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.
By the sacred laws vested in me,
I pronounce you Guinevere,
queen of Camelot.
(Gasps)
Is everything all right, my lady?
I'm fine.
It's late.
You should go to bed.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, Gwen.
Morgause: (Whispering) Sister.
Sister.
This way.
Sister. This way.
Sister.
This way. This way.
Hello, sister.
I can't tell you how good it is to see you.
I received your message.
Tell me about these dreams that are so troubling to you.
They show a ceremony in Camelot.
It's my serving girl, Gwen, she sits beside Arthur on a throne.
She's crowned queen.
I see the same thing night after night.
There are some dreams that are so powerful,
your healing bracelet will not stop them.
- It is a prophecy. - How can that be?
She's a servant.
Uther would never allow Arthur to marry her.
There are many futures, sister.
Some are shrouded in mist and others are clear as cut glass.
But your gift is powerful, and this vision cannot be ignored.
You cannot allow this serving girl to take
your rightful place upon the throne.
Whatever relationship exists between Arthur and Gwen,
you must destroy it.
(Gasps) You startled me.
You're up early this morning.
I... lcouldn't sleep. I went for a walk.
- Did you want to change? - No.
Have you spoken to Arthur recently?
I saw him yesterday in the market.
- It must be hard. - What's that?
Hiding your feelings for him.
I'm not sure what you mean.
I know how you feel about Arthur and how he feels about you.
Do you deny it?
It's such a shame you can't be more open about your feelings for each other.
If you'll excuse me, my lady.
What news from the northern borders?
There've been a number of minor skirmishes.
You think Odin is testing our defenses?
Arthur, are you listening?
- What's that? - What on earth is wrong with you?
Hmm. Nothing. Sorry.
(Door opening)
- Morgana. - Arthur, am I disturbing you?
No. Come in.
To what do I owe this pleasure?
Well, I was worried about you. You weren't yourself at dinner.
- Just a bit tired. - Really?
I thought the reason you were so distracted
had something to do with the fact that Gwen was in the room.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Come on, Arthur.
Why can't you admit, you have feelings for her?
A blind man could see it.
Is it really that obvious?
It's only so obvious to me because
I know Gwen also has feelings for you.
Has she said something?
She speaks of you all the time.
What did she say?
You're already arrogant enough. I will flatter you no further.
Poor girl,
I fear she doesn't know what to do with herself when she's around you.
She's not alone.
I have such feelings for her,
and yet I know nothing can ever come of them.
If it's Gwen who you desire, why do you deny yourself?
Because she's a servant.
My father would have me marry for the good of the kingdom.
Uther knows nothing of love.
You are the future king.
You must set your own rules.
Besides, he doesn't have to find out.
You should spend some time with Gwen.
I know she'd like that.
Arthur wishes to spend the day with me?
I thought you'd be happy.
It isn't that simple.
If anyone were to find out...
What if someone sees us?
I'll take you to meet him outside the city.
Arthur's willing to take the risk if you are.
- Should I tell him you won't meet him? - No.
You forget, he's prince Arthur,
and that he can be a spoiled, arrogant brat.
- (Chuckles) - Sorry.
- You like him. - Yes.
- He likes you. - Mmm-hmm.
Isn't that all that really matters?
- I suppose it is. - Then I will come back in the morning.
- Will there be anything else? - No, that'll be all.
I was hoping it might be possible to be relieved of my duties tomorrow.
Really?
And why is that?
I fear I'm sickening with a fever.
- Of course. - Thank you.
(Bells tolling)
(Knocking at door)
What?
You look lovely.
- (Laughing) - Shh.
Merlin: Caw-caw!
(Laughing)
Guinevere, you look...
I think he's trying to say you look nice.
Thank you, Merlin. That'll be all.
Have fun.
It's such a beautiful day, I was wondering if you might
join me for a ride.
I have council matters to attend to.
It's just, I get to spend so little time with you these days.
Time together is
so precious to me.
You're right.
We don't spend enough time together.
The council can wait.
You are not here as a servant.
It feels different, doesn't it? Being away from Camelot.
I love Camelot more than I can say,
but when I'm there,
sometimes I...
Feel I can hardly breathe, everyone expects so much of me.
