The Darkest Hour - Part 1 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.

Halt!

Stay where you are.

Where are you headed?

The Seas of Meredor.

What's in the cart?

Lady Morgana...

Are you all right?

Yes. Thank you, sister.

But we must hurry.

Night is nearly upon us and we still have far to go.

Sorry!

What're you doing in my kitchen?

The Prince's shirt...

Keep your dirty fingers off my food, d'you understand?

Oi!

You could try a bit of salt.

Arthur is going to kill me!

Let's see.

You've faced far worse, Merlin.

He needs it for tonight.

I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something.

Fordwin wamm!

You're dressed!

Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot.

Are you sure about that?!

I beg your pardon?

-It's just that...

-Merlin!

I'm trying to write a speech!

-D'you want help?

-No.

You won't want this, then. I spent all night working on it.

What do you think?

It needs a polish.

I'll add it to the list.

Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance

to write a prince's speech.

Obviously it would be too much or you to say "thank you."

The Isle of the Blessed.

You know where we wish to go.

You've not eaten, sire?

Sire?

It doesn't make any difference.

I'm not sure it ever will, but at least it gives him peace.

It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.

His heart is broken and his spirit is gone.

Are you joining us for the feast tonight?

I don't think so. I need to stay with the King.

You're very good to him, Gwen.

I don't do it for him. I do it for Arthur.

The reports are true, sire.

We caught up with Morgana on the plains of Denaria.

Was she alone?

There was someone else.

-Morgause?

-I couldn't be sure.

-Where was Morgana heading?

-The Seas of Meredor.

The Isle of the Blessed.

I will send out patrols at first light.

Thank you, Agravaine.

Sire... You should know, her powers have grown.

Sir Bertrand and Sir Montague are both dead.

Keep me informed of any developments.

For months, nothing. Why now?

We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever.

Today, tomorrow, does it matter?

We mustn't live in fear, Arthur.

Camelot is strong.

If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.

You're right, of course.

I don't know how I'd've got through these last months without you.

Thank you, Uncle.

I made a promise to your mother.

I'll always be there for you.

SCREECHING

LOUD SCREECHING

Samhain...

it is the time of year

when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors.

It is a time to remember those we have lost,

and to celebrate their passing.

Samhain is almost upon us.

We must hurry.

I can't do this.

Sister...

..remember what I've told you.

It is the only way.

What you are about to do will affect everyone,

even you.

But most importantly,

it will bring our enemies to their knees.

You must be strong and remember that.

I am not long for this world.

There is nothing left for me here now.

Please, Sister...

..let my parting be my final gift to you.

To the King!

GONG CHIMES

Eala leofu sweoster, paem gastum befaeste ic pe.

Alys pa peoster pe inne onwunap.

Ongunne dwolma!

METAL STRIKES STONE

Uh!

SPEECH IS SLOWED: The King!

The King!

Emrys.

Emrys.

JUG CLATTERS

Who are you?

I am The Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the Spirit World.

You have torn the veil between the worlds.

You are right to be afraid, Morgana.

Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings.

But you must beware...

Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world...

and you will not walk through it alone.

The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow.

He is your destiny...

..and he is your doom.

'Emrys'

What happened?

I don't know.

I've never felt anyone so cold before.

Will he be all right?

I'll need hawthorn to improve the blood flow...

and blankets, lots of blankets.

'When she spoke, her voice,'

it was as though it came from the depths of the Earth.

And her eyes...

..they were so sad.

So much pain in them.

Who is she?

The Cailleach...

the gatekeeper to the Spirit World.

Why was she there?

It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's eve.

The moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.

It cannot be a coincidence.

Why was I the only one to see her?

You have great power, Merlin.

For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.

You don't understand. It wasn't a vision.

She knew who I was.

She called me Emrys...

What is it? What does it mean?

I'm not sure.

But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds,

then God help us all.

BANGING

Merlin!

-Merlin!

-What?

KNOCK AT DOOR Merlin!

That's not me.

Excuse me, sire.

You're needed urgently in the Council Chambers.

GIRL CRIES

-What's happened to her?

-Her village was attacked.

-By who?

-It's not entirely clear, sire.

SOBBING CONTINUES

-What's your name?

-Drea.

Drea...I'm Arthur.

Don't be frightened.

Tell me what happened.

My mother, my father, my little sister,

-they're...

-It's all right.

It's all right.

Someone attacked them?

Who?

There was no-one...

just...shapes.

You didn't see their faces?

They had no faces.

I keep telling you. They were there,

but they weren't there...

They moved so quickly...

..it was as if they weren't real.

But...they must have been.

I could hear the people screaming and then...

..silence.

SHE SOBS

Hey, thank you.

Where is this village?

Howden, to the east of the White Mountains.

It's no more than half a day's ride.

Ready the men.

Merlin... you need your comfort blanket.

-What do you mean?

-You're making ME edgy.

HORSE WHINNIES That's a horse.

Maybe it sensed something.

Yes, that you're a clodpole.

That's my word.

Yeah, and it suits you perfectly.

It's too quiet.

SQUEAKING

BANG

BLEATING

CRUNCHING

Sorry.

Here!

You saw it?

We are literally chasing shadows.

Come on.

DISTANT WAILING

RUSTLING

SQUAWKING

GROWLING

Leoht!

Leoht.

Leoht!

SCREAMING

Merlin!

What happened?

My magic...

I couldn't use it.

-There's something out there.

-You saw it?

-When it saw the light, it fled.

