Dragon's voice:
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.
(Dogs barking)
(Panting)
I was hoping
for more of a challenge.
There was a time
when the name alator
struck fear into even
the most courageous.
His skills of torture
was unparalleled.
Did you know that?
That was nothing
to be proud of.
(Chuckles)
What was it
you used to say?
The victim always talks...
- Eventually.
- What do you want from me?
I would have thought
that was obvious.
I want you to tell me
where emrys is.
I told you before.
Never.
I was rather hoping
you'd say that.
(Theme music playing)
This really is
the most perfect
spot, is it not?
It is, my lord.
I sometimes forget
how beautiful Camelot is.
Mmm.
But never how
beautiful my queen is.
(Laughs)
(Blows raspberry)
Was that you, Merlin?
It was the horse.
Because if you were
mocking your king...
I wasn't.
I wouldn't.
There's a special
punishment reserved
for such impudence.
(Laughs)
You're too easy, Merlin.
Every time.
How about here,
Guinevere?
Yes, it looks perfect.
Then here
it shall be.
(Grunts)
Here?
I haven't seen him
this happy
in a long time.
Yes.
He has changed,
hasn't he?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think he has.
Sorry.
Fill that up,
will you, Merlin?
Well, perhaps he's
not totally changed.
(Chuckles)
And this one too, ready?
Merlin: Sire.
I think my dog can
catch better than you.
Possibly because
you treat him better.
Are you blind?
Something happened here.
It's stags marking
their territory.
No. This was
caused by magic.
Merlin, who knows
more about hunting,
me or you?
It's rotting season.
Half the trees
in the forest
look like that.
Come on,
your king awaits.
(Babies crying)
- What happened?
- They sought sanctuary
at the western Garrison.
Ashwick's been at peace
since my father's time.
Leon:
They're not from ashwick.
They fled over the border
from Odin's lands.
Leon:
Two days ago,
the city of helva was attacked.
Only a handful of people
managed to escape.
Who is responsible?
At first, we assumed
it was the saxons.
They've been active
in that area before,
but the refugees
tell a different story.
They say magic
was involved.
Morgana?
All the evidence would
suggest so, sire.
Strengthen
the Garrison.
Double the patrol
on the border.
Sire.
Why would morgana
attack helva?
She must have
her reasons.
That's one of the places
where magic is practiced
freely.
Why would she
attack her own?
Makes no sense.
The workmanship
is undeniable.
See how the pattern repeats
in each concentric circle.
It's made in helva.
Anything else?
Name or date?
Not that I can see.
It's a fine piece.
No one would part
with it willingly.
Perhaps one of
the refugees dropped it.
Hmm.
Perhaps.
- Merlin, what are you up to?
- I'm going back to
where I found it.
Doubt if the owner
will still be there.
Well, something terrible
happened there, Gaius.
Something only the strongest
magic could do.
I could feel it.
You're not suggesting
that morgana's within
Camelot's borders?
Who else could it be?
Don't go, Merlin.
Not on your own.
I'll be fine.
Take someone
with you at least.
- If it is morgana...
- Then it won't make
any difference
who I take, will it?
(Door opens)
(Sighs)
Gaius:
You shouldn't have gone.
It might have been a trap.
Can you decipher it?
It's in catha,
that's for sure.
What does it say?
It's so long since
I've heard the language,
never mind read it.
There's part of
a signature here.
What is it?
Alator.
That's why morgana
attacked helva.
Alator was the prize
she was after.
But why risk
so much for one man?
It can only
be one reason...
To have him reveal
who emrys is.
Alator would
never betray me.
Not willingly.
But morgana will use
every power she has
to break him,
and even cathas cannot
resist forever.
- (Pounding)
- (Chains rattling)
Enough.
Hello again,
alator.
You're wasting
your time, morgana.
I will not tell you
who emrys is.
We both know
that's not true.
Otherwise why would I
have spared your life?
I am a catha,
trained from birth
to master all
physical pain,
- to rise above...
- Yes, yes.
You can resist
any physical torture,
separate your mind
from your body.
That's all very
impressive, alator.
But you see,
it's not your body
I'm interested in.
Not even you can separate
your mind from your mind.
Do you recognize this?
(Hisses)
I see that you do.
A nathair.
That's right, alator.
A nathair.
Can cause the most
exquisite pain...
Not in the body
of the victim,
but in his
very soul.
So I ask you again.
Where is emrys?
(Hissing)
Shh.
What are you doing?
I'm gonna surprise her...
Breakfast in bed.
Oh.
What a lovely thought.
Where are you going?
You don't need me,
do you?
I can't very well go and
get the breakfast, can I?
What if she wakes up
and... panics?
Panics?
Look, just go and
get it, all right?
Merlin?
Flowers...
Don't forget the flowers.
Of course.
The personal touch.
- Nice.
- Yeah.
(Shouting)
(Chuckling)
(Groans)
Be still.
The great battle
is nearing.
You must listen
to me, emrys.
How do you
know my name?
Arthur's enemies
are closer than
you think.
If you value
your king,
meet me tonight at
the old temple of erui.
Come alone
or not at all.
Merlin!
What?
Where are the flowers?
(Guinevere sighs)
(Footsteps leaving)
Arthur.
Good morning.
That is so sweet.
It's nothing.
(Clattering)
Who's there?
Merlin. What do
you think you're doing
in the royal chambers?
I thought, um...
I heard voices.
Maybe next time you'll
be good enough to knock.
Yes, sire.
Merlin?
Thank you.
(Chuckles)
It was my idea.
(Bell pealing)
If this is what
I think it is,
this is the Mark
of the bendrui.
Bendrui?
Before the time
of the great purge,
girls would be
chosen at birth
for the priesthood.
They'd be taken away
from their families
and brought up as initiates
in the old religion.
I thought morgana was
the only high priestess left?
Many tried,
few succeeded,
for ordinary gifts
were not enough.
For only those possessed
of exceptional magical power
could ever hope to
be one of the nine.
But do not underestimate
this woman's abilities.
All bendrui are practiced
and potent magic.
She said...
Arthur's enemies were
closer than I thought.
Now who else could
she mean but mordred?
If she meant mordred,
why not say so?
We were interrupted.
She's drawing you in,
Merlin.
It's a trap.
She knows
your real name.
There's only one
explanation for that...
Alator told morgana
who you really are
and she has sent
this woman
to lure you to her.
But I looked
into her eyes.
She meant no harm.
You think a sorceress
of her power
couldn't feign
any look she wished?
I was there, Gaius.
You were not.
You mustn't
go to her, Merlin.
She can help me
protect Arthur.
Do I have a choice?
Don't you understand?
If something
happened to you,
we would all be lost.
But if she can
truly help me
protect Arthur
from mordred
and I refuse to go,
would all not be
lost then, too?
(Sighs)
Merlin.
It was I who told alator
your true identity.
You had no choice.
And I cannot let
that destroy you.
If ever you held me
in any regard...
Please do not do this.
You know I'd never do
anything to hurt you, Gaius.
Thank you.
(Incanting)
(Cawing)
(Incanting continues)
Morgana pendragon.
(Knocking on door)
Yes?
Gaius.
Sire.
Is something wrong?
I fear so.
Come, Gaius.
You obviously have
something to tell me.
There's no secrets
between us.
There is a special bond
between a doctor
and his patient,
one might almost say
a bond of sacred
confidentiality.
I believe so.
And yet,
is there not also
a loyal bond between
a subject and his king?
There can be
no greater duty.
A patient has advised me
that within
the walls of Camelot
there is a follower
of the old religion.
It is my belief
that this woman
poses a threat
not only to the kingdom,
but to you yourself.
I see.
Does she have a name?
All I know is...
She practices
her craft at night
in the darkling woods
by the ruined temple
of erui.
You did the right thing,
Gaius.
Thank you.
(Door opens)
It's not funny.
It's not
funny at all.
No one is laughing.
It's just childish.
You're right.
It's stupid.
Here.
(Chuckling)
Arthur: Gentlemen.
Oh, we were just...
It's no matter.
Mordred.
I've got
a task for you.
Your favorite.
Do you not want it?
No, of course I do.
Thank you, Gaius.
You're not still
thinking about that woman
in the forest,
are you?
