The dragon: In a land ofmyth and a time of magic,
the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.
His name, Merlin.
You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?
Sleep.
A nice cold tankard of mead.
Mead.
No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local tavern.
This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea
and you ignore me, isn't it?
You're learning, Merlin. Slowly, but you're learning.
Now, remember, in here you're not my servant.
I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else.
Simple part's right.
What?
I said, the sun is very bright.
Yeah. Yeah, it is.
Afternoon. What'll it be?
- Um... - Mmm.
You're an handsome fellow.
Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.
Oh, no, sorry.
I was talking about your friend here.
Him?
Thank you.
Two tankards of mead, please.
I was wrong. Coming here was a great idea.
Afternoon, Mary.
Business looks good.
We have our better days.
I don't suppose you'd begrudge me my share, then.
- And the rest? - That's all we got.
I'll not ask again!
Arthur: Take your hands off her.
I'm gonna make you pay for that.
I'd like to see you try.
You had to open your big mouth, didn't you, Merlin?
You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle,
haven't you?
You should get out of here while you have the chance.
You're probably right.
Arthur!
Merlin! Behind you!
Pass thejug, huh?
What do they call you, then?
- Merlin. - Gwaine. Pleasure to meet you.
Such a waste, huh?
How is he?
Not good. He's losing a lot of blood.
If this man ever troubles you again,
word is to be sent to Camelot. Soldiers will be here within a day.
How can you make a promise like that?
Because I'm the king's son,
prince Arthur.
Prince Arthur?
Mary: Prince Arthur in my tavern?
- Come on! - Crowd: Yes!
Merlin, fetch me some fresh water,
towels, a needle, and silk thread.
And honey?
You're learning.
Helps fight the infection.
- Will he be all right? - Providing he's strong.
He's that, all right.
The man saved my life, Gaius.
He's to be given anything he needs.
What am I doing in this bed?
You were wounded.
Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician.
Arthur?
Prince Arthur.
You saved his life.
If I'd known who he was, I probably wouldn't have.
He's a noble.
Yeah, but he's a good man.
If you say so.
You're a hero.
The king wants to thank you,
in person.
Please, no.
I've met a few kings.
Once you've met one you've... You've met them all.
- He'll probably give you a reward. - I'm not interested.
Besides,
I've got everything I need
right here.
Why did you help us?
Your chances looked between slim and none.
I, uh... I guess I just kind of like the look of those odds.
- How's Gwaine? - Recovering.
Who's that?
Ah, sir Darien.
He's here for the melee.
Oh, yeah. The tournament where the knights ride around
hitting each other with blunt weapons for no good reason.
A little more to it than that.
Really?
All I've ever seen is people getting the seven bells knocked out of them
so that the last man standing can be called the winner.
The melee is the ultimate test of strength and courage.
Are you sure we're talking about the same thing?
Well, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're not a knight.
Oh, well, if it means I don't get clobbered round the head,
I'm glad of it.
I'm afraid it doesn't.
I need that lot cleaned by noon.
The stalorne blades, just as you requested.
Ebor: They're blunt.
That is only how they appear.
Why should you want such a weapon?
That's none of your business, old man.
You have the crystals?
Money first.
Not yet.
The wearer of these crystals will be able to take on the form
of whoever's blood they touch.
Thank you.
Now what?
Now, ebor, we can take our revenge on prince Arthur of Camelot.
I believe this belongs to you.
I don't think so. It's not my color.
Ah, let us see.
I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out.
No. Yours is the only one.
I'm Gwaine.
You haven't told me your name.
You look like a Princess to me.
So it's probably something like Sophia or... or Esmeralda.
That's it. Princess Esmeralda.
Stop it. People are staring.
Not until you tell me your name.
It's Gwen.
There. That wasn't so hard now, was it?
Let me carry that. A Princess shouldn't have to lump her washing around.
Unfortunately I'm not a Princess.
Ah, but you see, you are to me.
- This isn't working, is it? - No, not really.
But I like that you tried and that you know when to give up.
You'd better have this, in case someone else takes your fancy.
I've only eyes for you.
I'm sure.
How much further would you say it is to Camelot?
Half a day's ride. The journey is almost over.
It is for you.
Oswald!
Dagr!
The crystals.
You look good, dagr.
Sir oswald.
Sorry, sire.
That's all right.
Your turn.
Then we can take our rightful place in the melee.
Sir oswald!
Didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up.
And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?
Ha-ha!
- You've never managed it before. - That was then. This is now.
Sir Ethan.
This is my servant Merlin.
He loves hard work so, anything you need, just give him a call.
Believe me, I will.
Dagr: Merlin!
Here it is.
What took you so long?
What?
It weighs a ton.
The stairs, it's seven flights.
That's very kind of you.
But you can't leave it there.
- I can't? - It's in the way.
Okay, where do you want it?
Over there, by the bed.
Oh, no. The other side.
It's going to get in my way there.
Where do you want it?
On top of the wardrobe.
On top?
You're absolutely right, oswald. That's exactly where it should be.
It's very hard to work out whether you are eating or inhaling that soup.
I haven't had anything all day. Sir oswald had me at his Beck and call.
How is he?
Awful. He treats me like dirt.
That doesn't sound like the young man I knew.
He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.
He must have changed.
You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur.
Thank you, Merlin.
Sorry.
Merlin, I think you need to come with me.
You drank all this?
With some help from my new friends!
He says that he hasn't got any money.
So it looks like you'll have to pay.
But... I can't afford this.
You better find someone who can.
You're the best friend I've ever had.
You seem to have quite a few.
Oh, I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill.
Right.
What is it with you and nobles?
Oh, nothing.
My father was a knight in caerleon's army.
He died in battle, leaving my mother penniless.
And when she went to the king for help, he turned her away.
You didn't know him?
Just some stories I've been told.
Yeah, I know how that feels.
I met my fatherjust briefly before he died.
He was banished.
What had he done?
Nothing.
He served the king.
But the king turned against him?
That doesn't surprise me.
Arthur's not like that.
Maybe. But none of them are worth dying for, huh?
Sorry. I know, I'm late.
Not at all.
Good.
Sure you're all right? You're not sick,
unsteady, about to burst into song?
No, why?
"Fourteen quarts of mead,
"three flagons of wine, five quarts of cider..."
I can explain.
"Four dozen pickled eggs."
That was Gwaine.
He went to the tavern and, uh...
He couldn't pay for it.
So you said I would.
Mmm.
You know, if I hadn't, that innkeeper,
he would've strung us both up.
I fail to see the downside.
You said he should be given anything he needs.
Four dozen pickled eggs?
I'm sorry.
I'll pay for it.
You most certainly will.
Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart.
For making us do this.
I think it's fair.
For the entire army?
If you admitted your father was a knight, you wouldn't have to.
Maybe. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did.
Anyway, my father always treated his servants well.
You didn't know him.
Well, I like to think that he did.
What about yours?
No, he didn't have any servants. He didn't have...
Well, anyone.
When did he die?
About a year ago. I just wish that I had the chance to
know him better.
So much he could've taught me.
But you did get to meet him.
Yeah.
If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life
is that titles don't mean anything.
It's what's inside that counts.
You look like you need a bit of practice.
Ah, you think so?
I know so.
You're rusty. You're not as quick as you used to be.
Still quick enough to hit you.
I thought you were left-handed?
Yes, I am, I...
Just wanted to give you a chance.
Why don't we make this more interesting?
50 gold coins first clean hit.
Make it 100.
You can keep your money.
Don't worry, in the melee there'll be two of us.
And with the stalorne blade I will fillet the little brat.
What are you doing with that, boy?
I was just tidying...
Keep away from things that don't concern you.
To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it...
You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action.
They're forged using sorcery.
What would they want with such a blade?
I think they mean to kill Arthur in the melee.
But in front of all those people?
It's the perfect cover.
If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional.
I need to warn Arthur.
Merlin, sir oswald's a knight. He comes from a well-respected family.
You can't accuse him without proof.
- Then we need that blade. - I'll get it.
What if they catch you?
What reason would you have to be in sir oswald's chamber? No.
It's safer if I do it.
Merlin should be back by now.
I know.
I'm going to go see what's going on.
Gwaine!
I was just rearranging the bedclothes, that's all!
You here that, sir Ethan? He was just rearranging the bedclothes.
My mistake. He's not the sniveling thief I thought he was.
- I thought you might be cold! - Of course you did.
Is there a problem here?
No. Now leave.
- You all right, Merlin? - No.
I thought I told you to leave.
I wasn't talking to you.
How dare you speak to a knight like that!
Careful!
Don't worry. I can handle this thug.
Watch out!
What's going on?
This man attacked me!
I demand an audience with the king!
It's not sir oswald. It's that thug from the tavern, dagr.
He's using a magical crystal to change his appearance.
Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword,
tried to kill me.
Is this true?
I stepped in to protect Merlin.
I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed.
I'm sure that sir Ethan will back me up.
Indeed, I can vouch for his every word.
He's a liar!
I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?