-Get the horses.

It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.

We need to get out of here.

SCREAMING AND SHOUTING

BELLS RING

Gwen!

Warn Gaius. There are more victims by the Western Gate.

Gaius?

Merlin!

You saw them?

Here, help me.

Give me some more sheets.

Merlin?

My magic is useless against them.

I've tried.

I've never felt so powerless.

Something deep inside...

and when it came for me, I felt this emptiness...

I couldn't breathe.

-I'm scared.

-Merlin.

It's all right.

It's not your fault.

We've suffered 50 dead, maybe more. Mainly in the lower town.

And there's no way of fighting them?

No. Our only weapons are torches.

The light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.

What are they?

The Dorocha, sire.

On Samhain's eve in the time of the Old Religion,

the high priestesses would release them.

But who would do such a thing now?

Morgana.

You see her hand in this?

We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed.

How do we defeat these creatures?

I don't know, sire.

No mortal has ever survived their touch.

CREAKING

I thought I saw something.

What was it, a spider?

Just pick it up!

D'you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?

It's not a joke!

Here.

You see, Merlin, I could never be like you.

I could never let myself look so spineless.

Oh, you see I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.

What?

-All right...thoughtless.

-Never.

Definitely humourless.

That's because you're not funny!

SCREAMING

You're not scared?

Oh, I am, Merlin.

Maybe more than you.

WIND HOWLS

SOBBING

Hey, hey, hey.

It's all right, you're safe now.

-Thanks.

-Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?

They're coming from across the Kingdom.

They're looking to Camelot for protection.

And we will give it to them.

We cannot house them all.

-We have to try.

-How?

We cannot live like this forever, Arthur.

We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.

Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something.

All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.

I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire.

If I am right and the veil between the worlds has been torn,

then there is only one path open to us...

to travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.

We will ride before nightfall.

If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot,

then that is what I must do.

My lady?

My lord.

I trust you bring me good news.

-Tell me.

-The kingdom is on its knees.

-How terrible(!)

-Indeed.

-What of the poor people?

-More fall every night.

-Such a shame.

-You should know Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.

Impossible.

He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak.

And if the Dorocha don't kill him on the way,

our brave little lamb intends to

sacrifice himself to repair the veil.

Something's troubling you...

Morgana?

Something the Cailleach said.

She spoke of someone called Emrys.

Called him my doom.

Your doom? What did she mean?

I don't know.

Morgana, we should be celebrating.

Arthur will be dead within the week.

Leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir.

There are many things I have to thank you for.

You have taught me so much.

But most of all you have taught me...

what it is to be a prince.

I hope that this time, you'll be proud of me.

Don't leave me.

I have to, Father.

Please...

Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.

What is it?

You don't have to go.

I do.

Please, Arthur, take care.

YOU are precious...

not just the kingdom.

-Smile.

-I can't.

D'you remember...

the first time I kissed you?

There. That's the memory I want to take with me.

Take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility

-for the kingdom rests with you.

-What about your father?

Should he die, you are to assume the throne.

-Arthur...

-You are the only person I trust, uncle.

I beg you, for the sake of the Kingdom, there must be another way.

My mind is made up.

I am just grateful you are here.

Merlin.

-What're you doing?

-It's my destiny to protect Arthur.

How?

Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.

Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.

No.

My life has always been marked out by destiny.

If this is meant to be...

I'm not afraid.

I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...

Albion will live.

Gwen.

Will you grant me a favour?

Anything.

Look after him.

Bring him home.

I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.

Thank you.

HORSE WHINNIES

Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering.

I need someone to volunteer to get wood.

I'll do that.

You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.

Doesn't matter.

You are not a warrior, Merlin.

I don't want to see you hurt.

If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.

It is your duty to protect Camelot, no matter what the cost...

Well...it's my duty to protect Arthur.

Surely you can understand that?

I can understand that very well.

WAILING AND MOANING

Help me, Emrys, please!

Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?

SHE GASPS

Emrys!

Pair off. Find any wood you can.

Get the fires burning.

SCREAMING

SCREAMING

SCREECHING

Let's go!

-We haven't got enough.

-Go!

Bael onbryne!

It won't get us through the night.

It'll keep the area safe for a while.

The last one.

Maybe we should draw lots to see who gets some more.

-I'll go.

-You'll need help.

I'll go with him.

You sure you're the right person?

Since when have you known how to collect firewood?

THEY LAUGH

SCREECHING Merlin!

Let's go!

They should've been back by now.

Someone needs to go and look for them.

-We've only one torch between us.

-Who's coming?

HE SHIVERS

It's cold.

-Right.

-You're not feeling it?

I...

You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.

-Really? Was that a compliment?

-Don't be stupid.

All the things I've faced...

I've never worried about dying.

I don't think you should now.

Sometimes you puzzle me.

You never fathomed me out.

No.

I always thought that if things had been different,

we'd have been good friends.

Yeah.

That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous dollophead.

We'll defeat the Dorocha.

We will, Arthur. Together.

I appreciate that.

You're a brave man, Merlin...

..between battles.

MERLIN LAUGHS

You don't know how many times I have saved your life.

If I ever become King, I'm going to have you made you court jester!

THEY LAUGH

SCREECHING

They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

Feels pretty dark right now.

It can't be long then.

Merlin, no!

What happened?

The Dorocha cannot be allowed to remain in this world.

The sundered veil must be restored.

Arthur intends to sacrifice himself to heal the veil.

I must take his place.

Merlin, you must not do this.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd