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| - KILGHARRAHIn 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 -- KING ARTHUR What’s taking so long? MERLIN It’s the Feast of Beltane, the king must look kingly. KING ARTHUR I’m hardly going to look kingly in my undergarments, am I? MERLIN Have a little patience. Think of something pleasant. KING ARTHUR You in the stocks? MERLIN Wait one second... KING ARTHUR One? KING ARTHUR What have you got there? MERLIN Nothing. My hand. MERLIN My other hand. KING ARTHUR Why are you putting another hole in this belt? MERLIN I was, er...enhancing it for comfort and ease of use. KING ARTHUR Are you saying I’m fat? MERLIN No! I’m saying that the... the belt is one hole shy of perfection. KING ARTHUR Ridiculous. KING ARTHUR Come on. MERLIN Don’t be too hard on yourself. A little extra padding goes with the job. What with all the feasts and banquets and ceremonies. KING ARTHUR All right, Merlin, do what you have to do. Not a word of this to anyone, understand? MERLIN Trust me, if there’s one thing I’m good at it’s keeping secrets. -- [01:26, EXT. KING'S PALACE, SIEGE TUNNELS - NIGHT] [Agravaine strikes a match, lights a smoke grenade and launches it at the feet of the sentries guarding the entrance to the siege tunnels. The guards cough and pass out. Agravaine steps past them and signals Morgana's troops with a torch. They signal back.] -- [01:57, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL DINING CHAMBER - NIGHT] [The dining room bustles with conversation as Arthur enters. He passes Gaius as he heads to the head of the table.] KING ARTHURHave you seen Agravaine? GAIUSEr, no, sire. Not since this morning. KING ARTHURStrange. He should be here by now. [Arthur takes his place at the head of the table and Merlin arrives with a heaping plate of food.] KING ARTHURAh! My favourite. Herb crusted caper. MERLINEasy now, we don’t want any more holes in that belt. [Percival chokes on his wine as he sniggers.] KING ARTHUR (forced)Ha-ha. MERLIN (to Gaius)Wine? [Gaius nods and Merlin pours him a glass.] KING ARTHURMerlin. [Arthur nods for him to lean in. Merlin steps closer and Arthur grabs the front of his shirt.] KING ARTHURIt’s a good job you don’t have anything of any actual importance to keep a secret, isn’t it? --[02:31, INT. KING'S PALACE, SIEGE TUNNELS - NIGHT][Agravaine exits the tunnels and looks for Morgana's army, worried that she's not there yet. His expression relaxes and he smiles when he sees the Southrons approaching. He leads them through the tunnels.] --[02:56, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL DINING CHAMBER - NIGHT][Arthur watches Sir Percival chatting up a lovely lady. He turns away, depressed.] MERLINYou all right? KING ARTHURNo one likes to be called fat, Merlin. MERLINSorry. [Arthur looks around, continuing to mope.] MERLINIt's Gwen, isn't it? KING ARTHURI look for her in the room; she’s not there… then I remember why. --[03:33, EXT. KING'S PALACE, CITY GATE - NIGHT][Southrons snap the necks of the sentries at the gate, then cover the lower town with lighter fluid. Agravaine drops a torch on it and the whole lower town goes up in flames. He smirks. Morgana watches from the hills, Helios at her side and the Southron army behind her.] MORGANAIt's time. --[04:38, EXT. CAMELOT, LOWER TOWN - NIGHT][The townsfolk flee as knights attempt to put out the fires. Elyan shouts an order.] SIR ELYAN[...] We need more water. Now! SIR LEONForget about the water. SIR ELYANBut if we can't-- [Leon grabs Elyan's arm and directs his attention to the arch where the Southron army is advancing.] SIR ELYANHow did they breach the gate? SIR LEONWe can't worry about that now. Quickly, sound the alarm! [The knights draw their swords.] --[05:03, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL DINING CHAMBER - NIGHT][Arthur stands in confusion as the warning bells sound and Gwaine enters.] SIR GWAINESire! We're under attack! They're within the city walls! [Arthur takes off his cloak.] KING ARTHURMerlin, get everyone to the inner chamber. MERLINYes, sire. Everyone follow me! [Arthur jumps over the table and grabs a sword.] KING ARTHURGwaine, secure the armoury! Percival, with me! --[05:15, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT][Elyan runs into Agravaine marching down the corridors with the Southrons.] SIR ELYANThis is your doing. AGRAVAINEOh, stand aside. There's nothing you can do about it now. [Elyan draws his sword.] SIR ELYANI can kill you for the traitor that you are. [Agravaine draws his sword.] AGRAVAINEBrave words, Elyan. And they shall be your