The Sword in the Stone: Part One 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.'

-What's taking so long?

-It's the Feast of Beltane. The King must look kingly.

I'm hardly going to look kingly in my undergarments, am I?

Have a little patience. Think of something pleasant.

You in the stocks?

Wait one second...

One.

-What have you got there?

-Nothing. My hand. My other hand.

Why are you putting another hole in this belt?

I was, er...

enhancing it for comfort and ease of use.

-Are you saying I'm fat?

-No! I'm saying the belt

is one hole shy of perfection.

Ridiculous!

-Come on...

-BELT CREAKS

Don't feel bad. Extra padding goes with the job.

-All the feasts and banquets and ceremonies...

-All right, Merlin, do what you have to.

Not a word of this to anyone.

Trust me. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's keeping secrets.

GUARDS COUGH AND CHOKE

Have you seen Agravaine?

-No, sire. Not since this morning.

-Strange. He should be here by now.

Ah, my favourite - herb-crusted capon.

Easy, we don't want any more holes in that belt!

ARTHUR LAUGHS UNEASILY Wine?

Merlin?

It's a good job you don't have anything of any actual importance

to keep secret, isn't it?

LAUGHTER AND CHATTER

Are you all right?

It's Gwen, isn't it?

I look for her in the room, she's not there.

Then I remember why.

It's time.

Form a line to the well! We need more water now!

-Forget about the water.

-But if we can't...

-SHOUTING

-How did they breach the gate!?

We can't worry about that now. Quickly! Sound the alarm!

Sire, we are under attack. They are within the city walls.

Merlin, get everyone to the inner chamber.

Yes, sire. Everyone follow me!

Gwaine, secure the armoury. Percival, with me.

This is your doing.

Stand aside. There's nothing you can do about it now.

I can kill you for the traitor that you are.

Brave words, Elyan. And they shall be your last.

We don't have time to play soldiers, Agravaine.

BELL TOLLS

The Lower Town is lost. It's only a matter of time before they reach the Citadel.

How did this happen? How did they get in without being detected?

-Agravaine was planning something.

-It seems your worst fears have been realised, Merlin.

Merlin...

I've got to find Arthur!

We can't hold them for much longer!

Lead the people to the woods!

Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!

HE CRIES OUT IN PAIN

Aaarrgh! Been hiding in the broom cupboard as usual, Merlin?

We need to get out of here.

Bael onbryne!

-Are you all right?

-I'm fine.

-HE GROANS

-Maybe a broken rib or two.

Agravaine.

It's no good. Arthur! There are too many of them.

You can deal with your uncle later. All right?

Go!

Quickly, this way! Go on, quickly, go on!

The city has fallen.

Camelot is ours.

And?

Taking Camelot was the easy part, Helios. I want Arthur.

Where is he?

He's right here, my lady. In the palace.

He's nowhere left to run.

I can bind the rib-cage but we run the risk of puncturing a lung.

Do whatever it takes, Gaius. Just so long as I can swing a sword.

-How do we stand?

-The Citadel is overrun.

-We can't hold out much longer.

-How long before they reach us?

-Minutes at best.

They're coming for Arthur. They'll kill him.

-We must get him to safety.

-Arthur will never abandon his people.

He'd rather die.

Barricade the doors. Give us as much time as you can.

We need to get Arthur out of here whether he likes it or not.

Can you give him something to knock him out?

I don't have anything strong enough. In my chambers perhaps,

but Southrons control the palace.

There must be something.

I'm sorry, Merlin. Maybe there's something you can do.

Arthur won't go willingly. But what if he was to lose his will?

Are you suggesting magic?

-Can you do it?

-I can try.

I'm sorry, sir, this is going to hurt.

-Just get on with it.

-(Mod wes craeftleas...)

We need to leave now, sire.

Of course.

Then let's go. We'll use the Postern Gate.

I'll keep them off your back as long as I can.

-Gather your things, Gaius.

-You go, Merlin. I'll slow you down.

-Gaius, no.

-You must know it's for the best.

-No, if you stay here...

-No time to argue. I'm sorry.

Look after our King, Merlin.

It seems your victory is short-lived, Morgana.

Prepare the horses. We're going on a hunt.

Thank you, Percival.

Can you walk on your own?

-Oh, yes. Just point me in the right direction.

-Shhh!

-Elyan!

-Don't hold back on my account.

-Is the way out of Camelot clear?

-As far as I can tell.

Come on, Arthur.

They'll come after us. They know Arthur's still alive.

We have to make it across the border. Find sanctuary where we can.

I know a place. Ealdor. It's beyond the White Mountains.

Wait...

Listen! HOOVES APPROACH

Run!

SHE MUTTERS CURSE

Where's Percival?

We have to go!

-Go!

-What about you?!

-Don't worry about me. Go!

Sorry. My fault.

I think we're safe for now...

..but we need to find you some kind of disguise.

You're too conspicuous in those clothes.

Whatever you say. I'm entirely in your hands.

