[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.
What's taking so long?
[Merlin]
It's the Feast of Beltane.
The king must look kingly.
I'm hardly going to look kingly
in my undergarments, am I?
Have a little patience.
Think of something pleasant.
You in the stocks?
[Laughs]
Wait one second.
One.
What have you got there?
Nothing. My hand.
My other hand.
Why are you putting
another hole
in this belt?
I was, uh, enhancing it...
for comfort
and ease of use.
Are you saying I'm fat?
No. I'm saying
that the belt...
is one hole
shy of perfection.
Ridiculous.
[Inhales, Grunts]
Come on.
Don't be too hard on yourself.
A little extra padding
goes with the job,
what with all the feasts
and banquets and ceremonies.
All right, Merlin,
do what you have to do.
Not a word of this
to anyone, understand?
Trust me. If there's
one thing I'm good at,
it's keeping secrets.
[Flame Whooshes]
[Coughing, Groaning]
Have you seen Agravaine?
Uh, no, sire.
Not since this morning.
Strange.
He should be here by now.
Ah, my favorite...
herb-crusted capon.
Easy now.
We don't want any more
holes in that belt.
- [Snorts]
- [Chuckles]
- Wine?
Merlin.
It's a good job
you don't have anything
of any actual importance...
to keep secret, isn't it?
[Chattering,
Laughing]
You all right?
- No one likes
to be called fat, Merlin.
- Sorry.
It's Gwen, isn't it?
I look for her in the room.
She's not there.
Then I remember why.
[Sighs]
[Swords Clatter]
[Liquid Splashing]
It's time.
[Screaming]
[Elyan]
Form a line to the well!
We need more water.
Now!
Forget about the water.
But if
we can't...
- [Men Shouting]
- How did they
breach the gate?
We can't worry about that now.
Quickly! Sound the alarm!
[Shouting]
[Shouting Continues]
Sire, we're under attack!
They're within
the city walls.
[Bells Tolling]
Merlin, get everyone
to the inner chamber.
Yes, sire.
Everyone follow me!
Gwaine, secure the armory.
Percival, with me.
- This is your doing.
- Oh, stand aside.
There's nothing
you can do about it now.
I can kill you
for the traitor
that you are.
Brave words, Elyan.
And they shall be your last.
We don't have time
to play soldiers,
Agravaine.
[Women
Screaming]
[Bells Tolling]
[Man Coughing]
The lower town is lost.
It's only a matter of time
before they reach the citadel.
How did this happen?
How did they get in
without being detected?
[Whispering]
We knew Agravaine
was planning something.
It seems your worst fears
have been realized, Merlin.
Merlin?
I've got to find Arthur!
[Sword Blade Ringing]
[Shouting]
We can't hold them
for much longer!
Lead the people to the woods!
Retreat! Retreat!
[Grunting]
[Groans]
Merlin.
[Groans]
Been hiding
in the broom cupboard
as usual, Merlin?
We need
to get out of here.
[Speaking Ancient Language]
[Screams Echoing]
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
[Gasps, Groans]
Maybe a broken rib
or two.
Agravaine.
Don't.
It's no good.
Arthur, there are
too many of them.
We can deal with
your uncle later.
All right?
Go.
[Shouting]
Quickly! This way.
Go on. Quickly! Go on!
[People Screaming]
The city has fallen.
Camelot...is ours.
And?
Taking Camelot
was the easy part, Helios.
I want Arthur.
Where is he?
He's right here, my lady...
in the palace.
He has nowhere
left to run.
Hmm.
[Chuckling]
I can bind the rib cage,
but even then we run the risk
of puncturing a lung.
Do whatever it takes, Gaius,
just so long as
I can swing a sword.
[People
Shouting]
[Gaius]
How do we stand?
The citadel is overrun.
We can't hold on
much longer.
- How long
before they reach us?
- Minutes at best.
They're coming for Arthur.
If they find him,
they'll kill him.
We must get him to safety
while we still can.
Arthur would never
abandon his people.
- [Pounding On Doors]
- He'd rather die.
Barricade the doors.
Give us as much time
as you can.
We need
to get Arthur out of here
whether he likes it or not.
Give him some kind of potion...
something to knock him out.
I don't have anything
strong enough.
In my chambers perhaps,
but the Southrons have
control of the palace.
There must be something.
I'm sorry, Merlin.
Maybe there's something
you can do.
Arthur won't go willingly.
But what if he was
to lose his will?
Are you suggesting magic?
Can you do it?
I can try.
[Pounding On Doors]
I'm sorry, sir.
This is going to hurt.
Just get on with it.