last. [Elyan is thrown backwards and falls to the floor unconscious. The Southrons step aside revealing Morgana behind them with a hand raised.] MORGANAWe don't have time to play soldiers, Agravaine. [Morgana marches past them and they follow.] --[Arthur leads the defensive through the corridors. Southrons pour into the main square.] --[05:57, INT. KING'S PALACE, INNER CHAMBER - NIGHT][Merlin and Gaius help the wounded.] MERLINThe lower town is lost. It's only a matter of time before they reach the citadel. GAIUSBut how did this happen? How did they get in without being detected? MERLINWe knew Agravaine was planning something. GAIUSIt seems your worst fears have been realised, Merlin. [Merlin takes off.] GAIUSMerlin! MERLINI've got to find Arthur! --[06:18, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS - NIGHT][Arthur slices through Southrons on his way down the corridor. Merlin runs to find him.] --[06:39, EXT. CAMELOT, LOWER TOWN - NIGHT][Helios kills his way through the lower town.] SIR LEONWe can't hold them for much longer! Lead the people to the woods! Retreat! Retreat! --[06:54, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT][Arthur and his knights fights Southrons. Arthur kills the two attacking him, but a third takes down one of his knights and turns on Arthur, striking him in the ribs. Merlin arrives. Arthur elbows the attacker in the face and clutches his side as he runs down the corridor. Merlin intercepts him and pulls him around the corner. Arthur yells in pain.] KING ARTHURBeen hiding in the broom cupboard as usual, Merlin? MERLINWe need to get out of here! [Merlin shoves Arthur down another corridor, then turns back to the Phoenix corridor as the Southrons run toward them.] MERLIN*spell* [Merlin's eyes glow and the torch fires spring across the width of the corridor, blocking the Southrons as they cower back.] --[07:21, EXT. KING'S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR - NIGHT][Merlin and Arthur run down the corridor, Arthur still clutching his side.] MERLINAre you all right? KING ARTHURI'm fine. [They stop against a column and Arthur grunts in pain.] KING ARTHURMaybe a broken rib or two. [Arthur peeks around the corner and sees Helios and Morgana leading the Southron army. His expression changes to shock when he sees Agravaine with them. He rests back against the column.] KING ARTHURAgravaine. [Arthur's anger rises and Merlin grabs him to stop him from launching out to face the entire Southron army alone.] MERLIN (whisper)No! It's no good! Arthur! There are too many of them. We can deal with your uncle later. All right? [Arthur calms a little and Merlin lead him away.] MERLIN (whisper)Go. --[08:16, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Knights, guards, and townsfolk flee the city.] SIR LEONQuickly, this way! Go on! Quickly! Go on! [Leon looks back at the burning city.] --[08:27, INT. KING'S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - NIGHT][Helios approaches Morgana who lounges on the throne alone.] HELIOSThe city has fallen. Camelot is ours. MORGANA (unimpressed)And? [Helios gives her a look. She rises from the throne.] MORGANATaking Camelot was the easy part, Helios. I want Arthur. Where is he? HELIOSHe's right here, my lady. In the palace. He's nowhere left to run. [Morgana smiles. Helios smiles and laughs as Morgana stalks past him.] --[09:05, INT. KING'S PALACE, INNER CHAMBER - NIGHT][Gaius tends to Arthur.] GAIUSI can bind the ribcage, but even that would run the risk of puncturing a lung. KING ARTHURDo whatever it takes, Gaius, just so long as I can swing a sword. [Gwaine and Percival bar the doors.] GAIUSHow do we stand? SIR PERCIVALThe citadel is overrun. We can't hold out much longer. GAIUSHow long before they reach us? SIR PERCIVALMinutes at best. MERLINWe can't wait for Arthur. If they find him, they'll kill him. SIR PERCIVALWe must get him to safety while we still can. SIR GWAINEArthur would never abandon his people. He'd rather die. MERLINBarricade the doors. Give us as much time as you can. [Merlin and Gaius step aside.] MERLINWe need to get Arthur out of here whether he likes it or not. Give him some kind of potion, something to knock him out? GAIUSI don't have anything strong enough. In my chambers, perhaps, but the Southrons control the palace. MERLINThere must be something. GAIUSI'm sorry, Merlin. Maybe there's something you can do. Arthur won't go willingly. What if he was to lose his will? MERLINAre you suggesting magic? GAIUSYou'll do it? MERLINI can try. [Merlin steps behind Arthur and Gaius steps in front of him as Arthur leans back against the table.] GAIUSI'm sorry, sire, this is going to hurt. KING ARTHURJust get on with it! [Gaius presses his hands into Arthur's wound and Arthur howls in pain.] MERLIN*spell* [Merlin's eyes glow and Arthur stirs weirdly. Gwaine and Percival rush up.] MERLINWe need to leave now, sire! [Merlin looks at Gaius, waiting.