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| - KILGHARRAH --- [00:13, EXT. FIELD - DAY][Merlin runs through a field dressed as a knight, chased by a band of armed men. Merlin heads into the woods and trips over onto the ground as an axe lands between his legs. He picks up the axe and runs on straight into the dead end. He stops and turns to face his pursuers, who are now strolling in to meet him. Merlin raises the throwing axe.] KING CAERLEONTrapped, are we? [An arrow hits one of Caerleon's men in the back. Merlin's pursuers look up to find themselves surrounded by the Knights of Camelot. Merlin smiles.] MERLINThat's the idea. ARTHUROn me! [Arthur jumps down into the pit and lands on top one of the men.] --[01:47, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Agravaine drags along the leader of the prisoners.] AGRAVAINEYour Majesty. Look what we have here. KING ARTHURHe comes with us. We'll deal with the prisoners when we get back to Camelot. AGRAVAINEI fear this is no ordinary prisoner, Your Highness. [Agravaine rips the necklace from Caerleon's neck and hands it to Arthur.] KING ARTHURWell, well. MERLINWhat is it? KING ARTHURThis, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon. Is it not...Your Highness? --[02:19, EXT. FOREST, CAMPFIRE - NIGHT] KING ARTHURThis is not the first time he's trespassed on our lands. AGRAVAINENo, sire. Only last week he seized the village of Stonedown on the western borders. KING ARTHURWe're not on the borders now, Agravaine. This is the heart of the kingdom. He took a grave risk coming here. AGRAVAINEPerhaps he doesn't see it that way. I fear it's no coincidence that all this has happened since Uther's death. KING ARTHURWhat do you mean? AGRAVAINEArthur, your father was a strong king. His enemies feared and respected that strength. KING ARTHURAre you saying I'm not worthy of that respect? AGRAVAINENo, sire, not at all. There isn't a citizen of Camelot who would not lay down their life for you. But your enemies...to the enemies of Camelot, you are still untested as a king. You must send a clear message that any action against Camelot will be met without mercy. KING ARTHURDid we not achieve that here today? AGRAVAINENo, sire. Not enough. [Merlin listens in while he cooks dinner.] AGRAVAINENot enough to deter the likes of Odin and Bayard and the countless others who covet Camelot's wealth. KING ARTHURWell, what do you suggest? AGRAVAINEI suggest... I suggest that we force him to accept a treaty on our terms. He must withdraw his men from our land, return our territories to us. He must surrender Everwick. KING ARTHURHe'd rather die than agree to such terms. AGRAVAINEThen you are left with no choice. KING ARTHURI can't just kill a man in cold blood. AGRAVAINEArthur, you must do what you need to do to assert your authority on this land. KING ARTHURWell, there must be another way. AGRAVAINEThere's no other way. Think on it. Decide by tomorrow. [Agravaine leaves Arthur to mull over his terrible advice.] MERLINArthur... KING ARTHURNot now, Merlin. --- [04:22, EXT. FOREST - DAY][Merlin wakes and brings a glass to Arthur, who is still seriously contemplating his uncle's suggestion.] MERLINArthur? Arthur, here. [Arthur takes the drink.] KING ARTHURThank you. MERLINYou must be cold. [Merlin kneels by the fire.] MERLINHave you not slept at all? KING ARTHURBeen thinking. MERLINAbout what Agravaine said? [Arthur nods.] MERLINSo, what are you going to do? KING ARTHURMy father was a great king, but I don't have his wisdom or his conviction. I can only follow his example and do what he would've done. MERLINYou're going to draw up this treaty? KING ARTHUR (nods)I have to show my strength. Show that I'm worthy of my father's name. MERLINCaerleon won't sign it. You know that? KING ARTHURCaerleon brought this upon himself. MERLINArthur. You've always shown mercy in battle. You've never sought to humiliate your enemy in this way. This isn't like you. This isn't who you are. KING ARTHURYou have no idea what it is to make these decisions. Decisions that will shape the future of this land. MERLINArthur-- KING ARTHURSo, please...stick to what you do know. [Arthur gets up and leaves.] --[05:58, EXT. FOREST - DAY][The knights assemble and Agravaine presents King Caerleon with the treaty scroll.] KING CAERLEONWhat is this? [Caerleon doesn't take the scroll, so Agravaine hands it to Sir Leon, who opens it.] KING CAERLEONYou expect me to sign this? To humiliate myself before you? AGRAVAINEYou invaded our kingdom and took what did not belong to you. KING CAERLEONAnd if I do not sign? AGRAVAINEThen you will pay, with your life! KING CAERLEON (scoffs)And who makes these terms? KING ARTHURArthur Pendragon... [Arthur walks forward.] KING ARTHURKing of Camelot. [Caerleon pushes Leon's arm aside and steps forward.] KING CAERLEONVery well. [Caerleon shoves off Percival.] KING CAERLEONThen make it quick! [Caerleon kneels.] KING ARTHURThink what you're doing, Caerleon. This treaty could seal a truce between us. There would be peace. Like there was between your father and mine. KING CAERLEONI am not my father, and you are not Uther! Do you really have the guts to kill me? KING ARTHURYou leave me no choice. KING CAERLEONYou do not choose anything, boy. It is I who choose to die, and I alone. Now, get on with it. [Caerleon bows his head down to Arthur to give him clear aim at his neck.] KING ARTHURSo be it. [Agravaine smirks. Merlin shakes his head.] --[07:35, EXT/INT. MAIN SQUARE/KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY][Gaius watches Arthur, Merlin, and the knights dismount in the square.] --[07:48, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CORRIDOR - DAY][Agravaine walks with Arthur to his chambers.] AGRAVAINEYour resolve has already earned the respect of both the council and the people alike. Your father would be proud of you. KING ARTHURThank you, Uncle. I don't know what I'd have done without your support and counsel. [Arthur enters his chambers where Gwen is waiting for him. They hug and Agravaine grimaces. Merlin enters with Arthur's travel pack.] KING ARTHURDid you miss me? GWENYes. --[08:14, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Merlin unpacks while Arthur washes up.] MERLINCan't have been easy having a man killed like that. KING ARTHURI had no choice. Show of strength was necessary. MERLINDon't you think compassion can also show strength? KING ARTHURNot for the likes of Caerleon, no. No, an example had to be made for the good of the kingdom. MERLINSo, you don't regret what you did? KING ARTHURMy conscience is clean, Merlin, which is more than I can say for my room. So, just do your job, will you? MERLINLook, I'm just saying, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. You shouldn't push your friends away, you know? Not now. Not when you need them the most. KING ARTHURYou're wrong, Merlin. I don't need anyone. I can't afford that luxury. [Merlin is clearly upset.] KING ARTHURThe kingdom's my responsibility now. Mine to bear alone. And you must learn to accept that. [Merlin nods, trying to mask his disappointment.] --[09:13, EXT. CAERLEON'S CASTLE - DAY][King Caerleon's men bear his body to his castle. His wife, Queen Annis pulls back the sheet to see his body. She is disturbed by what she finds.] QUEEN ANNISThis...this is no battle wound. This is the work of cowards! [Annis whips the sheet back over her husband's face.] QUEEN ANNISArthur will pay for this, by God! The whole of Camelot will pay for this! --[09:48, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT][Arthur sits alone at the table looking over court documents. Someone knocks on the door.] KING ARTHURCome. [Agravaine enters.] AGRAVAINEI am sorry to disturb you, my lord. KING ARTHURSomething the matter, Uncle? AGRAVAINEI dare to hope that my advice has been of some use these past months. KING ARTHUROf course it has, you know that. AGRAVAINEThere is something I wish to discuss with you. But...it is a delicate matter. KING ARTHURYes? AGRAVAINEIt concerns Guinevere. KING ARTHURWhat