[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.
[All Shouting]
Get him!
[Shouting Continues]
[Panting]
[Bird Chirping]
Trapped, are we?
- [Arrow Whooshes]
- [Man Groans]
That's the idea.
[Arthur]
On me!
Your Majesty!
Look what we have here.
He comes with us.
I'll deal with the prisoners
when we get back to Camelot.
I fear this is no ordinary
prisoner, Your Highness.
Well, well.
What is it?
This, Merlin, is
the royal crest of Caerleon.
Is it not,
Your Highness?
This is not the first time
he's trespassed on our lands.
[Agravaine] No, sire.
Only last week, he seized
the village of Stonedown
on the western borders.
We're not on the borders
now, Agravaine.
This is the heart
of the kingdom. He took
a grave risk coming here.
Perhaps he doesn't
see it that way.
I fear it's no coincidence
that all this has happened
since Uther's death.
What do you mean?
Arthur, your father
was a strong king.
His enemies feared
and respected that strength.
Are you saying I'm not
worthy of that respect?
No, sire. Not at all.
There isn't a citizen
of Camelot who would not
lay down their life for you.
But your enemies...
To the enemies of Camelot,
you are still untested
as a king.
You must send
a clear message...
that any action against Camelot
will be met without mercy.
Did we not achieve that
here today?
No, sire.
Not enough.
Not enough
to deter the likes
of Odin and Bayard...
and the countless others
who covet Camelot's wealth.
Then what do you suggest?
I suggest...
I suggest we force him
to accept a treaty
on our terms.
He must withdraw his men
from our land,
return our territories
to us.
He must surrender
Evorwick.
He'd rather die
than agree to such terms.
Then you are left
with no choice.
I can't just kill a man
in cold blood.
Arthur, you must do what
you need to do to assert
your authority on this land.
There must be another way.
There's no other way.
Think on it.
Decide by tomorrow.
- Arthur.
- Not now, Merlin.
[Water Hisses]
[Bird Squawks]
Arthur?
Arthur.
Here.
Thank you.
You must be cold.
- Have you not slept at all?
- I've been thinking.
About what Agravaine said?
So, what are you going to do?
My father
was a great king,
but I don't have his wisdom
or his conviction.
I can only follow his example
and do what he would have done.
You're going to draw up
this treaty?
I have to show my strength,
show that I'm worthy
of my father's name.
Caerleon won't sign it.
- You know that.
- Caerleon brought this
upon himself.
Arthur.
You've always
shown mercy in battle.
You've never sought
to humiliate your enemy
in this way.
This isn't like you.
This isn't who you are.
You have no idea what it is
to make these decisions...
decisions that will shape
the future of this land.
- Arthur...
- So, please, stick
to what you do know.
What is this?
[Caerleon]
You expect me
to sign this?
To humiliate myself
before you?
You invaded
our kingdom,
took what did not
belong to you.
- And if I do not sign?
- Then you will pay
with your life.
[Chuckles]
And who makes
these terms?
Arthur Pendragon,
King of Camelot.
Very well.
Then make it quick.
Think what you're doing,
Caerleon.
This treaty could seal
a truce between us.
There would be peace,
like there was between
your father and mine.
I am not my father.
And you are not Uther.
Do you really have the guts
to kill me?
- You leave me no choice.
- You do not choose
anything, boy.
It is I who choose to die,
and I alone.
Now get on with it.
So be it.
Your resolve has already earned
the respect of both the council
and the people alike.
Your father would have
been proud of you.
Thank you, Uncle.
I don't know
what I'd have done without
your support and counsel.
Did you miss me?
Yes, I did.
[Water Splashing]
It can't have been easy
having a man killed like that.
I had no choice.
A show of strength
was necessary.
Don't you think compassion
can also show strength?
Not to the likes
of Caerleon. No.
No, an example had to be made
for the good of the kingdom.
So you don't regret
what you did?
My conscience is clean,
Merlin, which is more
than I can say for my room.
So just do your job,
will you?
Look, I'm just saying, if
there's something bothering you,
you can talk to me.
You shouldn't push
your friends away, you know.
- Not now, not when
you need them most.
- You're wrong, Merlin.
I don't need anyone.
I can't afford that luxury.
The kingdom's
my responsibility now.
Mine to bear alone.
And you must learn
to accept that.
This...This is
no battle wound.
This is the work
of cowards!
Arthur will pay for this,
by God!