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONOf course. [Arthur stands up, slightly unsteady and the others look at each other. Merlin gives Gaius a shrug and Gwaine and Percival brush off their surprise.] SIR PERCIVALThen let's go. [Percival slings Arthur's arm around his neck and helps him out.] SIR PERCIVALWe'll use the postern gate. [Merlin gathers Arthur's things. Gwaine stops as the walk out and offers his hand to Percival.] SIR GWAINEI'll keep them off your back as long as I can. [Percival looks surprised for a moment, then grasps Gwaine's outstretched arm and exits with Arthur. Gaius just stands there.] MERLINGather your things, Gaius. GAIUSYou go, Merlin. I'll just slow you down. MERLINGaius, no. GAIUSYou must know it's for the best. MERLINNo, if you stay here-- SIR GWAINENo time to argue. I'm sorry. [Gwaine shoves Merlin toward the exit.]GAIUSLook after our king, Merlin. [Merlin hesitates, then runs off. Gwaine and Gaius face the door. The Southrons burst in, Morgana in their midst. Gwaine allows his sword to be taken.] GAIUSIt seems your victory is short-lived, Morgana. [Morgana scowls and turns to the door.] MORGANAPrepare the horses! We're going on a hunt. --[11:38, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Percival support Arthur through the woods, Merlin at their side. They slow to a stop.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONThank you, Percival. MERLINCan you walk on your own? ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONOh, yes. Just point me in the right direction. [Footsteps approach.] SIR PERCIVALShh! [Percival grabs someone.] SIR PERCIVALElyan. SIR ELYAN...on my account. [They smile.] SIR PERCIVALIs the way out of Camelot clear? SIR ELYANAs far as I can tell. [They head off, while simpleton!Arthur lingers to watch Camelot burn. Merlin waits for him.] MERLINCome on, Arthur. [Merlin nods for Arthur to follow and he walks on slowly.] --[12:15, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT] SIR PERCIVALThey'll come after us. They know Arthur's still alive. SIR ELYANThen we have to make it across the border, find sanctuary anywhere we can. MERLINI know a place. Ealdor. It's beyond the White Mountain. Wait! [They stop and Merlin turns back to listen. He hears hoof beats.] MERLINListen. SIR PERCIVALRun! [They run as Morgana, Agravaine, and the Southrons ride straight for them.] MORGANA*spell* [Morgana's eyes glow and they're all thrown forward. Merlin and Elyan help Arthur to his feet and they keep running. Southrons pursue on foot.] MERLINWhere's Percival? SIR ELYANWe have to go! [They reach a rock trench and Elyan stops.] SIR ELYANGo! [Arthur runs on. Elyan hands Merlin a sword.] MERLINWhat about you? SIR ELYANDon't worry about me. Go! [Merlin runs off. Elyan steps into the trench opening and fights off the Southrons as they come one at a time.] --[13:30, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Merlin stops running and holds up a hand and simpleton!Arthur runs into him.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONSorry! My fault. [Merlin is surprised by this new development.] MERLINWell, I think we're safe for now. But we need to find you some kind of disguise. You're too conspicuous in those clothes. [Arthur looks down at his armour and red cape.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONWell, whatever you say. I'm entirely in your hands. [Merlin stares at simpleton!Arthur for a moment and they continue on.] --[14:02, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT][Morgana is curled up on the throne, smiling up at Helios as Agravaine enters.] AGRAVAINEAll quarters of Camelot are now under our control. Some knights have fled to the woods, but those that did not escape are either in our dungeons or dead. MORGANAVery good. [Agravaine smiles at Morgana, but it fades when he catches Helios's eye.] MORGANANow [...] the people of Camelot welcome me as their queen? AGRAVAINEThey will swear allegiance to no one but Arthur. MORGANAI expected no less. Burn their crops. [Agravaine is clearly shocked.] MORGANALet’s see how they feel when their children begin to starve. HELIOSAnd what of Arthur? [Morgana nods and a couple of Southrons shove Elyan into the chamber. Helios nods and they shove him to his knees in front of Morgana.] MORGANAWe'll find Arthur soon enough. --[15:00, EXT. WOODS, HUT - DAY][Merlin and Arthur find a hut with laundry hanging on the clothesline outside. Arthur hunches down over Merlin's shoulder.] MERLINPerfect. [Arthur nods like an imbecile behind him as Merlin tries to get up with Arthur squeezed in next to him. Merlin sits against a wall as Arthur changes.] MERLINIn your own time. Obviously. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONAgh. Sorry, Merlin. Some of these things are a little on the tight side. MERLINBeggars can't be choosers, sire. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONNo, you're right. Probably should learn to think before I speak, shouldn't I? [Merlin smiles.] MERLINIt'd be a start. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONAgh. All done. [Arthur steps out from behind the wall for inspection. The trousers reach just below the knee, the sleeves barely reach past his elbows, and the shirt shows a large section of midriff. Merlin closes his eyes and laughs.] MERLINWell, Arthur, what can I say? You look like a total turnip head. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONWell, should I try something else? There's--there's plenty more here. MERLINNo. No. That-- that will do absolutely fine. Although, maybe I'll take that. [Merlin takes the money pouch on Arthur's belt.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONMy gooold. MERLINProbably safer with me. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONOf course. [Merlin smiles a bit, then gives simpleton!Arthur a strange look.] --[16:09, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL TORTURE CHAMBER - DAY][Morgana holds out a small black snake.] MORGANADo you know what this is? No? It's a Nathair in the mountains of Asgaard. Harmless enough most of the time, but with a little persuasion, it can cause a man pain beyond all imagining. So you have a choice. Tell me where Arthur is... [Elyan smirks.] MORGANAOr sample the delights of my little friend here. SIR ELYANI'll tell you nothing. MORGANAI was hoping you'd say that. [Morgana holds up the snake.] MORGANA*spell* [Morgana grabs Elyan. Helios and Agravaine watch as Morgana applies the snake and Elyan screams in agony. Later, Helios eats some chicken while he and Agravaine wait outside the torture chamber, listening to Elyan's screams. Agravaine is clearly disturbed.] AGRAVAINEGood God, will it never end? HELIOSWhat's wrong? Don't have the stomach for it? [Helios smirks at Agravaine. Morgana exits the torture chamber.] MORGANAArthur travels to Ealdor. You will leave without delay. And Agravaine, fail me again and you'll be taking Elyan's place. [Agravaine shoots Helios a look. Helios smirks and walks off at Morgana's side.] --[17:34, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - DAY][Elyan is dragged to the same cell as Gaius and Gwaine. Gwaine catches Elyan as the Southrons drop him and lock the door.] SIR GWAINEWhat have they done to him? GAIUSThis is the work of the Nathair serpent. He's been tortured to the limit of human endurance. SIR GWAINECan you help him? GAIUSI'll do what I can. --[18:05, INT. KING'S PALACE, KING ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY][Morgana reads Arthur's documents. Agravaine enters.] MORGANAI thought I told you to leave at once. AGRAVAINEMy men are all ready to depart. MORGANAThen what are you waiting for? AGRAVAINEI... [Morgana looks at him with a confused scowl.] AGRAVAINEI just wanted to say goodbye. MORGANAConsider it done. AGRAVAINEAnd to ask you to take care. MORGANAWhy? I have nothing to fear. AGRAVAINEDespite all that you have achieved, Morgana, you must remain cautious. There's danger at every turn. You can trust no one. Not even Helios. [Morgana smiles and leans back.] MORGANANo one except you, is that it? AGRAVAINEI am your one true ally, my lady. I am your one true friend. I would do anything for you, you know that. MORGANAI am grateful for your loyalty, Agravaine. That is why I've entrusted this mission to you. AGRAVAINEI understand. Of course I do. I only wish it did not take me from your side where I can best protect you. MORGANAFind Arthur and you need never leave my side again. [Agravaine bows.] AGRAVAINEMy lady. [Agravaine exits and Morgana sits back and considers their conversation. Agravaine leads the Southrons out of Camelot.] --[19:50, EXT. WOODS - DAY][Merlin senses something.] MERLINStop. [Merlin listens, then turns to simpleton!Arthur and speaks slowly.] MERLINWait here. [Simpleton Arthur nods and Merlin heads off. Arthur heads off in the