about her? AGRAVAINEShe's a beautiful woman, sire, and possessed of many fine qualities, I have no doubt. But she is a servant. KING ARTHURThat doesn't matter to me. AGRAVAINE (hastily)Nor to me. I assure you. No, i--it's your people that concern me. [Arthur stirs uncomfortably.] KING ARTHURWell, surely as king, I can do as I see fit. AGRAVAINENo, sire, you cannot. You must do what is expected of you. You must present yourself in an appropriate manner. The people...your people do not wish to see their king with the daughter of a blacksmith. KING ARTHURThis isn't a matter of state. This is a matter of the heart. AGRAVAINEYou cannot rule the kingdom with your heart, Arthur. Your father understood that. [Arthur stirs even more uncomfortably. Agravaine takes the chair next to Arthur.] AGRAVAINEYou didn't want to kill Caerleon, I know that. But you were strong. You didn't let those emotions cloud your judgement. You rule with your head like a strong king must. KING ARTHURYes. AGRAVAINEAnd now you must show that strength again. Set aside your personal feelings for the good of your kingdom. KING ARTHURSet aside my feelings for Guinevere? AGRAVAINEI'm afraid so, my lord. [Arthur considers the advice unhappily.] --[12:04, EXT. CAMELOT - DAY][A messenger rides to Camelot.] --[12:15, TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY][Merlin steadies the punching bag for Arthur.] MERLINYou seem tense. KING ARTHURWhat do you mean "tense"? MERLINYou know...agitated. On edge. Angry. KING ARTHURThis is not anger, Merlin. This is controlled aggression! [Arthur punches the bag off of the hanger and Merlin falls to the ground with it.] MERLINGreat. I'm glad we cleared that up. [Leon arrives.] SIR LEONSire. A messenger this minute arrived. KING ARTHURWhat is it? SIR LEONAn army. They crossed our border at first light. KING ARTHURAn army? Whose army? SIR LEONCaerleon's queen. --[12:45, KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY] KING ARTHURAt a forced march, Caerleon's men will reach Camelot by sundown tomorrow, which means we have no choice. We must intercept them before they reach the ridge of [?]. That way, we hold the high ground. The knights of Camelot make ready as I speak. We ride at dawn. AGRAVAINELong live the king! ALLLong live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king! [Merlin looks on unhappily. Agravaine smirks.] --[13:14, EXT/INT. CAERLEON'S CASTLE, TUNNELS - NIGHT][Morgana arrives outside Caerleon's castle. She magically opens a door to the tunnels and heads inside. A guard spots her.] GUARDHalt! [Another guard steps in her path and she is surrounded.] MORGANAPlease. I mean you know harm. I wish only to speak with your queen. --[13:48, INT. CAERLEON'S CASTLE, THRONE ROOM - NIGHT][The guards escort Morgana into the throne room and pull off her hood.] QUEEN ANNISMorgana Pendragon. Stealing into my castle in the dead of night. You must have a death wish. MORGANASorry for the interruption, Your Majesty, but I've come on urgent business. QUEEN ANNISWhat business could you possibly have with me, witch? MORGANAI come in the name of my father. QUEEN ANNISIs that so? When last I heard, you and he were... MORGANAI speak not of Uther, but of Gorlois. QUEEN ANNISGorlois? MORGANAUther is my father by blood alone. Gorlois raised me as a child. He made me who I am. QUEEN ANNISI remember him well. He was a good man. An honourable man. MORGANAHe was, Your Highness. And his sole reward was death, betrayed by his king. QUEEN ANNISWell, then. It seems we have both lost something at the hands of a Pendragon. [Annis stands and approaches Morgana.] QUEEN ANNISNow, for the last time, what are you doing here? MORGANAYour Highness... [Morgana shoves off the guard holding her, walks up to Queen Annis, and bows down to her knees.] MORGANAYour Highness, Uther was a curse upon this land, as is his son. I seek revenge for wounds they have inflicted, as do you. If you will accept it, I've come to offer my help. --[15:24, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT][Merlin