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| - HELIOSWait. [Gwen recoils as Helios leans over to get a better look at her.] HELIOSThere's still some pleasure to be had here. --[01:40, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY][Merlin follows Arthur, talking quickly and incessantly.] MERLINI'm not saying it's inappropriate. I mean, you're the king and I'm not, and of course it's your choice, there's no doubt about that. It could hardly be my choice, could it? What with me not being the king. But, nevertheless, I do feel I have to say something because, strictly speaking, these clothes are only supposed to-- ARTHURMerlin. MERLINYes, my lord. KING ARTHURCould you do something for me? MERLINOf course. Absolutely. Not a problem, whatever needs doing. KING ARTHURCould you...please...shut up. [Arthur continues walking. Merlin pauses for a beat then continues talking.] MERLINYes, I can do that. Of course I can. That's not a prob-- KING ARTHUR (from distance)Now. [Irritated, Merlin follows.] --[02:08, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY][Arthur walks to the front of the room and faces his court. Merlin stands next to Gaius.] KING ARTHURMy lords, fellow Knights, gentlemen...as you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute. Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement. [There's some murmuring among the court.] KING ARTHURThere's nothing to fear. It is a fair and honourable agreement that benefits two great kingdoms. Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. My hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian. [There's some more murmuring and the court begins to applaud. Gaius sees Merlin staring slack-jawed at Arthur.] GAIUSSmile. [Merlin shakes his head.] MERLINHe can't mean that. GAIUSAnd clap. Smile and clap. [Merlin immediately puts on a big fake smile and claps.] --[03:02, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY][Merlin follows Arthur back down the corridor.] MERLINHow come I didn't know any of this? How come you didn't say anything? KING ARTHURThat's what "confidential" means, Merlin. Keeping it from blabbermouths like you. MERLINYou can't do this. KING ARTHURNo, you're right, I can't. Oh, wait a second...I'm the king, so I can. MERLINSurely it's a little bit... KING ARTHUR (sharply)A bit what? MERLINSoon? [Arthur feigns ignorance, but is clearly angry and upset.] KING ARTHURWhat do you mean? MERLINErm, well-- KING ARTHURYou mean Guinevere. I told you not to mention her name again. MERLINWhich is why I didn't. KING ARTHURHow many times do I have to tell you? Guinevere made her choice. She betrayed me. Now she must take the consequences. MERLINBut-- KING ARTHURBut what? MERLINNothing. KING ARTHURThat's right. Nothing. [Arthur turns to leave.] MERLINExcept that you still love her. [Arthur stops in the doorway, Merlin glares at his back. Arthur pauses for a moment, then turns around and marches angrily toward Merlin.] KING ARTHURYou ever say anything like that again and I swear you'll join her in exile forever. [They glare at each other and Arthur leaves.] --[04:04, INT. KING'S PALACE, SCROLL VAULT, NIGHT][A servant puts some scrolls away and locks them up tight. The servant locks the door as he exits and walks down the corridor.] AGRAVAINEEoghan. [The servant jumps, startled as Agravaine steps out of the shadows.] EOGHANMy lord. AGRAVAINEHave you what I asked for? EOGHANI, erm...it was not so easy as I thought. AGRAVAINEI hope you haven't forgotten how much I've done for you. EOGHANNo. No, of course not, my lord. AGRAVAINEOr how simple it would be for a man in my position to have you arrested. I should hate to see such young life wasted. EOGHANI cannot do it. I cannot betray my master's trust, my lord. I'm sorry. AGRAVAINEYou'd rather betray mine. Mm? [Agravaine fakes a chuckle.] AGRAVAINEOf course, I understand. You swore loyalty to your master. It's commendable! [Eoghan sighs in surprised relief.] AGRAVAINENow, come. Neither you, nor I, will say anything about it. [Agravaine then stabs Eoghan in the stomach without warning. Eoghan coughs in pain and Agravaine knocks him out with the butt of the knife.] AGRAVAINEParticularly you! [Agravaine takes Eoghan's legs and drags him off.] --[05:20, Agravaine rides through the woods.] --[05:23, INT. MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY][Agravaine enters.] MORGANAYou're late. You have the plans? AGRAVAINEThere have been some unexpected