other direction. Merlin catches sight of set of travellers breaking camp. Someone puts a sword at his back. It's a blonde woman.] ISOLDEHello. [She smiles. Isolde brings Merlin and Arthur to Tristan, who's sharpening a knife.] ISOLDEI found them lurking in the woods. TRISTANSee anything interesting? MERLINNo. [Merlin and Arthur duck as Tristan throws the knife into the tree behind Merlin's head.] TRISTANYou want to watch where you stick your beak, boy. MERLINI didn't see anything, I promise. We were just passing through. ISOLDEThey've no horses, no supplies, nothing. TRISTANLike to travel light, do you? MERLINSomething like that. TRISTANSo where're you headed? MERLINNorth over the border. TRISTANLot's kingdom. He doesn't take kindly to strangers, I can tell you. Likes to decorate his fortress with their heads. MERLINSo why are you heading there? TRISTANI have my reasons. MERLINRight. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONI agree with him. TRISTANWhat's wrong with your friend? MERLINHe's a simpleton, he can't help it. TRISTANLook after him, do you? MERLINWithout me, he wouldn't last a day. [Simpleton Arthur nods. Tristan narrows his eyes at them suspiciously, then looks back at his wagon.] TRISTANVery well, I suppose you can be on your way. [Tristan retrieves his knife from the tree.] MERLINCould we not come with you? I mean, I--I would be grateful for the company, to be honest. [Arthur steps forward.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONI'm very annoying. TRISTAN (scoffs)I'm sorry. MERLINPlease? TRISTANDon't push it, boy. You're lucky I let you go with your lives. MERLINI could pay you. [That catches their attention.] MERLINWith gold. TRISTANWell, why didn't you say so before? [Arthur smiles like an idiot. Merlin looks at him and simpleton!Arthur goes serious.] --[21:56, EXT. WOODS, HUT - DAY][Agravaine finds Arthur's discarded clothes.] AGRAVAINEWhat kind of coward would deny who he is? Men, this way! Can't have got far! --[22:14, EXT. WOODS - DAY][Merlin and Arthur travel with Tristan and Isolde.] TRISTANWe make camp here! [Isolde smiles as Tristan helps her down from the wagon and he holds her in his arms.] ISOLDEWhy, thank you. TRISTANMy pleasure. [Arthur sticks a leg out of the wagon and Merlin shoves it back in. Later, Merlin helps them make camp. He opens a box and Isolde steps around the corner of the wagon.] ISOLDEThat doesn't concern you. MERLINI'm sorry. It's just, I recognize that smell. That is frankincense isn't it? TRISTANWhat if it is? MERLINMust be worth a fortune. TRISTANIt must be. [They give each other a long look.] MERLINYou're smugglers. ISOLDEWe prefer to think of it as free trade. [Tristan chuckles.] MERLINIt's forbidden. By edict of the king, if you're caught, you could be killed. TRISTANCaught? Tristan and Isolde? I don't think so. We're too quick and too smart for the halfwit king in Camelot. [Tristan walks past Simpleto Arthur who is hugging a tree, tapping it with his knuckles with an ear pressed against the trunk.] MERLINYou don't say. [Merlin goes to collect Arthur.] --[23:49, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Merlin and Arthur sit by their own campfire.] MERLINMore soup? ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONYes, please. [Merlin ladles some soup for Arthur.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONThank you. [Arthur lifts the bowl to his lips.] MERLINA please and a thank you all the same time? That's amazing. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONIs it? MERLIN (nods)Mm. Well, let's just say manners are not your strong point. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONReally? [Merlin nods.] ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONIn what way? MERLINRude. Thoughtless. Insensitive. And that's when you're in a good mood. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONSorry to hear that. MERLINI don't think you realise how hard I work for you. I know you're the king, but it would be nice if you could do one small think for yourself as a, erm...gesture. Mark of respect. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONSorry to have been a disappointment, Merlin. I'll try harder in future. MERLINOh, I look forward to that. On the other hand, why wait? [Merlin drops his soup bowl on top of the one Arthur is holding.] MERLINThat pot will need rinsing out as well. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONOf course. MERLINAnd when you're done with that, the horses need a rubdown, too. ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONMy pleasure. [Merlin watches simpleton!Arthur as he gets up and takes the stewpot.] MERLINOver there. [Merlin points. Arthur walks over the bushes and falls over, crashing down with a clatter. Merlin smiles and lies down.] MERLINYou all right? ARTHUR THE SIMPLETONYeah. [Arthur gets up and continues on.] --[25:30, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Agravaine rides through the woods, the Southrons bearing torches behind him on foot.] --[25:53, EXT. WOODS, CAMP - MORNING][Arthur walks through the camp while everyone's asleep. He walks up to Merlin and gives him a few small kicks to wake him.] ARTHUR (low)You better have a damn good explanation for this, Merlin. [Merlin stares at him.] ARTHURFine. Then I'll just carry on kicking you. [Arthur kicks Merlin some more and Merlin scrambles to his feet.] MERLINArthur. [Merlin looks into Arthur's face.] MERLINYou're back. ARTHURWhat do you mean "I'm back"? You're talking gibberish. MERLINListen to me, please. Camelot is lost. You were injured in an attack, you passed out. I had to get you out of there. [Arthur is stunned as he remembers.] ARTHURWhere are we now? MERLINWe're heading north to a safe haven, to Ealdor. Hopefully the knights will meet us there. [Arthur looks around the camp.] ARTHURWho are these people? MERLINThey're, er...smugglers. ARTHURSmugglers?! MERLINShhh! ARTHURAll right, let's assume, for one moment, you know what you're doing. It doesn't explain why I look like a village idiot. MERLINIt's the perfect disguise. No one would ever suspect you of being, you know...who you are. ARTHURI'm sorry, Merlin. I am not going around looking like this. MERLINYou have to. You got to keep in character. ARTHURCharacter? What character? TRISTANYou. [Merlin turns around.] TRISTANWe leave as soon as the horses are watered. Explain it to the simpleton, would you? [Arthur looks at Merlin and Merlin smiles sheepishly. Merlin carries the sword as he and Arthur walk toward the wagon. Arthur takes the sword back and Tristan and Isolde look up.] TRISTANSimpleton. MERLINHe's talking to you. ARTHURI don't answer to that name. MERLINIn character, remember? [Tristan looks down at the sword.] TRISTANImpressive piece. ARTHUR (pirate)Thank you, sir. TRISTANMay I? [Arthur lets Tristan take the sword. He examines the blade.] TRISTAN (scoffs)Magnificent. The only place you find workmanship of this quality is the royal forge of Camelot. [Tristan puts the sword to Arthur's throat.] TRISTANTell me, how did you come by it? MERLINI won it in a card game. Gave it to him as a present. Won't be parted from it. Makes him feel safe. [Tristan narrows his eyes suspiciously. Arthur nods stupidly and Tristan hands the sword back to him.] TRISTANI hope for your sake that's true. [Arthur takes the sword like he doesn't know how to hold it.] TRISTANI'd hate to think that I was riding with a knight of Camelot. [Arthur hugs the sword to his chest.] ARTHUR (pirate)Aye. [Isolde giggles.] ISOLDEKnight of Camelot? Look at him. [Merlin chuckles. Arthur pretends not to know how to put the sword in his belt.] TRISTANYou're right. Their knights may be stupid, but they're not that stupid. [Arthur puts on a big smiles and chuckles with the rest of them as Merlin tussles his hair.] MERLINPack your things, simpleton! [Arthur grabs Merlin's arm.] ARTHUR (smiling)Call me that again and I'll run you through. MERLINDon't worry, sire, I'm sure you won't have to keep it up for too much longer. ARTHURHow long?! [The man walking past them gets shot with an arrow. They turn and see Southrons charging the camp. Arthur grabs Merlin to duck out of the way. An arrow lands in the tree next to Arthur's head and they run to take cover behind the wagon with Tristan and Isolde. Arthur takes charge.] ARTHURHead for those trees, we'll cover you. [Tristan and Isolde exchange a confused look.] ARTHURDo you want to live or not? [Tristan steps forward to question Arthur, but Isolde grabs his arm and they run off.] [Arthur and Merlin fire crossbows at the Southrons through the wagon. Merlin tosses Arthur another bolt and reloads his own crossbow.] MERLINNow what? ARTHURNow it's our turn. MERLINWho's going to cover us? ARTHURDon't be a simpleton, Merlin. [They take aim and hit another two Southrons, but more keep coming. Arthur grabs the sword from the wagon and they run off. They take cover behind a fallen tree with Tristan and Isolde. Agravaine directs the Southrons by the wagon.] ISOLDEThey haven't found the cargo. TRISTANThey will. Besides, they weren't after the cargo. They were after you. Who the hell are you? ARTHURMy name is Arthur Pendragon. TRISTANThe king of Camelot! ARTHURAt least I was. TRISTANI've lost everything I've worked for for some good for nothing king! ARTHURThat's quite something coming from a smuggler. TRISTANWell, I wouldn't have to be a smuggler if it wasn't for your damn taxes, would I?! ARTHURThose taxes help protect the people of this land. TRISTANMy people are dead. You call that protection? MERLINExcuse me, sorry to interrupt, but... [Merlin directs their attention to the Southrons charging them from behind. Arthur and Tristan charge the Southrons and fight side by side. Isolde fights more Southrons. One elbows her in the head and slashes her sword arm, kicking her to the ground. The Southron poises for the final blow, but crumples as Arthur stabs him in the back. Tristan runs to Isolde and holds her. Arthur and Merlin watch empathetically.] TRISTAN (whisper)Isolde. We had a deal. Partners for life, remember? ISOLDEWhen have I not kept my promises? [Tristan kisses her forehead.] ARTHURWe need to keep moving. There'll be more coming soon. TRISTANThen go. There's nothing stopping you. [Arthur rolls his eyes.] MERLINCome with us to Ealdor. You'll be safe there. TRISTANI'm choosy about the company I keep. ISOLDEHe saved my life, Tristan. Thank you. TRISTANNone of this would've happened if it wasn't for them. [Isolde sighs at his stubbornness.] ARTHURShe's injured. She needs shelter and rest. [Tristan sighs, looks at Arthur, then back at Isolde. Isolde nods.] TRISTANVery well. But know this, Arthur Pendragon, I do this for her. You and your kind bring nothing but misery to this land. --[31:30, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - DAY][Morgana arrives outside Elyan, Gwaine, and Gaius's cell with a few Southrons.] GAIUSHave you come to gloat, my lady? MORGANAIs that any way to treat an old friend? I'll forgive you. After all, you're not looking your best. SIR GWAINECan't you see he's starving? We all are. MORGANAOf course you are. You killed so many of my men. I'll have the kitchen prepare you a feast. [Gwaine steps forward, but Elyan grabs his arm and shakes his head. Gwaine steps up to the gate more slowly, chains dragging as he walks. Morgana raises an eyebrow.] SIR GWAINEI think not of myself, but of Gaius. He can't survive long without food. [Morgana smiles and steps close to the bars.] MORGANAAw, Gwaine, so handsome, so selfless. Of course you shall have some supper...as long as you're prepared to sing for it. [Morgana smirks and steps away as the guards open the door and drag him out.] --[32:51, EXT. WOODS, BORDER STREAM - DAY] ARTHURThis marks the border between Camelot and Lot's kingdom. MERLINEaldor lies at the far side of that valley. Maybe half a day on foot. ARTHURWe'll rest here for the night. There's no way Agravaine could've tracked us through those mountains. MERLINI'll make a fire, we must keep Isolde warm. [Tristan lets Isolde go as Merlin puts her arm around his neck and helps her to a campsite. Arthur holds out a water flask to Tristan.] ARTHURHere, you should drink up. [Tristan walks on.] TRISTANI'll get my own. --[33:18, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT][Southrons shove Gwaine into the middle of a fight circle where Morgana stands. She smiles at their rowdy enjoyment.] MORGANABehold! A knight of Camelot, famed as the greatest knights in five kingdoms. [Morgana grabs Gwaine's face.] MORGANALet's see if that fame's deserved, shall we? [Gwaine scoffs with a smile and glares at her as she walks to sit her throne. A Southron brings out a couple of weapons.] --[33:57, EXT. WOODS, CAMPFIRE - NIGHT][Tristan and Isolde sleep in each other's arms, propped up against a tree trunk. Merlin and Arthur sit by the fire.] ARTHURYou knew. You knew Agravaine was betraying me. MERLINI couldn't be sure. But then, I did have my suspicions. ARTHURI feel like such a fool. I put such trust in him. All this time I was blind to his treachery as I was to Morgana's. MERLINYou were deceived, Arthur. That could happen to anyone. ARTHURYet it keeps happening to me. I cared about these people. I...don't understand. What have I don't wrong? Why do they hate me? MERLINNo, they don't hate you. They just...crave your power for themselves. ARTHURPerhaps. Would they still want that power if I was the king my people deserve? Maybe Tristan's right-- MERLINTristan was angry and... [Merlin looks over at them sleeping.] MERLIN...afraid. He needed to blame someone, but it's not you that's to blame. [Merlin looks at Tristan and shakes his head.] ARTHURYou seem very sure about all this. MERLINAll I know is that, for your many faults, you are