prepares Arthur's bed while Arthur puts on a cloak.] MERLINOff again? Another weak in the wilderness. Eating weird animals, being eaten by weird animals. No hot water, no baths. This will be the last time either of us get to sleep in a proper bed. KING ARTHURMerlin, I'm prepared to face all manner of horrors in this world, but if you think I'm sharing this bed with you... MERLIN (laughs)What? No, that's not what I meant. KING ARTHURRight. Good. Comfort to know. MERLINWhere are you going? KING ARTHURThat's my business. And Merlin, don't be here when I come back. [Merlin shakes his head.] --[16:02, LOWER TOWN - NIGHT][Arthur walks to Gwen's with the hood pulled up on his cloak. A guard spots him.] GUARDHalt! Declare yourself! [Arthur stops, irritated. He turns around and pulls off the hood. The guard is shocked.] GUARDI'm sorry, sire. Forgive me. KING ARTHURNo harm done. [The guard bows and turns back to continue his patrol. Arthur waits for the guard to leave, then continues on to Gwen's and knocks on her door. Gwen opens the door and smiles.] GWENArthur. KING ARTHURMay I come in? GWENOf course. --[16:44, GWEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT] GWENCan I get you anything? Something to eat? KING ARTHURI'm fine, thanks. [Arthur closes the door and turns to face her.] KING ARTHURI won't be staying long. GWENOh. [Arthur stands awkwardly and Gwen waits with a smile.] KING ARTHURGuinevere...please believe me when I say that you've done nothing wrong. [Gwen furrows her eyebrows.] KING ARTHURAnd that none of this...has anything to do with you. GWEN (confused)None of what? I don't understand. KING ARTHURThings have changed for me. With my father gone, it falls to me to rule this land. GWENI know what a responsibility that must be. KING ARTHURAnd now that I'm king...it's no longer relevant what I may or may not want for myself. [Gwen is beginning to understand.] KING ARTHURMy only duty is to the people of this land. I'll be judged by my actions. Who I'm seen with. GWEN (surprised and hurt)You're ashamed to be seen with me? KING ARTHURNo. [Arthur shakes his head, beginning to have difficulty keeping his composure.] KING ARTHURNo. But now that I'm king, it's not appropriate. GWEN (more surprised and hurt)I'm not appropriate? KING ARTHURIt seems not. [Gwen walks up to Arthur, disbelieving what she's hearing.] GWENArthur...listen to yourself. This doesn't sound like the man I know. You've been talked into this, haven't you? KING ARTHURI haven't been talked into anything. I'm my own man. I make my own decisions. GWEN (beginning to cry)And you decided we can't be together? KING ARTHURYes. GWENI see. [Gwen looks at Arthur, not hiding her tears or pain.] KING ARTHURI'm sorry, Guinevere. It's just the way it has to be. [Arthur turns to leave.] GWENArthur. [Arthur stops with his hand on the door handle and looks at her.] GWENDon't let anyone tell you what to do. You said you are your own man. You have a good heart. Be true to it. Only then will you be the king you want to be. [Arthur considers her for a moment, then exits.] --[19:12, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE/CORRIDOR - DAY][Arthur descends the steps to his assembled army. They ride out of the city. Gwen and Gaius watch from the a corridor window.] GAIUSDon't worry, Gwen. They'll be back soon, I'm sure. GUINEVEREIt's different this time, though, isn't it? Arthur's king now. The fate of Camelot rests on shoulders alone. GAIUSOh, he's not alone, Gwen. You above all people should know that. GUINEVEREI do know that, but I'm not sure he does. --[19:58, EXT. CAMELOT, RIDGE - DAY][Arthur stands alone on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the enemy's army. Agravaine steps up beside him.] KING ARTHURMake sure the men have everything they need. They must be well rested by morning. AGRAVAINEI'll see to it, sire. KING ARTHURThe battle commences at first light. [Agravaine smirks and walks off.] --[20:34, EXT. CAMELOT CAMP - NIGHT][Arthur watches his Round