Gwaine 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.

-You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?

-Sleep?

A nice cold tankard of mead.

Mead.

No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local tavern.

This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?

You're learning, Merlin. Slowly.

But you're learning. Now remember, in here you're not my servant.

I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else.

The simple part's right.

-What?

-I said 'the sun is very bright'.

Yeah, yeah it is.

Afternoon. What'll it be? Oh, you're a handsome fellow!

Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.

Oh, no, sorry, I was talking about your friend here.

Him?

Thank you.

Two tankards of mead, please.

I was wrong.

Coming here was a great idea.

CHATTER STOPS

Afternoon, Mary. Business looks good.

-We have our better days.

-I don't suppose you'll begrudge me my share then.

-And the rest?

-That's all we've got.

I'm going to make you pay for that.

I'd like to see you try.

HE WHISTLES

You had to open your big mouth, didn't you, Merlin?

You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?

You should get out of here while you have the chance.

You're probably right.

Arthur!

Merlin, behind you!

Aetslide bencpel.

-What do they call you then?

-Merlin.

Gwaine. Pleasure to meet you.

How is he?

Not good.

If this man ever troubles you again, word is to be sent to Camelot.

Soldiers will be here within a day.

How can you make a promise like that?

Because I'm the King's son. Prince Arthur.

Merlin, fetch me some fresh water,

-towels, needle and silk thread.

-And honey?

-You're learning.

It helps fight the infection.

But he'll be all right?

-Providing he's strong.

-He's that all right.

The man saved my life, Gaius.

He's to be given anything he needs.

What am I doing in this bed?

You were wounded.

-Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician.

-Arthur?

Prince Arthur. You saved his life.

If I'd known who he was... I probably wouldn't have.

He's a noble.

Yeah, but he's a good man.

If you say so.

Well, you're a hero. The King wants to thank you in person.

Please, no.

I've met a few Kings...

Once you've met one, you've met them all.

-He'll probably give you a reward.

-I'm not interested.

Besides, I've got everything I need right here.

-Why did you help us?

-Your chances looked between slim and none.

I guess I just kind of liked the look of those odds.

-How's Gwaine?

-Recovering...

Who's that?

Ah, Sir Derian.

He's here for the melee.

Oh, yeah, the tournament where the Knights

ride around hitting each other with blunt weapons for no good reason.

-A little more to it than that...

-Really?

All I've ever seen is people getting the seven bells knocked out of them,

so that the last man standing can be called the winner.

The melee is the ultimate test of strength and courage.

Are you sure we're talking about the same thing?

Well, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're not a Knight.

Well, if it means I don't get clobbered round the head,

I'm glad of it.

The Stulorne blades, just as you requested.

They're blunt.

That is only how they appear.

Why should you want such a weapon?

That's none of your business, old man.

-You have the crystals?

-Money first.

Not yet.

Pecce treowan andwlitan heora...

..fram gesihoe eallra.

The wearer of these crystals

will be able to take on the form

of whoever's blood they touch.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Now what?

-Now, Ebor, we can take our revenge on

Prince Arthur of Camelot.

CHURCH BELLS CHIME

-I believe this belongs to you.

-I don't think so.

It's not my colour.

Well, let us see.

-I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out.

-Yours is the only one.

I'm Gwaine.

You haven't told me your name.

You look like a Princess to me,

so it's probably something like Sophia or Esmerelda!

That's it. Princess Esmerelda!

Stop it, people are staring.

-Not until you tell me your name.

-It's Gwen.

There, that wasn't so hard, now was it?

Let me carry that,

a Princess shouldn't have to lump her washing around.

-Unfortunately, I'm not a Princess.

-Ah, but you see

you are to me.

This isn't working, is it?

No. Not really.

But I like that you tried and that you know when to give up.

You'd better take this.

-In case someone else takes your fancy.

-I've eyes only for you.

I'm sure.

-How much further would you say it is to Camelot?

-Half a day's ride.

-The journey is almost over.

-It is for you...

Oswald!

The crystals.

-You look good, Dagr.

-Sir Oswald.

-Sorry, Sire.

-That's all right.

Your turn.

Then we can take our rightful place in the melee.

Sir Oswald!

I didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up.

And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?

-You've never managed it before.

-That was then. This is now.

Sir Ethan.

This is my servant, Merlin.

He loves hard work so anything you need, just give him a call.

Believe me, I will.

Merlin!

Here it is.

What took you so long?

It weighs a ton...

Stairs... Seven flights...

That's very kind of you.

-But you can't leave it there.

-I can't?

-It's in the way.

OK. Where do you want it?

Over there, by the bed.

Oh, no. The other side.

It's going to get in my way there.

-Where do you want it?

-On top of the wardrobe.

-On top?

You're absolutely right, Oswald. That's exactly where it should be.

It's very hard to work out whether you're eating or inhaling that soup.

I haven't had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call.

-How is he?

-Awful. He treats me like dirt.

That doesn't sound like the young man I knew.

He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.

Then he must've changed.

You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur.

Thank you, Merlin.

Sorry.

Merlin, I think you need to come with me.

He says that he hasn't got any money...

-So it looks like you'll have to pay.

-I can't afford this.

Better find someone who can.

You're the best friend I've ever had.

You seem to have quite a few.

-I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill.

-Right.

-What is it with you and nobles?

-Nothing.

My father was a Knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle leaving my mother penniless.

When she went to the King for help, he turned her away.

You didn't know him?

Just some stories I've been told.

I know how that feels.

I met my father just briefly before he died.

Why?

He was banished.

What had he done?

Nothing.

-He served the King.

-But the King turned against him.

-That doesn't surprise me.

-Arthur's not like that.

Maybe, but none of them are worth dying for, huh?

-Sorry, I know I'm late.

-Not at all.

-Um...

-Good.

Are you sure you're all right? You're not sick?

Unsteady?

-About to burst into song?

-No. Why?

14 quarts of mead.

-I can explain.

-Four dozen pickled eggs!

That was Gwaine, he went to the tavern and...

-he couldn't pay for it.

-So you said I would?

Mmm. If I hadn't, that inn keeper, he would've strung us both up.

I fail to see the downside.

You said he should be given anything he needs...

-Four dozen pickled eggs!

-I'm sorry. I'll pay for it.

You most certainly will...

Arthur's a thoroughbred little braggart.

Why?

Making us do this.

-I think it's fair.

-For the entire army!

If you admitted your father

was a Knight you wouldn't have to.

Maybe, but I'm not making the same mistakes he did.

Anyway, my father always treated his servants well.

You didn't know him!

Well, I like to think that he did.

What about yours?

No. He didn't have any servants.

He didn't have anyone...

When did he die?

About a year ago... I just wish I'd had the chance to know him better.

There's so much he could've taught me.

But you did get to meet him.

Yeah.

If there's one thing that I learnt from my father's life,

it's that titles don't mean anything.

It's what's inside that counts.

Ow.

You look like you need a bit of practice.

-Ah? Do you think so?

-I know so.

You're rusty. You're not as quick as you used to be.

Still quick enough to hit you.

I thought you were left handed.

Yes, I am, I just wanted to give you a chance.

How about we make this more interesting? 50 gold coins.

Make it 100.

You can keep your money.

What are you doing with that, boy?

I was just tidying...

Keep away from things that don't concern you.

To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it...

You were lucky... I've seen those blades in action.

They are forged using sorcery.

But what would they want with such a blade?

-I think they mean to kill Arthur in the melee.

-But in front of all those people?

-It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional.

-I need to warn Arthur.

Merlin, Sir Oswald is a Knight, he comes from a well respected family.

-You can't accuse him without proof.

-Then we need that blade...

-I'll get it.

-What if they catch you?

What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chambers?

No, it's safer if I do it.

HE SNORES GENTLY

HE GRUNTS

Merlin should be back by now.

I know...

I'm going to go see what's going on.

Gwaine...

Is there a problem here?

No. Now leave.

You all right, Merlin?

-I thought I told you to leave.

-I wasn't talking to you.

How dare you speak to a Knight like that.

Watch out!

What's going on?

This man attacked me.

I demand an audience with the King.

It's not Sir Oswald, it's the thug from the tavern, Dagr...

He's using a magical crystal to change his appearance...

Sire, this man attacked me with a sword.

Is this true?

I stepped in to protect Merlin.

I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed.

-I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up.