The whole of Camelot
will pay for this!
[Thunderclap]
[Knocking]
Come.
I am sorry
to disturb you, my lord.
Is something the matter,
Uncle?
I dare to hope
that my advice...
has been of some use
these past months.
Of course it has.
You know that.
There is something
I wish to discuss
with you.
But...it is
a delicate matter.
Yes?
It concerns Gwynevere.
What about her?
She's a beautiful woman,
sire,
and possessed
of many fine qualities,
I have no doubt.
But she is a servant.
- That doesn't matter to me.
- Nor to me.
I assure you. No.
It-It's your people
that concern me.
Surely, as king,
I can do as I see fit.
No, sire. You cannot.
You must do what is
expected of you.
You must present yourself
in an appropriate manner.
The people...
your people...
do not wish
to see their king...
with the daughter
of a blacksmith.
This isn't a matter
of state.
This is a matter
of the heart.
You cannot rule the kingdom
with your heart, Arthur.
Your father
understood that.
You didn't want
to kill Caerleon.
I know that.
But you were strong.
You didn't
let those emotions
cloud your judgment.
You ruled with your head,
like a strong king must.
Yes.
Now you must show
that strength again.
Set aside personal feelings
for the good of your kingdom.
Set aside my feelings
for Gwynevere?
I'm afraid so, my lord.
You seem tense.
What do you mean
"tense"?
You know...agitated,
on edge, angry.
This is not anger, Merlin.
This is controlled
aggression!
Great. I'm glad
we cleared that up.
Sire. A messenger
this minute arrived.
What is it?
An army.
- It crossed our border
at first light.
- An army? Whose army?
Caerleon's queen.
At a forced march,
Caerleon's men will reach
Camelot by sundown tomorrow.
Which means
we have no choice.
We must intercept them
before they reach
the Ridge of Landshire.
That way,
we hold the high ground.
The knights of Camelot
make ready as I speak.
We ride at dawn.
Long live the king!
[Others, Chanting]
Long live the king!
[Bird Squawking]
[Door Crashes Open]
Halt!
Please, I mean you no harm.
I wish only to speak
with your queen.
Morgana Pendragon.
Stealing into my castle
in the dead of night.
You must have a death wish.
Sorry for the interruption,
Your Majesty, but I've come
on urgent business.
What business could you possibly
have with me, witch?
I come in the name
of my father.
Is that so?
When last I heard,
you and he were...
I speak not of Uther,
but of Gorlois.
Gorlois?
Uther is my father
by blood alone.
Gorlois raised me as a child.
He made me who I am.
I remember him well.
He was a good man,
an honorable man.
He was, Your Highness,
and his sole reward was death,
betrayed by his king.
Well, then.
It seems
we have both lost something
at the hands of a Pendragon.
Now, for the last time,
what are you doing here?
Your Highness...
Your Highness, Uther
was a curse upon this land,
as is his son.
I seek revenge for the wounds
they have inflicted, as do you.
If you will accept it,
I've come to offer my help.
Off again?
Another week
in the wilderness?
Eating weird animals,
being eaten by weird animals.
No hot water and no baths.
This will be the last time
either of us get to sleep
in a proper bed.
I'm prepared to face
all manner of horrors
in this world,
but if you think I'm sharing
this bed with you...
[Laughing]
What?
No! That's not
what I meant.
Right.
Good. Comfort to know.
Where are you going?
That's my business.
And, Merlin, don't be here
when I come back.
[Guard]
Halt! Declare yourself!
Sorry, sire.
Forgive me.
No harm done.
Arthur.
May I come in?
Of course.
Can I get you anything...
something to eat?
I'm fine, thanks.
- I won't be staying long.
- Oh.
Gwynevere.
Please believe me
when I say that you've
done nothing wrong...
and that none of this
has anything to do with you.
None of what?
I don't understand.
Things have changed for me.
With my father gone,
it falls to me
to rule this land.
I know
what a responsibility
that must be.
And now that I'm king,
it's no longer relevant
what I may or may not
want for myself.
My only duty is
to the people of this land.
I'll be judged by my actions,
who I'm seen with.
You're ashamed
to be seen with me?
No.
But now that I'm king,
it's not appropriate.
I'm not appropriate?
It seems not.
Arthur.
Listen to yourself.
This doesn't sound
like the man I know.
You've been talked
into this, haven't you?
I haven't been
talked into anything.
I'm my own man.
I make my own decisions.