Camelot is now under our control.

Very good.

Have the people of Camelot welcomed me as their Queen?

They will swear allegiance to no-one but Arthur.

I expected no less.

Burn their crops.

Let's see how they feel when their children begin to starve.

And what of Arthur?

We'll find Arthur soon enough.

Perfect.

In your own time, obviously.

Sorry, Merlin.

Some of these things are a little on the tight side.

-Beggars can't be choosers, sire.

-No, you're right.

I probably should learn to think before I speak, shouldn't I?

It would be a start.

All done.

Well, Arthur. What can I say?

You look like a total turniphead.

Well, shall I try something else? There's plenty more here.

No, no. That will do absolutely fine.

Although maybe I'll take that.

My gold!

-Probably be safer with me.

-Of course.

Do you know what this is?

HISSING

No? It's a Nathair - from the Mountains of Asgorath.

Harmless enough most of the time.

But with a little persuasion it can cause pain beyond all imagining.

So you have a choice. Tell me where Arthur is...

..or sample the delights of my little friend here.

I'll tell you nothing.

I was hoping you'd say that.

Unmicel snacca, suge tha sothan...

swilcnesse!

Good God. Will it never end?

What's wrong? Don't have the stomach for it?

Arthur travels to Ealdor. You will leave without delay.

And Agravaine...

..fail me again and you'll be taking Elyan's place.

What have they done to him?

This is the work of the Nathair serpent.

-He's been tortured to the limit of human endurance.

-Can you help him?

I'll do what I can.

I thought I told you to leave at once.

My men are all ready to depart.

Then what are you waiting for?

I...

I just wanted to say goodbye.

Consider it done.

And to ask you to take care.

Why? I have nothing to fear.

Despite all that you have achieved, Morgana, you must remain cautious.

There is danger at every turn.

You can trust no-one.

Not even Helios.

No-one except you. Is that it?

I am your one true ally, my lady.

I am your one true friend.

I will do anything for you.

-You know that.

-I am grateful for your loyalty, Agravaine.

That is why I have entrusted this mission to you.

I understand. Of course I do.

I only wish it did not take me from your side,

where I can best protect you.

Find Arthur, and you need never leave my side again.

My lady.

Stop.

Wait...here.

Hello!

I found them lurking in the woods.

See anything interesting?

No.

They've no horses, no supplies, nothing.

-Like to travel light, do you?

-Something like that.

-So where are you headed?

-North. Over the border.

Lot's Kingdom? He doesn't take kindly to strangers, I can tell you.

Likes to decorate his fortress with their heads.

-So why are you heading there?

-I have my reasons.

I agree with him.

What's wrong with your friend?

He's a simpleton. Without me, he wouldn't last a day.

Very well. I suppose you can be on your way.

Could we not come with you?

I mean, I would be grateful for the company, to be honest.

I'm very annoying.

-Sorry.

-Please?

Don't push it, boy. You're lucky I let you go with your lives.

I can pay you. With gold.

Well, why didn't you say so before?

What kind of coward would deny who he is?

Men! This way. They can't have got far.

We make camp here!

Why, thank you.

My pleasure.

That doesn't concern you.

I'm sorry, it's just I recognised that smell.

That is frankincense, isn't it?

What if it is?

It must be worth a fortune.

It must be.

You're smugglers?

We prefer to think of it as free trade.

It's forbidden by edict of the King. If you're caught you could be killed.

Caught? Tristan and Isolde? I don't think so.

We're too quick and too smart for the half-wit king in Camelot.

You don't say.

More soup?

Yes, please.

Thank you.

A please and a thank you, all at the same time. That's amazing.

-Is it?

-Mmm.

Well, let's just say manners are not your strong point.

Really?

In what way?

Rude, thoughtless, insensitive. And that's when you're in a good mood.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I 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 thing for yourself,

as a gesture, a mark of respect.

I'm sorry to have been a disappointment, Merlin.

I'll try harder in future.

I'll look forward to that.

On the other hand, why wait?

-That pot will need rinsing out as well.

-Of course.

And when you're done, the horses need a rub-down too.

My pleasure.

Over there.

CRASHING

Are you all right?

Yep.

You better have a damn good explanation for this, Merlin.

Fine, I'll just carry on kicking you.

You're back!

What do you mean, I'm back? You're talking gibberish.

Listen to me, please. Camelot is lost.

You were injured in an attack. You passed out.

I had to get you out of there.

Where are we now?

We're heading north to a safe haven. To Ealdor.

Hopefully the knights will meet us there.

Who are these people?

They're...

..smugglers.

-Smugglers?

-Shh!

Let's assume you know what you're doing,

it doesn't explain why I look like a village idiot.

It's the perfect disguise. No-one would ever suspect you of being,

you know...who you are.

I'm sorry, Merlin, I'm not going around looking like this.

You have to. You've got to keep in character!

Character? What character?

You!

We leave as soon as the horses are watered.

