| abstract
| - KILGHARRAH: In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin. SIR LEON: Stop! (He unsheathes his sword) Show yourself. GUINEVERE: Oh, he’s just a boy. SIR LEON: Out here in the middle of the night? GUINEVERE: There’s no need for your sword. GUINEVERE: Come. GUINEVERE: Where are you going? DAEGAL: Been catching frogs. SIR LEON: Frogs? GUINEVERE: It’s a full moon, Leon. We used to do it. Come on, you should be in bed. Off you go. DAEGAL: Thank you, my lady. GUINEVERE: Oh, Arthur, that is so sweet. You’ve gone to all this trouble. And gillyflowers, my favourite. You remembered. ARTHUR: Mm-hmm. GUINEVERE: Have you missed me? ARTHUR: Hmm. ARTHUR: Merlin, er, it’s late. You should probably get some sleep. MERLIN: Thank you, Sire. GUINEVERE: Oh, Merlin. Before you go, I’d love a hot bath. MERLIN: Certainly, my lady. MERLIN: Who are you? DAEGAL: My name is Daegal. MERLIN: How’d you get in here? DAEGAL: It wasn’t difficult. MERLIN: Really? Get out. DAEGAL: Please, it’s my sister. She’s sick. She needs a physician. MERLIN: Well, bring her to Gaius. DAEGAL: I can’t. It’s too dangerous for our kind. DAEGAL: I need you to come with me. She needs your help or she will die. MERLIN: I’m not a physician. DAEGAL: She’s only six. She has the sweating sickness. I’m begging you. You are her only chance. MERLIN: How far is she? DAEGAL: The Valley of the Fallen Kings. MERLIN: That’s more than half a day away. DAEGAL: She won’t last much longer. You must come now. MERLIN: No. Can’t. MERLIN: I can’t. DAEGAL: I have risked my life to save her. Please tell me it was not in vain. MERLIN: Go, get out of here. Go. DAEGAL: Will you help her? MERLIN: Meet me… at the entrance to the Darkling woods at first light. GAIUS: You don’t even know who this boy is. MERLIN: He’s a druid. GAIUS: He broke into the castle like a thief. MERLIN: How else was he going to reach me? GAIUS: The journey to the Valley of the Fallen Kings, Merlin, it’s a den of murderers, cutthroats. MERLIN: It is dangerous. GAIUS: It’s a long way north of dangerous. MERLIN: What am I supposed to do? Let this girl die? GAIUS: The journey there and back is going to take you the best part of the day. How are you going to keep it from Arthur? MERLIN: I’m sure you’ll think of something. GAIUS: Me?! MERLIN: Sarrum of Amata is arriving today. Arthur’ll be too busy to notice where I am. GAIUS: Merlin. MERLIN: I promised the boy and I can’t go back on it now. I’ll be back by nightfall. MERLIN: Sorry I’m late. DAEGAL: I thought you weren’t coming. MERLIN: I was bringing you some breakfast. It’s fresh. DAEGAL: It’s good of you to do this. MERLIN: I only hope I can help your sister. DAEGAL: Did you get in trouble? MERLIN: No. DAEGAL: But you’re the king’s servant. MERLIN: Arthur won’t even notice I’m gone. ARTHUR: Merlin? ARTHUR: Merlin! GUINEVERE: What is it? ARTHUR: I can’t find my comb. GUINEVERE: Have you looked? ARTHUR: Everywhere. ARTHUR: It must’ve been under something. GUINEVERE: Your nose. ARTHUR: You just have this way of seeing things. GUINEVERE: Yes, two of them. They’re called eyes. ARTHUR: Very beautiful they are, too. GUINEVERE: Don’t try and get out of this. ARTHUR: Out of what? GUINEVERE: How hopeless you are. ARTHUR: I am. I’m hopelessly in love. GUINEVERE: You need to prepare for the Sarrum’s arrival. ARTHUR: Oh, yes. That. Do you know where my robe…? ARTHUR: …s are? ARTHUR: Merlin! GAIUS: Er, he’s gathering herbs, sire. ARTHUR: But I need him, now. GAIUS: Well, he may be some time. ARTHUR: Where is he? GAIUS: He’s gone in pursuit of a young