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.
So, Emrys.
Morgana.
When I found you,
you were unconscious
in the woods.
What happened to you?
Morgana, who did this to you?
Emrys.
The old man?
He was here?
He took the Fomorroh.
He destroyed it.
He knew of our plans
to kill Arthur?
He knows all our plans,
all our secrets.
He knows everything.
Someone's telling him.
Gaius.
When I first asked him
if he knew Emrys,
he claimed not to know,
but he was lying.
I knew he was lying!
Gaius.
He's the only one in Camelot
who would know the Fomorroh.
It has to be him.
He's been telling Emrys
everything.
Good.
Then he can lead us
straight to him.
Gaius is loyal...
and very stubborn.
He won't do that willingly.
Who said he had to be willing?
Up you get.
What for?
A bath.
Where's breakfast?
Say "ah."
Ah?
Merlin!
I've set aside
some practice time.
Oh, wonderful. What for?
Quarterstaff? Battle ax?
Your speech.
- Who to?
- The guild
of harness polishers.
The guild of who?
I don't know anything
about polishing.
Fortunately, I do.
That'll take hours to learn.
You don't have hours.
First, you're
to receive Odin's envoy.
- Do I have to give a speech?
- No. You have to listen to one.
Then you're
to inspect the guards,
perform a freeman's ceremony...
Oh.
And be a judge.
- Preside over a trial?
- A garland competition.
Never get any time
to myself.
I know.
It's almost
like having to work.
Come on.
We don't have time for this.
No. Come on. Out.
Out of bed.
No!
You're doing very well,
Arthur.
- I don't think so.
- Everyone's saying it.
I'm glad your friends
at the tavern approve.
I'm serious.
You are becoming
a very good king.
Thank you.
You're still
the worst servant
I've ever known.
Enter.
Good morning, my lord.
May I have a word?
Of course.
Uh, the matter
I wish to discuss
is a delicate one, sire.
Perhaps it would be better
if we talked alone.
We know there is
a traitor amongst us.
I wish I could deny it.
We have to consider
everyone...
even those dearest to us.
No one can be above suspicion.
Of course.
So.
One of your knights?
No.
You're sure?
I would vouch for each
and every one of them.
Well, I have suggested
Gaius before, but...
I can't believe
he'd betray you.
Nor I. Gaius has always
been a loyal servant.
Indeed, a friend...
to me and my father.
Well, it was Gaius
who told you...
where to find the sorcerer
that killed your father.
Wasn't it?
And we do know that he has
dabbled in sorcery.
What if his interest
in the dark arts
has been rekindled?
I've always believed
I can trust Gaius.
Oh, me too.
Perhaps I am being
a little hasty.
But it wouldn't do any harm
to ask him some questions,
would it?
I'm not sure
there's any need.
Oh, I believe there is, sire.
We're talking about your safety
and the safety of the realm.
Somebody is plotting
against you,
and it is my duty...
to investigate
every possibility,
however unlikely.
I'm sure that Gaius himself
would respect that.
I wish to see the Catha.
He's expecting me.
[Man Chanting
In Ancient Language]
You are Alator of the Catha...
warrior and priest.
You are Morgana Pendragon,
high priestess
of the Triple Goddess...
and last of your kind.
What do you seek here?
I need you to abduct someone...
from Camelot.
Camelot is no friend
to our kind.
From what I hear,
the young king
follows Uther's ways.
You are a Catha.
Such things would not stop you.
Why should I
risk my life for you?
Because I'm willing
to give you something
in return.
It was forged
on the Isle of the Blessed
by a high priestess.
Its healing powers
are without equal
in the Five Kingdoms.
There is true power here.
This is a precious gift.
The person you seek
must be important to you.
Yes.
I hope the man will lead me
to my mortal enemy,
Emrys.
It is as you wish.
I will perform this task
for you.
Please,
sit down.
Why have I
been brought here
in this manner?
As the king's
right-hand man,
one of my jobs
is to ensure his safety.
If that means
asking questions...
even of his
most trusted servants,
then so be it.
No one is to take offense
at this.
Have I done
something wrong,
sire?
What is your attitude
to sorcery, Gaius?
It is against the law.
And do you agree with that?
I understand
the reason for it.
Oh, that's not an answer
to the question that I asked.
The law is needed
to prevent the abuses...
that have been perpetrated
by sorcerers.
Can I ask you to be a little
more direct with your answers?
Do you agree
that magic should be banned?
Yes or no.
Yes.
Have you ever
practiced sorcery?
- A long time ago.
- Recently?
No.
Then how did you know
the sorcerer that killed Uther?
- I'd heard of him.
- You told Arthur
where to find him.
- Yes.
- That suggests
you did know him.
I was told of a dwelling
where he could be found.
Who by?
I cannot say.
Have you ever
met with him?
It's a simple enough
question, Gaius.
Have you met him?
Yes or no.
No.
And you would be prepared
to swear to that?
Yes.
On oath?
Yes.
Hmm.
Thank you, Gaius.
It's been most informative.
Is that it?
Mmm. For today.
Was it really necessary
that you treat him
like that?
Your life is at stake,
sire.
We cannot afford
to be fainthearted.
And you saw with your own eyes...
he was lying.
He's definitely
hiding something.
But we can't be certain.
We have no proof.
No.
You're right, sire.
We do not.
But I fear that if we
keep investigating,
we might find some.
Come in.
Ah. Close the door,
would you?
Merlin, I realize
what a loyal and trusted
servant you are,
so I have
a very special
errand for you.
What do you think?
It's beautiful.
It's a present for Arthur.
Oh.
It's been crafted
by the sword-smiths
of Gedref,
but unfortunately, the blade
has become somewhat dulled
during the journey.
Would you sharpen it
for me?
Of course.
Oh, and, Merlin?
Leave it for the king
to find in the morning,
hmm?
Yeah.
It will be my pleasure.
[Speaking
Ancient Language]
You're late.
Let us not waste time then.
Merlin?
Ah. Sleep now.
My lord, he was seen
riding away from the city.
No, that can't be true.
Sire.
You were right.
A white stallion has been
taken from the royal stables.
Where would he be going?
Why leave at this time
of night?
I could hazard a guess, sire,
but I think a thorough search
of his belongings...
may well provide us
with the truth.
And this was found
in Gaius's chambers?
I am as disappointed
as you, sire.
Someone so close,
so trusted...
Well, it's not merely
the discovery that he was
a sorcerer, is it? It's...
It's the lies.
Lies and years of betrayal.
I know
it's hard to believe,
isn't it, sire?
But we both saw him refuse
to condemn magic.
We both knew
he was hiding something.
Neither of us
want to believe it,
but now,
with this hasty departure
in the middle of the night...
These are not the actions
of an innocent man, sire.
There can be no doubt.
Gaius is the traitor.
I'll send out a search party
as soon as possible.
No.
What purpose will that serve?
Let him run.
As you wish, sire.
How can you believe this?
I know how you must feel.
We questioned him.
He's been consorting
with sorcerers.
He more or less admitted to it.
And that makes him
a traitor?
Why run if you have
nothing to hide?
He's given his life
to this kingdom.
He would never betray you.
Then explain his actions.
All right.
They're lies.
Gaius would never
run off in the night.
Look, I know it's hard.
No break-ins were reported.
His possessions are missing.
A horse has been stolen.
He would not leave without
saying good-bye to me.
Agravaine
has made this story up.
I shall ignore
that last comment.
Because he's your uncle,
you will not see
who he really is.
Merlin!
I've had my heart broken
enough already today.
I don't want to lose
another friend.
Gaius condemned himself.
There's no more to be said.
You had
a difficult journey.
You must be tired.
It's time to wake up.
It's time for the fun to begin.
Get on with it,
Morgana.
Whatever you want to do,
just do it now.
I'm not afraid to die.
Dying is the easy part.
Wouldn't be in such a hurry
if I were you.
My friend here
is going to help me
get some information,
some information you might be
a little reluctant to give.
I want you to tell me
where Emrys is.
I don't know anyone
called Emrys.
Oh, I think you do.
Do what you will.
I will never
tell you anything, Morgana.
Alator is
no ordinary torturer.
He's a Catha,
priest
of the old religion.
He has at his disposal
some skills only known
by initiates.
But you're a learned man,
Gaius.
I'm sure you know
exactly what he can do.
Thought you were him.
Agravaine's behind this.
He's done something
to Gaius.
Arthur told me what you said.
He won't listen to me.
I'll do what I can, but...
Agravaine's his uncle. He...
He trusts him
more than anyone.
Yeah.
Do not resist the fire.
Let it into your mind.
Let the flames
search out your thoughts.
- Feel them burn...
into the darkest recesses
of your mind.
Let them shine a torch
on your deepest secrets...
and bring them to the light.
What are you doing in here?
Got bored with playing soldiers,
and I thought I'd come
and see how you were.
I'm busy.
- Doing what?
- What do you think?
Looking for Gaius.
I know everyone thinks
he's a traitor, but he's not.
He's been abducted, Gwaine.
He may even be dead.
Probably don't need
my help then.
Do you know what this is?
Might do.
Here. Let me see.
That's iron ore.
Where'd you find this?
That doesn't matter.
Does it help us?
Iron ore's pretty rare
in Camelot.
In fact, I've only seen it
once, on a patrol.
Where?
Uh, Ridge of Chemary.
They've been hewing iron
from the rocks there
for hundreds of years.
Feel the fire roar
deep within you.
Feel your thoughts
begin to simmer.
Let them flee
the rushing flames.
Let them run like burning oil.
Let them escape.
Allow them free, Gaius.
Tell me.
Who...is...Emrys?
Merlin's onto us.
He's out searching for Gaius
even as we speak.
He may even know
where he's hidden.
Tell me about Emrys.
Tell me, Gaius.
Where can we find Emrys?
In Camelot.
Where in Camelot?
Emrys is...
Emrys is the name
by which he is known
to the druids, but to me...
I know him by a different name.
Tell me, Gaius.
No.
Who is he?
He...He is
the most powerful sorcerer
who has ever lived.
What is his name?
His name...
is...
Merlin.
For the druids'
legends are true.
Merlin...
is...
Emrys...
a man destined
for greatness,
a man who will one day
unite the powers...
of the old world
and the new...
and bring the time
that the poets speak of.
The time...
of Albion.
Okay.
We should split up.
Yeah.
Gwaine.
If you find him,
don't wait for me.
Black horse
belongs to Gwaine.
He's a hothead.
We've got to be
careful of him.
Go to Gaius.
If he remains alive,
we're all in danger.
You can rest assured
he won't breathe another word.
I'll deal with Merlin
and this hothead.
Agravaine!
So it was you.
You abducted him.
What? No.
What are you doing?
He's unconscious.
I'm trying to help.
With that?
I want to see
if he's still breathing.
And is he?
Just. You can see the breath
is still on the blade. Look.
Now do you believe...
How did you know
he was here?
Guards on the western gate
saw you and Merlin leave.
Knowing Merlin's concern
for Gaius, I thought there must
be some new information at hand,
so I just followed your trail.
You agree
he was abducted then?
Yes. Of course he was.
Now let's get him
back to Camelot without delay.
Come on.
We have to find Merlin
first.
No!
I fear if we do not leave now,
Gaius will not survive.
We've no time to lose.
Give me a hand.
Look, the people who took Gaius
have already fled.
I saw them with my own eyes
from the ridge.
We must get back to Camelot
by nightfall.
Come on, Gwaine.