Explain it to the simpleton, would you?

Simpleton!

-He's talking to you.

-I don't answer to that name.

You're in character, remember!

Impressive piece...

Thankyee, sirrr.

May I?

Magnificent.

The only place you'd find workmanship of this quality...

..is the royal forge of Camelot.

Tell me...

..how did you come by it?

I won it in a card game.

I gave it to him as a present and he won't be parted from it.

Makes him feel safe.

I hope for your sake that's true.

I'd hate to think I was riding with a Knight of Camelot.

Aye.

A Knight of Camelot? Look at him!

You're right. The knights may be stupid, but they're not that stupid.

Pack your things, Simpleton!

Call me that again and I'll run you through.

-Don't worry, I'm sure won't have to keep it up for much longer.

-How long?

MEN ROARING

Stay close!

Head for those trees. We'll cover you.

Do you want to live?

Now what?

Now it's our turn.

-Who will cover us?

-Don't be a simpleton, Merlin.

They haven't found the cargo.

They will.

Besides, they weren't after the cargo. They were after you.

Who the hell are you?

My name is Arthur Pendragon.

The King of Camelot?

At least, I was...

I've lost everything I've worked for for some good-for-nothing king!

That's something from a smuggler.

I wouldn't have to be one if it wasn't for your damn taxes.

Those taxes help protect the people of this land.

-My people are dead, you call that protection?

-Sorry to interrupt, but...

Aaargh!

Isolde...

We had a deal. Partners for life, remember?

When have I not kept my promises?

We need to keep moving. There'll be more coming soon.

Then go. There's nothing stopping you.

Come with us to Ealdor. You'll be safe there.

I'm choosy about the company I keep.

He saved my life, Tristan.

Thank you.

But none of this would have happened if wasn't for them.

She's injured. She needs shelter and rest.

Very well.

But know this, Arthur Pendragon -

I do this for her.

You and your kind bring nothing but misery to this land.

Have you come to gloat, my lady?

Is that any way to treat an old friend?

I'll forgive you. After all, you're not looking your best.

Can't you see he's starving?

We all are.

Of course you are. After you killed so many of my men.

I'll have the kitchen prepare you a feast.

I think not of myself, but of Gaius.

He can't survive long without food.

Oh, Gwaine.

So handsome, so selfless.

Of course you shall have some supper...

..as long as you're prepared to sing for it.

This marks the border between Camelot and Lot's Kingdom.

Ealdor lies at the far side of the valley.

-Maybe half a day on foot.

-We'll rest here.

Agravaine couldn't have tracked us through the mountains.

I'll make a fire. We must keep Isolde warm.

Here. Keep your strength up.

I'll get my own.

SHOUTING AND JEERS

Behold!

A Knight of Camelot.

Famed as the greatest knights in Five Kingdoms.

Let's see if that fame is deserved, shall we?

HE ROARS

You knew.

You knew Agravaine was betraying me.

I couldn't be sure.

But I did have my suspicions.

I 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.

You were deceived. It could happen to anyone.

Yet it keeps happening to me.

I cared about these people.

I don't understand.

-What have I done wrong? Why do they hate me?

-They don't hate you.

They just crave your power for themselves.

Perhaps.

Would they still want that if I was the King my people deserve?

-Maybe Tristan was right.

-Tristan was angry and...

..afraid.

He needed to blame someone. But it's not you that's to blame.

-You seem very sure about all this.

-All I know is that for all your many faults,

you are honest and brave and true-hearted.

And one day you will be the greatest King this land has ever known.

Well...

Good to know I have the support of my servant, at least.

I'm not alone.

Believe me.

Is that all you have?

You're a very angry man, I can see that.

It must be hard...being so ugly.

Aaargh!

Congratulations, Sir Knight. An admirable display.

You have earned your reward.

But you're going to have to do better if you want some more.

SCATTERED LAUGHTER

SHOUTING AND JEERING

Mother...

Welcome home, Merlin.

I've cleaned her wound. No sign of infection.

So as long as she gets plenty of rest, she'll be fine.

Thank you, Merlin.

For everything you've done for her.

I'm sorry I brought this...

misfortune upon you.

Well, I may have lost my cargo...

..but I still have my beloved Isolde.

Then you're richer than you know.

Spread out.

Ensure the village is surrounded.

No-one must escape.

-It's good to have you home, Merlin.

-I'm so sorry it's been so long.

I understand how it is. Your life in Camelot.

I worry about you sometimes.

The dangers you must face...

Mother! I don't want you to worry.

I can't help it. It's what mothers do.

Well, we are safe here.

All of us.

How's she been?

As well as can be expected,

but a broken heart takes time to mend.

Guinevere.

Hello, Arthur.

What are you doing here?

It's as good a place as any.

I've missed you.

And I you.

SCREAMING

Agravaine...

he's found us.

Any suggestions?

Round the back.

WHEEL CREAKS

Bael onbryne!

There!

Get them!

You have magic!

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