The Kindness of Strangers 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.

DOGS BARK

Hah!

HE PANTS

I was hoping for more of a challenge.

There was a time when the name "Alator"

struck fear even into the most courageous.

Your skill as a torturer was unparalleled, did you know that?

That was nothing to be proud of.

What was it you used to say?

"The victim always talks...

-"Eventually."

-What do you want from me?

I would have thought that was obvious.

I want you to tell me where Emrys is...

I told you before... never.

I was rather hoping you'd say that...

This really is the most perfect spot, is it not?

It is, my Lord.

Sometimes I forget how beautiful Camelot is.

But never how beautiful my queen is.

SHE LAUGHS

-HE SNORTS

-Was that you, Merlin?

It was the horse.

Because if you WERE mocking your king...

-I wasn't.

-I wouldn't.

There's a special punishment reserved for such impudence.

HE LAUGHS

You're too easy, Merlin. Every time.

-How about here, Guinevere?

-Yes, it looks perfect.

Then here it shall be.

Be here?

I haven't seen him this happy in a long time.

Yes, he has changed, hasn't he?

Yeah... I think he has.

Sorry! Fill that up will you, Merlin?

Perhaps he's not totally changed.

And this one too. Ready?

Sire.

I think my dog can catch better than you.

Possibly because you treat him better.

Are you blind?

Something happened here.

Stags marking their territory.

No. This was caused by magic.

Who knows about hunting, me or you? It's rutting season -

half the trees in the forest will look like that.

Come on! Your king awaits!

What happened?

They sought sanctuary at the Western Garrison.

Ashwick's been at peace since my father's time.

They're not from Ashwick.

They fled over the border from Odin's lands.

Two days ago, the city of Helva was attacked.

Only a handful of people managed to escape.

-Who

-was responsible?

At first, we assumed it was the Saxons -

they've been active in that area before.

But the refugees tell a different story.

They say magic was involved.

-Morgana?

-All the evidence would suggest so, Sire.

Strengthen the garrison, double the patrol on the border.

Sire.

-Why would Morgana attack Helva?

-She must have her reasons.

That's one of the few places where magic is practised freely. Why would she attack her own?

Makes no sense.

The workmanship is undeniable.

See how the pattern repeats at each concentric circle?

It was made in Helva.

Anything else... a name, a date?

Not that I can see... but it's a fine piece.

No-one would part with it willingly.

Perhaps one of the refugees dropped it?

Mm. Perhaps.

-Merlin, what are you up to?

-I'm going back to where I found it.

I doubt if the owner will still be there.

Something terrible happened there. Something only the strongest magic could do.

I could feel it.

You're not suggesting Morgana is within Camelot's borders?

Who else could it be?

-Don't go, Merlin, not on your own.

-I'll be fine.

Take someone with you at least. If it is Morgana...

Then it won't make any difference who I take, will it?

You shouldn't have gone. It might have been a trap.

Can you decipher it?

It's in Catha, that's for sure.

-What does it say?

-It's been so long since I've heard the language, never mind read it.

There's a part of a signature here.

What is it?

Alator.

That's why Morgana attacked Helva.

Alator was the prize she was after.

But why risk so much for one man?

There can only be one reason -

to have him reveal who Emrys is.

Alator would never betray me.

Not willingly.

But Morgana will use every power she has to break him.

And even Cathas cannot resist for ever.

Enough.

Hello again, Alator.

You're wasting your time, Morgana.

-I will not tell you who Emrys is.

-Now we both know that's not true.

Otherwise, why would I have spared your life?

I am a Catha, trained from birth to master all physical pain,

-to rise above the mere...

-Yes, yes.

you can resist any physical torture, separate your mind from your body.

That's all very impressive, Alator,

but, you see, it's not your body I'm interested in.

Not even you can separate your mind from your mind.

Do you recognise this?

I see that you do.

HISSING

A Nathair.

That's right, Alator. A Nathair.

It can cause the most exquisite pain.

Not in the body of the victim. but in his very soul.

So, I ask you again. where is Emrys?

Shhh.

(What's are you doing?)

(I'm going to surprise her - breakfast in bed.)

(Oh. What a lovely thought.)

(Where are you going?)

(You don't need me, do you?)

(I can't get very well go and get the breakfast, can I?)

(What if she wakes and...panics?)

(Panics?)

(Just go and get it, all right?)

(Merlin.)

(Flowers. Don't forget the flowers.)

(Of course. The personal touch. Nice.)

FAINT VOICE

Be still.

The great battle is nearing. You must listen to me.

Emrys.

How do you know my name?

Arthur's enemies are closer than you think.

If you value your king, meet me tonight at the old temple of Erui.

Come alone...

or not at all.

(Merlin?)

(What?)

(Where are the flowers?)

GWEN STIRS

Arthur?

Good morning.

-That is so sweet.

-It's nothing.

CRASHING

Who's there?

Merlin! What do you think you're doing in the Royal chambers?

I thought, um... I thought I heard voices.

-Maybe next time you'd be good enough to knock.

-Yes, Sire.

Merlin.

Thank you.

My idea.

If it's what I think it is, this is the mark of a Bendrui.

A Bendrui?

Before the time of the Great Purge,

girls would be chosen at birth for the priesthood.

They'd be taken away from their families and brought up

as initiates in the Old Religion.

-I thought Morgana was the only High Priestess left?

-Many tried,

few succeeded.

For ordinary gifts were not enough.

Only those possessed of exceptional magical power could ever hope

to be one of The Nine.

But do not underestimate this woman's abilities -

all Bendrui are practised in potent magic.

She said Arthur's enemies were closer than I thought.

Now, who else could she mean but Mordred?

If she meant Mordred, why not say so?

We were interrupted.

She's drawing you in, Merlin. It's a trap.

She knew your real name. There's only one explanation for that.

Alator told Morgana who you really are,

and she has sent this woman to lure you to her.

But I looked into her eyes. She meant no harm.

You think a sorceress of her power couldn't feign any look she wished?

I was there, Gaius, you were not.

You mustn't go to her, Merlin.

If she can help me protect Arthur do I have a choice?

Don't you understand? If something happened to you, we would ALL be lost!

But if she can truly help me protect Arthur from Mordred

and I refuse to go, would all not be lost then, too?

Merlin...

It was I who told Alator of your true identity.

You had no choice.

And I cannot let that destroy you.

If ever you held me in any regard...

..please, do not do this.

You know I'd never do anything to hurt you, Gaius.

Thank you.

Cume mec, hraefn wan, bebuge me!

Nim bod min thissere nihte thinum drhytne.

Gedo hit his agenum handum Morgana Pendragon.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Yes?

Gaius.

Sire.

Is something wrong?

I fear so.

Come, you obviously have something to tell me.

There can be no secrets between us.

There is a special bond between a doctor and his patient.

One might almost say a bond of sacred confidentiality.

I believe so.

And yet is there not also a loyal bond between a subject and his King?

There can be no greater duty.

A patient has advised me that, within the walls of Camelot,

there is a follower of the Old Religion.

It is my belief that this woman poses a threat

not only to the kingdom, but to you yourself.

I see.

Does she have a name?

All I know is she practises her craft at night,

in the Darkling Woods by the ruined temple of Erui.

You did the right thing, Gaius.

Thank you.

It's not funny.

It's not funny at all.

Nobody's laughing. It's just childish.

You're right. It's stupid.

Here.

HE LAUGHS

Gentlemen.

We were just...

No matter.

Mordred, I have a task for you.

Sire?

Your favourite.

You don't want it?

No, of course I do. Thank you, Gaius.

You're not still thinking about that woman in the forest, are you?

It is for the best, Merlin.

Really, it is.

Great one.

Please, that's not necessary.

It is an honour to meet you, Emrys.

How did you know my name?

From my master, Alator of the Catha. He sends you greetings.

But also a warning.

The great battle nears, the fate of Camelot rests in the balance.

Only you, great Emrys,

can ensure the triumph of the Once and Future King.

How do I do that?

Quickly!

Seize them!

-Go.

-I cannot leave you.

I'll find you. You have my word. Go.

Ligfyr.

You saw her but you lost her?

She used magic, Sire.

Even so there were how many of you? Six? Against one old woman.

There were two of them, Sire.

Oh, well that explains it!

Mordred, who was the other?

We couldn't see.

But they were in earnest conversation, sire, that much we COULD tell.

Send out a second patrol.

Seal off the ford at Greinton and alert the border garrisons.

-They must be found and brought to trial.

-Sire.

I told Arthur because I was worried about you, Merlin.

She was working for Alator, not Morgana.

How was I to know that?

Because I told you!

I'm sorry, Merlin, but I thought it was for the best.

And now, because of me, her life is in danger.

No. Not you... me.

I acted like a foolish old man.

No, never that.

But I have to go now.

I must find out why she would risk her life for me.

Take care, Merlin.

You continue to waste your time, Morgana. I am a Catha Priest.

You think that will protect you?

No matter what you do, you cannot break me.

So it would seem. In which case... I have no further use for you.

You think I fear death?

Shall I let you into a secret, Alator?

I'm no longer interested in what you think or what you fear.

I shall pass to the other world happy in the knowledge that

you will never find Emrys.

He is your destiny, Morgana, and he is your doom.

Mistress?

What now?

We found a letter in his cell.

Show me.

"Do not fear, Alator. I have found Emrys. Our sacred mission continues.

"Your faithful servant, Finna." You poor fool, Alator.

Undone by a few scribbled words.

Find this Finna. Bring her to me, alive.

I will break her, Alator. Break her like a twig.

How does it feel to know all your resistance was for nothing?

Enjoy your "other world".

Herbs? You were looking for herbs?

Gaius is very particular. They have to be fresh or their power is diminished.