It's for the best,
Merlin.
Really. It is.
Great one.
Please,
that's not necessary.
It is an honor
to meet you, emrys.
How did you
know my name?
From my master,
alator of the catha.
He sends you greetings.
But also a warning.
The great battle nears.
The fate of Camelot
rests in the balance.
Only you, great emrys,
can ensure the triumph of
the once and future king.
I don't do that.
(Footsteps approaching)
Quickly.
Seize them!
- (Panting)
- Go.
I cannot leave you.
I'll find you.
You have my word. Go.
(Incanting)
(Cawing)
Arthur:
You saw her,
but you lost her?
She used magic, sire.
Even so, there are
how many of you, six?
Against one
old woman?
There were two
of them, sire.
Oh, well,
that explains it.
Mordred,
who was the other?
We couldn't see.
But they were
in earnest conversation, sire.
That much we could tell.
All right, send out
a second patrol,
seal off the Ford
at greinton,
and alert
the border garrisons.
They must be found
and brought to trial.
Sire.
Gaius:
I told Arthur because I was
worried about you, Merlin.
She was working
for alator,
not morgana.
How was
I to know that?
Because I told you.
I'm sorry, Merlin.
I thought it was for the best.
Now, because of me,
her life's in danger.
No.
Not you.
Me.
I acted like
a foolish old man.
No, never that.
But I have to go now.
I must find out
why she would risk
her life for me.
Take care, Merlin.
(Door closes)
You continue to waste
your time, morgana.
(Sighs)
I am a catha priest.
And you think that
will protect you?
No matter what you do,
you cannot break me.
So it would seem.
In which case I have
no further use for you.
You think I fear death?
Shall I let you into
a secret, alator?
I'm no longer interested
in what you think
or what you fear.
I shall pass
to the other world,
happy in the knowledge
that you will
never find emrys.
He is your destiny,
morgana.
And he is your doom.
Mistress.
What now?
We found a letter
in his cell.
Show me.
"Do not fear, alator,
I have found emrys.
Our sacred mission continues.
Your faithful servant, finna."
You poor fool,
alator.
Undone by a few
scribbled words.
Find this finna.
Bring her to me...
Alive.
I will break her,
alator.
Break her
like a twig.
How does it feel to know
all your resistance
was for nothing?
Enjoy your other world.
(Bones crack)
(Horses approaching)
Leon: Herbs?
You were looking
for herbs?
Gaius is
very particular.
They have to be fresh
or the power's diminished.
This is not the time
and the place to be
gathering herbs.
You were grateful enough
for them when Gaius cured
your palsy.
It wasn't palsy.
I was being polite.
(Chuckles)
There's a dangerous
sorcerer at large, Merlin.
Not to mention saxons.
This is not the place
to be alone.
I'll be fine.
I'll just...
Collect the rest
of my herbs
and I'll be
on my way.
No.
All right.
I'll head back.
We can't allow that either.
Gwaine:
You're staying
with us, Merlin.
Until the sorcerer's
apprehended.
Well, thank you.
(Dogs barking)
- What news?
- The hounds have picked up
the woman's trail.
- How far?
- Less than a mile.
We've lost her.
Do we split up?
Some of us
track back.
It's getting dark.
We'll be sitting
targets for the saxons.
We'll start again
at first light.
(Snoring)
(Grunts)
(Groans)
Good morning.
Though technically,
I think it's still night.
I was just
going for a...
- Relieving yourself?
- Yeah.
You always put
your boots on
to do that,
do you?
I don't like
splinters.
You weren't collecting
herbs either, were you?
You don't have to explain
yourself to me, Merlin.
If you're willing
to risk your life,
it must be important.
It is.
A problem shared.
I understand.
I'll tell them
I escorted you
back to the bridge.
Thank you.
Merlin?
Be careful.
We've lost the trail.
She could have
gone anywhere.
Fan out.
Wait.
(Incanting)
This way.
Finna.
Oh, master.
Please don't.
I thought I'd lost you.
You doubted me?
- Never.
- (Chuckles)
(Yelling)
(Grunting)
Aah!
Lie back.
(Groans)
They won't be alone.