Being here with you?
I can be myself.
I like that, you being yourself.
Sometimes I dream of leaving Camelot.
Really? Where would you go?
I don't know.
Somewhere where nobody knew who I was.
- I'd get some land and become a farmer. - (Laughing)
I can hardly see you toiling away in the fields all day.
Obviously I'd take Merlin with me, he can do all the hard work.
(Laughing) I'm sure he'd love that.
Thank you.
I'm glad you persuaded me to come. We must do this again.
I'd like that very much.
Come on, I'll race you.
(Spurring on horse)
We should be heading back to Camelot soon.
We could stay a while longer.
Don't know when we'll have the chance to do this again.
Perhaps when you become a farmer we can be together more often.
That's just a dream.
I fear
I will never leave Camelot.
Stay still.
Is it bandits?
(Gasps)
A wasp.
(Gasps)
Arthur!
I thought you'd be furious.
I was young once, I'm more than familiar with the temptations of serving girls.
I'm sorry I kept it from you.
I thought it for the best.
No serious harm has been done.
I can't allow it to continue, obviously.
- What are you talking about? - You can never see this girl again.
You just said that no harm had been done.
You've had your fun, now it must come to an end.
What does it matter, that Guinevere's a servant?
The survival of Camelot
depends on forging an alliance through your marriage.
But I can't marry someone who I don't have feelings for.
Your first duty is to Camelot.
- I care about her. - I cannot allow this. I forbid it.
You can't forbid my feelings any more than I can.
I won't deny them any longer, I love her.
I love Guinevere.
You leave me no choice, she's banished from the city.
You can't do that.
She has three days to leave.
- To return is on pain of death. - She has nowhere to go!
Her, her life is in Camelot.
You have caused this to happen, Arthur.
My decision is final.
Please, do not banish her.
I give you my solemn word that I'll never see her again.
You have made it clear to me that you cannot
- control your feelings for this girl. - No! I...
This is for your own good.
How did uther know where to find you?
I don't know. You were the only person, who knew where we were.
I didn't tell him.
Oh, maybe something you said gave it away.
I didn't say anything.
You know, Merlin, you couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it!
You'd be surprised!
What's that supposed to mean?
Nothing.
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
Leave us, Merlin.
Arthur, I heard what happened.
- I can't tell you how sorry I am. - It's all my fault.
You're not to blame.
I... I can't accept that I may never see her again.
Uther has banished her.
- Surely you have no choice. - There are always choices.
What will you do?
I'll leave with her.
You're leaving Camelot?
You'd give up your rights to the throne!
One day we will return to Camelot together,
and Guinevere will take her place on the throne beside me.
There is so much to do.
I'll have to sell everything I can't take with me.
And of course I need to find a new maid for morgana.
- Gwen. - Do you know anyone suitable?
Gwen, stop it.
Where will you go?
I don't know.
I've spent my whole life in Camelot, it's all I know.
Everything I care about is here.
- I have nothing else. - I'll think of something.
- I promise. - (Sighs deeply)
(Knocking at door)
Enter.
Morgana.
I was concerned about you, my lord.
You weren't at dinner.
Oh, I had no appetite.
You're worried about Arthur.
I do not understand
his feelings for this girl, she's a servant.
- It is strange that... - What?
Arthur tells me everything and he's
never expressed any feelings for Gwen
and suddenly he's declaring his love for her.
What are you saying, morgana?
- I'm sure there's an explanation. - Speak your mind.
You yourself have noticed Arthur's strange mood.
It's almost as though he's been enchanted.
What's going on?
My father has ordered
- my chambers to be searched. - What for?
You think I have a girl hiding in there?
What's that?
Is it magical?
I believe so. These are the symbols of the old religion.
Could it be used to cast an enchantment?
That would be one use of such a poultice.
This enchantment, could it cause someone to fall in love?
It is entirely possible.
May I ask where it was found?
It was discovered in Arthur's chambers.
Find morgana's maid and bring her to me immediately.
What is it, Merlin?
I just saw some guards dragging Gwen into the palace.
You recognize it?
- I've never seen it before in my life. - Really?
I believe you planted it in Arthur's chambers to enchant him.
That's not true.
