Merlin 4.09 – LANCELOT DU LAC
“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”.
KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Agravaine walks down the corridor. Arthur gazes out the window and Merlin cleans Arthur's armour as Agravaine enters.
King Arthur: Uncle.
Agravaine: It's late, Arthur. What's troubling you?
King Arthur: Nothing. Nothing at all. But I've made a decision and I felt it only right to inform you right away. Though, I feel you're not going to like what I have to say….I'm going to marry Guinevere.
Merlin (drops an armour piece that clatters against the ground): Sorry.
King Arthur: That is, if she says “yes”.
Agravaine: Sire…
King Arthur: No. I know what you're going to say. "She's a servant. I'm the King. It's not the done thing."
Agravaine: I fear it's a little more serious than that.
King Arthur: Guinevere has proved herself valuable support and true counsellor these past few months.
Agravaine: You don't need a woman for support, Sire. I'm your counsel.
King Arthur: I fear you have rather too much stubble to be my wife.
Merlin snickers and tries to cover it up with a cough.
King Arthur: Good counsel, solid support, they're exactly what I need. I don't want a Queen who spends her days floating around the castle agreeing with my every word. And the people don't want that either. So, I've made up my mind. I want Guinevere to be my Queen, and I want you to accept her as such.
Agravaine nods. Merlin smiles.
MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT
Morgana dozes in a chair by the fire. Agravaine approaches, leans down and puts a hand on her back.
Agravaine: My Lady.
Morgana bolts awake and pulls a dagger on him.
Morgana: You better have a good reason for scaring me like that.
Agravaine: I'm afraid I do.
Agravaine pulls up a chair.
Agravaine: Arthur is to make Guinevere his Queen.
Morgana: It's just like in my dream. I will not see that woman upon my throne!
Agravaine: I don't see how we can stop her.
Morgana gets an idea.
Morgana: There is one that can ruin King Arthur's plans. One that can come between them. We all have our secrets and, unfortunately for Guinevere, I know hers (she smiles) I know exactly how to destroy her.
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OPENING TITLES
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FOREST CAVE - DAY
Morgana enters the cave. A figure rises up behind her. Morgana turns to the eyeless Dochraid.
Morgana: I come in peace.
Morgana steps forward and the Dochraid grabs her hand and sniffs it. Morgana is startled and confused, but doesn't move.
The Dochraid: Morgana Pendragon. You are destined to bring back the old ways (the Dochraid releases her hand) I hope to live to see that day.
Morgana: You are one of the few people who remember the time of the Old Religion. I need your help (places a coin in the Dochraid's hand). It was a gift from my sister.
The Dochraid inspects the coin.
The Dochraid: Most interesting present.
Morgana: Price of a soul.
The Dochraid: But you do not know how to release it.
The Dochraid holds the coin to herself.
The Dochraid: I should like to keep it.
Morgana holds out her hand to get it back and gently forces the Dochraid to give back the coin.
The Dochraid: The gift is indeed a powerful one, but there's only one way to wield that power. You must travel to the last of the five gateways that separate our world from the world of the dead.
POOL OF NEMHAIN - DAY
Morgana walks to the edge of a lake and continues walking straight into the water.
The Dochraid (V.O): Find the pool of Nemhain, whose waters are as black as night and as still as death itself. Cast the coin into its depths and your wish will be granted.
Morgana fingers the coin and tosses it into the lake. It sinks into the lake and she waits. The water bubbles where the coin landed and a dark head and pair of muscular shoulders rise up out of the water. The man walks toward Morgana. It's Lancelot.
Lancelot du Lac: My name is Lancelot, my Lady (he bows) I am yours to command.
Morgana smirks.
MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT
Morgana regards Lancelot du Lac, now fully clothed, as he sits on her bed, eyes closed. He wakes.
Morgana: You must be tired. You've been on a journey few have ever dreamed of.
Lancelot du Lac: I know not where I have been, my Lady, only that I am yours.
Lancelot motions to retrieve a sword from a nearby table.
Morgana: Slow down. You won't be needing that. Not yet. We have work to do, but it's not your sword I require so much as your heart.
KING'S PALACE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Gwen makes a bed. Arthur watches her from the doorway.
Morgana (V.O): There is a woman, a serving girl, a lowly peasant called Guinevere. Or Gwen, as she's known to her friends.
Arthur walks up slowly behind Gwen and places his hands over her eyes. She tenses.
Morgana (V.O): There are many that have tried to win the hand of King Arthur.
Arthur whispers in Gwen's ear. She smiles and keeps her eyes closed as Arthur pulls his hands away.
Morgana (V.O): But it was Gwen who won his heart.
Arthur takes a cloth from around his neck and places the blindfold over Gwen's eyes. She smiles with anticipation.
Morgana (V.O): She is honest and straightforward, and a simple soul.
MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT
Morgana: Arthur trusts her entirely. As he does you. For you are Lancelot, the noble, the brave, the honourable. You're everything the Knight's Code stands for.
GWEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Arthur leads Gwen into her own house blindfolded.
Morgana (V.O): Before she was Arthur's, she was yours, Lancelot. You were her first love.
MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT
Morgana: And you will be her last.
GWEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Arthur removes Gwen's blindfold (her engagement ring on his little finger) and she sees her home covered with candles. He takes her hand and leads her to a chair. She sits down and he kneels down in front of her. Merlin peeks in through the window.
King Arthur: Guinevere, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?
They stare at each other for some seconds. Gwen suddenly hugs him tightly, overwhelmed.
King Arthur: Is that a “yes”?
Guinevere (breaks the hug and smiles widely): Oh, sorry! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Arthur laughs pleased and puts a ring on her hand. Merlin smiles outside and leaves.
MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT
Lancelot sits on Morgana's bed, sleeping.
Agravaine: How is it with our old adversary?
Morgana: He's learning fast. Soon he will know enough to convince everyone he's the Lancelot we all knew. I thought it would please me, molding his mind. Instead, I feel curiously sad. He was once so mighty, and now he's nothing but a shade. I should be sorry to see him go.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Arthur rides a practice joust. He catches the decorated ring and the crowd cheers. Guinevere sits in the royal box with Agravaine. Arthur rides to the box and Guinevere steps down to take the ring off of his lance with a smile. He smiles back. Back at the tents, Arthur rides off the field.
Merlin: I've got to hand it to you. If nothing else, it's certainly an original engagement present.
Arthur tosses Merlin his helmet and dismounts.
Merlin: Well, as romantic gestures go, you could've given her flowers. You could have had a song written. Instead, you've given her two days of sweaty men knocking the sense out of each other.
King Arthur: Exactly as it should be. My father had a tourney before his wedding. It's tradition.
Merlin: Ah, so it's not even an original gesture, then.
King Arthur: I think my future wife understands.
Arthur raises his glass to indicate Guinevere in the stands, smiling as she takes the decorated ring from Sir Percival's lance.
Guinevere: Thank you very much.
Percival rides off smiling. Guinevere sits back down happily. Trumpets announce another rider.
King Arthur: Who on earth's that?
Merlin: No idea.
The rider runs the practice joust and catches the ring. The crowd cheers and Guinevere politely applauds the stranger. She steps down and takes the decorated ring with a furrowed brow. The knight pulls off his helmet to reveal Lancelot du Lac. Guinevere looks disturbed. Lancelot du Lac pulls back and nods to Arthur and Merlin who stare at him, equally stunned.
KING'S PALACE, DINING HALL - NIGHT
The Round Table members are having dinner. Arthur at the head of the table, Guinevere on his right, Lancelot du Lac at the other end.
Lancelot du Lac: I fear I remember very little after the moment I stepped through the veil. My story will not be as illuminating as I would like.
King Arthur: We're just pleased to see you. Well...please and amazed.
Lancelot du Lac: I owe everything to the Madhavi people. When they found me, I was near death. Luckily for me, their customs dictate that they must give food and shelter to the needy (sigh) And I was certainly that.
Merlin watches Lancelot warily.
Sir Leon: Where did they find you?
Lancelot du Lac: On one of the silk road passes, high in the Feorre mountains.
Sir Elyan: Cenred's kingdom.
Lancelot du Lac: I travelled with them for many weeks, deep into the deserts of the south. Then, slowly my strength returned. When I was able, I earned my passage the only way I know how. By the sword.
Lancelot du Lac smirks and the knights chuckle.
Lancelot du Lac: Then I slowly made my way north.
King Arthur: You made your way home.
Lancelot du Lac nods. Arthur takes Guinevere's hand on the table. Agravaine isn't pleased.
