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.
You there.
Show yourself.
Your highness?
Are you all right?
Is something wrong?
No no.
All is well.
It's dangerous to be out
at such an hour.
I'm grateful you're
so scrupulous in your
duties.
It's not where I thought
to have found you,
your highness.
One doesn't always wish
to be your highness, percival.
I miss the old town.
Its streets,
its people.
So I go back sometimes.
Is that wise?
Well, people only see
a queen when they expect to.
All the same...
And it reminds me
of elyan.
And I need that sometimes.
Of course.
I understand.
I'm not sure Arthur would.
I won't mention it.
Thank you.
You're late.
I'm sorry.
Is there
a problem?
Nothing I can't handle.
Did you get what
I asked for?
It wasn't easy.
It details the route
the Levy collection
will take.
The names of the knights,
their arms,
and the day
they depart.
You've done well,
Gwen.
How can I further
our cause?
No, my lord.
Morgana's too powerful.
Now's not the time.
How could she do this?
She's not the Gwen you love.
She's fallen prey to
a dark and powerful
magic.
If I lose her,
I lose everything.
We'll find a way
to bring her back, Arthur.
I promise.
I thought I might
ride this morning.
Yes?
Would you like
to join me?
That wouldn't be possible.
Oh, perhaps this
afternoon then.
Perhaps.
Arthur, is everything
all right?
What do you mean?
You seem distracted.
Not at all.
Pressing matters
of state.
That's all.
I'm sorry.
I understand.
Is there anything
I can help you with?
Won't be necessary.
You've hardly eaten.
I have a training session
I must attend.
Well, perhaps
I'll see you later.
Gentlemen, this is
the new route
to collect the Levy.
Commit it to memory.
- My lord.
- You're to tell no one
of the change of plans
until the patrol's
on its way.
Is that understood?
Sire.
Mordred?
Of course,
but may I ask why
we're changing the route,
my lord?
This is another
day's ride.
I can't
tell you that.
I just ask you
to trust me.
Good.
We leave in three days.
Why did I promise
to help Gwen?
I have no idea
what to do.
Is there really
no remedy?
If Gwen has suffered
what I suspect, then no,
I fear not.
You know what
happened to her.
When I was young
I heard talk
of an ancient ritual
of the old religion
called the Tiana diaga.
Tiana diaga?
The sacred fire.
The ritual used
the mandrake root
to bring unimaginable
terror to the victim.
Their screams could be heard
20 leagues away.
When it was
finally over,
their will was
no longer their own.
They were slaves of
the high priestesses
for eternity.
Who performed
this ritual?
I've told you
all I know.
Such mysteries were revealed
only to a handful
of female initiates.
As a boy, I was
privy only to rumors.
There must be someone
who can help.
I can think of
only two people
who truly know
the old ways.
One is morgana pendragon.
The other is the dochraid.
But be warned, Merlin.
The dochraid cannot be trusted.
She must never know
your true identity.
Who dares enter
the sacred cave?
I come to petition
the dochraid.
Give me your hand.
I smell the stench
of enmity.
I come in peace.
In friendship.
You are no friend
of the old religion.
No friend of
morgana pendragon.
- Great dochraid...
- Silence!
I know you, emrys.
Your queen will find
no relief here.
How do you know
why I come?
I am the dochraid.
The earth speaks to me.
You are not
welcome here.
Depart!
Oh, I cannot
do that.
Not until I have
what I came for.
You dare challenge me,
the ancient dochraid?
You, a puny sorcerer?
And yet I will have
what I came for.
Hmm.
I'm a creature
of the earth.
You cannot kill me.
This sword...
Was forged in
a dragon's breath.
And it will do
my bidding.
You do not
have the power
to wield such a weapon.
I wish you no
further harm, dochraid.
Tell me what
I need to know.
Your queen is
doomed, emrys.
Her spirit has been consumed
by the Tiana diaga.
Bound by the silver wheel
for all eternity.
Her body is nothing
but an empty vessel
filled by the will
of another.
Morgana.
Once she has
served her purpose,
then that too
will be cast away.
How do I break this spell?
Only the greatest
of sorcerers
could attempt
such a thing.
How?
You must travel
to the cauldron
of arianrhod.
There you will need
all of your powers
for you must summon
the white goddess herself.
And that is all?
No, emrys.
The queen must
enter the cauldron.
Its waters hold
the goddess's power.
Only their touch
can heal her.
Remember, emrys,
the queen must enter
the water willingly.
If she is tricked,
forced, or beguiled,
she will fall
into the abyss
and be lost forever.
Thank you, great dochraid.
Thank you.
Aah!
Sire?
Is all well?
Yes, thank you.
If there's
anything I can do?
Sorry?
Just wanted you to know
I'm always at your service.
I never doubted it, mordred.
There are too many
things to go wrong.
And summoning
the white goddess?
That may be beyond me.
I think not.
Merlin, the only person who ever
doubts your powers is you.
And even if
I do manage that,
we need to get Gwen
to the cauldron
in the first place,
and she's hardly likely
to go willingly.
I've already
thought of that.
Tincture of belladonna.
All that studying
has paid off.
It's a powerful and
dangerous drug, Gaius.
More dangerous
than a traitor
in the heart
of Camelot?
Besides, Gwen needs
to be conscious
when she enters
the cauldron.
She must do so
of her own free will
or the spell
will not be broken.
That I agree may not
be within our powers.
Well then,
the rest is futile.
But there is someone
for whom it is possible.
Arthur?
Only he can reach
the part of Gwen
that remains true.
Won't work.
You underestimate
the power of love, Merlin.
No, not that.
Me.
How can I use
my magic
with Arthur there?
He'd discover me
in an instant.
Not if he didn't
recognize you.
No.
No. Not again.
You know how exhausting
the aging spell is, Gaius.
I don't have
the strength
to do that
and perform
the ceremony.
Then you must
find the strength.
This tincture of belladonna,
what are its effects?
Patient is rendered
into a deep sleep...
Patient?
It is generally used
for the badly wounded.
How long does it last?
A few hours.
It has to be administered
several times a day
to provide
a continuous sleep.
But for no more
than three days.
It is true, sire.
The tincture should not
be taken for an extended period.
Or?
The body will not
tolerate it.
Thank you, Merlin.
Three days
is time enough
to ride to
the cauldron
of arianrhod..
You've done the journey
yourself, have you?
I cannot claim to.
Any mishap,
any unexpected circumstance...
There is no reason
to suspect that all
will not go well.
My lord,
if we do nothing,
Gwen is already
taken from you.
Merlin?
Summoning
this goddess...
Will it
require magic?
It is a ritual
that can only
be performed
by a sorcerer.
It is the only way, sire.
Sorcery has to be
fought with sorcery.
I'll be breaking
my own decrees.
To save your queen.
To save your wife.
Very well.
It's decided.
There'll be a sorcerer.
Can he be trusted?
Upon my life.
You assured me so
once before, Gaius.
Then my father died
in the hands of such a man.
This sorcerer will be
entirely different.
How can you
be sure?
Because sire,
this time,
I have chosen...
A woman.
How was the training,
my lord?
Fine.
Did you win,
lose?
A little of both.
You're a terrible
liar, Arthur.
You're wearing the same
clothes you were this morning,
and your armor
remains untouched.
I'm not a fool.
Wherever you've been,
it wasn't the training
ground.
I, um...
Have I done
something wrong?
Spoken out of turn,
said something
I shouldn't?
I'm your wife,
Arthur.
I wouldn't see you
hurt for the world.
Now tell me,
what's troubling you?
I love you, Guinevere,
more than you can imagine.
There isn't anything
I would not
do for you.
I know.
What do you think?
It quite suits you,
actually.
Thanks.
You're forgetting
one thing.
I think it needs a belt.
Remember, you have to
administer two drops
every two hours
to keep Gwen asleep.
Do you really think
we can succeed, Gaius?
We must.
Here you are,
my lady.
Not tonight.
Thanks, Merlin.
A toast.
My lord?
A toast to...
A toast to the queen.
Me? What have I done?
Just being yourself,
your highness.
Very kind, Gaius,
but shouldn't it
rather be to Camelot?
To Camelot, yes.
- Camelot.
To Camelot.
You haven't eaten,
my lord.
No.
I haven't...
Are you sure
this is safe, Gaius?
I'd stake my life
on it, sire.
You may have to.
She's still a queen.
It's the best
I could do.
We have to hurry,
sire.
Careful.
There.
- No one will know.
- Gaius, you're sure
this is gonna work?
You'd be amazed
how much license
old age lends you,
sire.
Merlin, come.
We meet at
the docking wood.
Merlin, if you drop her...
I know. I lose my head.
Just so we're clear.
Uh, keep up, boy.
Keep up.
Why I keep him
is beyond me.
Are you all right?
She's a lot heavier
than she looks.
That might very well
be grounds for treason.
I know.
Gaius and Merlin.
And a barrow of linen.
Sir Gwaine,
sir mordred.
Planning on
changing a bed?