Help me! Please.
Merlin can find
his own way back.
You really are
a thorn in my side,
aren't you?
When will you learn
not to meddle with things...
you couldn't
possibly understand?
It's difficult,
isn't it,
when there are so many
different and painful ways
for me to be finally rid of you?
I don't care what you do to me.
I want to know what
you've done to Gaius.
Gaius had some information
I needed...the whereabouts
of the sorcerer Emrys.
If he gave it to me willingly,
his suffering would not
be prolonged.
But if he did not...
If you have harmed him...
Why are we discussing
his fate when it's time
to decide yours?
Not whether you're
going to die alone here
in this godforsaken place.
That's going to happen
anyway.
But how.
And precisely...
how painfully.
Alator.
This is Merlin.
He's just a serving boy,
but he's the most
troublesome serving boy
I've ever known.
I take it your time
with Gaius was fruitful?
Gaius told me everything.
So you know who Emrys is?
Indeed I do.
Not only do I know
who Emrys is,
I know exactly where he is.
Then tell me.
Never.
Merlin, I am Alator
of the Catha.
I am honored
to be of service.
You have magic.
I understand
the burden you carry.
I have lived with it
all my life.
I have been shunned,
persecuted...
and sometimes even
hunted in every corner
of the five kingdoms.
I understand
what that feels like.
You're not alone.
From what Gaius told me,
I do not have
your great powers, Merlin,
but I share your hopes.
For I
and others like me...
have dreamt of the world
you seek to build,
and we would gladly
give our lives...
to help you do it.
What happened?
We found him.
He'd been kidnapped.
He's in a bad way.
It seems I misjudged Gaius.
Merlin was right all along.
We were lucky he found him.
Indeed.
If it hadn't been
for the tenacity
of your boy,
Gaius would be dead.
We both owe Gaius...
and Merlin...
an apology, my lord.
I'm ashamed.
Why?
Your secret,
a secret I thought
I'd protect with my life...
Gaius, you could have died.
But if Morgana
had found out...
She didn't.
She didn't count
on Alator's true loyalties.
I worry that one day
I'll let you down.
My worry is Arthur.
We can't tell him
about Agravaine.
He needs to know.
We don't have any evidence,
and you've seen
how dear he is to Arthur.
I think I owe both of you
an apology.
Not to me.
To Gaius.
Yes.
Merlin, will you
give us a moment?
Does that mean
I get the morning off?
Yes.
Yes, you can have
the morning off...
to clean my chambers,
polish my armor
and launder my clothes.
You certainly know
how to apologize.
Are you all right?
I'm just glad
it's all over.
I made a mistake.
I've looked after you
since you were
a nursling, Arthur.
You should have known
I love you far too much
ever to betray you.
Gaius,
who abducted you?
I couldn't say,
but I'm certain
they were in league
with Morgana.
What did they want?
Information...
about you,
Camelot...
to help bring down
the kingdom.
Did they get it?
Morgana got nothing from me.
I'm grateful.
But there's a matter...
that still concerns me.
When you were asked
about the sorcerer
who killed my father,
you lied.
I did, sire.
You admit it?
I chose to protect him.
I feared
you would seek him out
and execute him.
That would have been
a grave mistake.
The sorcerer
did not kill your father.
Uther was dying.
He tried everything
in his power to save him.
Contained within
this great kingdom...
is a rich variety
of people...
with a range
of different beliefs.
I'm not the only one
seeking to protect you.
There are many more
who believe in the world
you are trying to create.
One day, you will learn,
Arthur.
One day,
you will understand...
just how much
they've done for you.
Merlin.
There's something at work here
that I don't understand.
Are you suggesting sorcery?
- A lamia...
...a creature of magic.
They could control
the mind of a man.
- Get away from her.
- It's something
about you, Merlin.
It's the way she looks at you...
as if you were the enemy.
We're the ones in danger, Leon.
She's led us to a trap.