Dragon's voice:
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.
(Panting)
Hello!
Hello?
Oh, sorry.
- Well?
- I've searched everywhere.
Well then, it's not just me
you're keeping waiting.
- How is it my fault?
- The queen can't
just disappear.
- Where is she?
- That's what I sent you
to find out!
- Do you know
how big this castle is?
- Funny enough, I do.
Then perhaps
you should have a look.
Merlin, is there anything
you're actually capable
of doing?
- Putting up with you.
- Gwen: Ahem.
Oh, well...
- Arthur: Guinevere.
- I'm sorry I'm late.
Late?
Not at all.
Plenty of time.
Arthur:
Noble knights of Camelot,
countrymen,
friends,
I welcome you to this meeting
of the round table.
For three long years
we have been blessed
with peace and prosperity,
but now it seems
a shadow has been cast
across our lands.
- (Wind blowing)
- Sir Gwaine set off for ismere
some six weeks ago.
With him went threescore
of our finest men.
There has been no word
from them since.
(Growling)
Run!
(Growling continues)
At my request, sir elyan
led a search party
to the wastelands
of the north.
He found no trace
of Gwaine or his men.
It is as if they have vanished
from the face of the earth.
(Howling)
(Footsteps)
(Theme music playing)
(Panting)
(Barks)
Ruadan:
The last of
the Camelot patrol.
How long before
Arthur sends more?
Calm yourself.
There's nothing
to worry about.
You're wrong.
We're running out of time.
Prophesies do not lie.
Arthur's bane is real.
Once it is known to us
- his end is nigh.
- So you keep saying.
Yet you cannot
tell me what it is.
The diamair
will tell us.
The diamair is
the key to all
knowledge.
Then where is this key?
It is here
beneath your feet.
For three months
we've been searching
and what have we found?
Nothing.
It is but a moment compared
to the eternity of knowledge
- the key will bring.
- If I find that you've
lied to me...
Patience is the stepping stone
to wisdom, morgana.
You think I don't
know that after all
that I've been through?
For two long years
I saw nothing but darkness.
Patience and I
are old friends.
(Door opens)
(Chains rattling)
Lady morgana.
We really have to stop
meeting like this.
(Blow thuds)
(Grunts)
You're not looking
so pretty now, are you,
sir knight?
- It would appear not.
- Arthur should know
not to send his men
so far north.
Well, get on with it then.
- Kill me.
- I will,
but first you're going to have
to help me find something.
(Pick-axes clanging)
(Whip snaps)
We know Gwaine and his men
crossed the pass here
at isulfor,
but beyond that...
There was no trace.
The trail went cold.
What of this story that
the fortress of ismere has
been occupied once more?
I heard many rumors, sire.
All of them had one name
in common...
Morgana.
Then we have
no time to lose.
Gaius:
Whether the rumors
are true, sire,
you may be walking
into a trap.
Arthur:
The knights of Camelot
do not abandon their own.
Morgana knows that.
She'll be waiting for you.
These men have fought
for me, bled for me.
May I make a suggestion?
What if you were to take
a different route?
Approach ismere
from the west.
Through
annis's lands?
Gaius:
It would certainly
take morgana by surprise.
Would annis Grant safe passage
to so many armed men?
I believe
she would, sire.
Dispatch a rider immediately.
We'll follow at dawn.
Remember,
if we're to succeed,
no one must know
of our intentions.
Sorry.
It's fine, really.
I'm the one who should
apologize.
What for?
I keep getting you
into trouble.
Ahhh.
I'm used to it.
Arthur:
Merlin!
You should hear him
when he's really angry.
- (Shouts) Mer-lin!
- Like now.
If you need
help with anything...
- Let me know.
- (Chuckles)
Thank you.
Merlin:
Do you really think
Gwaine and percival
could still be alive?
I have to find out.
They're knights
of the round table.
It's a bond we share.
I understand.
If it was you that
disappeared, Merlin,
I wouldn't bother.
Did you find the others?
- Every last one.
- Do they know what
we're searching for?
- Some kind of key.
- Key to what?
I don't know,
but the men say
morgana's obsessed.
She won't rest
until she finds it.
Let's hope
we don't succeed then.
The gorge marks the start
of annis's lands.
Elyan:
It's prime
ambush territory.
Take some men,
follow the ridgeline.
- (Neighs)
- (Clicks tongue)
(Wind gusting)
Something you need to see.
(Creaking)
(Voice whispers)
Emrys...
(Whispers)
Emrys.
What happened to you?
Who did this
to your village?
That it happened at all
is all that matters.
I have been haunted
by this moment
for many years.
Since long
before you set foot
on this earth, emrys...
I have waited
for its arrival
with sorrow in my heart.
For even
as Camelot flowers,
so the seeds
of her destruction
are being sown.
The prophets speak
of Arthur's bane.
You would do well
to fear it,
for it stalks him
like a ghost
in the night.
Unless you act
quickly, emrys,
even you cannot alter
the never-ending circle
of his...
Fate.
(Wheezes)
(Rumbling)
(Voices screaming,
weapons clashing)
(Blade slices)
Arthur:
Is he alive?
What is it?
Come on, Merlin.
You've seen a dead
body before.
As soon as
we give these people
a proper burial,
we're moving out.
Oh, dragon!
(Incanting)
I need to know
about a druid symbol.
A black spiral,
within it a thin
yellow coil.
It is the Mark of a vates,
a druid seer.
Where did you encounter him?
On my journey here.
He warned me
of Arthur's bane.
His bane?
And then he
showed me a battle.
A terrible battle.
Arthur was fighting
for his life.
I saw him wounded
and I saw him fall.
The vates' power of prophecy
is unrivaled,
even by a high priestess.
So this battle
will come to pass?
I do not know,
young warlock,
but one thing is certain:
This was no chance meeting.
You think I should
heed his warning?
There was a time
when the words of a vates
were considered a gift.
Then why do they feel
like a burden?
A wise man is not cowed
by knowledge, Merlin,
instead he uses it
to guide him.
- How?
- That is something
only you can decide.
But remember...
The vates singled you out
for a reason.
Now more than ever
it is you and you alone
that can keep Arthur safe.
(Door opens)
Queen annis.
Arthur pendragon.
I'm most grateful
that you've allowed us
safe passage
through your kingdom.
We are allies, Arthur,
and these are
troubled times.
I can't eat this.
I'm sorry.
- I'll get you
something else, my lady.
- No.
If you could
just sit with me.
Are you hungry?
Eat please.
You'd think I'd be
used to it by now...
Not knowing
if he'll return.
You love him,
I understand.
Do you have someone
you worry about?
But not someone
you can talk about?
No, my lady.
There's no greater
warrior than the king.
He will return.
I know.
You're right.
Thank you.
Annis:
What you saw at asgorath
is no surprise.
Some months ago
saxons began raiding
our villages.
They're rounding up
all the men they can find
and taking them to ismere.
Arthur:
To raise an army.
People say morgana is
tearing the citadel apart.
- Why?
- She must be searching
for something.
I dare not think what.
Then my men
may still be alive.
Yes, there's every chance.
I think it's time
for some entertainment.
I would love to see
your fool perform.
Given all his failings,
he must have some skills.
You'd think so,
wouldn't you?
You heard the queen.
Jump to it.
- I'm not a fool.
- That's debatable.
And I don't have
any skills.
I know that,
but we can't
refuse the queen
when she's granted us
safe passage, can we?
(Applauding)
(Carnival music playing)
Audience: Oooh!
(Chuckles)
(Applause)
Where did you learn
to juggle like that?
Honestly, I didn't even
know you could catch.
Yes, well, I have
many talents.
You fail to notice them,
that's all.
Come on, out with it.
What's wrong?
I'm not sure
we should go to ismere.
Did you not hear annis?
My men are alive.
