In a land of myth
and a time of magic,
the destiny
of a great kingdom
rests on the shoulders
of a young man.
Merlin.
Ah!
Stop!
- Show yourself.
Oh, he's just a boy.
Out here in the middle
of the night?
There's no need
for your sword.
Come.
Where are you going?
- Been catching frogs.
- Frogs?
It's a full moon, Leon.
We used to do it.
Come on,
you should be in bed.
Off you go.
Thank you, my lady.
Oh, Arthur,
that is so sweet.
You've gone
to all this trouble.
And gillyflowers...
My favorite.
- You remembered.
- Mm-hmm.
- Have you missed me?
- Mmm.
Merlin, uh, it's late.
- You should
probably get some sleep.
- Thank you, sire.
Oh, Merlin, before you go,
I'd love a hot bath.
- Ooh!
- Certainly, my lady.
- Who are you?
- My name is daegal.
- How'd you get in here?
- It wasn't difficult.
- Really? Get out.
- Please, it's my sister.
- She's sick.
She needs a physician.
- Well, bring her to Gaius.
I can't.
It's too dangerous
for our kind.
I need you
to come with me.
She needs your help
or she will die.
I'm not a physician.
- In.
She's only six. She has
the sweating sickness.
I'm begging you.
You are her only chance.
- How far is she?
- The valley of
the fallen kings.
That's more
than half a day away.
She won't last much longer.
You must come now.
No, can't.
I can't.
I have risked
my life to save her.
Please tell me
it was not in vain.
Go. Get out of here. Go.
Will you help her?
Meet me...
At the entrance
to the darkling woods
at first light.
You don't even know
who this boy is.
- He's a druid.
- Who broke into
the castle like a thief.
- How else was he going
to reach me?
A journey to the valley
of the fallen kings, Merlin?
- It's a den
of murderers, cutthroats.
- It is dangerous.
It's a long way north
of dangerous.
What am I supposed to do?
Let this girl die?
The journey there and back
is going to take you
the best part of a day.
How are you going to
keep it from Arthur?
I'm sure you'll think
of something!
- Me?!
The sarrum of amata
is arriving today.
Arthur will be too busy
to notice where I am.
Merlin.
I promised the boy
and I can't go back on it now.
Be back by nightfall.
Sorry I'm late.
- I thought you weren't coming.
- I was getting you
some breakfast.
- It's fresh.
- It's good of you to do this.
I only hope I can help
your sister.
- Won't you get in trouble?
- Nope.
But you're
the king's servant.
Arthur won't
even notice I'm gone.
Merlin.
- Merlin!
- What is it?
I can't find my comb.
- Have you looked?
- Everywhere.
- It must've been
under something.
- Your nose.
You just have this way
of seeing things.
Yes, two of them...
They're called eyes.
Very beautiful they are too.
Don't try
and get out of this.
- Out of what?
- How hopeless you are.
I am.
I'm hopelessly in love.
You need to prepare
for the sarrum's arrival.
- Oh yes.
That.
Do you know
where my robe...
...s are?
Merlin!
He's garnering herbs, sire.
- Well, I need him, now.
- Well, he may be some time.
- Where is he?
- He's gone in pursuit
of a young agrimonia.
- A what?
- Agrimonia, sire.
A noble but shy plant,
not easy to find.
It could take him all day.
All day?
It is invaluable, sire.
It's properties open up
both the liver and the spleen.
He's in the tavern,
isn't he?
No, sire.
Well, when he's finished
opening up his liver
and his spleen,
tell him he has
exactly one hour to sober up
and get to my chambers.
We have a guest
to prepare for.
Here.
- Ah!
- What's wrong?
I fell getting
into the citadel.
Here, let me have a look.
It's my sister that needs
caring for, not me.
Wait.
We have a long journey
ahead of us.
You don't want this
getting any worse.
Comfrey will help
stop the bloodflow,
take away the swelling.
