[Great Dragon]
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.
[Crowd Cheering,
Chattering]
- [Laughing]
- [Chattering]
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 honor.
You've got dancers, jugglers
and acrobats to entertain you.
[Sighs]
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.
[Quietly]
And yet I'm still more
intelligent than you.
[Arthur]
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.
[Arthur]
The court discussed
the annual levy this morning.
The council
suggested we raise it,
but I feel the people
are already overburdened.
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, um,
some entertainment.
- I'll tell you
about it tomorrow.
- Nonsense.
You think I would miss
my son's anniversary?
[Crowd Gasping, Laughing]
[Crowd Gasping,
Applauding]
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.
[Laughs]
Is this safe?
It's knife throwing,
Merlin.
Of course it's not safe,
but I could hardly refuse
his challenge.
Do not fear, my lord.
I never miss my target.
Good.
Glad to hear it.
May I?
Uh...
[Grunts]
- Oh!
- [Crowd Cheering,
Applauding]
[Crowd Cheering,
Applauding]
- [Blade Plunges]
- [Crowd Gasps]
[Crowd Cheering,
Applauding]
See, Merlin?
Nothing to worry about.
In a few hours time,
the sedative on the apple
will begin to take effect.
The prince
will be defenseless.
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
towards the end there.
- Perhaps I should go 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!
Good-bye, Arthur Pendragon.
It will take more
than a coward like you
to kill my son.
[Groans]
Have you anything
to say to your son
before I kill him?
Father?
No.
Guards!
I'll go 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...You have been ready
for some time, Arthur.
No.
I need you.
I know I've not been
a good father.
I've put my duty
to Camelot first.
No.
I'm sorry.
Don't say that.
But know this, Arthur.
I've always loved you.
[Sobs]
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.
[Agravaine]
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.
Camelot's thoughts
are with you, Arthur.
But, uh, if there's
anything I can do.
Your support means
a great deal to me.
Thank you.
- What news of my father?
- There is 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.
Poor boy
can't think straight.
Then we must strike
while he's vulnerable.
When Uther dies,
the kingdom will be weak.
We must choose
our moment 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.
Oh, Arthur.
I can't watch him die.
There is 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 is 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
recognize me last time
when I was 80 years old.
There's no reason
why he should this time.
Need I remind you,
the last time you
used an aging spell,
you nearly had yourself
burnt at the stake.
It's worth the risk.
Do 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 would be
changed forever.
He'll see that 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're 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?
Did he have any information?
He didn't know much,
but he has heard
of a sorcerer, an old man.
He lives in
the forest of Glaestig.
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...
and it was your father,
would you use magic
to save his life?
Yes, I would.
I would do whatever it took.
Prepare the horses.
Gather supplies.
We ride at first light.
[Door Opens]
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 would 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.
I know we've both suffered
because of magic,
but I can't stand by
and let my father die.
My mind's made up.
[Horse Blusters]
Are you sure this is
the right place? It looks
like a charcoal maker's hut.
The old man can hardly make
a living practicing magic.
I think that a lot of sorcerers
are in the charcoal business.
Are you joining me?
We don't want
to overwhelm him.
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.
How do you know
when he'll be back?
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.
I have to...
Make yourself at home.
[Exhales]
[Speaking Ancient Language]
[Door Opens]
- [Scoffs]
- You.
So we meet again,
Arthur Pendragon.
You have come to kill me?
No, that wasn't
my intention.
[Crockery Clatters]
I broke a pot.
[Mutters]
You always were
a clumsy fool.
Excuse me?
[Chuckles]
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 favorite 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?
I know more than you
could possibly comprehend.
Given your hatred for my father
and everything he stands for,
I've clearly had
a wasted journey.
Do not suppose
that you know my mind.
Will you help me?
You are asking me...
to save the life of a man
that would have me executed?
I know what I am asking of you,
and I know you have
no reason to help me,
but you're
my father's only hope.
I'll give you anything
you ask for...land, gold.
- Name your price.
- I do not want your gold!
All I have ever
wanted...
is that people like me
can live in peace,
that those
who practice magic...
are accepted
rather than hunted.
That is all I ask.
That is the price...
of your father's life.
I give you my solemn word.
When I am king,
things will be different.
You won't have
to live in fear.
Then...
I will help you.
[Chuckles]
Then there's no time to waste.
We must ride for Camelot
immediately.
- Now?
- My father weakens by the hour.
But I have...no horse.
You can use Merlin's.
He'll just have to walk back.
You would make your servant
walk back to Camelot?
I have a good mind
not to help you.
I don't care
whose horse you use.
We have to get back to Camelot
before it's too late.
First, I must gather
some rare herbs.
They are an essential
part of the cure.
I will come to Camelot
at nightfall.
If you want my help,
that is how it needs to be.
I will meet you
at the lower gate
outside the town.
Give me your word
you'll be there.
You have my word.
Now just wait here
one moment!
Why?
Questions.
So many questions.
For once in your life,
would you just do
what you're told?
[Door Opens, Closes]
All right.
[Burps]
Merlin?
[Brush Rustling]
[Sighs]
What were you doing?
Peeing.
You mean to say you were
peeing all the time
I was in there?
- Yeah. I really had to go.
- There is definitely something
very wrong with you.
Merlin!
I was worried!
I thought something
had happened.
Apart from Arthur thinking
there's something very wrong
with my bladder,
everything went to plan.
I take it that this means
you're going through with it.
If I can heal Uther,
Arthur has given me
his word...
that when he is king,
magic will no longer
be outlawed.
This could change
everything.
What if something goes wrong?
What of Arthur's attitude
to magic then?
I live with the risk
of being exposed every day.
If I don't take
this opportunity,
maybe I'll spend
the rest of my life
having to hide who I really am.
Everyone's always telling me
I have this great destiny.
Maybe this is it. I have to try.
Arthur has
gone to consult
with a sorcerer.
He intends to use magic
to heal Uther.
Then we must see to it
that he fails.
[Speaking
Ancient Language]
[Gasps]
It's cold.
I have bound it
to the left-hand path.
You must place the charm
around Uther's neck.
What will it do to him?
The force of any healing magic
will be reversed
and magnified tenfold.
By trying to cure his father,
Arthur will seal his fate.
Arthur will never
forgive himself.
He'll be destroyed.
And a broken prince
will make a terrible king.
I promised Arthur I could
heal Uther, and I can't even
find the right spell.
That's because
you're reading
the wrong books. Here.
Gwillem of Cambria was as
mad as a coot, but there was
never a better healer.
Gaius, thank you.
[Gasps]
It was cold today.
Perhaps it's a good idea
to start a fire.
Of course.
Finally, you will get
all that you deserve,
old friend.
You must use
only four drops.
Any more
could be dangerous.
I just hope
I can remember the spell.
You must trust your abilities.
[Arthur, Faint]
Merlin!
You have to get rid of him!
Merlin!
Arthur.
Gaius, have you seen my
useless toad of a servant?
- I'm afraid not.
- Where on earth is he?
- Have you tried the tavern?
- The tavern. Of course.
I am going to make him
wish he was never born.
Why did you tell him
I was in the tavern?
It was the first thing
that popped into my head.
Next time, go for the second or
third thing that pops into your
head. Anywhere but the tavern.
Good luck, Merlin.
- I'd started to think
you weren't coming.
- I gave you my word.
And here I am.
Good.
We must hurry.
Hey!
I am led to believe
that the king's palace
is that way.
I can hardly be seen
walking through the main gate
with a known sorcerer.
So you are already
going back on your word.
You promised
that I would no longer
have to live in fear.
You're forgetting that you
have yet to heal my father.
When you have, I'll give you
everything I promised.
Is this really as fast
as you can walk?
When you are as old as I,
we will see how fast
you can walk.
I need to rest a moment.
There's no time.
Then perhaps
you should carry me.
Fine.
If it means
we get there quicker,
I will carry you.
Come on.
[Grunting]
Did you just kick me?
Now who's wasting time?
Hyah! [Grunts]
Hyah!
[Mutters]
Faster.
You're dismissed.
But, sire,
we were instructed
not to leave our post.
And I said
you're dismissed.
Yes, my lord.
[Clears Throat]
[Inhales]
Wait.
Is something wrong?
My father has taught me
never to trust magic.
Now I'm using it to save him.
Your own life has been saved
using magic more times
than you can possibly imagine.
What on earth
are you talking about?
I merely mean to say
that magic is all around you.
It is woven into
the very fabric of the world.
How can I be sure
it's the right thing to do?
I know you have suffered
because of magic,
as many have.
But not all magic
and not all sorcerers...
are the same.
I wish only to show you...
that magic
can be used for good.
I hope...
one day you will see me
in a different light.
[Speaking Ancient Language]
[Continues
In Ancient Language]
[Gasps]
Father.
[Sighs]
Arthur.
[Laughing]
[Groans]
- [Groaning]
- What's happening?
- I don't know.
- [Gasping]
Well, do something!
[Exhales]
He's dead.
No. He can't be.
Father.
Father!
What have you done?
This was not
supposed to happen.
You gave me your word.
You...You have killed him.
- You killed him!
- No!
- You'll die
for what you've done!
- [Shouts In Ancient Language]
[Bell Tolling]
[Tolling Continues,
Faint]
[Gaius]
I'm sorry, Arthur.
The king is dead.
The spell was working.
I'm sure of it.
I'd done everything right.
I don't know what happened.
I think I do.
I found it
around Uther's neck.
It's been enchanted.
And such an enchantment
would reverse the effects
of your healing spell.
Uther didn't stand a chance.
Morgana.
I believe so.
[Door Opens]
Uther's dead, isn't he?
How did you know?
I felt it,
felt his pain.
I thought Uther's death
would be cause
for celebration.
Arthur will replace him.
There'll be no celebration
until I take my place
upon the throne.
That may be sooner
than you think.
Arthur is young, untested.
He will look to
his trusted uncle for counsel,
and I will ensure that he fails.
I am so sorry.
I sh-sh-sh...
I sh-sh...
I wish that there was something
I could have done.
Merlin, no one but me
is to blame for this.
You are not to blame.
This isn't your fault.
I'm entirely to blame.
My father spent 20 years
fighting magic.
To think
I knew better.
I was so arrogant.
That arrogance
cost my father his life.
You were only doing
what you thought was right.
That old sorcerer meant no harm.
Perhaps the spell went wrong.
Uther was dying.
Maybe nothing
could have saved him.
We'll never know.
All I know for sure
is that I've lost
both my parents to magic.
It is pure evil.
I'll never lose sight
of that again.
[Knocking]
[Thunder Rumbling]
We must leave him
to mourn.
Merlin?
This is all my fault.
I killed him.
You did not kill Uther.
Morgana did.
Uther's spirit died
when she broke his heart.
We must look
to the future.
Uther's death will allow
Arthur's progression
to the throne.
We must hope it brings peace
and stability to the land.
Magic will still
be outlawed.
I have turned Arthur
against it forever.
He'll never know
who I really am.
That time will come.
I'm sure of it.
Arthur will be under
even more pressure
now that he is king.
He will need you
more than ever.
There's nothing more
to be done.
Let's go
and have some supper.
I think I'll wait here.
[Kisses]
Merlin.
It's a new day.
Have you been here
all night?
I didn't want you to feel
that you were alone.
You are a loyal friend, Merlin.
[Inhales]
You must be hungry.
Starving.
Me too.
Come on.
You can make us
some breakfast.
♪♪ [Muffled]
Will you solemnly
promise and swear...
to govern the peoples
of Camelot...
according to
their respective
laws and customs?
I solemnly swear
so to do.
Will you, to your power,
cause law and justice,
in mercy,
to be executed
in all your judgments?
I will.
Then by the sacred law
vested in me,
I crown you, Arthur,
King of Camelot.
Long live the king!
[All]
Long live the king!
[Crowd, Chanting]
Long live the king!
Merlin.
[Gaius]
Borden is not a man
to be trusted.
What do you want?
To help you.
We both know
what he hid there.
A dragon's egg.
[Man's Voice, Whispering]
Emrys.
You want the egg
to remain lost forever.
This is a chance
in a thousand, Merlin.
No!