developments. MORGANAI hope you're not going to tell me you've failed me once again. AGRAVAINEI'm sure there'll be the other opportunities in the future. MORGANACamelot grows in power every day, Agravaine. If we don't act now, there will be no future. Particularly for you. AGRAVAINEIt is not easy, my lady. Plans for the siege tunnels have always been very well protected. MORGANAAnd yet you assured me you could bring them to me. Or were you exaggerating? AGRAVAINENo. Not at all. It will take time-- MORGANAEnough! [Morgana takes a moment and sighs.] MORGANAA man of your standing can go wherever he pleases, Agravaine. AGRAVAINEYou're not suggesting I take the risk myself? [She tilts her head.] AGRAVAINEBut...if I should be caught... MORGANAMm. Best not to be caught, then. --[06:31, INT. HELIOS'S TUNNELS - DAY][Guards stand watch outside the caves. A servant fixes Gwen's veil for her new harem outfit.] HELIOSI was not mistaken. [Gwen stands and the servant steps back.] HELIOSThe filth of the pigsty cannot disguise true beauty. [Helios bows.] HELIOSHelios. I'm only sorry we had to meet under such circumstances. [Gwen curtsies.] GWENGuinevere. I suppose I must thank you for my life. The villagers were not so lucky. HELIOSThese are difficult times, I need new recruits. The youth of today are not always...enthusiastic. Who are you? From what family do you come? GWENI am no one. HELIOSI find that hard to believe. GWENNevertheless, it is true. HELIOSNo matter. I'm not concerned with where a person comes from, only with what they can become. Would you do me the honour of dining with me? [Gwen isn't happy with the idea, but puts on a smile and curtsies.] --[07:45, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY][An assembly gathers for the arrival of Princess Mithian. An armed guard precedes her. Arthur wears his crown. The party halts.] KING ARTHURKnights of Nemeth, Camelot welcomes you and extends the hand of friendship. [The guards in front move aside and allow the princess to approach, Arthur steps down from the stairs, taking a breath as he prepares to meet his future bride. Princess Mithian raises her veil and Arthur's jaw drops, stunned by her beauty, and she smiles a little. Merlin raises his eyebrows at her loveliness. Arthur collects himself and steps forward as a guard helps her dismount.] KING ARTHURPrincess Mithian, you are most welcome. PRINCESS MITHIANThank you, Your Highness. I have heard much about you, and you are more handsome in person than reports suggested. [Arthur isn't sure how to handle the compliment.] KING ARTHURErm... PRINCESS MITHIANAre we to stay in this chill all day? KING ARTHUR (confused)Forgive me. [Arthur takes her hand and faces his welcoming committee.] KING ARTHURTomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our worthy friends. [The knights, councilmen and courtiers applaud and smile. Merlin's smile fades.] --[09:35, INT. HELIOS'S TUNNELS, DINING CHAMBER - NIGHT][Helios leads Gwen into a dining chamber of sorts. A lavish meal is set on a low table surrounded by rich cushions and candlelight. Gwen is shocked.] HELIOSWere you expecting something different? Perhaps campfires and raw meat. GWENI'm not sure what I was expecting. HELIOSPlease, sit. I want to know all about you. [Gwen sits on a cushion.] GWENThere's not much to tell. HELIOSExcept how a beautiful woman ended up swilling out the pigs in the middle of nowhere. GWENIt's a long story. [Helios sits opposite her.] HELIOSI have all night. --[10:15, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MOAT - NIGHT][Agravaine dumps Eoghan's body and places a note in Eoghan's jacket before sneaking off.] --[10:36, INT. HELIOS'S TUNNELS - NIGHT] GWENOnce they killed my family, I knew they would come after me. I had no choice but to flee. I travelled many months before I found someone willing to take me in. Helping with the pigs seemed a fair price for such charity. HELIOSYou have suffered much for one so young. Now those days are truly behind you. [One of Helios's men clears his throat as he enters.] HELIOS' SERVANTMy lord. HELIOSI said we were not to be disturbed. HELIOS' SERVANTThe Lady Morgana requests an audience. [Gwen starts at the sound of Morgana's name.] HELIOSShe's here? [The servant nods.] HELIOSMake her welcome. Tell her I will see her right away. [Gwen is stunned.] HELIOSAre you all right? GWENYes, of course. HELIOSYou don't mind if someone joins us? GWENI had thought we'd be alone. HELIOSIt'll take but a few moments. GWENI should retire. HELIOSThere's no need. GWENI'm very tired. [She gets up. Helios stands up, too.] HELIOSBut we have barely begun to know each other. GWENI'm sure there will be time enough. Thank you for your kindness. HELIOSUntil the next time, then. [Gwen puts on a smile and curtsies. She pulls the veil over her face as she leaves. Morgana doesn't even glance at her as they pass each other in the tunnel. Gwen lowers the veil and breathes a sigh of relief. Morgana enters the dining chamber.] MORGANAYou have company. You never change, Helios. HELIOSDo you have the plans? MORGANANot yet. HELIOSThat was our agreement, Morgana. Without them, any attack on Camelot would be suicidal-- MORGANAWell, I hear your force is not yet up to strength. HELIOSPreparations are nearly complete. MORGANABut not quite yet. HELIOSAre you doubting me? MORGANANo more than you me. [Helios smiles in acceptance.] HELIOSI am sure we understand each other perfectly. Come... [Helios pours a drink.] HELIOSYou must be thirsty after your ride. [Helios hands her the drink.] HELIOSYou are welcome to stay. [Morgana smiles at his attempt to charm her.] MORGANATake care not to get too distracted, Helios. There's still much to do. Once I'm crowned queen of Camelot, you may indulge yourself all you wish. HELIOSI may keep you to your word. MORGANAI'll look forward to it. --[13:21, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MOAT - DAY][Leon shows Agravaine the body he dumped.] SIR LEONI thought you should see for yourself, my lord, as soon as possible. AGRAVAINEYou did the right thing, Sir Leon. Oh, what a shame. [Agravaine looks up.] AGRAVAINEPoor boy must've lost his footing on that wall. SIR LEONAnd so I thought. The wall has a high parapet, it couldn't have been an accident. AGRAVAINEBut he was drunk. SIR LEONPossibly, but there's no smell of intoxication. AGRAVAINEWe only have one recourse. We must ask Gaius to examine the body. See if he can use his expertise to tell us what happened to the unfortunate boy. SIR LEONI shall send for him at once. [Leon walks off and Agravaine smirks at the body.] --[13:56, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Merlin is sulking at the breakfast table, poking at his food.] GAIUSYou going to sulk all day? MERLINNot sulking. GAIUSYou haven't said a word this morning. MERLINI'm thinking. GAIUSYou know how bad that is for you. [Merlin sighs.] MERLINIt is Arthur's fate to marry Gwen. GAIUSIf that's the case, then he will. MERLINBut am I supposed to do anything about it? GAIUSYou don't think that's a little arrogant? MERLINYes! ...and no. I don't know. I don't know what to do anymore. GAIUSYou could start by eating your porridge. [An urgent knock at the door. Leon enters.] SIR LEONGaius, I have a message from Lord Agravaine. He requires your presence. --[14:49, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MOAT - DAY] GAIUSPoor boy's broken his neck. You can see the bruising just here. AGRAVAINEMust be from the fall. GAIUSPossibly. But from such a height, one would expect more injuries. There isn't so much as a graze, never mind any broken bones. AGRAVAINEWhat are you saying, Gaius? GAIUSI'm not sure. Not yet. [Gaius turns Eoghan's body over.] GAIUSSomething here in his tunic. [Gaius pulls out the note Agravaine planted and reads it.] GAIUSIt's a letter from Odin's court. AGRAVAINELet me see. [Agravaine grabs it and pretends to read it.] AGRAVAINEI must tell the king at once. --[15:26, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY][Arthur reads the fake note.] AGRAVAINEYoung Eoghan was the mapmaker's apprentice. He was a good lad from a decent family. KING ARTHURYet willing to sell his country's secrets for a few pieces of gold. AGRAVAINEAnd of course, he did have access to the city's most sensitive plans. KING ARTHURThe location of the siege tunnels. AGRAVAINEI fear so, my lord. And I don't need to tell you what an enemy could do with such plans. KING ARTHURWas anything else found alongside this letter? AGRAVAINENo, sire. KING ARTHURThen it's possible the boy succeeded in his mission and was murdered for his pains. I need to check the vaults. AGRAVAINEYes, of course. --[15:58, INT. KING'S PALACE, SCROLL VAULTS - DAY] AGRAVAINENo sign of a forced entry. KING ARTHURBoy would've had full access. There's no need to break the locks. AGRAVAINEA complete inventory will be necessary, my lord. With your permission, I'll start right away. KING ARTHURMeanwhile, double