Where'd you learn all this?
Gaius.
When I first came
to Camelot,
he took me in,
taught me everything
that I know.
What about you,
your family?
I only have a sister.
- Your parents?
- My mother's dead.
She was a druid too?
Hmm, Gaius taught you well.
You're lucky to have him.
I am.
Come on.
- Yes?
- Where is he?
- He's still not returned.
How am I meant
to get dressed?
Well, surely that's not
too difficult, sire.
Really?
You think you can do it?
Right.
Come on then, Gaius.
Shirt.
Quickly.
- What are you doing?
- It's stuck.
- It can't be.
- It's too small.
It's Guinevere's
night dress.
I tell you...
If I catch this fly,
- I'm going to eat it.
- Here,
be better for you.
- Ah.
Here.
- Don't you like them?
- Yeah, they're my favorite.
Then why are you
giving it to me?
I don't need it.
I had a big breakfast.
Why are you
being like this?
People I've met...
They're not like you.
They don't care.
I don't matter.
I never think that.
We all matter.
Have a drink.
- Thank you.
- Come on.
You're very quiet, sire.
Can you blame me?
Sarrum does have
a reputation.
Even my father feared him.
They say he takes joy
in impaling men.
Not just men, sire.
Women and children too.
He also has a fondness
for assassinating
his friends.
I doubt we'll
ever be that close.
Although we do share
one thing...
- Our hatred for morgana.
- So you've heard the rumors.
He once had her
under lock and key.
I'm hoping
he'll tell us more.
Given the sarrum's
reputation,
are you certain it's wise
to seek an alliance?
If we're to achieve peace
in the five kingdoms,
we've got little choice.
I don't agree
with his regime, Gaius,
but dealing with him
may be the only way
of achieving our aims.
You're right.
Of course.
You are becoming
a true statesman, Arthur.
I hope you realize that.
Gonna be late.
I'll tell you this, Gaius...
The sarrum wouldn't
put up with a idle-brained
servant like Merlin.
He's a lot to answer for.
He certainly has.
What is it? Your arm?
We need to get
to your sister.
When you last saw her,
how bad was she?
I told you...
The life had
nearly gone from her.
Here, I... don't want it.
Daegal, bandits.
Get down!
- What are you doing?
- Shh!
You hear me?
- No.
Thank you.
You saved my life.
We're not safe yet.
Come on.
The sooner we get
to your sister,
the better.
We are most grateful
to the sarrum for accepting
our invitation,
gracing our palace
with his presence.
We welcome him
and his warriors
with friendship.
The last time I met you,
you were 10 years old.
Uther held a tournament
in your honor.
I fight
my own tournaments now.
Well, we shall enjoy
putting you to the test.
We're here.
She's just the other side
of those trees.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I just hope
she's still alive.
There's no one here.
Why have you brought me here?
What is this?
- I can explain.
- You're not a druid.
Who are you?
You've done well.
I knew
it wouldn't be difficult.
- Merlin has
a weakness for outcasts.
Especially druids.
Why are you doing this?
Because Merlin has meddled
in my plans once too often.
The agony you feel?
You'll be glad
when death comes.
- Are you really going
to kill the king?
- Hold your tongue.
Not a word of this
to anyone.
You're forgetting I still
have a few drops left.
I feel we have
much in common.
We share
many allies and friends.
Also an enemy.
Sorcery.
There is a rumor
that you held
morgana prisoner.
Is it true?
She's nothing
to be feared.
I kept her
like an animal.
How did you capture her?
She's a sorceress,
a high priestess.
- I found her weakness.
Everyone has one,
even a high priestess.
A young dragon.
Her love for that creature
'caused her to suffer
more than she ever
imagined possible.
But not more
than she deserved.
I knew that she wouldn't dare
to use magic against me,
not while her beloved creature
was at risk of harm.
Such a shame...
All that power,
all that beauty,
abandoned and forgotten
in a living grave.