[Groans]
[Speaks Ancient Language]
[Pounding]
We need to leave now, sire.
Of course.
[Pounding]
Then let's go.
[Pounding Continues]
We'll use the postern gate.
I'll keep them
off your back
as long as I can.
Gather your things,
Gaius.
You go, Merlin.
I'll just
slow you down.
Gaius, no.
You must know
it's for the best.
No, if you stay here...
No time to argue.
I'm sorry.
Look after our king,
Merlin.
[Pounding Continues]
[Shouting]
It seems your victory
is short-lived, Morgana.
Prepare the horses.
We're going on a hunt.
Thank you, Percival.
Can you walk on your own?
Oh, yes. Just point me
in the right direction.
Shh.
[Footsteps]
Elyan.
Don't hold back
on my account.
Is the way
out of Camelot clear?
As far as I can tell.
Come on, Arthur.
[Screaming In Distance]
[Percival]
They'll come after us.
They know Arthur's still alive.
[Elyan]
Then we have to make it
across the border,
find sanctuary
anywhere we can.
I know a place...Ealdor.
It's beyond
the White Mountains.
Wait!
[Galloping Hooves]
Listen.
[Horse Whinnies]
Run!
[Horse Whinnies]
[Whinnies]
[Speaks Ancient Language]
[Grunts]
Where's Percival?
We have to go!
- Go!
- What about you?
Don't worry about me. Go!
[Shouting]
[Exhales]
[Grunts]
Sorry. My fault.
Well, I think
we're safe
for now.
But we need to find you
some kind of disguise.
You're too conspicuous
in those clothes.
Whatever you say.
I'm entirely in your hands.
All quarters of Camelot
are now under our control.
Some knights
have fled to the woods.
But those that did not escape
are either in our dungeons...
or dead.
Very good.
Have the people of Camelot
welcomed me as their queen?
They will swear allegiance
to no one but Arthur.
I expected no less.
Burn their crops.
Let's see how they feel
when their children
begin to starve.
And what of Arthur?
We'll find Arthur soon enough.
[Merlin]
Ah. Perfect.
In your own time,
obviously.
[Arthur Grunts]
Sorry, Merlin.
Some of these things are
a little on the tight side.
Beggars can't
be choosers, sire.
No, you're right.
I probably should learn
to think before I speak,
shouldn't I?
It would be a start.
[Grunts]
All done.
[Laughs]
Well, Arthur.
What can I say?
You look like
a total turnip-head.
Well, shall I try
something else?
There's plenty more here.
No, no. That-That will do
absolutely fine.
Although, maybe
I'll take that.
My gold?
Probably safer with me.
Of course.
Do you know
what this is?
[Hisses]
No?
It's a Nathair...
[Hissing]
from the Mountains
of Asgorath.
Harmless enough
most of the time.
But with a little persuasion,
it can cause a man pain
beyond all imagining.
[Nathair Hisses]
So you have a choice.
Tell me
where Arthur is...
or sample the delights
of my little friend here.
I'll tell you nothing.
I was hoping
you'd say that.
[Speaking
Ancient Language]
[Elyan Screams]
[Screaming
Continues]
Good God,
will it never end?
What's wrong?
Don't have
the stomach for it?
[Door Opens]
Arthur travels to Ealdor.
You will leave
without delay.
And Agravaine...
Fail me again, and you'll
be taking Elyan's place.
[Latch Clatters]
[Gate Squeaks]
- What have they done to him?
- This is the work
of the Nathair serpent.
He's been tortured
to the limit
of human endurance.
- Can you help him?
- [Sighs]
I'll do what I can.
-I thought I told you
to leave at once.
-My men are all ready to depart.
Then what are you waiting for?
I...
I just wanted
to say good-bye.
Consider it done.
And to ask you
to take care.
Why?
I have nothing to fear.
Despite all that you
have achieved, Morgana,
you must remain cautious.
There's danger
at every turn.
You can trust no one,
not even Helios.
No one except you.
Is that it?
I am your one true ally,
my lady.
I am your one
true friend.
I would do anything for you.
You know that.
I am grateful
for your loyalty, Agravaine.
That is why I have entrusted
this mission to you.
I understand.
Of course I do.
I only wish
it did not take me
from your side...
where I can
best protect you.
Find Arthur...
and you need never
leave my side again.
My lady.
Stop.
Wait...here.
Hello.
I found them lurking
in the woods.
See anything
interesting?
No.
You want to watch where
you stick your beak, boy.
I didn't see anything.
I promise.
We were just passing through.
They've no horses,
no supplies...nothing.
Like to travel light,
do you?