the guard and bring in the mapmaker. It's possible the boy wasn't acting alone. [Agravaine smirks as Arthur leaves him in the scroll vault alone.] --[16:18, INT. MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT][Agravaine hands the siege tunnel map to Morgana.] MORGANAI hope you're not going to disappoint me once more, Agravaine. AGRAVAINEPlans to the siege tunnels of Camelot, as good as a key to the great gates. [Morgana unrolls the map.] MORGANABut a good deal more deadly. *spell* [Morgana's eyes flash and the map glows like fire. Morgana rolls the map up, revealing a newly made duplicate underneath.] MORGANAYou've done well, Agravaine. Finally. --[16:51, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER DINING HALL - NIGHT][The court dines on a feast. Arthur chats with Princess Mithian at the head of the table. Merlin isn't pleased to find them smiling and laughing together. He casually strolls to the head of the table to interrupt them.] MERLINWould you like more soup, sire? KING ARTHURNo, thanks. [Arthur turns back to Mithian.] MERLINYou sure? [Arthur leans forward and lowers his voice.] KING ARTHURMerlin, you've asked me that three times now. Will you just... [Arthur makes a frustrated "go away " face and Merlin leaves. Mithian puts a hand on Arthur's arm.] PRINCESS MITHIANYou were saying? KING ARTHURI...was very surprised. [Merlin's eyes glow as he walks away and Arthur's hand flips a spoonful of soup onto his chainmail.] PRINCESS MITHIANOh. KING ARTHUREr...sorry, I, earm... [Arthur begins to stand to clean himself up, but Mithian puts down her goblet and wipes Arthur's chainmail with her napkin.] PRINCESS MITHIANNo harm done. [She chuckles at the situation and Arthur regards her warmly. They share a poignant look and Merlin rolls his eyes. Agravaine approaches them and disrupts the moment.] AGRAVAINEThe vaults are secure, my lord, and, er...there were no plans missing. KING ARTHURThank you for performing your duties with such haste, Uncle. Now you have to make up for lost time. We're to have dancing and I hear that your jig used to be something to behold. AGRAVAINEEr..."used" is the word, sire. A--alas I am not as nimble as I once was. KING ARTHURNonsense. AGRAVAINEI do feel that dancing is best performed in youth and appreciated in age. [Arthur and Mithian chuckle and shake their heads as Agravaine departs hastily.] --[18:19, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT][Arthur walks Mithian to her chambers.] KING ARTHURI'm afraid the Festival of Ostara will soon be upon us. PRINCESS MITHIANShould I be worried? KING ARTHURIt's a tradition in Camelot to have a hunt that day, but Merlin can arrange a tour of the city. PRINCESS MITHIANA tour? KING ARTHURSome of the buildings go back many centuries. PRINCESS MITHIANArthur, I love hunting. [Arthur stops, surprised.] KING ARTHURReally? [Mithian stops and faces him.] PRINCESS MITHIANReally. I believe these are my chambers. KING ARTHUR (nods)Of course. PRINCESS MITHIANWell then I bid you good night, sire. [Mithian holds out her hand. Arthur takes and kisses it gallantly.] KING ARTHURGoodnight, Princess. [They regard each other for a moment. The pause continues and Mithian glances down at their hands.] PRINCESS MITHIANIf I may...? [Arthur inclines his head, asking for the end of her question. Mithian nods down at her hand and Arthur realises and lets it go. He clears his throat.] KING ARTHURSorry. [She turns to leave.] KING ARTHURMithian. [She stops and turns around.] PRINCESS MITHIANYes, my lord? KING ARTHURI was...thinking, perhaps... PRINCESS MITHIANYes? KING ARTHURYou...might like some breakfast. PRINCESS MITHIAN (confused)Breakfast? KING ARTHURTomorrow. With me. [Mithian begins to smile as if to hold in her laughter.] KING ARTHURA picnic, er, somewhere. Nice. Somewhere nice. PRINCESS MITHIANI look forward to it. [Mithian smiles as she turns into her room. Arthur smiles, somewhat relieved. Then shakes his head at his own botched invitation attempt.] KING ARTHURBreakfast. I...rubbish thing to say. [He walks off mumbling to himself.] --[19:59, INT. HELIOS'S TUNNELS, DINING CHAMBER - DAY][Morgana arrives at the caves and dismounts. Helios opens the siege tunnel map.] HELIOSWhere did you get this? MORGANAThe source is impeccable. [Gwen peers out from behind a rock, listening to their conversation.] HELIOSIf I'm to risk my men against Camelot, I need more than impeccable, Morgana. MORGANAThe king's uncle and most