agrimonia. ARTHUR: A what? GAIUS: Agrimonia, sire. A noble, but shy plant, not easy to find, and it could take him all day. ARTHUR: All day? GAIUS: It is invaluable, sire. Its properties open up both the liver and the spleen. ARTHUR: He’s in the tavern, isn’t he? GAIUS: No, sire! ARTHUR: Well, when he’s finished opening up his liver and his spleen, tell him he has exactly one hour to sober up and get to my chambers. We’ve a guest to prepare for. -- MERLIN: Here. MERLIN: What’s wrong? DAEGAL: I fell getting into the citadel. MERLIN: Here, let me have a look. DAEGAL: It’s my sister that needs caring for, not me. MERLIN: Wait. We’ve a long journey ahead of us. You don’t want this getting any worse. MERLIN: [?] helps slow the blood flow, take away the swelling. DAEGAL: Where’d you learn all this? MERLIN: Gaius. When I first came to Camelot, he took me in, taught me everything that I know. What about you? Your family? DAEGAL: I only have a sister. MERLIN: Your parents? DAEGAL: My mother’s dead. MERLIN: She was a druid too? DAEGAL: Gaius taught you well. You’re lucky to have him. MERLIN: I am. Come on. ARTHUR: Yes? GAIUS: He’s still not returned. ARTHUR: How am I to get dressed? GAIUS: Ha, well, surely that’s not too difficult, sire. ARTHUR: Really? You think you can do it? ARTHUR: Right. Come on, then, Gaius. ARTHUR: Shirt. ARTHUR: Quickly. ARTHUR: What are you doing? GAIUS: It’s stuck. ARTHUR: Can’t be. GAIUS: It’s too small. ARTHUR: It’s Guinevere’s nightdress. DAEGAL: I tell you, if I catch this fly, I’m going to eat it. MERLIN: (chuckle) Here. Better for you. MERLIN: Here. DAEGAL: Don’t you like them? MERLIN: They’re my favourite. DAEGAL: Then why are you giving it to me? MERLIN: I don’t need it. I had a big breakfast. DAEGAL: Why are you being like this? People I’ve met, they’re…not like you. They don’t care. I don’t matter. MERLIN: Don’t ever think that. We all matter. Have a drink. DAEGAL: Thank you. MERLIN: Come on. ------- GAIUS: You’re very quiet, sire. ARTHUR: Pfft. Can you blame me? GAIUS: Sarrum does have a reputation. ARTHUR: Even my father feared him. They say he takes joy in impaling men. GAIUS: Not just men, sire. Women and children, too. He also has a fondness for assassinating his friends. ARTHUR: I doubt we’ll ever be that close. Although, we do share one thing: a hatred for Morgana. GAIUS: So you’ve heard the rumours. He once had her under lock and key. ARTHUR: I’m hoping he’ll tell us more. GAIUS: Given Sarrum’s reputation, are you certain it’s wise to seek an alliance? ARTHUR: If we’re to achieve peace in the five kingdoms, we’ve got little choice. I don’t agree with his regime, Gaius, but dealing with him may be the only way of achieving our aims. GAIUS: You’re right, of course. You are becoming a true statesman, Arthur. I hope you realise that. ARTHUR: I’m going to be late. I’ll tell you this, Gaius, Sarrum wouldn’t put up with an idle-brained servant like Merlin. He’s got a lot to answer for. GAIUS: He certainly has. MERLIN: What is it? You’re arm? MERLIN: We need to get to your sister. MERLIN: When you last saw her, how bad was she? DAEGAL: I told you, the life had nearly gone from her. DAEGAL: Here, I don’t want it. MERLIN: (telepathy) Daegal, bandits. MERLIN: (telepathy) Get down. DAEGAL: What are you doing? MERLIN: Shh! MERLIN: (whisper) Did you hear me? DAEGAL: No. DAEGAL: Thank you. You saved my life. MERLIN: It’s not safe yet. MERLIN: Come on. The sooner we get to your sister, the better. ARTHUR: We are most grateful to the Sarrum for accepting our invitation and gracing our