The Beginning of the End Merlin

In a land of myth and a time of magic,

the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.

His name...

Merlin.

Do you have my supplies ready?

We must leave the city without delay.

Everything you asked for, it's all here.

I'm sorry.

Seize him! Stop there!

CHANTS SPELL

Run! Run, run!

BOY: 'Help!

'Help me!

'Please.

'Please. You have to help me.

'Help me.'

Search in there.

Did you see a boy run in here?

'They're searching for me.'

Guards! In here.

'This way.'

'Run. Run!'

Hey. There he is!

Alert the rest of the guards!

In there.

Quick, down there. We've got 'im.

Have you forgotten how to knock?

The guards are after him. I didn't know what to do.

-THUMPING

-My Lady?

-HAMMERING ON DOOR

-My Lady?

In there.

Sorry to disturb you, My Lady.

We're searching for a young Druid boy. He came this way.

I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid.

-Best keep the door locked.

-Of course. Thank you.

The Druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm.

-Is it necessary to execute him?

-Absolutely necessary.

Those who use magic cannot be tolerated.

The Druids are peaceful.

Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom.

They preach peace, but conspire against me.

-We cannot appear weak.

-Showing mercy can be a sign of strength.

Our enemies will not see it that way.

We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom.

Find the boy. Search every inch of the city.

People of Camelot,

the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic.

We're still searching for his accomplice.

Anyone found harbouring the boy is guilty of conspiracy.

Let this serve as a warning to your people.

You have let your fear of magic turn to hate.

I pity you.

-Do you know much about the Druids?

-Very little.

They're very secretive people,

especially now they're being hunted by Uther.

Merlin, please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this.

Me? No. Mixed up in what?

For someone with such a big secret, you are a terrible liar.

Well, I haven't done anything.

Merlin...

I heard the boy calling out.

He was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him...

like he was inside my mind.

Yes, I've heard of this ability.

The Druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices.

While they're searching for this boy, you must be especially careful,

-otherwise it will be your head in the block.

-I'm always careful.

Yes, Merlin, unfortunately, I do.

-How is he?

-He's sleeping.

He's very pale.

-Has he said anything at all?

-Nothing.

He won't even tell me his name.

You know, er, for a moment there, earlier,

I thought you were going to hand us over to the guards.

-I'm glad you have so much faith in me, Merlin.

-No, sorry.

Erm, I meant, you're the King's ward.

You're taking a huge risk helping the boy.

What harm has he ever done anyone?

-Uther believes he has magic. That makes him guilty.

-Uther's wrong.

You believe that?

What if magic isn't something you choose?

What if it chooses you?

-Why are you looking at me like that?

-Nothing.

Why are you helping him?

It was a spur of the moment decision.

What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here.

We have to find a way to get him back to his people.

-You seem troubled, Morgana. Is something wrong?

-No, My Lord.

I am sorry I'm not better company.

I was merely concerned for your welfare.

Thank you, My Lord. All is well.

DOOR OPENS

What news of the hunt for the Druid boy?

We have conducted an extensive search. Nowhere to be found.

-You mean you failed to find him?

-Perhaps he's already left the city.

You're telling me that a wounded boy is able to escape the city?

Nonsense, someone's hiding him. I want him found.

He's just a boy. What harm can he do?

He is a Druid. That makes him dangerous.

The Druids would see the kingdom destroyed.

I had no idea you were such an authority.

Morgana is right. Double your efforts.

Yes, Father.

Keep searching until you find him.

-How long has he been burning up like this?

-Since early this morning.

I think his wound may be infected.

-We need Gaius, before it gets worse.

-We can't.

It's too dangerous.

If he finds out, he'll execute me himself.

We need to get him out of Camelot and we can't while he's sick.

We need a physician.

I'll treat him.

Do you know how to treat an infected wound?

Not exactly, but I'm a fast learner.

FOOTSTEPS

THUMPING ON DOOR

Arthur!

To what do I owe this pleasure?

It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy.

-I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers.

-You're not.

Don't take it personally.

I have to search the entire castle. It will only take a few minutes.

I'm not having you mess up my things.

I'm not interested in your things, I'm just looking for any evidence

that the Druid boy's in the castle.

Perhaps he's hiding in your chambers.

They're such a mess, you'd never know.

It's hardly my fault I have such a lazy servant.

(Bestaep sceos.)

If you can't even find your own servant, how can you find the boy?

(Gestile sceos.)

I'd love to stay and talk,

but the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished.

(Astyre sceos.)

Well, I'll save you the trouble.

Trust me, if I could find him, I would.

The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen.

I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time

by rifling through my things... Go on.

So you can have the satisfaction of making me look a fool?