Table from his tent as they talk around the campfire. Leon tussles Merlin's hair and the knights chuckle.] SIR ELYAN...an army. [Percival and Elyan toast their tankards. He clearly longs for their camaraderie. Merlin notices Arthur watching and his smile fades slightly. The others notice and look over. Arthur is caught and tries to cover.] KING ARTHURWe should all get some sleep. [Arthur turns back into his tent.] SIR GWAINEIs he all right? MERLINHe's our king. If anything were to happen to any of us, he'll hold himself responsible. [Gwaine nods as the all take in Merlin's words.] --[21:17, CAMELOT CAMP, ARTHUR'S TENT - NIGHT][Arthur is contemplative while Merlin tends to Arthur's spare armour. Elyan leads the Round Table Knights as they enter purposefully.] KING ARTHURElyan? SIR ELYANSire. [Elyan looks at the other knights.] KING ARTHURWell? SIR ELYANWe just want you to know there isn't a man among us who would not die for you. We made our pledge, and we wear the Pendragon crest with pride. Tomorrow, we fight in your name, sire. For freedom and justice in this land. [Arthur is touched.] KING ARTHURThank you, Elyan. Thank you all. [They all nod and exit. Arthur seems disturbed.] MERLINThey mean it, sire. Every word. KING ARTHURI've never once questioned their loyalty. I do wonder if I deserve it. MERLINNo one could care more for their men that you do. To send them into battle is not a decision that you would make lightly, and they know that. KING ARTHURBut was it the right decision? MERLINIf there was any other way out of this situation, you would take it. But you must defend Camelot. You have no choice. KING ARTHURI had a choice...to let Caerleon live or die. I made the wrong decision. And now I've brought this war upon Camelot myself. MERLINArthur...no one is prepared to sacrifice more for the sake of this kingdom than you. Your decision was made in the best interests of Camelot. KING ARTHURMaybe. Now my men must pay for it with their lives. --[23:16, EXT. CAMELOT CAMP - NIGHT][Arthur exits his tent, dressed in a shabby brown cloak, and walks past his sleeping men. Merlin wakes and sees him heading off somewhere. Merlin gets up to follow. He trips over someone's foot and stumbles into a tent. Arthur hears the noise and turns around. Merlin peeks out of the tent, waits for Arthur to continue, then follows. Arthur walks down to the sentry's stationed at the enemy camp.] SENTRYHalt! [Arthur opens his cloak. Merlin watches from above.] KING ARTHURI'm unarmed. [Arthur pulls off the cloak and drops it on the ground.] KING ARTHURYou know who I am. Take me to your queen. [Merlin watches Arthur allows himself to be taken into the enemy camp. He follows.] --[24:36, INT. ENEMY CAMP, QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - NIGHT][The sentries bring Arthur into the tent.] QUEEN ANNISWhat is the meaning of this? KING ARTHURYour Highness, I'm here to-- [Annis slaps him.] KING ARTHURYour Highness, I know that you feel nothing but contempt for me. You feel I've done you a grievous wrong, and you would be right. [Merlin peeks through the tent seam.] KING ARTHURI'm ashamed of what I did. It was cowardly, it was unjust, and I am deeply sorry. QUEEN ANNISSorry does not bring back my husband. Sorry does not give my people back their king. KING ARTHURI realise that. I know there's nothing I can do to repair that loss. QUEEN ANNISThen what are you doing here, Arthur Pendragon? KING ARTHURI want to call off the battle. QUEEN ANNISIt's a little too late for that. KING ARTHURI don't propose a truce, but an alternative. I invoke the right of single combat. Two champions to settle this matter between them. QUEEN ANNISAnd why should I grant you this favour? KING ARTHURThere's been bloodshed enough already, Your Highness. Many hundreds of lives will be saved this way. [Annis nods for her men to release Arthur's arms.] QUEEN ANNISAnd your terms? KING ARTHURIf my man wins, you must withdraw your army. QUEEN ANNISAnd if mine is the victor? KING ARTHURThen half of all