trusted advisor, Lord Agravaine. I doubt you'd find a source more impeccable than that. [Gwen pulls herself up on a jutting rock to see them through the entrance crack.] HELIOSThen it is only a matter of time. I will send word the moment our forces are at full strength. MORGANADon't delay. The treaty of Nemeth will be sealed within days. HELIOSIt will be soon. [The rock that Gwen is standing on breaks off and she stumbles backwards. Morgana and Helios hear it and Gwen's retreating footsteps.] MORGANASomeone's listening. [They rush out of the room in search of the spy.] MORGANADid you see who it was? HELIOSNot for sure. Seal the camp! Account for everyone! [Southrons run through the tunnels. Helios checks Gwen's sleeping chamber followed by Morgana.] HELIOSAny sign? HELIOS'S SERVANTShe's taken nothing. MORGANAWho is this woman? HELIOSA serving wench I recently acquired, no more. Check the river. [Morgana looks down and recognizes the red servant girl's dress folded up on the bed. She smiles and picks it up.] MORGANADoes this woman have a name? HELIOSGuinevere. [Morgana scowls.] MORGANAYour appetite has betrayed you. She's no serving wench. We must find her now! --[21:20, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Gwen runs through the woods, chased by the Southrons. She rushes down towards the river, looks back for a moment and then steps down into the water. Southrons run down to the river and continue running along its bank. They pass and Gwen surfaces from the water.] --[21:51, EXT. CAMELOT, FOREST RIDGE - DAY][Arthur leads Mithian by the hand to an outlook in the forest. Merlin carries all of the food, blankets, and pillows.] KING ARTHURHow about here? What do you think? PRINCESS MITHIANWell, the view is certainly spectacular. KING ARTHURYes. [Merlin collapses to the ground as he puts down all of the picnic gear. Arthur crouches down.] KING ARTHURGround isn't really smooth, is it? It's a bit bumpy. [Arthur gets up and walks left a few paces.] KING ARTHURAh, what about over here? [Mithian looks down at Merlin who is rolling his eyes.] KING ARTHURAh, yes, this is much better. Merlin. [Mithian joins Arthur. Merlin picks up all the gear and hauls it over a few paces. He puts it down. Arthur looks at him and takes a breath.] KING ARTHURPerfect. Perfect. [Merlin sets all of the gear down on the ground and rubs his shoulder.] KING ARTHURYet, is the view really as good? PRINCESS MITHIANArthur... KING ARTHURYou prefer the original. Right, then. Merlin! [Arthur walks briskly back to the original spot.] PRINCESS MITHIANDon't be so mean. KING ARTHURHe doesn't mind, do you, Merlin? [Merlin shakes his head with a stiff smile.] MERLINNo. KING ARTHURBesides, he needs building up. Look at him. PRINCESS MITHIANEnough. Thank you, Merlin. I'll do the rest. [Merlin picks up all of the picnic gear and Mithian carries the picnic basket back to the original spot.] --[Arthur and Mithian lounge on pillows, drinking from goblets. Mithian giggles and Merlin shoots a disgusted look at the pair of them from his spot against a tree trunk. Merlin's eyes glow and Arthur belches. Mithian's laughter fades, and Arthur looks at her in embarrassment.] KING ARTHURI'm sorry, I, ahem, really don't know what came over me. I... [Arthur shifts awkwardly. Merlin's eyes glow again and Arthur belches. Mithian looks at him curiously and Arthur tries to cope with his embarrassment, shaking his head.] KING ARTHURI don't know what to say. [Mithian belches loud and long and finishes with a smile. Arthur is taken by surprise and they laugh. Merlin nods his head and mouths something like "Oh, well, yeah, that's just great."] --[23:31, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT][Morgana rides up to Helios in the woods.] HELIOSThe trail has gone cold, we should call off the search until morning. MORGANANo, that woman must be found. I'll search all night if necessary. HELIOSShe could be anywhere by now. MORGANAThere's only one place she'll go. To Camelot and to Arthur. Gather your men. [Helios whistles and his men return.] --[23:54, EXT. FOREST, CAMPFIRE - NIGHT][Gwen huddles near a campfire she built, still drying out from her swim. She fingers her engagement ring on the necklace and starts at every noise.] --[24:22, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Merlin emerges from his room as Gaius pours over Eoghan's supposed note from Odin.] MERLINI don't know why I bother. I should just leave him to it, let him make