Or perhaps to
run up some clothes?
Don't touch that!
Not unless you want
to risk an attack
of red thrush fever.
I've never heard of it.
Then you're
fortunate indeed.
More fortunate
than the young man
who's just died
in these very bed clothes.
They have to be
burned immediately.
The last thing Camelot needs
is an outbreak of red thrush
fever,
is it not?
Yes. Of course. Sorry.
Gaius?
Sire?
What is the name
of the unfortunate
young man?
So that I may
send something
to his family?
Timothy.
Where's Merlin?
It's all right, sire.
He comes.
What kept you?
Do you have any idea
how steep those slopes are?
She looks
so innocent.
Perfect.
She still is, sire.
The only evil in her
is morgana's.
Come. You must
be on your way.
The sorceress lives
at the westernmost peak.
That would be
the highest.
Always is,
isn't it?
Better get
started then.
Wait.
We're being watched.
One of your funny
feelings again?
It's all right then.
Tether the horses here.
It'll be quicker on foot.
What about
the supplies?
You'll manage.
I can't
take it all.
I'll be carrying
Guinevere.
She's half the weight
of that lot.
Are you suggesting that
I risk the safety of the queen
and carry even more?
I can take her, and...
She's my wife.
I'd be careful.
And you're the servant.
These funny
feelings of yours...
They're not funny.
Stupid then.
Where do they
come from, you think?
You still there, Merlin?
Don't tell me you've
gone into a sulk.
I'm not sulking.
I'm carrying a load
even a horse would
struggle under.
Do you good.
How come it wouldn't
do you good?
I'm already good.
Well, maybe I...
Merlin?
Merlin?!
Merlin!
"Emrys is working
to thwart your plans.
He means to cleanse
Guinevere at the cauldron
of arianrhod."
No.
You must help me,
aithusa.
This cannot be.
Merlin?
Merlin!
Arthur!
Check on Guinevere.
I already have, sire.
She sleeps soundly.
Doesn't seem possible.
The queen has
the sweetest of natures.
It was never her.
Just morgana.
I'm sorry I didn't
confide in you.
It's best
you didn't.
If I hadn't had
my suspicions,
I wouldn't have
followed you.
Merlin acting
strangely.
Is that so unusual?
And the Levy route
being changed.
You had a funny feeling.
My lord?
I'm glad that
you did, mordred.
Without you,
I fear I would have
lost my arm
at the very least.
I would have woken.
Merlin, if I had to rely
on your timekeeping,
I'd have lost both my arms
and my legs to boot.
It's good to
have you with us.
Three's always
better than two,
isn't that right,
Merlin?
Of course.
- It's time.
- I'll do it.
Two drops only.
You don't trust me
do you, Merlin?
I believe you
to be a...
A fine knight.
But not one
to be trusted.
It's all right.
I know you have the king's
best interests at heart.
I only wish you'd
believe that I do too.
One day, I shall prove
my loyalty to you
and to the king.
Then I hope
we may be friends.
I could wish
for nothing more.
What's the meaning
of these banners?
Marks the way
for pilgrims.
This is a sacred site
for those who follow
the old religion.
How do you know
such things?
Gaius told me.
How much further?
Not far.
This gorge leads
to the cauldron.
Here!
Morgana must be close.
You go.
I'll distract it.
- No.
- You must.
You're the only one
who knows where
the sorcerer is.
Arthur!
Get Gwen
to safety, sire.
We'll cover you
and join you
beyond the gorge.
Very well.
Stay here.
I'll divert the creature.
Merlin, you can't.
I know what
I'm doing, mordred.
What happened?
Merlin.
- Come on.
- The dragon?
We need to move.
Merlin!
Where's mordred?
No, Arthur.
I won't leave
a knight behind.
I saw morgana.
Mordred's given us
a chance.
We can't
throw it away.
Why don't you kill me?
My argument's not
with you, mordred.
How could it be?
We're of a kind.
Never.
You wear the uniform well,
but we both know
what lies beneath.
Do you think Arthur would
tolerate you for one minute
if he knew the truth?
One of his knights,
a sorcerer?
One day he will know.
One day we will
be accepted.
Your naivety would be charming
if it wasn't so dangerous.
Where's emrys?
Emrys?
You pretend you do not know
of whom I speak?
It is a name
I've only heard of.
He's not here?
- With you?
- If he was...
...would we both
not feel the presence
of such a great sorcerer?
Then I have
no further use for you.
You would strike
one of your own?
I am not strong enough
to defeat you, morgana,
but know this.
Such hatred as yours
can never triumph.