King Arthur: We can't thank you enough for what you sacrificed on the Isle of the Blessed. It will be remembered always.
Lancelot du Lac (sigh): It is, indeed, good to see you once again. I would like to propose a toast (he stands) To the people I hold most dear. To Camelot.
They all raise their glasses.
All: To Camelot.
King Arthur: To Camelot.
Lancelot smiles and drinks. Merlin is still unsettled.
KING'S PALACE, MERLIN'S BED CHAMBER - NIGHT
Merlin: You can have my bed.
Lancelot du Lac: No. No.
Merlin: Really, after all you've been through...it's the least I can do.
Lancelot du Lac: Thank you, Merlin. It's good to see you, too.
Merlin: I've spent so long thinking about...what happened. Could I have saved you? And if there was anything I could have done. If I could have used magic...
Lancelot du Lac (smiles): If any of us had any magic, Merlin...
Lancelot du Lac walks past him to the bed. Now Merlin is certain that something's wrong.
Lancelot du Lac: …life would be a lot easier.
Merlin walks to the door.
Merlin: Good night.
Merlin closes the door as he enters the physician's chambers. Gaius sees his worried expression.
Gaius: Oh, no. I've seen that face before.
Merlin: I want to believe that everything is fine and that we really have Lancelot back.
Gaius: It certainly looks like him.
Merlin: Yeah.
Gaius: What is it?
Merlin: I don't know. Something's wrong.
Merlin sits next to Gaius and lowers his voice.
Merlin: When he was telling his story, I sensed it. The way he greeted me, that made me suspicious. But what happened just now, that's made me sure. He forgot I had magic. Lancelot would never do that.
Gaius: Strange, indeed. Give him time.
FOREST - NIGHT
Agravaine rides through the woods and dismounts. He walks slowly, searching for someone. Morgana appears behind him.
Morgana: I'm keen to hear your news.
Agravaine: I'm sure you'd be very proud, my Lady. Arthur and his knights were completely taken in.
Morgana: And Gwen? This must be the last thing she hoped for on the eve of her wedding.
Agravaine: If she was flustered, she certainly didn't show it. I fear she truly does love Arthur. Any feelings she had for Lancelot are in the past.
Morgana: I had considered that eventuality.
Agravaine is confused. Morgana pulls out a bracelet.
Morgana (casts a spell on the bracelet): Beclyppe þinne idese þæt heo hine lyste!
Her eyes glow and the bracelet shines for a while.
Morgana: I think it's time to reawaken those feelings.
They smirk as Agravaine takes the bracelet.
GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY
Guinevere brushes her hair and checks it in a small mirror. Someone knocks on the door. She opens it to find Lancelot du Lac leaning against the door frame with a charming smile. She's surprised.
Lancelot du Lac: I wasn't sure I'd find you here. I thought you might have rooms in the palace.
Guinevere: I want to stay here as long as I can. It may not be much, but it's my home.
Lancelot du Lac: May I come in?
Guinevere hesitates.
Lancelot du Lac: I only want to wish you well.
Guinevere smiles and opens the door for him.
Guinevere: I never thought I'd see you again.
Lancelot du Lac: I know.
Guinevere: When I heard what you'd done, I felt so guilty.
Lancelot du Lac: No.
Guinevere: You were protecting Arthur, just as I'd asked.
Lancelot du Lac nods.
Guinevere: If it weren't for you, there'd be no wedding. There are no words to thank you enough.
Lancelot du Lac: There is no need for that. I did what I felt was right in my heart. You taught me that, Gwen.
Lancelot du Lac steps closer.
Lancelot du Lac: To be true to myself. You will make a wonderful Queen. Your love for your people is surpassed only by your love for Arthur.
Lancelot du Lac pulls out a cloth and unwraps the bracelet.
Lancelot du Lac: The Madhavi people gave me this token of good fortune for my journey. I'd like you to wear it, for I see their goodness in you.
He takes her hand and puts the bracelet on her wrist.
Lancelot du Lac: It is a rare thing. And I was lucky to have been touched by it.
He holds her face in his hands and gets closer to her. Gwen looks uncomfortable and then relieved when he kisses her forehead.
Lancelot du Lac: I wish you and Arthur everlasting happiness, Gwen.
He looks back at her with a smile as he leaves. She smiles back, but it fades as she looks uncertainly down at the bracelet.
KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY
Merlin studies a book about necromancy behind a screen. The pages show a dressed skeleton standing on a kind of spiral.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
The jousting tournament continues. Arthur and Lancelot du Lac win their jousts. Guinevere is much more pleased by Arthur's success.
KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin and Gaius eat supper.
Merlin: Mm. Chicken is good. Nice broth. What do you know about necromancy?
Gaius stops still just as he's about to eat.
Gaius: What?
Merlin: Well, you know lots...about lots of things, don't you?
Gaius: Necromancy is the most dangerous of all magical practices. Even in the days of the Old Religion, such sorcery was viewed with the utmost suspicion. I know I'm going to regret asking this, Merlin, but why do you want to know?
Merlin looks at his bedroom door, where Lancelot du Lac is resting.
Merlin: I think that someone has raised Lancelot from the dead.
Gaius: By "someone", I presume you mean "Morgana".
Merlin nods.
Gaius: The old legends do speak of such creatures. They call them "shades". Poor, tormented souls summoned from their rest by the necromancer's art.
Merlin: So, it is possible?
Gaius: Even if it is possible, we have no way of knowing for sure.
Merlin pulls out a book entitled "The Art of Necromancy"
Gaius: Or do we?
KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin paints the floor with the spiral drawing from the book. He finishes and spreads his hands over the paint.
Merlin (casts a spell): Onluc þa soþan treow!
The paint glows red for a moment, then fades. Merlin hears something and peeks through a cr*ck in his bedroom door. Lancelot du Lac is finishing getting dressed. Merlin dashes to Gaius's bed and wakes him with a shake.
Merlin (whisper): It's time.
Merlin and Gaius peer through the gaps in the closet door. Lancelot du Lac emerges from Merlin's bed chamber and walks over the circle. The circle glows red and a skeleton washes over Lancelot du Lac's features. They hear the door close and step out of the closet.
Merlin: I didn't want it to be true.
Gaius: I know. We all wanted him back.
Merlin: More than anything.
Gaius: This man's a shadow of his former self. A shadow with ill intent.
Merlin: Do you think he means to harm Arthur?
Gaius: Whatever his reason for being here, it can't be good.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, TENT - DAY
Guinevere sneaks among the tents, the crowd cheering in the distance. She pulls open a tent flap, the bracelet on her wrist, and enters Lancelot du Lac's tent. He's getting ready for the jousting.
Guinevere: Here...let me.
She helps him with his jacket.
Lancelot du Lac: Thank you.
Lancelot du Lac smiles darkly as Guinevere lets her hand linger on his arm for a bit after helping him with his shirt.
Guinevere: I just wanted to wish you well.
Lancelot du Lac: Shouldn't you be saying that to your future husband?
Guinevere: I do. I have (looks confused)…I will.
Guinevere remembers herself.
Guinevere: I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm here.
She motions to leave and pauses to watch him before stepping out.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Lancelot wins another joust. Guinevere looks more pleased than before. Arthur faces Sir Leon. Arthur wins as Sir Leon falls backwards off his horse and summersaults. The crowd cringes, then cheers for Arthur. Guinevere smiles down on him as she applauds. Leon rises to his knees and a servant helps him up. Sir Percival walks past Merlin, noticing Merlin's dour expression.
Sir Percival: Don't look so worried, Merlin. Arthur won.
Merlin: Yeah. Now he's in the final with Lancelot.
Sir Percival: Yeah, I know. People are gonna love that.
Lancelot du Lac and Arthur acknowledge the crowd. Agravaine watches Guinevere, who looks uncertain about the match. Merlin and Gaius are watching.
Gaius: You must be ready, Merlin. Your magic might be needed.
The flag goes up and they joust. Both riders hit their opponent, but Arthur is seriously injured. Guinevere stands up, concerned, as Arthur drops his lance and leans forward in pain. He takes his next lance from a servant anyway.
Gaius: Arthur should withdraw. He's in no fit state to continue.
Merlin: He wouldn't withdraw if his head was hanging by a thread.
Arthur can barely hold the lance, but he starts to joust anyway. Lancelot du Lac is unharmed. Guinevere frowns as the joust continues. Arthur is unable to lift his lance into att*ck position. As they come within range, Lancelot du Lac yields his lance letting a wounded Arthur win. The crowd cheers. Agravaine and Guinevere are surprised.