Nobility is defined by what you do
and not by who you are.
And these men are anything but.
They are arrogant thugs!
Gwaine.
Well, you see, sire, how he behaves.
Uther: I've heard enough.
For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the knight's code.
I couldn't agree with you more, sire.
He must be made an example of.
Sir oswald, please.
Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction.
Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation.
Sir oswald is a dear friend and our guest here in Camelot.
But Gwaine is my guest here, too.
And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart.
How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?
Gwaine risked his life to save mine.
I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond,
then I give you my word. Gwaine is a good man.
He deserves clemency.
You are banished from Camelot.
If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life.
You have until dawn to leave the city.
That servant boy is on to us.
What's he gonna do? We're knights, remember?
You've seen what happens when a commoner accuses a knight.
I'm sorry.
Don't be. I never stay in one place for very long.
- People get sick of me too quickly. - I didn't.
After the trouble I caused?
You livened the place up.
Make sure you look after Arthur.
He's in danger.
I thought you hated nobles.
Yeah, well, maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?
I heard what happened.
Yeah, well, there you go.
You did a brave thing.
Hell of a lot of good it did me.
I know Arthur. He's not like uther.
You saved his life, I'm sure one day he'll repay you.
He tried to speak up for me.
Arthur's fair. He's loyal.
He'll be a great king.
I know he will.
Clearly.
If he makes everyone feel the way that you do.
At least now I know why you turned me down.
- It's not just me that says that. - No, I'm sure it isn't.
Let's hope he lives that long.
I don't know what we do.
I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest.
He won't. I know Arthur.
I'll have to somehow...
Use my powers to defend him.
With the king and half of Camelot watching?
I don't have a choice.
I trust you're ready for the challenge?
Yes, father.
I came to bring you this.
I won my first melee with this blade.
The edge has been dulled, it's perfectly safe.
All of Camelot is eager for a victory today, Arthur.
I know you won't let me down.
Prince Arthur isn't going to know what's hit him.
Oh, I hope he does.
If it's over too quickly, that'll be no fun at all.
- Ready? - Absolutely.
You know those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea?
And then I ignore you, yeah.
And then I'm proved right?
Merlin, your concern for my well-being is touching.
I'm serious. I think you should withdraw.
Look, I know you think the melee is some kind of stupid game.
But it's more than that.
It's about proving to the people that I'm fit to lead them.
I know.
Just be careful.
Merlin: He's heading straight for Arthur.
Merlin: Arthur's in trouble.
You'll have to do something. Otherwise, Arthur will die.
Merlin: It's two against one.
Who is that helping Arthur?
I don't know, but I think we should be thankful he is.
There's only one person I know who can do that.
Arthur: They'll expect us to fight to the end now.
You fought bravely. The field is yours.
I should've known.
Nobody fights like you do.
Guards! Seize him!
Is there nothing you can do for them?
I'm sorry, it's too late for them.
The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately.
You might want to wait before you passjudgment.
I fear that...
Sir Ethan and sir oswald
are not all that they seem.
Sorcery.
And once again I owe Gwaine my life.
The king is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the melee.
That's fantastic!
- Thank you, Arthur. - But_
He's a stubborn man.
He will not rescind hisjudgment. You must leave Camelot.
Oh, you've got to speak to him, Arthur, make him change his mind.
Merlin.
I'm sorry, Gwaine. My father's wrong.
- If it were up to me... - I know.
You don't need to explain yourself.
You have until sunset.
Where will you go?
I was thinking mercia.
- It's dangerous. - Yeah.
And you get a lot more ale for your money.
I'm joking.
Why don't you tell the king who you really are?
He'll Grant you a pardon, you can stay in Camelot.
I could never serve under a man like uther.
Yet you helped Arthur.
- He stood up for me. - I knew he would.
That showed he is, indeed, a noble man.
Then why don't you stay?
You could be a knight. Like your father.
You and Arthur, you fought well together.
Then maybe one day we will again.
Arthur: It's a shame. He would've been a great knight.
Maybe one day he still will.
The rules won't allow it.
Knights are noblemen.
Always have been, always will be.
It's a tradition that...
They seem very friendly!
Why should you care?
I don't.
She could do better than that!
What? She should be setting her sights higher?
Oh, but I forget! She can't. A girl of Gwen's standing, no.
She could never consort with a nobleman. That's the rules.
- Merlin. - Shut up.
You guessed it.
Merlin.
This is the crystal cave.
Use what you see for good.
I can't get these visions out of my head.
The events I saw are imminent.
Morgana, is going to kill uther.
We have to stop her.