-Indeed.

-I can vouch for his every word.

-He's a liar.

I will have your tongue, how dare you speak to a Knight in that way.

Nobility is defined by what you do,

not by who you are.

These men are anything but.

-They are arrogant thugs.

-Gwaine!

You see, Sire, how he behaves.

I have heard enough.

For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's code.

I couldn't agree with you more, Sire.

He must be made an example of.

Father, I understand how this must look. It's an embarrassing situation.

Sir Oswald is a dear friend and our guest here in Camelot.

But Gwaine is my guest here too.

He may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart.

-How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?

-Gwaine risked his life to save mine.

I beg you, please.

If a Knight's word is his bond then I give you my word.

Gwaine is a good man.

He deserves clemency.

You are banished from Camelot.

If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life.

You have until dawn to leave the city.

That servant boy is onto us.

What's he going to do? We're Knights, remember...

You've seen what happens when a commoner accuses a Knight.

-I'm sorry.

-Don't be.

-I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly.

-I didn't...

After the trouble I caused?

-You livened the place up.

-Make sure you look after Arthur.

He's in danger.

I thought you hated nobles?

Yeah, well, maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?

-I heard what happened.

-Yeah...

-Well, there you go.

-You did a brave thing.

Hell of a lot of good that did me.

I know Arthur.

He's not like Uther.

You saved his life.

I'm sure one day he'll repay you...

He tried to speak up for me.

Arthur's fair.

He's loyal.

He will be a great King.

I know he will.

Clearly...

If he makes everyone feel the way you do.

At least now I know why you turned me down.

It's not just me that says that.

No. I'm sure it isn't.

I don't know what we do.

I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest...

He won't. I know Arthur.

I'll have to somehow...

use my powers to defend him.

With the King and half of Camelot watching?

I don't have a choice.

Ah.

I trust you're ready for the challenge.

-Yes, Father.

-I came to bring you this.

I won my first melee with this blade.

The edge has been dulled. It's perfectly safe.

All of Camelot is eager for a victory today, Arthur.

I know you won't let me down.

-Prince Arthur isn't going to know what's hit him.

-Oh, I hope he does.

If it's over too quickly, that'll be no fun at all.

-Ready?

-Absolutely.

You know those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea...

And then I ignore you, yeah.

And then I'm proved right.

Merlin, your concern for my wellbeing is touching.

I'm serious. I think you should withdraw.

Look, I know you think the melee is some kind of stupid game.

But it's more than that.

It's about proving to the people that I am fit to lead them.

I know.

Just be careful.

CROWD CHEER

He's heading straight for Arthur.

Arthur's in trouble.

You have to do something.

It's two against one.

Who is that helping Arthur?

I don't know, but we should be thankful he is.

There's only one person I know who can do that...

They'll expect us to fight to the end now?

You fought bravely. The field is yours.

I should have known.

Nobody fights like you do.

Guards, seize him!

Is there nothing you can do for them?

I fear that Sir Ethan...

And Sir Oswald are not all that they seem.

Sorcery!

Then, once again I owe Gwaine my life.

The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the melee.

That's fantastic!

-Thank you Arthur...

-But...

He's a stubborn man. He will not rescind his judgement.

You must leave Camelot.

-You've got to speak to him, Arthur. Make him change his mind.

-Merlin.

I'm sorry, Gwaine.

My father's wrong.

-If it were up to me...

-I know, you don't need to explain yourself.

You have until sunset.

Why don't you tell the King who you really are? He'd grant you a pardon. You could stay in Camelot...

-I could never serve under a man like Uther.

-And yet you helped Arthur.

He stood up for me.

I knew he would.

That showed he is indeed a noble man.

Then why don't you stay?

You could be a Knight,

like your father.

You and Arthur, you fought well together.

And maybe one day we will again.

It's a shame. He would've been a great Knight.

Maybe one day he still will.

The rules won't allow it. Knights are noblemen,

always have been, always will be.

It's a tradition...

-They seem very friendly.

-Why should you care?

I don't.

She can do better than that.

She should be setting her sights higher?

Oh, but I forget!

She can't! A girl of Gwen's standing could never consort with a nobleman.

That's the rules.

Merlin...

-Shut up?

-You guessed it.

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