You're a harsh judge,
lord sarrum.
When it comes to sorcery,
we must be merciless.
I was not merciless enough.
Morgana escaped.
A lapse on my part.
I'll not be
so foolish again.
Not that her time with me
was entirely wasted.
As the dragon grew,
the pit became too small.
Gradually the creature
was crippled
and twisted.
At night,
you could hear its cries.
They were
even more heartbreaking
than morgana.
I hope the sarrum will
forgive me if I retire
for the night.
My lady.
- What of Merlin?
- He's gone to his death,
along with everything
he knows.
- And the sarrum?
- He's feasting with Arthur
as we speak.
Then we must act quickly.
We cannot afford an alliance
between amata and Camelot.
It would put the throne
beyond my reach forever.
- What is troubling you?
Sarrum.
Are we right
to enlist such a man?
- Is there not another way?
- Do you not see how perfect
this plan is?
The sarrum's reputation
precedes him.
There's no deadlier assassin
in the five kingdoms.
Arthur will not
stand a chance.
You're sure he'll agree?
You're forgetting
how well I know this man.
For two years, his was
the only voice I heard.
I know the sarrum.
I know his lust
for power.
And he will not refuse
your offer.
He will think
he can control you,
but he will reckon
without me.
And once Arthur is dead?
The knights will
turn on your guest
and make you their queen.
But you must
promise me something.
You must make sure
the sarrum's last moments
are filled with agony.
It will be my pleasure.
You're much better
at this than Gaius.
I was a servant,
remember?
You were always
much more than that.
- Stop moving then.
Ow. I want Merlin back.
Where is he?
You mustn't
be hard on him.
I am a bit worried.
You don't think something's
happened to him, do you?
He's probably overworked.
Maybe you just once
let him enjoy himself?
- You're right.
- Besides, you've got
more important things
to worry about.
There.
You fight bravely.
Your man wields a sword
better than any fighter
I've ever met.
I trained him myself.
Perhaps one day
I'll teach you.
I'd be honored.
- My lady.
- Your man showed great skill
to beat my husband.
The men of amata are born
with swords in their hands.
I can't help but believe
that Camelot would benefit
from a leader like you.
- Mmm.
You should've let him die.
- I must've misheard you.
- I don't think so.
You aren't happy
with your husband?
I'd be happy
if he died tomorrow.
Someone who can
make that happen...
I would ensure that
they were richly rewarded.
I'm not sure
I believe you.
Hmm.
Meet me outside
the king's solar tonight.
We can speak openly there.
Come on.
You... you came back.
- Why?
- I couldn't
leave you to die.
- You're too late.
- No, I can help.
You're a physician.
You tell me what to do.
- There's nothing!
- There must be a cure.
You tell me which herbs
and I'll find them for you.
Come on,
what do we need?
Rue.
- It's got yellow flowers.
- And feathery leaves.
- Milfoil.
- Yarrow?
Ground into a tincture.
Hurry.
- Here.
Here.
Sire?
Arthur?
Gaius.
What is it?
I was looking
for the king.
He's at a meeting
at the council chambers.
Can I help?
Merlin...
I haven't seen him
since yesterday morning.
Oh dear.
I do hope there isn't
anything wrong.
I was wondering, perhaps,
if we should send out
a search party.
I'm sure there's
no need just yet,
especially
with the sarrum here.
Given his reputation,
I think it's best we keep
the Garrison at full strength.
Indeed.
I'll ask the servants
if they've seen him.
Thank you, milady.
Forgive me,
I was waylaid.
Speak.
I have
a simple proposition.
One that would be
mutually beneficial.
You kill Arthur,
I assume the throne,
and in gratitude
give over one-third
of Camelot's lands
to amata.
You think the people
will accept this?
Without a king,
I will insist
that it's a necessary price
for our protection.
- And the knights?
- They will remain loyal to me.
They'll do
whatever I say.