You don't need any help looking like a fool.

What are you waiting for? Take a look.

Why don't you go back to brushing your hair

-or whatever it is that you do all day?

-Bye, Arthur.

Good luck with the search!

Bites, bruises, burns, wounds...

Infections...

Ah, there you are. I need you to pick some heather for me.

Can I do it later? I was just going out.

Who's had this book out?

It was me. I was doing some reading.

Oh? I'd given up hoping you might take more of an interest in my work.

No. It's fascinating.

You are riddle wrapped up in a mystery.

That's me. I was getting some cleaning supplies.

Arthur's been complaining about the state of his chambers.

We're not missing the chance to begin your education.

-Really. I should go.

-Sit.

We'll start...with some basic anatomy.

What took you so long?

Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him.

-Sure you know what you're doing?

-I'm doing my best.

I'll get you some more water.

BOY: 'Thank you, Emrys.'

'Emrys? Why do you call me that?'

'Among my people, that is your name.'

'You know who I am. How?'

I don't know if he can't speak, or...he's just too scared to.

Hello?

DRAGON ROARS

Do you have to do that? You scared the life out of me.

The young warlock. No doubt you're here about the Druid boy?

-How did you know?

-Like you. I hear him speak.

Why does he call me Emrys?

Because that is your name.

I'm pretty sure my name's Merlin. Always has been.

-You have many names.

-Do I?

How does the boy know who I am? I've never even met any Druids.

There is much written about you that you have yet to read.

You should not protect this boy.

Why? He has magic. He's just like me.

You and the boy are as different as day and night.

-What do you mean?

-Heed my words, Merlin.

Why should I not protect him?

Let me care for him for a while.

You need to sleep.

You'll make yourself sick if you go on like this.

-His fever's getting worse.

-BOY: 'Morgana.'

-Did you hear that?

-What?

-He said my name.

-Did he? I didn't hear anything.

-KNOCKING ON DOOR

-It's Merlin.

-How is he?

-He's getting weaker.

Whatever you did yesterday hasn't worked. We have to ask Gaius.

After all you've done, you can't give up now.

OK.

The search for this boy is becoming a nuisance.

With all the extra security around the castle,

it's taking me twice as long to do my round.

Is that everything?

Morgana's hiding the Druid boy in her chambers.

When you say that Morgana's hiding the Druid boy,

-I take it that means you're helping her?

-Sort of.

You promised me you wouldn't get involved.

I know. I'm sorry. I had no choice.

Every guard in Camelot is searching for this boy

and you're harbouring him under their very noses.

Can't you see the danger? What were you thinking?

-Was I supposed to hand him over?

-You think you can save this boy?

-Who's going to save you?

-It's wrong to harbour a young magician?

The difference is, Merlin, that your magic is still secret,

although it's a wonder how, considering how careless you are.

The boy's hurt. He's really sick.

I've tried to treat him.

We need your help.

So now you want me to risk my neck, too? It's too dangerous.

Please don't turn your back on him.

I will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, get him out of Camelot.

And woe betide anyone caught helping him.

One thing we know for certain.

What's that?

You're no physician.

Halt there.

The guards are searching everyone leaving the town.

There is another way out.

There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town.

No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it.

I'm good with secret doors and things.

The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out.

You'll need a key for it.

-Who has it?

-Arthur.

(Onbinde, cume mec.)

-Is there any bread?

-JANGLING

-What was that?

-What?

-There was a sound.

Was there?

JANGLING

What is that?

JANGLING

-Can't you hear it?!

-I can't hear anything.

Are you deaf? It's like a jangling sound.

JANGLING

-There!

-What?

-I thought I saw something.

-What was that?

-What?

A different sound, like a splash.

Bread?

It'll have to do.

I've put you in danger without asking how you feel about it.

-I'm sorry.

-KNOCKING

It's Merlin.

We're going to get you out of Camelot.

I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise.

Are you ready?

Did you get the keys?

Yeah. The door is behind the shield at the far end of the armoury.

I'll pack you some food and water for the journey.

Be careful.

FOOTSTEPS

I hope they're OK. Morgana really cares about the boy.

I've never seen her this way with anyone.

I'm sure she just wants to protect him.

Hmm.

The servant saw someone entering. They had a boy with them.

Sound the warning bell.

BELL TOLLS

They're coming.

There's enough food for three days.

Your horse is fed and watered. I'll take you to it.

-No point in us all risking our lives.

-What about you?

-I'll take my chances.

-Morgana...

I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of you.

We must go.

'Goodbye, Emrys.'

Fan out.

RATTLING

BANGING

Halt. Show yourself.

Let him go. I beg you. He's just a child.