(Yells)
Morgana must not find you.
(Grunts)
Merlin:
Where can we go?
There's an old watchtower on
the other side of the valley.
- (Winces)
- Can you walk?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think so.
It's not far.
It's safe.
You ready?
Yeah.
(Exhales)
(Dogs barking)
There are no wounds.
There wouldn't be.
She's been hit.
Bring your men.
(Grunts)
How do you
know this tower?
When you spend
a lifetime running,
you know all
the places to hide.
Running from... Arthur?
And from his father
before him.
(Winces)
No.
(Sighs)
It won't always
be like this.
(Chuckles)
Things will
be better.
That is why
I was sent,
to help you
make it so.
(Dogs barking)
- (Lock clicks)
- Why are you doing
this for me?
Without you, emrys,
Arthur cannot build
a new world
we all long for.
I don't understand.
For hundreds of years
the catha have guarded
their ancient knowledge.
But now the time has come
to pass it on to you, emrys.
For only you can
carry their hopes
into the great
battle itself.
How can I do that?
Here.
Guard it carefully.
It will help you
in the dark days
to come.
Thank you.
I want her taken alive,
do you understand? Alive.
There is something else,
something alator himself
wanted me
to tell you...
Do not make the same
mistake as Arthur.
Do not trust
the druid boy.
(Dogs barking)
(Pounding on door)
You must go on.
There's nowhere to go.
There is a roof.
- You will be safe there.
- How?
They think
I am alone.
Once they have me
they will go.
I won't leave you, finna.
We fight them together.
No.
If morgana
sees us together,
she will know
who you are.
That must never happen.
- Finna, please.
- It is my destiny, emrys,
to serve you
until the end.
I could wish
for nothing more.
Grant me one favor.
Anything.
Leave me your sword.
No.
It has been a privilege...
To know you, emrys.
(Silent)
Finna.
At last.
I'm impressed.
Your age,
it's very spirited.
Stay away.
But with age
also comes wisdom.
It's over.
Tell me who emrys is.
(Chuckles)
Never.
Burn the body.
Get the horses!
- (Dogs barking)
- (Hoofbeats departing)
(Speaking dragon language)
(Chuckles)
Thank you.
It is my pleasure.
For a second there,
I thought you weren't coming.
I would never forsake you,
young warlock.
(Chuckles)
Merlin:
Are you all right?
Of course.
Your wing.
I am tired, emrys.
That is all.
But I shall serve you as long
as I have the strength.
If you're ill,
I can heal you.
There are some things
even a warlock
as great as you
cannot overcome.
I am old, emrys.
My time has
almost come.
No.
It is the cycle
of life...
No more, no less.
What will I do
without you?
You will remember me.
Will I see you again?
What does it say?
Just a moment.
"Let loose
the hounds of war.
And let the dread fire
of the last priestess
rain down
from angry skies,
for brother will
slaughter brother,
for friend
will murder friend
as the great horn
sounds a cold dawn
at camlann.
The prophets
do not lie.
There, Arthur
will meet his end
upon that
mighty plain."
(Sighs)
So many have...
Suffered so that
I may hear this.
Yes.
I think I know what's going
through your mind, Merlin.
That your destiny's
almost too much
for one man to bear.
(Chuckles)
Yeah.
You always did
know me best, Gaius.
Be assured
of one thing...
There was never
anyone more capable
than you, Merlin.
You will not fail.
(Bells ringing)
We got here
as fast as we could.
You did well.
Where did this happen?
Well, we found him
just inside the border.
Merlin, fetch
my gloves, please.
Do you know
what it is?
I fear so.
The skin has grown
across his face
until he suffocated.
Gaius?
The disfigurement
is not as a result
of disease or infection.
It is the result
of powerful magic.
In the old days,
there was a punishment
known as ragaid...
The ultimate warning
from the high priestess
to her enemies.
Why was this knight chosen?
What had he done?
He'd done nothing...
Except be
a knight of Camelot.
It's a warning,
sire.
A warning to
the whole kingdom.
Morgana has declared war.
You know
if Arthur catches her,
she'll be killed.
This time you've
gone too far.
You'll pay, Merlin.
(Theme music playing)