And you've decided
we can't be together?
Yes.
I see.
I'm sorry, Gwynevere.
It's just the way
it has to be.
Arthur.
Don't let anyone
tell you what to do.
You said
you are your own man.
You have a good heart.
Be true to it.
Only then will you be
the king you want to be.
[Door Closes]
[Gaius]
Don't worry, Gwen.
He'll be back soon,
I'm sure.
It's different this time
though, isn't it?
Arthur's king now.
The fate of Camelot rests
on his shoulders alone.
He's not alone, Gwen.
You, above all people,
should know that.
I do know that.
But I'm not sure he does.
Ensure the men
have everything they need.
They must be well rested
by morning.
I'll see to it, sire.
The battle commences
at first light.
[Men Shouting]
[Chattering]
- [Merlin] That's me.
- [Elyan] Like a one-man army.
[Chuckles]
We should all
get some sleep.
Is he all right?
He's our king.
If anything were
to happen to any of us,
he'll hold himself
responsible.
Elyan?
Sire.
Well?
We just want you
to know...
there isn't a man among us
who would not die for you.
We made
our pledge,
and we wear
the Pendragon crest
with pride.
Tomorrow we fight
in your name, sire...
for freedom and justice
in this land.
Thank you, Elyan.
Thank you all.
They mean it, sire.
Every word.
I've never once
questioned their loyalty.
I do wonder
if I deserve it.
No one could care more
for their men than you do.
To send them into battle
is not a decision that
you would make lightly.
They know that.
But was it
the right decision?
If there was any other way
out of this situation,
you would take it.
But you must
defend Camelot.
- You have no choice.
- I had a choice.
To let Caerleon
live or die.
I made the wrong decision,
and now I've brought this war
upon Camelot myself.
Arthur.
No one is prepared to
sacrifice more for the sake
of this kingdom than you.
Your decision was made
in the best interests
of Camelot.
Maybe.
Now my men must pay for it
with their lives.
[Snoring]
[Exhales]
Halt!
[Arthur]
I'm unarmed.
You know who I am.
Take me to your queen.
What is the meaning of this?
Your Highness,
I've come here to...
Your Highness, I know
that you feel nothing
but contempt for me.
You feel I've done you
a grievous wrong,
and you would be right.
I'm ashamed of what I did.
It was cowardly,
it was unjust,
and I'm deeply sorry.
Sorry does not
bring back my husband.
Sorry does not
give my people back
their king.
I realize that.
I know there's nothing
I can do to repair that loss.
Then what
are you doing here,
Arthur Pendragon?
I want to call off the battle.
It's a little too late
for that.
I don't propose a truce,
but an alternative.
I invoke the right
of single combat.
Two champions settle
this matter between them.
And why should I
grant you this favor?
There has been bloodshed enough
already, Your Highness.
Many hundreds of lives
will be saved this way.
And your terms?
If my man wins,
you must withdraw your army.
And if mine
is the victor?
Then half of all Camelot
is yours.
[Tent Cloth Flaps]
[Panting]
- Sorry about this.
- You know him?
He's my servant.
He must have followed me here.
I knew nothing about it.
- Kill him.
- Wait, please. Let him go.
He's just...
a simple-minded fool.
That is two favors...
you've asked of me this night,
Arthur Pendragon.
Very well. You shall have
your trial by combat.
Announce your champion
by noon tomorrow.
Thank you, Your Highness.
And take your fool with you.
Simple-minded fool?
Oh, I was being kind.
Believe me.
You almost got me
killed in there.
Me?
You seem to be doing a pretty
good job of that yourself.
What is wrong with you?
Why can you never
just leave me be?
I'm your friend.
I was looking out for you.
I appreciate that
in your very confused way,
you were only
trying to help.
But please,
don't do it again.
But, sire, we can
win this battle.
I know we can.
I don't doubt it.
But at what cost? How many
men would be slaughtered?
And what if we were
to lose this trial?
We can't give up our land.
That's the deal
I've struck.
I believe it to be fair.
I'll stand by it.
Well, then all that remains,
my lord, is for you
to choose your champion.
It would be
a privilege, sire.
Sire.
There can only be
one choice...
one choice which is
just and honorable.
This fight's mine.
I don't like it.
It must be a trick.
What concerns you,
Your Highness?
Arthur.
Why would he
choose himself
as the champion?
Because he's Arthur.
He'll always risk his own life
before those of his men.
Trust me, it's no trick.
Arthur will fight.
It's as if you
were pleased, Morgana.
Whatever else he is,
Arthur is a great warrior.
You have as much to lose
as I if he wins.
You desire the throne
of Camelot, do you not?
I don't deny it.
It's rightfully mine after all.
Arthur will not win.
How can you
possibly know that?
Because I have the power
to ensure that he doesn't.
Then you must use it.
[Panting]
Morgana.
Did you get it?
Of course.
[Speaking Ancient Language]
[Ancient Language]
Arthur's as good as dead.
Not too tight, Merlin.
You don't want to kill me
before I've even started.
[Chuckles]
Sorry.
If this day
should prove to be my last,
give this to Gwynevere.
Tell her I'm sorry.
Of course.
Arthur, do you really think
this is worth the risk?
You're king now.
Camelot needs you...
alive.
I don't know
what will happen.
But for the first time
since I became king,
I know in my heart
I've made the right decision.
Well, whatever happens
out there, um...
You're not about to start
crying on me, are you?
No.
Just, uh, good luck.
[Laughs]
Thank you, old friend.
It is time, my lord.
Very well.
Is all in readiness?
Merlin?
Ready.
Right then.
You have served
my husband well, Derian.
I know you'll do
the same for me.
And, Derian,
no pity, no quarter.
Do not hesitate
for one second.
Arthur Pendragon
must die.
[Growls]
[Roars]
[Roaring]
This has gone on
long enough.
Time to turn the tide.
I've enchanted
Arthur's sword.
It holds the weight
of a thousand ages.
No one could bear it
for long.
[Metal Rings]
[Groans]
- [Speaks Ancient Language]
- [Screams]
[Screaming]
[Men Cheering]
Long live the king!
[Men]
Long live the king!
You are victorious,
Arthur Pendragon.
And you may rest assured
that I shall comply absolutely
with the terms of our agreement.
My army will be gone
by nightfall.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Tell me something.
You spared my champion. Why?
Because it's not victory
I seek.
It is peace.
I hope that today
will mark a new beginning
for our kingdoms.
There is something about you,
Arthur Pendragon...
something which gives me
hope for us all.
It seems you do not
have the power after all,
Morgana.
Arthur was made
of sterner stuff
than you imagined.
[Chuckles]
There will be
other opportunities,
Your Highness,
and next time
he won't be so lucky.
There won't be a next time.
Not for me anyway.
What are you
talking about?
I believe I may have
misjudged our young king.
Don't be taken in
by his fine words.
It wasn't Arthur who mislead me.
It was you.
You are consumed
by bitterness, Morgana.
It spreads within you
like a disease.
In my grief, I let you
infect me with your hate.
That is untrue.
Have you forgotten how
Arthur killed your husband?
Do you deny
that you sought revenge?
Yes, I sought revenge.
But that does not mean
it was the right thing to do.
[Scoffs]
You are weak, Annis,
as I thought you were.
Go ahead.
Make peace with Arthur.
But I will not rest
until all of Camelot
bows before me.
Morgana.
You came to me
in the name of Gorlois,
but I fear you're more
like Uther than you realize.
[Crowd Shouting, Cheering]
You're a hero.
Thank you, Merlin.
Not to me.
To your people.
Right.
You think different?
Maybe I know something
they don't.
Which is?
You know, that you're
a cabbage head.
Maybe.
I should have listened
to you, Merlin.
Just this once,
I think you were right.
Even if you are
the worst servant
in the five kingdoms.
[Laughs]
[People Cheering]
[Knocking]
Come.
- Gwen.
- Sire.
These...
are for you.
They're not much,
I know.
I picked them
by the side of the road.
Thank you, sire,
but I don't know
what they're for.
They're to say
I'm sorry, Gwynevere.
You don't need to apologize.
I understand why things
have to be the way they are.
Hmm. A good king
should...
respect the traditions
of the past.
As my father did.
I know that.
But a good king
should also...
be true to himself...
and do as he sees fit...
and be seen with those
who he cares for.
Even if they're not...
appropriate?
Does that answer
your question?
It's a start.
Merlin.
[Morgana]
Arthur is strangely
fond of the boy.
He could prove useful.
You must kill
Arthur Pendragon.
Merlin,
is something wrong?
But why would Merlin
want to kill Arthur?
You can't trust anyone.
In fact, I think you, Merlin,
are the only person I can trust.
You're just my imagination.
Whatever you say.