Camelot is yours. [A guard brings Merlin into the tent and shoves him to his knees. Arthur is dumbfounded.] MERLINSorry about this. QUEEN ANNISYou know him? KING ARTHURHe's my servant, he must've followed me here. I--I knew nothing about it. QUEEN ANNISKill him. KING ARTHURWait. Please. Let him go. He's just...a simpleminded fool. QUEEN ANNISThat is two favours you've asked of me this night, Arthur Pendragon. [Queen Annis turns and sits on her throne, considering Merlin. Tension as Arthur waits for her decision.] QUEEN ANNISVery well. You shall have your trial by combat. [Arthur is relieved.] QUEEN ANNISAnnounce your champion by noon tomorrow. [Arthur bows.] KING ARTHURThank you, Your Highness. QUEEN ANNISAnd take your fool with you. [Arthur nods.] --[26:45, EXT. CAMELOT CAMP - NIGHT][Arthur and Merlin return to camp. Arthur is not happy.] MERLINSimpleminded fool? KING ARTHUROh, I was being kind, believe me. You almost got me killed in there. MERLINMe? You seem to be doing a pretty good job of that yourself. KING ARTHURWhat is wrong with you? Why can you never just let me be? MERLINI'm your friend! I was looking out for you. KING ARTHURI appreciate that, in your very confused way, you're only trying to help. But, please, don't do it again. --[27:13, INT. CAMELOT CAMP, ARTHUR'S TENT - DAY] SIR LEONBut, sire, we can win this battle. I know we can. KING ARTHURI don't doubt it. But at what cost? How many men will be slaughtered? SIR ELYANAnd what if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land. KING ARTHURThat's the deal I've struck. I believe it to be fair, and I'll stand by it. AGRAVAINEWell, then. All that remains, my lord, is for you to choose your champion. [The Round Table Knights all step forward.] SIR PERCIVALIt would be a privilege, sire. [Elyan steps up to take the challenge, too.] SIR ELYANSire. KING ARTHURThere can only be one choice. One choice which is just and honourable. This fight's mine. [The knights are not pleased by this, but they can't object to their king. Agravaine is very pleased.] --[27:52, INT. ENEMY CAMP, QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY] QUEEN ANNISI don't like it. It must be a trick. MORGANAWhat concerns you, Your Highness? QUEEN ANNISArthur. Why would he choose himself as the champion? MORGANABecause he's Arthur. He'll always risk his own life before those of his men. Trust me, it's no trick. Arthur will fight. QUEEN ANNISIt's as if you were pleased, Morgana. Whatever else he is, Arthur is a great warrior. You have as much to lose as I if he wins. You desire the throne of Camelot, do you not? MORGANA (enraged)I don't deny it. It's rightfully mine, after all. [Annis considers Morgana's emotional response. Morgana calms herself.] MORGANAArthur will not win. QUEEN ANNISHow can you possibly know that? MORGANABecause I have the power to ensure that he doesn't. QUEEN ANNISThen you must use it. [Morgana smiles and nods.] --[28:50, INT. CAMELOT CAMP, ARTHUR'S TENT - NIGHT][Agravaine takes Arthur's sword while he sleeps.] --[29:05, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT][Agravaine sneaks through the woods with the sword. He checks for any pursuers, then turns and is surprised to find Morgana standing there.] AGRAVAINEMorgana. MORGANADid you get it? AGRAVAINEOf course. [Morgana draws the sword. She kneels down in the middle of three small fires and enchants the sword.] MORGANAEfencume ætgædre, eala gastas cræft ige. Hige hefe. Hefe mæst sara. Fornéðe þas, ende hie æra. [Morgana's eyes glow. She raised the sword by the hilt and the blade bursts into flame.] MORGANAEfencume þonne swæs bora! [Agravaine stands in awe. The flames disappear and Morgana lowers the sword. Agravaine regards her. She smiles.] MORGANAArthur's as good as dead. --[30:20, INT. CAMELOT CAMP, ARTHUR'S TENT - DAWN][Merlin helps Arthur with his armour.] KING ARTHURNot too tight, Merlin, you don't want to kill me before I've even started. MERLIN (chuckle)Sorry. [Arthur takes off his left glove and pulls off his ring. He turns to Merlin.] KING ARTHURIf this day should prove to be my last, give this to Guinevere. [Arthur hands Merlin the ring. Merlin up sharply.] KING ARTHURTell her I'm sorry. MERLIN (nods)Of course. [Arthur puts his glove back on.] MERLINArthur, do you really think this is worth the risk? You're king now. Camelot needs you. Alive. KING ARTHURI don't know what will happen. But for the first time since I became king, I know in my heart I've made the right decision. [Arthur smiles.] MERLINWell, whatever happens out there...erm... KING ARTHURYou're not about to start crying on me, are you? MERLINNo. Just, er, good luck. [They smile.] KING ARTHURThank you, old friend. [They shake hands. Agravaine enters.] AGRAVAINEIt is time, my lord. KING ARTHURVery well. [Arthur doesn't move.] AGRAVAINEIs all in readiness. KING ARTHURMerlin? [Arthur stands for Merlin's inspection.] MERLINReady. [Arthur nods and draws the now-cursed sword. Agravaine smiles as Arthur inspects it.] KING ARTHURRight, then. [Arthur and Agravaine exit.] --[32:09, INT. ENEMY CAMP, QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY][The camera pans up the full length of a mean looking giant.] QUEEN ANNISYou have served my husband well, Derían. I know you'll do the same for me. MORGANAAnd Derían, no pity, no quarter. Do not hesitate for one second. Arthur Pendragon must die. [Derían grins menacingly.] --[32:39, EXT. CAMELOT, RIDGE - DAY][The armies of Camelot and Caerleon face each other. Derían and Arthur walk to the centre of the gap. Arthur looks up at the giant. Derían bears his teeth. Arthur looks back questionably. Morgana watches from Caerleon's lines. Agravaine grins in Camelot's front line. The fight begins. Derían eventually knocks Arthur to his knees. Arthur rolls out from the blow and slices Derían's cheek. Derían checks for blood and howls, enraged.] MORGANAThis has gone on long enough. [Annis turns her head to listen.] MORGANATime to turn the tide. I've enchanted Arthur's sword. It holds the weight of a thousand ages. No one could bear it for long. [Morgana's eyes glow. Arthur's sword drops like lead behind him. He looks at it, unable to lift it. Derían swings and misses on the down sweep. Arthur punches Derían's face and gets caught on the upsweep of Derían's sword. He cries out in pain. He tries to lift his sword again. Derían begins to strike, but Merlin's eyes glow and Derían freezes mid-swing. Arthur leaves his sword and rams his shoulder into Derían, knocking him over and falling. Morgana is confused. Derían gets up first and kicks Arthur over. Derían picks up his sword and Merlin panics. Morgana and Agravaine smirk. Annis waits. Arthur lies almost helpless and Derían raises his sword over his head.] MERLIN*spell* [The sword drops out of Derían's hands into the ground behind him and he freezes. Arthur rolls up behind Derían, grabs the sword and slices across Derían's back. The giant falls to his knees and Arthur kicks him down. Arthur is poised to strike. He looks up at his men on the ridge. Merlin looks on tensely. Arthur looks down at his fallen enemy and runs the sword into the ground by Derían's head. Arthur's army bursts out cheering.] SIR PERCIVALLong live the king! [Agravaine is shocked and disappointed as he joins the applause. The Camelot army bursts into.] KNIGHTLong live the king! ARMYLong live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king! [Queen Annis heads toward the champions. Morgana turns with a scowl and disappears into Caerleon's army. Annis approaches Arthur.] QUEEN ANNISYou are victorious, Arthur Pendragon. And you may rest assured that I shall comply absolutely with the terms of our agreement. [Arthur holds himself with dignity.] QUEEN ANNISMy army will be gone by nightfall. KING ARTHURThank you, Your Highness. [Annis holds out her hand and Arthur grasps it.] QUEEN ANNISTell me something. You spared my champion. Why? KING ARTHURBecause it's not victory I seek. It is peace. I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our kingdoms. QUEEN ANNISThere is something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something which gives me hope for us all. [She considers him for a moment, then turns to leave.] --[37:31, INT. CARLEON'S CAMP, QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY][Queen Annis and her men pack up her tent. Morgana enters.] QUEEN ANNISIt seems you do not have the power after all, Morgana. Arthur was made of sterner stuff than you imagined. MORGANAThere will be other opportunities, Your Highness, and next time he won't be so lucky. QUEEN ANNISThere won't be a next time. Not for me, anyway. MORGANAWhat are you talking about? QUEEN ANNISI believe I may have misjudged our young king. MORGANA (scoffs)Don't be taken in by his fine words. QUEEN ANNISIt wasn't Arthur who misled me. It was you. You are consumed by bitterness, Morgana. It spreads within you like a disease. In my grief, I let you infect me with your hate. MORGANAThat is untrue. Have you forgotten how Arthur killed your husband? Do you not deny that you sought revenge? QUEEN ANNISYes, I sought revenge. But that does not mean it was the right thing to do. MORGANA (laughs/scoffs)You are weak, Annis, as I thought you were. Go ahead. Make peace with Arthur. But I will not rest until all of Camelot bows before me. [Morgana turns to leave.] QUEEN ANNISMorgana... [Morgana turns around.] QUEEN ANNISYou came to me in the name of Gorlois, but I fear you're more like Uther than you realise. [Morgana glares at Annis and stalks out of the tent.] --[39:04, EXT. CAMELOT, LOWER TOWN - DAY][Arthur and his knights ride triumphantly into Camelot, bells ringing, streamers hung, flags waving, cheering crowds.] --[39:20, EXT. CAMELOT, MAIN SQUARE - DAY] MERLINYou're a hero. KING ARTHURThank you, Merlin. MERLINNot to me. To your people. KING ARTHURRight. You think different? MERLINMaybe I know something they don't. KING ARTHURWhich is? MERLINYou know, that you're a cabbage head. [Arthur gives his usual puzzled expression, then considers the insult.] KING ARTHURMaybe. I should've listened to you, Merlin. Just this once, I think you were right. Even if you are the worst servant in the five kingdoms. [Arthur dismounts and Merlin chuckles. The courtiers applaud as Arthur climbs the steps into the palace.] --[39:58, INT. KING'S PALACE, ATHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Arthur lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. Someone knocks at the door.] KING ARTHURCome. [Gwen enters with a pitcher. Arthur pauses when he sees it's her.] KING ARTHURGwen. GWEN (nods)Sire. [Arthur grabs a bundle of flowers from under a pillow and climbs out of bed.] KING ARTHURThese... [He hurries out to her and presents her with the tiny purple bouquet, which flops limply.] KING ARTHURAre for you. [She looks at him, looks at the flowers, and takes them ungratefully. Arthur continues cheerfully.] KING ARTHURThey're not much, I know. I...picked them by the side of a road. GWENThank you sire, but...I don't know what they're for. KING ARTHURThey're to say, "I'm sorry Guinevere." GWENYou don't need to apologize. I understand why things have to be the way they are. KING ARTHUR (playfully)Mm. A good king should...respect the traditions of the past, as my father did. GWEN (morosely)I know that. KING ARTHURBut a good king should also... [He takes an amorous step towards her.] KING ARTHURBe true to himself...and do as he sees fit... [He takes another amorous step towards her.] KING ARTHURAnd be seen with those who he cares for. [He gives her a significant look. She looks at him hopefully.] GWENEven if they're not...appropriate? [Arthur grabs her waist and pulls her to him. He kisses her dramatically, then looks down at her, head tilted playfully.] KING ARTHURDoes that answer your question? [Gwen catches his mood and serves it right back.] GWENIt's a start. [The grin at each other, then kiss passionately. Sunlight streams through the windows behind them.] Note: incantations found at Merlin Wiki
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