Why else would Arthur fall in love with someone like you?
I don't expect someone like you to understand that.
(Gasps)
My lord!
Gwen has always been a loyal and trusted servant!
I have no doubt she's feigned loyalty
while using her position to get close to my son.
(Doors opening)
What is the meaning of this?
This poultice was found under your pillow.
Some kind of love charm. You were under its spell.
- That's ridiculous. - What would you know?
Because I know how I feel. I'm not enchanted.
So can you tell me how it came to be in your room?
I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there.
Until its spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth.
Her father consorted with sorcerers.
My father was a good and innocent man and you executed him!
So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?
- No! - My lord, whatever this poultice is,
I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic.
I don't care what you believe, Gaius.
Arthur is under her spell.
It's the only rational explanation for his behavior!
Father, you have to see reason. Guinevere has done nothing wrong.
She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments.
She will be burnt at the stake.
- No. - Restrain him!
You can't do this!
My lord! At least give Gwen a fair trial!
I have all the evidence I need.
I'm begging you! We will leave Camelot and never return!
Just, just let us go!
I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!
My son would never do that.
It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted.
- I will never forgive you for this. - She will die.
The enchantment will be broken.
You'll see I was right.
- Take her away. - No!
- Guinevere! - (Sobbing)
- Arthur! No! Arthur, please! - No!
I will always love you!
(Bell tolling)
We need to find a way to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot.
My father has me under constant watch.
There are guards outside, below in the square.
I can't watch her die, Merlin.
- I thought you might be hungry. - I can't even think of eating.
How is Arthur?
He wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can
to convince uther that you're innocent.
He won't stop until you're released.
You and I both know that uther will not change his mind.
When I am gone, will you take care of him for me, Merlin?
No, you can't give up hope. There is still time.
To do what?
I need to find the person who really planted the poultice.
Do you have any idea
who it might've been?
What is it?
After I was sentenced to death, I was being led out.
I looked back. I swear, morgana was smiling.
You probably think I'm mad.
No, I don't doubt.
I can no longer trust her.
I've started to wonder if it wasn't a coincidence
that uther and morgana found us in the woods.
Morgana?
Uther'll never believe that morgana's responsible.
Perhaps Arthur will talk him round.
Uther thinks Arthur's enchanted.
Anything that Arthur does is going to strengthen that belief.
I fear that's not going to save Gwen.
If we can't expose the true sorcerer,
then we must invent one.
(Exhales)
What if a sorcerer was caught
planting an identical poultice in Arthur's chambers?
Uther would have no choice but to release Gwen.
And do you know of a sorcerer
who's stupid enough to get caught doing such a thing?
So if I disguise myself, it won't matter if I'm caught.
I can use magic to escape and then just change back into myself.
They'll think that the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air.
Well, no matter how you disguise yourself,
I fear Arthur will recognize you.
Not if I'm 80 years old.
An aging spell, Merlin?
Aging spells are notoriously difficult and unpredictable.
If the spell doesn't hold, you'll be exposed.
If I don't do something, Gwen's going to die,
and I am not going to let that happen.
Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's chambers?
Well, I believe so.
(Casting spell)
(Mumbles)
Huh!
You know me better than anyone, Gaius.
Do you recognize me?
There's something of you in the eyes.
But perhaps that's just because I know it's you.
I can't believe
that one day I will actually look like this.
Ooh!
(Groans in pain)
(Grunts)
I ache all over.
- Well, now you know how I feel. - (Groans)
You'll be needing this.
Yeah!
(Casting spell)
(Grunting)
Show yourself. Who are you?
I am...
Dragoon the great!
Is it you who planted the poultice in my bed?
You have caught me red-handed.
I have no choice but to confess.
An innocent girl almost died because of your actions.
I suppose your father will have to release her now that you've caught me.
I should run you through where you stand.
I really wouldn't do that if I were you! Because if you do that...
You will never learn of my plan.
- What plan? - Exactly!
That's why you can't run me through!
Have we met?
No, I don't believe so. I never forget a face.
Your eyes. We've met somewhere before.
Me? No!
(Casting spell)
Guards!
(Casting spell)
(Gasping)
Arthur: He went this way!