- You don't know that.
- Stick to juggling, Merlin.
- Leave the important
things to me.
- But...
Here.
See?
Explain that.
Wish I could.
(Chuckles)
(Screeches)
(Man praying)
(Praying continues)
- (Blade zings)
- It's me!
It's sefa.
- I didn't mean
to frighten you.
- Fear...
Is in here. No one
can make you feel fear.
Do you understand?
- You have something
to tell me?
- Yes.
- Arthur has set out for ismere.
- As I expected.
But he's
approaching from the west,
through annis's land.
- You're sure?
- Certain.
- When did he leave?
- Yesterday at dawn.
- Shall I come with you?
- Your disappearance will
create suspicion.
- What would you like me to do?
- You've served your
purpose for now.
I hope they haven't
ill-treated you.
- They have been
good to me, father.
- They are pendragons!
They are good
for one thing only:
Death.
Morgana has been
devoured by hate.
Be careful.
I will.
Good allies are
hard to find.
I'd hate to lose one.
(Bell tolling)
Aren't you forgetting
something?
- My papers for the council.
- Of course.
- Are you all right?
- Yes.
You don't seem
yourself today.
I'm sorry.
Last night...
I saw you
leave the city.
- I, um...
- Sefa,
I may be the queen,
but you don't have to hide
your secrets from me.
My lady?
Whoever he is,
he's lucky to have you.
(Sighs)
Thank you, my lady.
There are so many
things to remember.
I know that
better than anyone.
You're doing well,
honestly.
Thank you, my lady.
(Wind blowing)
(Door opens)
What is it?
- What's wrong?
- Arthur is riding
for ismere as we speak.
Impossible.
I've had sentries posted
at the border for weeks.
He's approaching
from the west,
from annis's lands.
- Why would he do that?
- He means to surprise you.
He will be on us
in less than a day.
Prepare for battle.
We ride tonight.
(Soft laughter)
(Laughter and chatter)
Merlin.
How can they
laugh and joke?
Hmm?
Don't they know
what we will face
in ismere?
Yeah, of course.
But a warrior learns
to enjoy each day as it comes.
Because he knows
it might be his last.
Why are you so upset?
Morgana is powerful.
- She's dangerous.
- I know.
And you don't care?
Only about my men.
They're more than friends.
They're more than brothers.
No matter what lies ahead of me,
I won't abandon them,
as I know they would not
abandon me.
I understand.
I wish I didn't,
but I do.
Come and have some food.
(Dramatic score playing)
(Horse whinnies)
- We're surrounded.
- We can't stay here.
Run!
(Shouting)
(Shouts)
(Groans)
(Whinnies)
(Incants)
(Neighs)
(Groans)
What happened?
- (Groans)
- You don't remember?
(Huffs)
Where are the others?
Leon, elyan?
There was nothing I could do.
I had to get you to safety.
(Laughs)
What actually happened?
The usual...
I saved your neck.
- You saved me?
- Yes.
And I can juggle.
I keep telling you
I have many talents.
So it would seem.
Come on.
(Snorts)
Percival.
Percival?
What?
There's something
out there.
- (Soft hissing)
- Did you see that?
- (Footsteps)
- Who's that?
- Could we have a break?
- As long as it's quick.
I want to reach ismere
before dark.
Ismere?
We are heading
back to Camelot!
Navigation is not your
strong point, is it?
Camelot is south.
The sun rises where?
- In the east.
- And what have we been
walking towards all day?
To our deaths!
The two of us against morgana...
Are you mad?
I told you.
I'm going to rescue my men.
No!
If you're afraid,
- then go.
- I'm worried about you.
Right, well, I've tried
sending you home,
but if you're not going
to do as I ask, the least
you can do is shut up.
Come on.
You know, if morgana
doesn't kill you, I will.
Threatening your king
is treason, Merlin.
- What about threatening an ass?
- I heard that!
(Whinnies)
Leon:
We were ambushed.
Morgana and a band
of saxons attacked us
as we crossed
the border into ismere.
And what of Arthur?
I tried to protect him.
- What are you saying?
- We lost him in the battle.
We don't know
what happened to him.
Or Merlin.
How could morgana
have known?
How could she have known
that Arthur was approaching
from that direction?
Someone betrayed us.
(Wind gusting)
- Arthur?
- Hmm?
I need to tell you
something.
The man... the old man
in the village...
Just think about
something else, Merlin.
No, I need you
to listen to me.
Before he died,
he tried to warn me.
He told me that you
were in danger
- and that the danger was close.
- He was dying, Merlin.
- It is what he would say.
- I think he was a druid seer.
You expect me
to listen to a sorcerer?
Why would he
tell me that?
He had no knowledge
that I even knew you.
- We have to turn back.
- I can't.
Even if what he said
were true,
it makes no difference.
Arthur, without you
Camelot is nothing.
All that we worked
so hard to create,
everything we've begun...
Look, no matter
what adversity we face,
we stand for what is right.
To betray our beliefs,
Merlin, that...
Is what will destroy
everything we've strived for.
I swear I'm going
to rescue my men...
Or die trying.
And I swear
I will protect you
or die at your side.
(Hisses)
It's back.
- Where are you going?
- Cover for me.
(Hissing)
(Kicking)
(Rider approaching)
Morgana:
Don't just stand there,
find them!
I don't care
how long it takes.
Arthur:
If only we had a horse.
Or a pig.
You can't ride a pig.
No, but we could
roast it
with carrots,
parsnips and apples.
- Merlin.
- No, you're right.
We won't waste those apples.
- We'll put them in a pie.
- Stop it.
I have to eat something.
Rabbits?
Merlin!
I got them.
(Door opens)
What have I done?
The night before Arthur
set out for ismere,
there was a meeting
of the king's privy council.
Did you hear
what was said?
- No, my lady.
- And yet you were standing
right outside the door.
I was bringing
your supper.
Later that night
- where did you go?
- Nowhere.
Don't make this hard
on yourself.
All I want is the truth.
We both know you left the city
through the Southern gate.
Look at me!
Do you deny it?
No, my lady.
Who did you see?
You can tell me.
- You wouldn't understand.
- Who did you see?
My father.
I saw my father.
And you told him
what you'd heard?
He only wants
what's rightfully his.
Were he a physician or a warrior
his skills would be revered.
But sorcery?
He deserves respect
like any man.
Respect is to be earned.
It cannot be bought
with blood.
Your treachery cost
the lives of many good men.
I... I didn't mean to.
You have admitted
your guilt.
You leave me
no choice, sefa.
By the laws of Camelot,
I find you guilty of treason.
No.
I sentence you to death.
Take her to the cells.
- Merlin: What are you doing?
- If I could reach my sword,
we'll be able
to cut the rope.
(Groans)
Don't put your knee there.
- Where?
- (Yelps)
Oww.
- (Groans)
- Merlin!
(Shouts)
Merlin:
That was your fault.
You... you...
(Shrieks)
(Panting)
Great.
Just great.
Where'd the other
rabbit go?
(Footsteps)
(Incanting)
(Rope creaking)
(Groans)
I'm sorry.
Did we wake you?
Not so fast.
The king of Camelot.
You will fetch
a handsome price...
Alive or dead.
- Any last requests?
- Let my servant go.
He doesn't deserve
to die like this.
(Chuckles)
Merlin:
If you're going
to kill him,
- you'll have to kill me first.
- Merlin.
- Step aside.
- You know I never do
as I'm told.
Man:
Stop!
Shouldn't we leave it
to the lady morgana
to decide their fate?
(Chuckling)
You don't remember me,
do you?
You saved my life once
many years ago.
Mordred.
Hello, Arthur.
(Hissing)
Mordred:
You fear me, emrys, don't you?
For good or ill,
albion's great trial has begun.
(Whinnies)
(Theme music playing)