Something like that.
- So where you headed?
- North over the border.
Lot's kingdom.
He doesn't take kindly
to strangers,
I can tell you.
Likes to decorate his fortress
with their heads.
So why are you
heading there?
I have my reasons.
Right.
I agree with him.
What's wrong
with your friend?
He's a simpleton.
He can't help it.
Look after him, do you?
Without me,
he wouldn't last a day.
Very well. I suppose
you can be on your way.
Could we not
come with you?
I mean, I would be grateful
for the company, to be honest.
I'm very annoying.
Sorry.
Please?
Don't push it, boy.
You're lucky I let you go
with your lives.
[Sighs]
I could pay you...
with gold.
Well, why didn't you
say so before?
[Arthur]
Mmm.
What kind of coward
would deny who he is?
Men, this way.
They can't have got far.
[Whinnies]
We make camp here.
Why, thank you.
My pleasure.
That doesn't concern you.
Oh, I'm sorry. It's just
I recognized that smell.
- That is frankincense,
isn't it?
- What if it is?
Must be
worth a fortune.
It must be.
- You're smugglers?
- We prefer to think of it
as free trade.
[Laughs]
It's forbidden
by edict of the king.
If you're caught,
you could be killed.
Caught? Tristan and Isolde?
I don't think so.
We're too quick and too smart
for the half-wit king
in Camelot.
You don't say.
[Clicks Tongue]
[Mouthing Words]
More soup?
Yes, please.
Thank you.
A "please" and a "thank you"
all at the same time.
That's amazing.
- Is it?
- Mmm.
- Well, let's just say manners
are not your strong point.
- Really?
In what way?
Rude, thoughtless, insensitive.
- And that's when
you're in a good mood.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
I don't think you realize
how hard I work for you.
I know you're the king,
but it would be nice...
if you could do
one small thing for yourself.
As a...gesture,
mark of respect.
Sorry to have been
a disappointment, Merlin.
I'll try harder in future.
Oh, I look forward to that.
On the other hand,
why wait?
That pot will need
rinsing out as well.
Of course.
-And when you're done with that,
the horses need a rubdown too.
-My pleasure.
Over there.
[Pots Clanging,
Clattering]
You all right?
Yeah.
You better have a damn good
explanation for this, Merlin.
Fine. I'll just
carry on kicking you.
[Grunts]
Oh.
You're back.
What do you mean I'm back?
You're talking gibberish.
Listen to me, please.
Camelot is lost.
You were injured
in an attack.
You passed out.
I had to get you
out of there.
Where are we now?
We're heading north
to a safe haven...to Ealdor.
Hopefully the knights
will meet us there.
Who are these people?
They're, uh,
smugglers.
Smugglers!
Shh.
All right.
Let's assume for one moment
you know what you're doing.
It doesn't explain why
I look like a village idiot.
It's the perfect disguise.
[Quietly]
No one would ever
suspect you of being,
you know,
who you are.
I'm sorry, Merlin.
I am not going around
looking like this.
You have to.
You've got to keep
in character.
Character?
What character?
You!
We leave as soon
as the horses
are watered.
Explain it
to the simpleton,
would you?
Simpleton.
He's talking to you.
I don't answer
to that name.
You're in character,
remember.
Impressive piece.
[Rustic Accent]
Thankee, sir.
May I?
[Exhales]
Magnificent.
The only place you
find workmanship
of this quality...
is the royal forge
of Camelot.
Tell me.
- How did you come by it?
- I won it in a card game.
I gave it to him
as a present.
He won't be
parted from it.
Makes him feel safe.
I hope for your sake
that's true.
I'd hate to think
that I was riding
with a knight of Camelot.
Aye.
[Chuckles]
Knight of Camelot?
[Chuckles]
Look at him.
You're right.
The knights may be stupid,
but they're not that stupid.
Pack your things,
simpleton.
Call me that again
and I'll run you through.
Don't worry, sire.
We won't have to keep it up
for too much longer.
How long?
[Groans]
[Men Shouting]
Stay close!
[Shouting]
[Arthur]
Merlin!
Head for those trees.
We'll cover you.
Do you want to live
or not?
Now what?
Now...it's our turn.
- Who's going to cover us?
- Don't be a simpleton, Merlin.
- [Isolde]
They haven't found the cargo.
- [Tristan] They will.
Besides,
they weren't after the cargo.
They were after you.
Who the hell are you?
My name
is Arthur Pendragon.
The king of Camelot?
At least, I was.
I've lost everything
I've worked for
for some good-for-nothing king?
That's quite something
coming from a smuggler.
I wouldn't have to be
a smuggler if it wasn't
for your damn taxes, would I?
Those taxes help protect
the people of this land.
My people are dead.
You call that protection?
Excuse me.
Sorry to interrupt, but...
[Shouting]
[Groans]
[Panting]
Isolde.
We had a deal.
Partners for life,
remember?
[Winces]
- When have I not
kept my promises?
- [Sighs]
[Arthur]
We need to keep moving.
There'll be more coming soon.
Then go.
There's nothing
stopping you.
Come with us to Ealdor.
You'll be safe there.
I'm choosy about
the company I keep.
He saved my life, Tristan.
Thank you.
But none of this
would have happened
if it wasn't for them.
[Murmurs]
[Arthur]
She's injured.
She needs
shelter and rest.
[Sighs]
Mmm.
Very well.
But know this,
Arthur Pendragon.
I do this for her.
You and your kind bring
nothing but misery
to this land.
Have you come to gloat,
my lady?
Is that any way
to treat an old friend?
Oh, I'll forgive you.
After all, you're not
looking your best.
[Gwaine]
Can't you see
he's starving?
- We all are.
- Of course you are.
You killed
so many of my men.
I'll have the kitchen
prepare you a feast.
[Chains Rattle]
I think not of myself,
but of Gaius.
He can't survive long
without food.
[Chuckles]
Oh, Gwaine.
So handsome,
so selfless.
Of course, you shall
have some supper.
As long as you're prepared
to sing for it.
This marks the border
between Camelot
and Lot's kingdom.
Ealdor lies
at the far side
of that valley.
- Maybe half a day on foot.
- We'll rest here
for the night.
There's no way Agravaine
could have tracked us
through those mountains.
I'll make a fire.
We must keep Isolde warm.
Here. Keep
your strength up.
I'll get my own.
[Jeering]
[Laughing]
Behold!
A knight of Camelot.
[Jeering Continues]
Famed as the greatest knights
in five kingdoms.
Let's see if that fame's
deserved, shall we?
[Men Shouting]
[Roaring]
You knew?
You knew Agravaine
was betraying me?
I couldn't be sure.
But, um, I did
have my suspicions.
I feel like such a fool.
I put such trust
in him.
All this time, I was
blind to his treachery
as I was to Morgana's.
You were deceived, Arthur.
It could happen to anyone.
Yet it keeps
happening to me.
I cared about
these people. I...
I don't understand.
- What have I done wrong?
Why do they hate me?
- They don't hate you.
They just crave your power
for themselves.
Perhaps.
But would they still
want that power if I was
the king my people deserve?
- Maybe Tristan is right.
- Tristan was angry...
and...afraid.
He needed to blame someone.
But it's not you
that's to blame.
You seem very sure
about all this.
All I know is that,
for your many faults,
you are honest and brave
and true-hearted.
And one day you will be
the greatest king
this land has ever known.
[Exhales]
Well,
good to know
I have the support
of my servant, at least.
I'm not alone.
Believe me.
[Clangs]
[Men Shouting]
[Roars]
Is that all you have?
I was promised a decent fight.
You're a very angry man.
I can see that.
It must be hard
being so ugly.
Children crying,
women screaming.
Come on.
[Growling]
[Grunts]
[Thud]
Congratulations,
Sir Knight.
An admirable display.
You've earned your reward.
But you're going
to have to do better
if you want some more.
[Scattered Laughter]
[Men Cheering]
Merlin.
Mother.
Welcome home, Merlin.
[Laughs]
I've cleaned her wound.
There's no sign
of infection.
So as long as she
gets plenty of rest,
she'll be fine.
Thank you, Merlin,
for everything
you've done for her.
I'm sorry I've brought
this misfortune upon you.
Well, I may have
lost my cargo,
but I still have
my beloved Isolde.
Then you're richer
than you know.
Spread out.
Ensure the village
is surrounded.
No one must escape.
It's good to have you
home, Merlin.
I'm so sorry
it's been so long.
I understand how it is,
your life in Camelot.
I worry about you
sometimes.
The dangers you must face.
Mother, I don't
want you to worry.
I can't help it.
It's what mothers do.
Well, we are safe here,
all of us.
How's she been?
As well as can be expected,
but, um, a broken heart
takes time to mend.
Yeah.
Guinevere.
Hello, Arthur.
What are you
doing here?
It's as good a place
as any.
I've missed you.
And I you.
[People Screaming]
Agravaine.
He's found us.
[Screaming]
Any suggestions?
Round the back.
[Speaking Ancient Language]
[Grunts]
There! Get them!
Merlin.
You have magic!