palace with his presence. We welcome him and his warriors with friendship. SARRUM: The last time I met you, you were ten years old. Uther held a tournament in your honour. ARTHUR: I fight my own tournaments now. SARRUM: Well, we shall enjoy putting you to the test. DAEGAL: We’re here. She’s just on the other side of those trees. MERLIN: What’s wrong? DAEGAL: Nothing. I just hope she’s still alive. MERLIN: There’s no one here. Why have you brought me here? What is this? DAEGAL: I can explain. MERLIN: You’re not a druid. MERLIN: Who are you? MORGANA: You’ve done well. I knew it wouldn’t be difficult. Merlin has a weakness for outcasts. MORGANA: Especially druids. DAEGAL: Why are you doing this? MORGANA: Because Merlin has meddled in my plans once too often. MORGANA: The agony you feel...you’ll be glad when death comes. DAEGAL: You really going to kill the king? MORGANA: Hold your tongue. Not a word of this to anyone. You’re forgetting, I still have a few drops left. ARTHUR: I feel we have much in common. We share many allies and friends. Also an enemy. SARRUM: Sorcery. ARTHUR: There is a rumour that you held Morgana prisoner. Is it true? SARRUM: She’s nothing to be feared. I kept her like an animal. ARTHUR: How did you capture her? She’s...a sorceress, a high priestess. SARRUM: I found her weakness. Everyone has one, even a high priestess. A young dragon. Her love for that creature caused her to suffer more than she ever imagined possible. But not more than she deserved. I knew that she wouldn’t dare use magic against me, not while her beloved creature was at risk of harm. SARRUM: Such a shame. All that power, all that beauty, abandoned, forgotten in a living grave. ARTHUR: You’re a harsh judge, Lord Sarrum. SARRUM: When it comes to sorcery, we must be merciless. I was not merciless enough. Morgana escaped. A lapse on my part, but I will not be so foolish again. Not that her time with me was entirely wasted. As the dragon grew, the pit became too small. Gradually the creature was crippled and twisted. At night you could hear its cries. They were even more heartbreaking than Morgana. GUINEVERE: I hope the Sarrum will forgive me if I retire for the night. MORGANA: My lady. GUINEVERE: What of Merlin? MORGANA: He’s gone to his death, along with everything he knows. And the Sarrum? GUINEVERE: He’s feasting with Arthur as we speak. MORGANA: Then we must talk quickly. We cannot afford an alliance between Amata and Camelot. It would put the throne beyond my reach forever. MORGANA: What is troubling you? GUINEVERE: Sarrum. Are we right to enlist such a man? Is there not another way? MORGANA: Do you not see how perfect this plan is? The Sarrum’s reputation precedes him. There’s no deadlier assassin in the five kingdoms. Arthur will not stand a chance. GUINEVERE: You’re sure he’ll agree? MORGANA: You’re forgetting how well I know this man. For two years, his was the only voice I heard. I know the Sarrum. I know his lust for power. He will not refuse your offer. He will think he can control you, but he will reckon without me. GUINEVERE:And once Arthur is dead? MORGANA: The knights will turn on your guest and make you their queen. MORGANA: But you must promise me something. You must make sure the Sarrum’s last moments are filled with agony. GUINEVERE: It will be my pleasure. ARTHUR: You’re much better at this than Gaius. GUINEVERE: I was a servant, remember? ARTHUR: You were always much more than that. GUINEVERE: Stop moving then. ARTHUR: Ow. I want Merlin back, where is he? GUINEVERE: You mustn’t be hard on him. ARTHUR: I am a bit worried. You don’t think something’s happened to him, do you? GUINEVERE: He’s probably overworked. Maybe just once, let him enjoy himself. ARTHUR: You’re right. GUINEVERE: Besides, you’ve got more important things to worry about. GUINEVERE: There. SARRUM: You fight bravely. ARTHUR: Your man wields a sword better than any fighter I’ve ever met. SARRUM: I trained him myself. Perhaps one day, I’ll teach you. ARTHUR: Yeah, I’d be honoured. SARRUM: My lady. GUINEVERE: Your man showed great skill to beat my husband. SARRUM: The men of Amata are born with swords in their hands. GUINEVERE: I can’t help but believe that Camelot would benefit from a leader like you. SARRUM: Mm. GUINEVERE: You should have let him die. SARRUM: Must have misheard you. GUINEVERE: I don’t think so. SARRUM: You’re not happy with your husband? GUINEVERE: I’d be happy if he died tomorrow. If someone can make that happen, I would ensure that they were richly rewarded. SARRUM: I’m not sure I believe you. GUINEVERE: Hm. GUINEVERE: Meet me outside the king’s solar tonight. We can speak openly there. MERLIN: You came back. Why? DAEGAL: I couldn’t leave you to die. MERLIN: You’re too late. DAEGAL: No, I can help. You’re a physician. You tell me what to do. MERLIN: There’s nothing. DAEGAL: There must be a cure. You tell me which herbs and I’ll find them for you. [Merlin struggles with the pain.] DAEGAL: Come on, what do we need? MERLIN: Rue. It’s got yellow flowers. DAEGAL: And feathery leaves. MERLIN: Milfoil. DAEGAL: Yarrow. MERLIN: Ground into a tincture. MERLIN: Hurry...hurry. DAEGAL: Here. DAEGAL: Here. MERLIN: Nothing else. GAIUS: Sire? GAIUS: Arthur? GUINEVERE: Gaius. What is it? GAIUS: I was looking for the king. GUINEVERE: He’s at a meeting in the council chambers. Can I help? GAIUS: Merlin. I haven’t seen him since yesterday morning. GUINEVERE: Oh, dear. I do hope there isn’t anything wrong. GAIUS: I was wondering, perhaps, if we should send out a search party. GUINEVERE: I’m sure there’s no need just yet, especially with the Sarrum here. Given his reputation, I think it best we keep the garrison at full strength. GAIUS: Indeed. GUINEVERE: I’ll ask the servants if they’ve seen him. GAIUS: Thank you, milady. GUINEVERE: Forgive me, I was waylaid. SARRUM: Speak. GUINEVERE: I have a simple proposition, one that would be mutually beneficial. You kill Arthur, I assume the throne, and in gratitude give one third of Camelot’s lands to Amata. SARRUM: You think the people will accept this? GUINEVERE: Without a king, I will insist that it’s a necessary price for our protection. SARRUM: And the knights? GUINEVERE: They will remain loyal to me. They’ll do whatever I say. SARRUM: How do we kill him? The king is surrounded by armed guards at all times. GUINEVERE: Guards who answer to me. You appoint the assassin, I will deliver the means. SARRUM: I have just the man. GUINEVERE: Then make him ready. Arthur has proposed a treaty. The signing tomorrow will provide us with the perfect opportunity. DAEGAL: You’re alive. DAEGAL: You have to believe me, I did not know what Morgana intended. MERLIN: You betrayed me. DAEGAL: She offered me money. You’ve seen what it’s like. MERLIN: Do you know what Morgana’s planning? DAEGAL: No. I met the Lady Morgana and the queen only once. MERLIN: I don’t believe you. MERLIN: Please, whatever you know... DAEGAL: I think they mean to kill the king. DAEGAL: What are you doing? MERLIN: I need to warn Arthur before it’s too late. MERLIN: Bandits. They won’t see us? DAEGAL: No. MERLIN: We’ll edge around the outside. DAEGAL: They’ll have lookouts. MERLIN: We don’t have a choice. We need to get back to Camelot. MERLIN: Go. DAEGAL: No. MERLIN: I can look after myself. DAEGAL: I’m not going to leave you this time. MERLIN: Get to safety. MERLIN: If you value your lives, you won’t take another step. DAEGAL: What are you doing? MERLIN: Trust me. DAEGAL: Here. It’s all the money we have. BANDIT: You. Empty your pockets. MERLIN: Last chance. BANDIT: You don’t even have a sword. MERLIN: I don’t need one. MERLIN: Let’s go. SARRUM: My lady, how good to see you. GUINEVERE: I trust you passed a pleasant night. SARRUM: Most agreeable. SARRUM: Arthur will be dead by sundown. And then all that stands in our way is a serving girl who plays at being a queen. DAEGAL: You have magic, Merlin. MERLIN: Yes. DAEGAL: And you live in Camelot. Does anyone know? MERLIN: Only Gaius. DAEGAL: Not Arthur? MERLIN: No. And if he ever found out, he’d probably hang me. DAEGAL: But you still help him? MERLIN: I have to. It’s my job. DAEGAL: But he would kill you. MERLIN: In his heart, he’s a good man, and I know that one day he’ll bring about a world we will dream of. DAEGAL: That must be hard. Merlin, you may be a warlock, but you need that treated. I’ll help you, please. Please. GAIUS: The bed has not been slept in. I fear he’s in danger. ARTHUR: What do you mean? GAIUS: We need to send a search party. GUINEVERE: What’s happened? ARTHUR: Merlin’s gone missing. GUINEVERE: Oh, I knew I should’ve said something. Arthur, I feel terrible. This is my fault. I know where Merlin is. GAIUS: Where? GUINEVERE: I shouldn’t say. I promised him I wouldn’t, but...he’s gone to visit someone. ARTHUR: Who? GUINEVERE: He’s not in danger. He’s seeing a girl. ARTHUR: Merlin? GUINEVERE: Gaius, I’m sorry, but there is no reason to worry. ARTHUR: Except for the poor girl. GUINEVERE: I should’ve told you, but I don’t think he wanted anyone to know. GAIUS: Thank you, milady. ARTHUR: Good. Then we can get on with the signing. Gaius, you can help me get dressed. MERLIN: You’ve done well. DAEGAL: Really? I don’t think I’ve done many good things in my life. MERLIN:Well, you’ve done something good now. See? I’m better. You’ve the gift. DAEGAL: Must be from my mother. MERLIN: So that bit was true? DAEGAL: It was all true. Except about my sister. MERLIN: She isn’t sick? DAEGAL: (chuckle) I don’t have a sister. MERLIN: (exhale/chuckle) And you mother? She wasn’t a druid? DAEGAL: No, but she was like you. She had magic, and Uther killed her for it. MERLIN: I’m sorry. MERLIN: Feels good. ARTHUR: What a momentous day this is for Camelot. GUINEVERE: Indeed, my lord. It marks the beginning of a new era. DAEGAL: What's wrong? MERLIN: This should be locked. ARTHUR: Leon! MERLIN: We did it. DAEGAL: Did I save Arthur? MERLIN: Yes. DAEGAL: Did I do something good? DAEGAL: Finally, eh? MERLIN: You did. ARTHUR: I still can't believe how lucky I was. I owe that boy my life and I don't know who he was or where he's from. You need to make sure you give him a decent burial. MERLIN: I'll do that. If you'll allow me the time. ARTHUR: Oh, so you can go and visit that girl again. MERLIN: What? ARTHUR: The girl. MERLIN: Don't have one. ARTHUR: That's not what Guinevere tells me. ARTHUR: So, why don't you tell us all about her? MERLIN: Right. ARTHUR: And why you're walking with a limp. MERLIN: His life had only begun. MERLIN: It can't go on, Gaius. GAIUS: Gwen? MERLIN: We have to do something about her. GAIUS: Yes, but the question is, "what?"
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