honest and brave and truehearted, and one day you will be the greatest king this land has ever known. [Arthur smiles a little.] ARTHURWell...good to know I have the support of my servant at least. MERLINI'm not alone. Believe me. --[35:48, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT][Gwaine fights one of the Southrons. Gwaine disarms one of the man's weapons.] SIR GWAINEThat all you have? You promised a decent fight. [The Southron pulls out another weapon from his belt and disarms Gwaine.] SIR GWAINEYou're a very angry man, I can see that. Must be hard being so ugly. Children crying, women screaming. Come on. [Completely unarmed, Gwaine knocks the Southron to the ground. The Southron gets up with one weapon left. Gwaine climbs on his back and punches him in the stomach. The Southron rams Gwaine into a column, but Gwaine gets off, punches the Southron and kicks him against the column. Gwaine picks up the mace and knocks him out with it in the now silent council chamber. Morgana stands, clapping slowly.] MORGANACongratulations, Sir Knight. And admirable display. You've earned your reward. [She indicates to someone and they toss a half-loaf of bread at his feet.] MORGANABut you're going to half to do better if you want some more. [The Southrons chuckle darkly and Helios motions for two more warriors to step forward. The chanting begins again as Gwaine prepares for their attack.] --[37:36, EXT. EALDOR - DAY][Tristan supports Isolde and the four travellers enter the village. Hunith catches sight of Merlin and runs to hug him, huge smiles on their faces.] MERLINMother. HUNITHWelcome home, Merlin. --[38:06, INT. HOUSE - NIGHT][Merlin checks on Isolde sleeping on the bed while Tristan and Arthur eat.] MERLINCleaned the wound. There's no sign of infection. So as long as she gets plenty of rest, she'll be fine. TRISTANThank you, Merlin, for everything you've done for her. [Merlin nods and leaves.] ARTHURI'm sorry I brought this...misfortune upon you. TRISTANWell, I may have lost my cargo, but I still have my beloved Isolde. ARTHURThen you're richer than you know. [Tristan considers Arthur and then looks at Isolde. Arthur watches them sadly.] --[38:52, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Agravaine and the Southrons sneak through the woods around Ealdor.] AGRAVAINESpread out. Ensure the village is surrounded. No one must escape. --[39:08, EXT. EALDOR - NIGHT][Merlin walks with his mother.] HUNITHIt's good to have you home, Merlin. MERLINI'm so sorry it's been so long. HUNITHI understand how it is, your life in Camelot. I worry about you sometimes. The dangers you must face. MERLINMother, I don't want you to worry. HUNITHI can't help it. It's what mothers do. MERLINWell, we are safe here. All of us. [Merlin looks at something.] MERLINHow's she been? HUNITHAs well as can be expected, but, erm...a broken heart takes time to mend. [They regard Gwen through a crack in the door as she stands there sadly. They continue walking. Gwen steps forward.] --[39:44, INT. EALDOR, HOUSE - NIGHT][Gwen dressed Arthur's wounded ribs. He wakes and realises someone's there. He lifts his head when he recognises her. She waits sadly for his response.] ARTHUR (breathless)Guinevere. [Gwen smiles sadly.] GWENHello, Arthur. [Arthur sits up on his elbows.] ARTHURWhat are you doing here? [Gwen shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head.] GWENIt's as good a place as any. [Arthur stares at her.] GWENI've missed you. ARTHURAnd I you. [Gwen smiles bitter sweetly. Arthur sits up and Gwen waits until he holds out arm to hug her. She leans forward and they embrace each other tightly.] --[40:51, EXT. EALDOR - NIGHT][Merlin and Hunith hear screams as they sit talking. Merlin stands and sees the Southrons' torches surrounding the village.] MERLINAgravaine. He's found us. --[41:08, INT. EALDOR, HOUSE - NIGHT][Merlin, Arthur, Tristan, Isolde, and Guinevere watch as Agravaine and the Southrons harass the villagers. Arthur is dressed in chainmail and Gwen is wearing furs.] TRISTANAny suggestions? MERLINRound the back. [Merlin waits for them to leave, then his eyes glow and he sets a cart rolling toward Agravaine.] MERLINBæl on bryne! [Merlin's eyes glow and inside the cart goes up in flames. Agravaine and the Southrons dash out of the way just in time, but Agravaine looks up to see Arthur's party escaping.] AGRAVAINEThere! Get them! --[41:46, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT][Southrons chase Arthur's party through the woods. Tristan supports Isolde as they go.]
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