The Hunter's Heart Merlin

In 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.

HOOVES GALLOP

WOMEN SCREAM

Wait!

I'm not saying it's inappropriate, you're the King, I'm not,

it's your choice, no doubt.

It could hardly be my choice what with me not being the King.

But I do feel I have to say something

because these clothes are only supposed to...

-Merlin?

-Yes, my Lord?

Could you do something for me?

-Absolutely, whatever needs doing.

-Could you - please - shut up!

Yes, I can do that. Of course I can. That's not a problem.

Now!

My Lords, fellow knights, gentlemen.

As you are all aware,

Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute.

Today I can announce that

after many months of confidential negotiations,

the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement.

THE MEN MURMUR

There is nothing to fear. It is a fair and honourable agreement

that befits two great kingdoms.

Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented

by a union that cannot be broken,

my hand in marriage to her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian.

WHISPERING

THEY ALL CLAP

-Smile!

-He can't mean that.

And clap. Smile and clap.

How come I didn't know any of this? How come you didn't say anything?

That's what confidential means, Merlin.

Keeping it from blabbermouths like you.

-You can't do this!

-No. You're right, I can't.

Oh, wait a second, I'm the King so I can.

-But surely it's a little bit...

-A bit what?

Soon?

What do you mean?

-Well...

-You mean Guinevere?

I told you not to mention her name again.

Which is why I didn't.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Guinevere made her choice. She betrayed me.

-Now she must take the consequences.

-But...

-But what?

-Nothing.

That's right - nothing.

Except that you still love her.

You ever say anything like that again,

and I swear you'll join her in exile forever!

Eoghan.

-My Lord.

-Have you what I asked for?

I... It was not so easy as I thought.

I hope you haven't forgotten

-how much I have done for you.

-No, of course not, my Lord.

Or how simple it would be for a man in my position to have you arrested?

I should hate to see such a young life wasted.

I cannot do it.

I cannot betray my master's trust, my Lord, I'm sorry.

You'd rather betray mine?

Hm?

You're late. You have the plans?

There have been some unexpected developments.

I hope you're not going to tell me you've failed once again.

I'm sure there'll be other opportunities in the future.

Camelot grows in power every day, Agravaine.

If we don't act now, there will be no future. Particularly for you.

It is not easy, my Lady.

The plans for the siege tunnels have always been very well protected.

And yet you assured me you could bring them to me.

Or were you exaggerating?

No. Not at all. But it will take time...

Enough!

A man of your standing can go wherever he pleases, Agravaine.

You're not suggesting I take the risk myself?

But if I should be caught...

Best not to be caught, then.

I was not mistaken.

The filth of the pig-sty cannot disguise true beauty.

Helios. I am only sorry we had to meet under such circumstances...

Guinevere. I suppose I must thank you for my life.

-The villagers were not so lucky.

-These are difficult times.

I need new recruits and the youth of today

are not always...enthusiastic.

Who are you? From what family do you come?

I am no-one.

-I find that hard to believe.

-Nevertheless, it is true.

No matter. I'm not concerned with where a person comes from,

only with what they can become.

Would you do me the honour of dining with me?

Knights of Nemeth, Camelot welcomes you

and extends the hand of friendship.

Princess Mithian, you are most welcome.

Thank you, Your Highness. I have heard much about you.

And you are more handsome in person than reports suggested.

-Um...

-Are we to stay in this chill all day?

Forgive me.

Tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our worthy friends.

Were you expecting something different?

Perhaps camp fires and raw meat?

I'm not sure what I was expecting.

Please, sit. I want to know all about you.

There's not much to tell.

Except how a beautiful woman

ended up swilling out pigs in the middle of nowhere.

It's a long story.

I have all night.

Once they killed my family, I knew they would come after me.

I had no choice but to flee.

I travelled many months before I found someone willing to take me in.

Helping with the pigs seemed a fair price for such charity.

You have suffered much for one so young.

But now those days are truly behind you.

MAN CLEARS THROAT

My Lord...

I said we were not to be disturbed!

The Lady Morgana requests an audience.

She's here? Make her welcome. Tell her I will see her right away.

Are you all right?

-Yes, of course.

-You don't mind if someone joins us?

-I had thought we'd be alone.

-It'll take but a few moments.

-I should retire.

-There's no need.

-I'm very tired.

-But we have barely begun to know each other.

I'm sure there will be time enough. Thank you for your kindness.

-Until the next time, then.

-Yes.

You have company. You never change, Helios.

Do you have the plans?

-Not yet...

-That was our agreement, Morgana!

I hear your force is not yet up to strength.

Preparations are nearly complete.

But not quite yet.

-Are you doubting me?

-No more than you, me.

I am sure we understand each other perfectly.

I thought you should see for yourself, my Lord,

as soon as possible.

You did the right thing, Sir Leon. Such a shame.

Poor boy must have lost his footing on that wall.

So I thought... But the wall has a high parapet.

It couldn't have been an accident.

We only have one recourse.

We must ask Gaius to examine the body.