Restrain them.

All this time, you've been hiding the boy in my own palace.

How could you betray me like this?

I did what I thought was right.

To conspire with my enemies against me?

Your enemy? He's just a boy.

-He's a Druid.

-Is that such a crime?

His kind would see me dead and you would help them.

Then punish me...but spare the boy.

-I beg you.

-Do not speak to me until you are ready to apologise.

No, please! He's done nothing.

Let this be a lesson to you.

I promised him I wouldn't let anything bad happen.

-You tried your best.

-It's not enough.

Can I count on your help?

Thank you.

Are you telling me he really was behind the scream

when I came to search your chambers?

I know you believe your father's wrong.

He's made up his mind. He won't be talked out of it.

-I tried.

-Then the time for talking is over.

Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen.

-We have to get the boy back to his people.

-No. Forget it.

He's been caught.

I have no choice.

And is this how you will rule when you are king?

You're not like your father.

-I will not betray him.

-If I know you at all,

you won't stand by and let this happen.

Please.

If you won't do this for the boy,

then do it for me.

Sorry. Was I interrupting something?

Nothing you need concern yourself with.

Make yourself useful, muck out my horses.

I trust Merlin.

We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons.

You can't do that.

We have to.

I mean...

it's too dangerous.

You've already been caught once.

If the King catches you a second time, he'll never forgive you.

-I'm not worried for myself.

-Merlin's right.

When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you.

You must go to my father and apologise.

Dine with him, so you're with him when the boy escapes.

You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own.

-Merlin will take your place.

-Me?

I'm going to take the boy out through the burial vaults.

There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls.

Get my horse from the stables and meet me there.

There's a grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel.

-Bring a rope and grappling hook.

-No, I can't.

Merlin. Do you understand?

If you're not there to meet us, we'll surely be caught.

I need to know why you told me not to protect the boy.

You seek my counsel and yet you choose to ignore it.

Just tell me why.

If the boy lives, you cannot fulfil your destiny.

You said it's my destiny to protect Arthur.

Then you have the answer you seek.

You have it in your power to prevent a great evil.

I presume it's the plight of the Druid boy

that's causing your forehead to wrinkle like a lizard's elbow.

Would you let something terrible happen

if it meant you'd stop something even worse happening in the future?

I suppose it depends what the "terrible"

and "even worse" things were.

One of them's bad,

really bad.

And the other, it's...unthinkable.

Sounds as if you've already made your decision.

You can only do what you believe to be right, Merlin.

I just hope it doesn't involve you putting yourself in terrible danger.

For once, you don't have to worry.

I'm going to do nothing.

Thank you.

What is it? What's wrong?

You're risking so much for this boy. You don't know anything about him.

-You don't even know his name.

-There's a bond between us.

Stronger than the bond you have with Uther?

It's like nothing I've ever felt before.

Perhaps I was always meant to help him.

How can that be?

I don't know.

I can't explain it.

I must go to Uther.

Good luck.

I have come to apologise, my Lord.

You have been generous, kind and fair.

And I owe you everything.

I truly don't know what came over me.

I acted without thinking of the consequences.

My behaviour was unforgivable.

I am glad you've seen sense.

Dine with me. Let's put this unfortunate incident behind us.

THEY COUGH

FOOTSTEPS

Don't be scared.

I have sent word to your people, I'm taking you to them.

You must come with me.

This way.

It's the Druid boy. He's escaped!

Merlin... Merlin!

Don't worry, he'll be here.

BELL TOLLS

Guard!

Find out why they've sounded the warning bell.

Yes, my Lord.

HE GRUNTS WITH EFFORT

CLUNKING

DISTANT RUNNING FOOTSTEPS AND VOICES

'Emrys?

'Emrys?

'Where are you, Emrys?

'Emrys.

'Help us. Please!

'They're coming.'

INDISTINCT VOICES

-Check this one.

-Yes, sir.

Look down here.

I had trouble getting out of the castle.

Get this grate off, they're coming.

If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip.

You'd better make yourself scarce.

'Goodbye, Emrys. I know that someday we will meet again.'

My Lord, I regret that the Druid boy has escaped from the dungeon.

-What!? How?

-My Lord, he was assisted by some accomplices.

The guards are searching Camelot as we speak.

-Find him and his accomplices.

-Yes, my Lord.

If I discover that you were somehow involved in freeing this boy,

the consequences will be extremely severe.

We are forever indebted to you, Arthur Pendragon

for returning the boy to us.

You must not let it be known that it was I who brought him to you.

We will tell no-one. You have my word.

Wait, I don't even know your name.

At least tell me your name.

It's all right.

My name is Mordred.

Good luck, Mordred.