his own mistakes, see how he gets on without me. I should resign. [Gaius is too absorbed to pay attention.] MERLINI said, "I should resign." GAIUS (starting at the parchment)Quite so. MERLINGaius, you're supposed to say, "No, no he needs you even if he doesn't realise it." GAIUS (examining the parchment)Something's not quite right here. MERLINExactly. GAIUS (to himself)I can't put my finger on it. MERLINI have to go hunting. I hate hunting. [Merlin puts on his jacket and heads for the door.] MERLIN (sarcastic)Thanks, Gaius, you really made me feel a whole lot better. [Merlin slams the door shut on his way out and Gaius looks up.] --[24:53, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY][Knights, servants, and guards prepare for the hunt. Arthur mounts his horse.] --[25:01, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY][Mithian catches up with Merlin as he trudges miserably through the castle.] PRINCESS MITHIANYou're not a fan of hunting? [Merlin stops and turns and Mithian waits expectantly.] MERLINWhat sport is it when one side has dogs and spears and crossbows and the other nothing? PRINCESS MITHIANNot much of a fan of me, either, are you? [Merlin seems surprised.] PRINCESS MITHIANCome on, Merlin, I'd have to be a fool not to notice. MERLINI'm sorry if I caused offence. PRINCESS MITHIANI'm sure you have, er, good reasons. One thing I've learned since being here is that Arthur values your opinion above almost all others. MERLINOh. [Merlin pretends to scoff, but smiles.] PRINCESS MITHIANEven if he'd be the last person to admit it.] MERLINYou can say that again. [Merlin is beginning to thaw a little towards her.] PRINCESS MITHIANI like him, Merlin. I really do. I didn't expect to, but...well, he's a loveable person, isn't he? Underneath it all. All I ask is that you give me a chance. Can you do that? [Merlin nods.] MERLINYeah. [Merlin smiles with a nod and Mithian smiles back.] PRINCESS MITHIANThank you. --[26:17, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Morgana rides through the woods in pursuit of Gwen. She stops and sees smoke from Gwen's campfire rising in the distance.] --[26:33, EXT. FOREST, CAMPFIRE - DAY][Gwen wakes at the sound of a horse whinny. She gets up and begins to run. She passes a tree and snaps one of its branches in her rush. Morgana continues and stops to look for any signs. She spots the snapped twig and heads off in that direction. Gwen runs full tilt now as Morgana gallops through the woods. Gwen falls, but gets up quickly and keeps going. Morgana catches up and cuts her off.] MORGANAGwen. Nice to see you again. Oh, you've forgotten. I've hunted these woods since I was a child. GWENLeave me alone. You've already done enough harm. MORGANAYou misjudge me. We were friends once, were we not? [Gwen scoffs.] MORGANAI only wish to help. The path to Camelot is that way. [Morgana points.] GWENYou think I'd ever trust you again? MORGANAMm, true, I might be lying. But perhaps not. GWENI know these woods, too. [Gwen runs off.] MORGANATruth is, it doesn't matter which way you go. [Morgana's eyes glow and Gwen screams as Morgana throws her into a tree. Gwen falls to the ground, unconscious.] --[28:11, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Hunting horns sound as Arthur and Mithian's party make their way through the woods.] --[28:27, EXT. FOREST - DAY]Morgana glowers down at Gwen and snatches the engagement ring necklace off of Gwen's neck. She starts as she hears the hunting horn. She looks down at Gwen, smirks, and drops the ring.] MORGANAYou wish to see your beloved Arthur again? And so you shall. Nu bebiede ic þe þæt þu lætest þine flæsc sclice gelic nysse. Wyrþ deor! [Morgana's eyes glow and a golden shimmer glows over Gwen's body. Morgana leaves with a smirk.] --[29:06, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Merlin walks alongside Arthur and Mithian's horses.] MERLINMaybe we should call it a day. KING ARTHURNonsense. We've barely begun. MERLINNot much point in hunting if there's nothing to hunt, is there? KING ARTHURWell, we could always give you a five minute head start, Merlin. [Mithian smiles at Arthur's joke.] SIR LEONDeer! [They chase after a doe running through the woods. Merlin slows to a walk and separates from the group. He spots the doe and it looks at him. He senses something and hears Gwen's weeping. The doe reflected in his eye forms into a tearful Gwen as his eyes glow. He realises what's happened and sees Gwen's running reflection as the doe passes by a small puddle. The hunting party passes by Merlin and he comes to his senses and chases after them.] SIR LEONBeauty. [Leon aims, but gives up when he notices Arthur next to him.] SIR LEONSire, she's yours. [Arthur aims and the doe stops and looks at him. Arthur shoots and Merlin's eyes glow. The bolt misses and Arthur gives his crossbow a confused look.] PRINCESS MITHIANI thought you were a good shot, my lord. [Mithian aims and fires.] PRINCESS MITHIANGold sovereign says she's hit. [They urge their horses forward. Merlin runs through the woods searching for Gwen while the rest of the party searches for traces of the doe.] SIR LEONDeer tracks. KING ARTHURAh. It can't have gone far. [Merlin looks worriedly around the woods while Arthur searches for more deer tracks. Arthur sees something shiny on the forest floor and crouches down to pick it up. It's Gwen's engagement ring on the necklace and he recognises it.] PRINCESS MITHIANHave you found the trail? My lord? [Arthur stares at the ring, completely lost in it.] PRINCESS MITHIANMy lord? [Arthur looks up at Merlin, trying to process the pain of this shock. Merlin breathes heavily and continues to roam his eyes around the woods worried for Gwen. Mithian looks at Merlin and back to Arthur, sensing something's wrong.] PRINCESS MITHIANMy lord? [Arthur stares off into the woods, breathing heavily in his emotion.] KING ARTHURThere'll be no more sport today. [Arthur gets up and walks past Mithian, lost in his own head.] PRINCESS MITHIANI didn't take you for a poor loser. Sire? [She looks back at Merlin, trying to sort out Arthur's dark mood.] --[32:21, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT][Merlin rides into the woods searching for Gwen.] MERLINGwen! Gwen! Gwen! [Merlin dismounts and goes searching for her on foot.] MERLINGwen? [He spots something.] MERLINGwen? Gwen? [He finds her lying unconscious, shaking from cold and shock, a crossbow bolt in her leg. Merlin pulls out the arrow and places his hand over the wound.] MERLINIc hæle þina þrowunga. [His eyes glow. He places a hand on her shoulder and eventually she sighs and stops shaking, relaxing into sleep.] --[33:35, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Merlin sits with Gwen as she sleeps. She wakes.] GWENMerlin! MERLINHow are you, Gwen? GWENI'm all right! [She hugs him happily.] GWENI think. What are you doing here? MERLINYou were injured. GWENOh, yes, I remember now. Where's Morgana? MERLINShe was here? [Gwen nods.] GWENShe enchanted me. She and the Southrons and Helios, they're planning to attack Camelot. MERLINThey'd never succeed. They must know that. GWENThey have help. Agravaine gave them plans of the siege tunnels under the citadel. MERLINAgravaine? [Gwen nods.] MERLINWe must tell Arthur. [They hear something nearby.] GWEN (whisper)What's that? [The sound of hoof beats draws near. Merlin gets up to check and sees three knights riding through the woods. Merlin smiles a little.] MERLINIt's a Camelot patrol. They can lend you a horse. GWENNo. MERLINBut Gwen-- GWENPlease, Merlin. [She grabs his hand to stop him.] GWENI can never see Arthur again. MERLINHe wants to see you. GWEN (shakes her head)It cannot be. Not after I betrayed him. [Merlin stares at Gwen.] GWENYou go. Tell him of the danger. MERLINGwen, if you stay here-- GWENI have what I deserve. [Merlin tries to grab her hand and pull her with him.] GWENGo! Hurry. [She nods to him.] GWENGo. [Merlin looks at her with a furrowed brow and then heads off.] --[35:00, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Arthur broods in his room, fingering Gwen's engagement ring. Merlin bursts in.] MERLINSire, I need to talk to you. KING ARTHURI told you I didn't want to be disturbed. MERLINSire, it is important. Very important. KING ARTHURYou defy me? You defy your king? MERLINYes, I do. You know I would not do so unless the situation was grave. [Arthur puts the ring on a table and grabs his gloves to follow Merlin out.] --[35:30, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY][Arthur marches through the castle with Merlin.] KING ARTHURThe idea is preposterous! I've known my uncle since I was a child! I refuse to believe that he would ever betray Camelot! --[35:37, INT. KING'S PALACE, SCROLL VAULT - DAY][Arthur unlocks the cabinet with the siege scroll map.] KING ARTHURPlans for the siege tunnels are kept here. [Arthur opens the cabinet and feels around the back for a while. Merlin's confidence builds and his irritation rises. Then Arthur pulls out the map. Merlin is confused. Agravaine enters as Arthur opens the scroll.] MERLINI don't understand. [Arthur puts the scroll away.] AGRAVAINEI came as soon as I could, my lord. Is there a problem/ KING ARTHURNo, Uncle, not at all. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you. MERLINCan we please-- KING ARTHUROne more word out of you and I swear to God I will send you into exile. [Merlin looks at Agravaine and Agravaine smirks at him.] --[36:27, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Arthur sits on the end of his bed, fully dressed in his chainmail, fingering Gwen's engagement ring. A door opens and Merlin enters.] MERLINHave you not slept, sire? [Arthur doesn't move. Merlin stands dutifully, arms folded in front of him.] MERLINIs there anything you need? KING ARTHURHow can I love someone who's betrayed me? It doesn't make any sense. And how can I make myself love another? Tell me that. MERLINIf there is nothing else that you require, perhaps I could-- KING ARTHURI don't know what to do. I have no idea...what to do. [Merlin watches Arthur struggle and Arthur looks at him.] KING ARTHURWhat should I do, Merlin? MERLINAll I know, my lord, is that no one would sacrifice more for Camelot or you than Gwen. KING ARTHURAnd if that were so? MERLINYou must do what your heart tells you, sire. KING ARTHURWhat if I don't know what that is? MERLINI think you do. [Arthur looks down at Gwen's ring and plays with it as he thinks.] MERLINIs there anything else, sire? KING ARTHURYou may go. [Merlin bows and walks off.] KING ARTHURThank you, Merlin. [Merlin looks back as he exits.] --[38:28, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY][Princess Mithian's escort waits for her in the square as she descends the steps. Arthur faces the square as she passes him without a word.] KING ARTHURPrincess. [She stops, but doesn't turn around as she puts on her riding gloves.] KING ARTHURForgive me. [She turns to face him.] PRINCESS MITHIANThe time for words is over, sire. KING ARTHURI understand. And it is for this reason that I hereby offer you and your descendents all the disputed lands of Gedref. PRINCESS MITHIANYou would give up your ancient claims? KING ARTHURI have no desire for war. Or to grieve you any more than I already have. PRINCESS MITHIANSuch an offer cannot be rushed into. KING ARTHURI've had my scribes draw up an agreement. [He pulls out a scroll.] KING ARTHURIf you're happy with the terms, I'll sign forthwith. PRINCESS MITHIANAnd if I refuse? KING ARTHURIt's all I can offer. I do so most humbly. [He bows his head and looks down, then looks her in the eye and holds out the scroll, waiting for her response. She considers him for a moment and then takes the scroll.] PRINCESS MITHIANTell me...who is it that trumps a princess? KING ARTHURNo one. [Arthur thinks for a moment.] KING ARTHURAnd everyone. [Mithian's mood lightens.] PRINCESS MITHIANWhat great family is she from? KING ARTHURNone. She's the daughter of a blacksmith. PRINCESS MITHIANAnd for her you would risk your kingship? Your kingdom? KING ARTHURWithout her, they're worth nothing to me. [Mithian considers this and looks down.] PRINCESS MITHIANHm. [Merlin watches Mithian's reaction.] PRINCESS MITHIANI would give up my own kingdom to be so loved. Farewell, Arthur. [Arthur smiles a little.] KING ARTHURFarewell, Princess. [Mithian gives him a small smile back and turns away with a bittersweet look.] --[40:40, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT][Merlin prepares Arthur's bed as Arthur stares out the window, lost in thought. He turns suddenly to Merlin.] KING ARTHURHave I been a fool? [Merlin looks up.] KING ARTHURTo give up so much for a woman who betrayed me? A woman who I might not even see again? MERLINYou will see her again. You did the right thing, my lord. As I knew you would. KING ARTHURAnd how could you be so sure? MERLINBecause...you're Arthur. You're noble. You're the once and future king. KING ARTHURDoomed to be a bachelor. [Merlin chuckles.] KING ARTHURWhat's the point of loving someone who cannot be found? MERLINGwen will be found. You will find each other. KING ARTHURAre you really wise, Merlin, or just a pratting fool? I can no longer tell. [Merlin takes a couple steps and knocks over the chamber pot, then looks up at Arthur.] KING ARTHURAs if there was ever any doubt.
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