This is hardly the time or place to be gathering herbs.

You were grateful enough for them when Gaius cured your palsy.

It wasn't palsy.

I was being polite.

There's a dangerous sorcerer at large, Merlin, not to mention Saxons.

This is not the place to be alone.

I'll be fine. I'll just get the rest of my herbs and be on my way.

No.

I'll head back.

We can't allow that, either.

Stay with us, Merlin, until this sorcerer is apprehended.

Thank you.

What news?

-The hounds have picked up the woman's trail.

-How far?

-Less than a mile.

We've lost her.

Should we split up? Some of us track back?

It's getting dark, we'd be sitting targets for the Saxons.

We'll start again at first light.

STIRRING

Good morning.

Though technically, I think it's still night.

I was just...

-Relieving yourself?

-Yeah.

And you always put your boots on to do that, do you?

I don't like splinters.

You weren't collecting herbs either, were you?

You don't have to explain yourself to me, Merlin.

If you're willing to risk your life, it must be important.

It is.

A problem shared...

I understand.

I'll tell them I escorted you back to the bridge.

Thank you.

Merlin...

be careful.

We've lost the trail. She could have gone anywhere.

Fan out.

Wait!

Neosie thu tha swathu.

This way.

Finna!

Master!

Please don't...

I thought I had lost you.

You doubted me?

Never.

Aaargh!

Lie back.

They won't be alone.

Aargh!

Morgana must not find you.

Where can we go?

There's an old watchtower on the other side of the valley.

Can you walk?

Yeah. I think so.

It is not far.

It's safe. Are you ready?

There are no wounds.

There wouldn't be.

She's been hit. Bring your men.

How did you know this tower?

When you've spent a lifetime running,

you know all the places to hide.

Running from...Arthur?

And from his father before him.

It won't always be like this. Things will be better.

That is why I was sent... to help you make it so.

DISTANT BARKING AND SHOUTING

Why are you doing this for me?

Without you, Emrys, Arthur cannot build the new world we all long for.

I don't understand.

For hundreds of years the Catha have guarded their ancient knowledge.

But now the time has come to pass it on to you, Emrys.

For only you can carry their hopes into the great battle itself.

How can I do that?

Here. Guard it carefully.

It will help you in the dark days to come.

Thank you.

I want her taken alive, do you understand?

Alive!

There is something else.

Something Alator himself wanted me to tell you.

Don't make the same mistake as Arthur...

do not trust the Druid boy.

BARKING

-You must go on.

-There's nowhere to...

-There is a roof, you will be safe there.

-How?

They think I am alone. Once they have me, they will go.

I won't leave you, Finna. We fight them, together.

No. If Morgana sees us together she will know who you are.

-That must never happen.

-Finna, please...

It is my destiny, Emrys, to serve you until the end.

I could wish for nothing more.

Grant me one favour.

-Anything.

-Leave me your sword.

It has been a privilege to know you, Emrys.

Finna...at last.

I'm impressed. At your age, it's very spirited.

Stay away!

But with age also comes wisdom. It's over.

Tell me who Emrys is.

Never.

Burn the body. Get the horses!

O drakon, e male

so ftengometta tesd' hup' anankes.

Thank you.

It is my pleasure.

For a second there, I thought you weren't coming.

I would never forsake you, young Warlock.

-Are you all right?

-Of course.

Your wing...

I am tired, Emrys, that is all.

But I shall serve you as long as I have the strength.

If you are ill I can heal you.

There are some things even a warlock as great as you cannot overcome.

I am old, Emrys, my time has almost come.

No...

It is the cycle of life, no more, no less.

What will I do without you?

You will remember me.

Will I see you again?

What does it say?

Just a moment...

"Let loose the hounds of war.

"Let the dread fire of the Last Priestess rain down from

"angry skies, for brother will slaughter brother, for friend will,

"murder friend, as the great horn sounds a cold dawn at Camlann.

"The prophets do not lie.

"There, Arthur will meet his end, upon that mighty plain."

So many have suffered so that I may hear this...

Yes.

I think I know what's going through your mind, Merlin.

That your destiny is almost too much for one man to bear.

You...

You always did know me best, Gaius.

Be assured of one thing.

There was never anyone more capable than you, Merlin.

You will not fail.

BELLS CHIME

We got here as fast as we could.

You did well.

-Where did this happen?

-We found him just inside the border.

Merlin, fetch my glass, please.

-Do you know what it is?

-I fear so.

The skin has grown across his face until he has suffocated.

Gaius?

The disfigurement is not the result of disease or infection...

it's the result of powerful magic.

In the old days it was a punishment known as Ragaid...

the ultimate warning from the High Priestess to her enemies.

Why was this knight chosen? What had he done?

He had done nothing, except be a knight of Camelot.

It is a warning, Sire. A warning to the whole kingdom.

Morgana has declared war.

You know if Arthur catches her she'll be killed.

This time you've gone too far. You will pay, Merlin.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd