ready? - You're sure they're not poisonous?
Quite certain. They say they taste like chicken.
Unless we are to starve, we must hope they are right.
This tastes nothing like chicken.
There are some supplies left in the palace stores.
We are distributing them to the people,
but there is not enough to live on.
They will not survive for long.
Then you must stop distributing food to the people.
They will starve.
We must conserve the food we have for our army.
We cannot let our people go without food...
We must defend the kingdom at all costs.
What's the point of defending a kingdom...
- What would you have me do? - Where the people have starved to death!
Ask the neighboring kingdoms for help.
(Scoffs)
- They may be able to spare some food. - Out of the question.
As soon as they realize how we weak we are,
our enemies will strike against us.
You don't know that for certain...
I'd rather starve than beg my enemies for help.
What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?
I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry.
They're all I can think of.
Give the order to stop distributing food to the people.
Is that understood?
You will have to give that order yourself.
Very well. But if you'd caught the sorcerer, I wouldn't have to.
That's your responsibility.
One day you will understand what it takes to be king.
They don't yet know that there is worse to come.
What do you mean?
My father is going to stop distributing food to the people.
They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse.
And I have failed them.
You weren't to know you were being tested.
My people are starving.
Camelot is on the verge of collapse.
And it is all my doing.
Anhora!
(Echoing)
Show yourself.
Anhora!
You wanted to talk with me?
I have come to seek your help. The people are starving.
- They will soon be dead. - You must believe me when I say,
it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering.
If it pains you, put an end to it.
It is not in my power to lift the curse.
Then give Arthur another chance.
He has accepted it's his responsibility
and he'll prove himself worthy and lift the curse
if you give him one more chance.
You have faith in Arthur?
I trust him with my life.
Arthur must go to the labyrinth of gedref.
There he will face a final test.
If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot.
Wait!
What kind of test will he face?
That is for Arthur alone to discover.
Let me come with you.
You don't know what form the test will take.
- I might be able to help. - You're not coming.
I brought this curse upon Camelot.
I'm gonna be the one to lift it,
- or die trying. - How does you dying help anyone?
I will die knowing I did everything I can.
- I'm coming with you. - Merlin, you are to stay here,
and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?
You said Arthur would face a test.
And here you are preparing a trap for him.
The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you.
(Chants)
(Grunts)
Merlin?
I'm sorry.
Let him go. I will take your test,
- but not till he's released. - That is not possible.
Merlin is a part of the test. Please, sit.
If you refuse the test, you will have failed,
and Camelot will be destroyed.
I thought I told you to stay at home.
Let's get on with it.
There are two goblets before you.
One of the goblets contains a deadly poison,
the other goblet, a harmless liquid.
All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk,
but each of you may only drink from a single goblet.
What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does it prove?
What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test,
the curse will be lifted.
Let's think about this.
- What if I drink from my goblet first? - If it's poisoned, you'll die.
And if not, then you have to drink from yours and you'll die.
- There must be a way round it. - It's perfectly simple.
One of us has to die.
We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison.
Then I'll drink it.
I will be the one to drink it.
This is my doing. I'm drinking it.
It is more important that you live.
You're the future king. I'm just a servant.
It's no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really doesn't suit you.
(Sighs)
What if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned,
I will then drink yours.
He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet.
I had no idea you're so keen to die for me.
Trust me. I can hardly believe it myself.
(Chuckles)
I'm glad you are here, Merlin.
I've got it!
We pour all the liquid into one goblet
and then we can be sure it is poisoned.
Then all the liquid can be drunk,
and it will be from a single goblet.
You never cease to surprise me.
You are a lot smarter than you look.
Is that actually a compliment?
Look out!
- No! I will drink it. - As if I would let you.
You can't die. This isn't your destiny.
- It seems you're wrong again. - Listen to me!
You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you.
Arthur! No!
What have you done?
Arthur!
Arthur. Arthur.
Come on.
Arthur, come on, come on, come on.
Come on.
Please!
Please, let me take his place!
This was Arthur's test, not yours.
You have killed him. I was meant to protect him.
He's not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught.
He will come round shortly.
What?
A unicorn is pure of heart.
If you kill one, you must make amends
by proving that you also are pure of heart.
Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours.
He has proven what is truly in his heart.
The curse will be lifted.
Gaius: Merlin, Arthur! There is good news.
The crops are growing once again.
They are bringing in the harvest.
You did it.
Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?
- He won't be troubling us anymore. - Good.
Make sure our grain reserves are restocked.
I will see to it.
There is something we must do first.
I should never have ended your life.
I'm sorry.
Arthur.
Anhora: When he who kills a unicorn
proves himself to be pure of heart,
the unicorn will live again.
You didn't say anything about magic. I don't want any trouble.
Find him. You're under arrest.
You execute Gwen's father and I will never forgive you.
Take care, child, or I will have you restrained.
- More than ever I want uther dead. - The deed is as good as done.
Only if uther dies will you be free, Merlin.
Wait, where does it say my destiny includes murder?
If you had the power of life and death over uther, would you kill him?