See if he can use his expertise to tell us what happened.

I'll send for him at once.

Are you going to sulk all day?

-I'm not sulking.

-You haven't said a word this morning.

I'm thinking.

You know how bad that is for you.

It is Arthur's fate to marry Gwen.

If that's the case, then he will.

But am I supposed to do anything about it?

You don't think that's a little arrogant?

Yes.

And no. I don't know. I don't know what to do any more.

You could start by eating your porridge.

KNOCKING

Gaius, I have a message from Lord Agravaine.

He requires your presence.

The poor boy has broken his neck. You can see the bruising just here.

Must have been from the fall.

Possibly. But from such a height, one would expect more injuries.

He hasn't so much as a graze, never mind any broken bones.

What are you saying, Gaius?

I am not sure.

Not yet.

There is something here in his tunic.

-It's a letter. From Odin's Court.

-Let me see.

I must to the King at once.

Young Eoghan was the mapmaker's apprentice.

A good lad from a decent family.

Yet willing to sell his country's secrets for gold.

And he had access to the city's most sensitive plans.

The location of the siege tunnels?

I fear so, my Lord.

And I don't need to tell you what an enemy could do with such plans.

-Was anything else found with this letter?

-No, sire.

-Then it's possible

the boy succeeded in his mission. We need to check the vaults.

Yes. Of course.

No sign of a forced entry.

The boy would have had full access - no need to break locks.

A complete inventory will be necessary, my Lord.

-I'll start right away.

-Double the guards and bring in the mapmaker -

the boy might not have been alone.

I hope you won't disappoint me once more, Agravaine?

Plans to the siege tunnels of Camelot. Good as a key to the gates.

But a good deal more deadly.

Dae gelicnesse ond afestna tha thim clute tha.

You have done well, Agravaine.

Finally.

CHATTER AND MUSIC

Would you like more soup, sire?

No, thanks.

Are you sure?

Merlin, you've asked me that three times now. Just...

You were saying?

Oh...

-Er... Sorry, I...erm...

-No harm done.

The vaults are secure, my Lord. And there were no plans are missing.

Thank you for performing your duties with such haste, Uncle.

Now you have to make up for lost time.

We are to have dancing and I hear that your jig

used to be something to behold.

"Used" is the word, sire.

-Alas, I am not as nimble as I once was.

-Nonsense.

I do feel that dancing is best performed in youth

and appreciated in age.

I'm afraid the festival of Ostara will soon be upon us.

Should I be worried?

It is a tradition in Camelot to have a hunt that day.

-But Merlin can arrange a tour of the city.

-A tour?

-Some of the buildings go back many centuries.

-Arthur - I love hunting.

Really?

Really.

I believe these are my chambers?

Of course.

Then I bid you good night, sire.

Good night, Princess.

If I may...?

CLEARS THROAT

Sorry.

Mithian?

Yes, my Lord?

I was thinking, perhaps...

Yes?

..You might like some breakfast?

Breakfast?

Tomorrow. With me.

A picnic. Somewhere.

Nice. Somewhere nice.

I look forward to it.

Breakfast?! Rubbish thing to say.

Where did you get this?

The source is impeccable.

If I'm to risk my men against Camelot,

I need more than impeccable, Morgana.

The King's uncle and most trusted adviser, Lord Agravaine.

I doubt you'll find a source more impeccable than that.

Then it is only a matter of time.

I will send word the moment our forces are at full strength.

Don't delay - the treaty with Nemeth will be sealed in days.

It will be soon.

STONES DISTURBED

Someone's listening.

Did you see who it was?

I can't be sure. Seal the camp. Account for everyone.

-Any sign?

-She has taken nothing.

-Who is this woman?

A serving wench I recently acquired, no more. Check the river.

-Does this woman have a name?

-Guinevere.

She's no serving wench. We must find her now!

How about here? What do you think?

-The view is certainly spectacular.

-Yes!

The ground isn't really smooth, is it? A bit bumpy.

Ah, what about over here?

Yes, this is much better. Merlin!

Perfect...

Perfect.

Yet is the view really as good?

-Arthur!

-You prefer the original? Right, then. Merlin!

-Don't be mean!

He doesn't mind, do you, Merlin?

Besides, he needs building up. Look at him.

Enough! Thank you, Merlin,

I'll do the rest.

HE BELCHES

I'm sorry, I really don't know what came over me.

I, er...

LOUD BURP

I don't know what to say...

SHE BURPS LOUDLY

THEY CHUCKLE

The trail has gone cold, we should wait until morning.

She must be found. We'll search all night if necessary.

She could be anywhere by now.

There is only one place she will go. To Camelot - and to Arthur.

Gather your men.

SHRILL WHISTLE

I don't know why I bother. I should leave him to it,

let him make his own mistakes, see how he gets on without me.

I should resign.

I said, I should resign.

-Quite so.

-Gaius! You're supposed to say no, no, he needs you,

even if he doesn't realise it.

-There's something not quite right here.

-Exactly.

-I can't put my finger on it.

-I have to go hunting. I hate hunting.

Thanks, Gaius, you've really made me feel a whole lot better(!)

You're not a fan of hunting?

What sport is it where one side has dogs and spears and crossbows

and the other nothing?

You're not much of a fan of me either, are you?

Come on, Merlin. I'd have to be a fool not to notice.

I'm sorry if I caused offence.

I'm sure you have good reasons.

One thing I've learned since being here

is that Arthur values your opinion above almost all others...

Oh...

Even if he'd be the last person to admit it.

You can say that again.

I like him, Merlin, I really do.

I didn't expect to, but...

Well, he's a lovable person, isn't he? Underneath it all.

All I ask it that you give me a chance.

Can you do that?

Yeah.

Thank you.

HORSE NEIGHS

Gwen.

How nice to see you again.

You'd forgotten - I've hunted in these woods since I was a child.

Leave me alone. You've already done enough harm.

You misjudge me. We were friends once, were we not?

I only wish to help.

-The path to Camelot is that way.

-You think I'd ever trust you again?

True - I might be lying.

But perhaps not.

I know these woods too.

Truth is, it doesn't matter which way you go.

SHE SCREAMS

HUNTSMEN'S HORNS

HUNTSMEN'S HORNS

You wish to see your beloved Arthur again, and so you shall.

Nu bebeod ic the thaet thu laetest thine

flaecsclice gelicnysse.

Wyrth deor!

HORNS

Maybe we should call it a day.

Nonsense, we've barely begun.

Not much point in hunting if there's nothing to hunt.

We could always give you a five-minute head start, Merlin.

A deer!

MEN SHOUT

SOBBING

Deer tracks.

Ah! It can't have gone far.

Have you found the trail?

My Lord?

My Lord?

My Lord?

There'll be no more sport today.

I didn't take you for a poor loser, sire.

Gwen?

Gwen!

Gwen?

Gwen?

Gwen?

Gwen!

Ic haele thina throwunga.

Merlin!

How are you, Gwen?

I'm all right!

I think. What are you doing here?

You were injured.

Yes, I remember now.

Where's Morgana?

She was here?

She enchanted me.

She and the Southrons and Helios plan to attack Camelot.

-They'd never succeed. They must know that.

-They have help.

Agravaine gave them plans of the siege tunnels under the citadel.

Agravaine?

-We must tell Arthur.

-What's that?

HORSES APPROACHING

-It's a Camelot patrol. They can lend you a horse.

-No.

-But, Gwen...

Please, Merlin. I can never see Arthur again.

He wants to see you.

It cannot be.

Not after I betrayed him.

You go. Tell him of the danger.

-Gwen, if you stay here...

-I have what I deserve.

Go!

Hurry.

Go.

Sire? I need to talk to you.

I told you I didn't want to be disturbed.

It is important. Very important.

You defy me? You defy your King?

Yes! I do!

You know I would not do so unless the situation was grave.

The idea is preposterous. I've known my uncle since I was a child.

I refuse to believe that he would ever betray Camelot.

The plans for the siege tunnels are kept here.

I don't understand.

I came as soon as I could, my Lord.

-Is there a problem?

-No, Uncle, not at all.

-I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you.

-Can we please...?

One more word out of you and I swear I will send you into exile.

Have you not slept, sire?

Is there anything you need?

How can I love someone who's betrayed me?

It doesn't make any sense.

Yet how can I make myself love another? Tell me that.

If there is nothing else you require, perhaps I could...

I don't know what to do.

I have no idea...

..what to do.

What should I do, Merlin?

All I know, my Lord, is that no-one

would sacrifice more for Camelot or you

than Gwen.

-And if that were so?

-You must do what your heart tells you, sire.

What if I don't know what that is?

I think you do.

Is there anything else, sire?

You may go.

Thank you, Merlin.

DOOR CLOSES

Princess?

Forgive me.

The time for words is over, sire.

I understand.

And it's for this reason

that I hereby offer you and your descendants...

..all the disputed land of Gedref.

You would give up your ancient claims?

I have no desire for war...

..or to grieve you any more than I already have.

Such an offer cannot be rushed into.

I have had my scribes draw up an agreement.

If you are happy with the terms, I'll sign forthwith.

And if I refuse?

It's all I can offer.

I do so most humbly.

Tell me...

who is it that trumps a princess?

No-one.

And everyone.

What great family is she from?

None. She's the daughter of a blacksmith.

And for her you would risk your kingship, your kingdom?

Without her they're worth nothing to me.

Hm.

I would give up my own kingdom to be so loved.

Farewell, Arthur.

Farewell, Princess.

Have I been a fool...

..to give up so much for a woman who betrayed me,

-a woman I might not see again?

-You will see her again.

You did the right thing, my Lord...

-as I knew you would.

-And how could you be so sure?

Because...

you're Arthur, you're noble, the Once and Future King.

Doomed to be a bachelor.

What's the point of loving someone who cannot be found?

Gwen will be found.

You will find each other.

Are you wise, Merlin, or a prating fool? I can no longer tell.

As if there was ever any doubt.

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