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.

Oh! Did you see that?!

It's a man throwing sticks in the air.

What's wrong? It's your birthday.

A huge feast is being held in your honour.

You've got dancers, jugglers and acrobats to entertain you.

It must be a terrible burden(!)

Perhaps I'm less easily impressed than you.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Because you have the mind of a child.

And yet I'm still more intelligent than you.

I heard that!

You have misplaced something, Geldred?

Our special gift to the Prince. I cannot find it anywhere.

Geldred, I took the liberty of ensuring their safe passage myself.

We must make sure that this is a celebration

the young Prince will never forget.

The court discussed the annual levy this morning.

The council suggested we raise it,

but I feel the people are already over-burdened.

We should not talk about matters of court today.

Father? You think I would ever forget that

today is the anniversary of your birth?

I take it there are plans for suitable celebrations this evening?

A feast and, erm, some entertainment.

I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

Nonsense.

You think I would miss my son's anniversary?

I require a volunteer.

Prince Arthur. What better or more fitting occasion

for you to demonstrate your legendary bravery?

Do you accept the challenge?

Of course.

Is this safe? It's knife throwing, of course not. I could hardly refuse.

Do not fear, my lord. I never miss my target.

Good. Glad to hear it.

May I?

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

See, Merlin? Nothing to worry about.

The Prince will be defenceless. Then we will strike.

You're telling me you weren't even a little bit scared?

Of course I wasn't. I am a warrior.

You learn to control your fear. To channel it.

You looked scared.

It was good to see my father enjoying himself.

He looked a little quiet toward the end, though.

Perhaps I should go and see him.

Are you sure that's a good idea? You can barely stand up.

Are you saying I'm drunk? No, I'm just saying

I don't think you should be

wandering around the palace. And why is that?

You're not wearing any trousers.

Good point.

Guards!

Guards!

Goodbye, Arthur Pendragon.

It will take more than a coward like you to kill my son.

Have you anything to say to your son before I kill him?

Father?

No. Guards!

I'll go and get help. Stay with me.

I'm here, Father.

Guards! Someone! We need help!

It's my time. No. You can't die.

I know you will make me proud, as you always have.

You will be a great King. I'm not ready.

You have been ready for some time, Arthur. No. I need you.

I know I've not been a good father.

I put my duty to Camelot first. I'm sorry.

Don't say that.

But know this, Arthur.

I've always loved you.

Gaius. Can you treat him?

The blade has touched his heart. He is bleeding inside.

There must be something.

There must be something you can do. Please, Gaius.

It's only a matter of time, I'm afraid.

I'm sorry, Arthur.

We traced the assassin to the town of Wenham. It's in Odin's land.

It seems he hired him to kill you, to avenge the death of his son.

Our thoughts are with you, Arthur. But if there's anything I can do...

Your support means a great deal to me. Thank you.

What news of my father? There's no change.

Why isn't Gaius doing something, then?

Because there is nothing he can do.

Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?

I wasn't expecting you today.

I had to see you. I bring good news.

Better than we could have hoped for.

What is it?

Uther has been mortally wounded. He's on his deathbed.

Gaius says he only has a few days to live.

I hope the image of my face haunts him.

How is Arthur? Devastated. The poor boy can't think straight.

Then we must strike while he is vulnerable.

When Uther dies, the kingdom will be weak.

We must choose our moments carefully.

Who knows what opportunities the coming weeks will hold?

I appreciate your kindness, everything you're doing for him.

I do it for you.

Arthur. I can't watch him die.

There's still so much I want to say to him.

He cannot die.

DOOR OPENS

What's going on?

It's a vigil for your father.

The people wish to share their grief.

Why are they behaving like he's already dead

when there's still life in his body?

They're preparing themselves for the worst.

They can give up hope, but I won't. I know.

It's hard to accept. I wish it wasn't so, but...

there really is nothing that can be done.

There is a way to heal my father.

How?

With magic.

Arthur's planning on using magic? He's desperate.

He knows it's his only hope of healing Uther.

Merlin, please tell me you're not going to do this.

I'd be lying if I said no.

You can't risk exposing yourself like this. It's too dangerous.

Arthur didn't recognise me last time,

there's no reason why he should this time.

Need I remind you, the last time you used an ageing spell,

you were nearly burnt at the stake. It's worth the risk.

You think Uther is going to thank you for healing him with magic?

He's more likely to have you hanged.

Uther will never change his attitude towards magic, I know that,

but if Arthur allows it to be used to heal his father,

his attitude will be changed forever.

He'll see magic can be a force for good.

You of all people should know that

the use of powerful magic is fraught with danger.

If it works, I won't have to hide anymore. And if it doesn't?

I can't stand by and watch you do this, Merlin.

Well, don't try and stop me, because... you can't.

You are playing a dangerous game, Merlin.

I've been playing a dangerous game

since the first time I set foot in Camelot.

Maybe this is my chance to change that.

Well? What did Gaius say?

Any information? He didn't know much.

But he has heard of a sorcerer, an old man.

He lives in the Forest of Glaistig.

Gaius thinks he may be able to help you.

Will he lead me to him?

He has told me all that he knows. We will have to find him ourselves.

If you were me, if it was your father...

would you use magic to save his life?

Yes. I would. I'd do whatever it took.

Prepare the horses, gather supplies.

We ride at first light.

Arthur. What news of your father's health?

No improvement, I'm afraid.

Something's on your mind.

I didn't want to go behind your back.

I have decided to use magic to heal my father.

I'd strongly advise against such a course of action.

There is no other way. Magic caused your mother's death, Arthur.

If you respect her memory, you cannot do this.

Would you see my father die?

Perhaps it is his time.

Look, I know we have both suffered because of magic,

but I can't stand by and let my father die.

My mind is made up.

Are you sure this is the right place? It looks like a charcoal maker's hut.

The old man can hardly make a living practising magic.

I think that a lot of sorcerers are in the... charcoal business.

Are you joining me?

We don't want to overwhelm him.

He probably doesn't get many visitors.

I'll stay out here and watch the horses.

I have never met anyone who is so scared so often.

Scream like a big girl if there's any trouble.

Don't worry. You'll hear me.

Hello?

There's no-one here. Are you sure this is the right place?

I'm absolutely certain of it. I'm sure he'll be back soon.

Well, how do you know? He's a doddery old man. He can't have gone far.

If you want his help, you'll have to just wait for him inside.

Where are you sneaking off to?

I have to pee.

So unless you want to come and watch me, you should wait for him inside.

Why would I want to watch you?

There's the hut. Make yourself at home.

Miht dagena, bepecce me.

Adeaglie pisne gast min freondum ond min feondum!

You?

So, we meet again, Arthur Pendragon.

You have come to kill me? No. That wasn't my intention.

I broke a pot.

You always were a clumsy fool.

Excuse me?

So if you haven't come all this way to kill me, why have you come here?

I take it you didn't come all this way just to smash my favourite pot?

If I'd known who you were, I wouldn't have come at all.

I thought you may have come to ask me to use magic to heal your father.

How did you know?