I hope one day
you will find
the love and compassion
which used to
fill your heart.
It's as Gaius described.
The cauldron
of arianrhod.
Where's the sorceress?
Gaius says
she's a recluse.
She shuns the company of men.
She's gonna have to
make an exception.
We haven't got much time.
Guinevere could wake up
at any moment.
- I've got more tincture.
- No.
No more.
I won't risk it.
We have to find her.
I'll search her out.
You didn't think
this was gonna be
free, did you?
What are you
talking about?
The sorceress.
She likes to be
paid in clothes.
She can't get
to a tailor.
Why would a recluse
be interested in clothes?
I don't know, Arthur.
She's a sorceress.
She's not gonna
be normal, is she?
Not long now,
my love.
Mordred?
I thought
we'd lost you.
So did I.
How did you
escape morgana?
Even she is no match
for a knight of the
round table.
Seriously, mordred.
Now it makes sense.
Merlin said she had
trouble getting clothes.
Who are you?
What business have you
in this sacred place?
Are you the dolma?
Ancient sorceress
of the cauldron of
arianrhod?
Who else would I be?
Does she look
familiar to you?
There is something.
What say you?
Why do you mutter?
You look familiar,
sorceress.
Oh.
Is that so?
It is.
My lord,
where is Merlin?
What have you done
with my servant?
Oh.
The gangly boy.
Mm.
If you kill me,
you'll never see him again.
I am an old woman.
Is it not natural
I seek some surety?
The boy will be
returned to you
when we have
concluded our business.
You know why
we're here.
Nothing is hidden from...
The dolma.
Now hurry...
Before your queen awakes.
Set her by the pool.
Great king,
the magic which
has ensnared your queen
is strong indeed.
It can be fought.
It can be broken,
but it may also prevail.
- Do you understand this?
- I do.
What we attempt
will not be easy.
If we fail,
your queen will be
lost forever.
I understand.
Very well.
When I awake Guinevere
from her sleep,
she must walk into
the cauldron of arianrhod
of her own will.
Only then will
the spell be broken,
but be warned.
All the magic that binds her
will fight against it.
How then can we succeed?
You must reach her, Arthur.
Reach that part
of your queen
which has remained untouched
by the evil of morgana.
Is there such a part?
You must believe there is.
Prepare.
When she wakes,
you will have but a few moments.
Where am I?
What have you
done to me?
You've been asleep
for a long time.
- Guinevere...
- Get away from me!
- My Guinevere.
- Your Guinevere?
You stupid
foolish man.
I was never yours
and never will be.
You must reach her,
Arthur.
Reach out
or all is lost.
Who's this old crone?
You loved me once.
You're easily
fooled, Arthur.
- And still do.
- It was a trick.
Nothing more.
A subterfuge
to pass Camelot
to its rightful queen.
I don't believe that.
Believe what you like.
Fact remains.
No, it must be
of her own will.
Look at me.
Tell me
you don't love me.
Let me go.
Arthur.
Do you remember when
I asked you to marry me?
Do you remember
what you said?
You said
"with all my heart."
That's what you said,
Guinevere.
That was no subterfuge.
No trickery.
With all my heart.
Come.
I owe you a great debt.
We both do.
If there's ever
anything I can
do in return...
Perhaps a new dress?
Arthur!
She likes clothes.
There is one thing.
Name it.
Remember what
saved your queen.
Magic and sorcery.
It was also sorcery
that bewitched her.
There is no evil
in sorcery,
only in
the hearts of men.
My request is...
That you remember this.
You have my word.
Aren't you
forgetting something?
I don't think so.
The boy?
Ah.
Of course, I thought
everything had gone
unusually smoothly.
That boy was
your surety,
great king.
Without him,
your queen would
still be lost.
I'm not sure
that's quite true.
And I say it is!
You owe him
a greater debt
than you can
possibly know.
Right.
I'm sorry.
I'll...
Give him
the afternoon off.
One day,
great king,
you will recognize
the true worth
of those that
surround you.
Go.
Arthur's
a lucky man.
Yes.
Not just
to have Gwen,
but to have you.
He'll find someone else
to do his chores
soon enough.
It was hardly a chore.
That was your magic
back there, wasn't it?
Have no fear.
I will not
divulge your secret.
I admire you.
It can't be easy
to do so much
for so little reward.
I do not
seek reward.
- Recognition then.
- When my friends
are safe and well,
that's all
I require.
You see, Merlin,
we do have
something in common
after all.
The future of Camelot.
Merlin.
I want you to tell me
where emrys is.
Aah!