How do we kill him?
The king is surrounded
by armed guards at all times.
Guards who
answer to me.
You appoint the assassin,
I will deliver the means.
I have just the man.
Then make him ready.
Arthur has proposed
a treaty.
The signing tomorrow
will provide us
with the perfect opportunity.
You're alive.
You have to believe me...
I did not know what
morgana intended.
You betrayed me.
She offered me money.
You've seen what it's like.
Do you know what
morgana is planning?
No.
I met the lady morgana
and the queen only once.
I don't believe you.
Please, whatever you know.
I think they mean
to kill the king.
- What are you doing?
Well, I need to warn Arthur
before it's too late.
Ah!
Bandits.
- They don't see us.
- No.
- We'll edge around the outside.
- They'll have lookouts.
We don't have a choice.
We need to get back
to Camelot.
- Go.
- No.
- I can look after myself.
- I'm not going to leave
you this time.
Get to safety.
If you value your lives,
you won't take
another step.
- What are you doing?
- Trust me.
Here, it's all
the money we have.
You, empty your pockets.
Last chance.
You don't even
have a sword.
- I don't need one.
Let's go.
My lady,
how good to see you.
I trust you passed
a pleasant night.
Most agreeable.
Arthur will be dead
by sundown.
And then all that stands
in our way
is a serving girl
who plays
at being a queen.
You have magic, Merlin.
- Yes.
- And you live in Camelot.
- Does anyone know?
- Only Gaius.
- Not Arthur?
- No!
And if he ever found out,
he'd probably hang me.
- But you still help him.
- I have to. It's my job.
- But he would kill you.
- In his heart, he's a good man.
And I know that one day
he'll bring about a world
we all dream of.
- It must be hard.
Merlin,
you may be a warlock,
but you need that treated.
I'll help you.
- Please.
Please.
...bed has not been slept in.
I fear he's in danger.
- What do you mean?
- I think we need to send
a search party.
- What's happened?
- Merlin's gone missing.
I knew I should've
said something.
Arthur,
I feel terrible.
This is my fault.
I know where Merlin is.
- Where?
- I shouldn't say.
I promised him
I wouldn't, but...
He's gone
to visit someone.
- Who?
- He's not in danger.
He's seeing a girl.
- Merlin?
- Gaius, I'm sorry,
but there is
no reason to worry.
- Except for the poor girl.
- I should've told you,
but I don't think
he wanted anyone to know.
- Thank you, milady.
- Good.
We can get on
with the signing.
Gaius, you can
help me get dressed.
- You've done well.
- Really?
I don't think I've done
many good things in my life.
Well, you've done
something good now.
See? I'm better.
- The gift.
- Must be from my mother.
So that bit was true?
It was all true,
except about my sister.
She isn't sick?
I don't have a sister.
And your mother,
she wasn't a druid?
No, but she was like you.
She had magic
and uther killed her for it.
I'm sorry.
Feels good.
Come on.
What a momentous day
this is for Camelot.
Indeed, my lord.
It marks the beginning
of a new era.
- What's wrong?
This should be locked.
Hmm.
Leon!
We did it.
Did I save Arthur?
Yes.
Did I do something good?
Finally, eh?
You did.
I still can't believe
how lucky I was.
I owe that boy my life
and I don't know
who he was
or where he's from.
We need to make sure
we give him a decent burial.
I'll do that...
If you'll
allow me the time.
Oh, so you can go
and visit that girl again?
- What?
- Girl.
Don't have one.
That's not
what Guinevere tells me.
So why don't you
tell us all about her?
Right.
And why you're walking
with a limp.
His life had only begun.
- It can't go on, Gaius.
- Gwen.
We have to do
something about her.
Yes, but the question
is "what?"
If I lose her,
I lose everything.
We'll find a way
to bring her back, Arthur.
- I won't leave a knight behind.
- I saw morgana.
Mordred's given us a chance.
We can't throw it away.