(Casting spell)
(Panting)
Arthur: There he is!
- Uh! - Arthur: Seize him.
- Father. - Arthur.
- Who is this? - He is the sorcerer.
I found him placing this under my pillow.
- Is this true? - Yes.
What did you hope to achieve with this enchantment?
If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl,
it would bring shame on Camelot.
Have I wronged you in some way, old man?
You have wronged so many people
in so many ways.
You're blinded by your hatred of magic.
You have tortured and executed innocent people.
You, uther pendragon,
are a stupid, arrogant old tyrant!
- You will hold your tongue! - And you...
Oh, I have heard how you
mistreat your servants!
They do everything for you, but do they ever get any thanks? No!
You're a spoilt arrogant brat with the brains of a donkey
and the face... (Hiccups)
(Exclaims) Of a toad.
This serving girl. She is your accomplice?
I enchanted her, too.
The girl is entirely innocent.
My lord, he has confessed.
Release the girl.
Tomorrow at dawn you will take her place on the pyre.
Take him away.
Do you know that man, Gaius?
I've never seen him before.
Is there something troubling you, morgana?
I would've thought you'd be relieved that the true culprit's been found.
Of course I am.
Gaius?
Have you seen Merlin? I can't find him anywhere.
I... I think he said he was going to spend the day in the tavern.
Oh, did he?
Well, we'll see about that.
Merlin!
What happened?
I can't break the spell, Gaius.
It's too powerful.
- You have to try again. - I have tried, it's no good.
- I'm stuck like this. - Not for long.
Uther will have you burnt at the stake.
There must be another way to break the spell.
- There's only one thing I can think of. - What is it?
In the book of gala,
there's an antidote that can undo such aging spells.
How long will it take to make this antidote?
Longer than I fear you have.
Buy as much time as you can.
How do I do that?
Merlin, I've no idea.
(Bell tolling)
It's time.
Wait!
What is it?
There are
other crimes I wish to confess.
(Chuckles)
What difference does it make?
You're about to be burnt at the stake. We can't execute you twice.
(Drums continue beating)
You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments.
In accordance with our law, you will be burned at the stake.
Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot.
A curse upon you all!
I will have my revenge!
- Are you all right, Gaius? - I'm fine, Arthur.
(Casting spell)
(Crowd screaming)
After him!
(Guards approaching)
- Merlin, where's the sorcerer? - (In old man's voice) He...
(Clearing throat) Um...
He went that way.
Sound the warning bell. Search the entire palace.
I want him found.
Are you telling me you let him run straight past you?
(Stammers) He was too fast for me.
He's a doddery old man.
This is what happens when you spend all day in the tavern.
- What? - Perhaps mucking out my horses
will help sober you up.
Gwen.
(Sighs happily)
I can't tell you how relieved I am that you've been pardoned.
I begged uther to release you but he wouldn't listen to reason.
I'm sure you did all you could.
-Mmm-hmm.
- (Gasps) - Sorry.
Didn't mean to startle you.
Now, my father believes that my feelings for you are
a result of an enchantment.
If he's to see any sign that that isn't the case,
then he'll banish you from Camelot.
And are your feelings for me the result of an enchantment?
Oh, we both know that's a lie.
But I think it would be safer for you
if we let others continue to believe it.
What you said to your father...
Would you really have given up your place on the throne for me?
Still would.
- Your place is here in Camelot. - My place is with you.
This isn'tjust about us.
You must stay for the sake of your people.
You will be a great king.
And then you can change these ridiculous customs.
I promise you that when I am king things will be different.
We can be together.
I will count the days until then.
I should go.
Ah, Merlin.
It's good to see you looking like your old self.
- I'm covered in horse dung. - Precisely.
Arthur seems to think I spent the day in the tavern.
I don't suppose you, uh,
you know where he got that idea?
I really can't imagine.
Oh, and Merlin?
You might want to take a bath.
(Sniffs)
(Exhales with disgust)
The dragon: Merlin.
Let the tournament begin.
The only rule is, there are no rules.
- Ahh! - He is using magic.
If uther finds out he'll have him killed.
You need to learn to use your magic for good.
That is its true purpose.
I am not going to apologize for who I am!
It's time those with magic fought back.