Merlin: What's going on? Why did he yield?
Arthur drops his lance and stumbles off his horse holding his side. Lancelot dismounts and they walk to the centre of the field.
Merlin: Well, I suppose I should be pleased Arthur's alive.
Lancelot du Lac and Arthur meet in front of the royal box. Lancelot du Lac kneels.
Lancelot du Lac: My liege.
King Arthur: Arise, Sir Lancelot. It's not necessary. I always thought you the noblest of my knights. You just proved me right. Thank you for your courtesy.
Lancelot bows.
King Arthur: Won't be forgotten.
Arthur and Lancelot face the box and the crowd cheers. Guinevere smiles at Arthur and he bows his head. Lancelot du Lac and Arthur regard each other.
Lancelot du Lac (nods): Your Highness.
Arthur nods back and leaves the field.
Gaius: If he's not here to k*ll Arthur, what's he here for?
Merlin: I don't know.
Merlin sees Guinevere sneak into Lancelot du Lac's tent.
Merlin: I wish I did.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, TENT - DAY
Guinevere circles Lancelot du Lac, running her hand over his shoulders, the bracelet on her wrist. She entwines her fingers with his and rubs their hands against her chin.
KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Lancelot du Lac walks through the palace with a sword in his hand. He slides it into his belt. Merlin follows him to the balcony corridor where he meets with Agravaine.
Lancelot du Lac: Everything is prepared. Gwen is on her way to our assignation as we speak.
Agravaine: You've done well. Lady Morgana will be very pleased with you.
Agravaine leaves and Lancelot du Lac returns the way he came. Merlin hurries into hiding.
KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Ladies walk down a corridor. Guinevere waits for them to pass and sneaks through the castle.
KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Lancelot du Lac walks toward the council chambers. Merlin throws him with magic and Lancelot du Lac goes unconscious. Merlin approaches him and Lancelot wakes, unaffected by the blow. He trips Merlin, draws his sword and knocks Merlin out with the pommel.
KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Arthur is sleeping. Agravaine approaches the bed.
Agravaine: Arthur.
Arthur stirs a little.
Agravaine: Arthur.
Arthur turns over and opens his eyes, confused.
Agravaine: Sorry. There's something you must see.
KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
Lancelot du Lac waits for Guinevere behind a column. She goes to him and hugs him.
Guinevere: Are you sure this is safe?
Lancelot du Lac: No one visits the council chambers at this hour of the night.
KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Arthur and Agravaine walk towards the council chambers.
KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Merlin wakes, holds his head from the blow, then rushes to the council chamber.
KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
Guinevere feels Lancelot du Lac's chest, smiles, and pulls him into a kiss. Lancelot du Lac watches the entrance while they kiss. Arthur appears and Lancelot du Lac closes his eyes. Arthur, shocked, watches for a moment. Merlin arrives too late, he looks at Arthur's line of vision and sees Guinevere and Lancelot du Lac snogging. Arthur's anger rises and he draws his sword and charges them.
Lancelot du Lac steps away from Guinevere and draws his sword. Arthur att*cks furiously and elbows Lancelot du Lac in the face, making him drop his sword. Arthur att*cks him anyway, but hits the column. Lancelot du Lac shoves Arthur against another column, making Arthur drop his sword. Guinevere freaks.
Guinevere: Please!
Arthur shoves Lancelot du Lac, who slides in reach of his sword and grabs it. He rises to att*ck Arthur, but Merlin intervenes.
Merlin (casts a spell): Ecg misse!
The sword drops out of Lancelot du Lac's hand. Arthur grabs his sword and yells as he charges the defenceless Lancelot shade. Guinevere steps in his path.
Guinevere: No! Please! Please! Please. Stop. Please, please. This has to stop! Please. Please. Stop. This has to stop.
Arthur looks at her, the betrayal written plainly on his face.
KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT
Lancelot du Lac is shoved into a cell.
KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT
Guinevere is shoved into another cell. She covers her face with her hands in broken-hearted frustration. She sees Lancelot du Lac's bracelet on her wrist and she rips it off and throws it into a corner of the cell. In tears, Guinevere collapses to the ground.
KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Agravaine talks to Arthur's back as he stares into his room, eyes bloodshot.
Agravaine: Far be it from me to advise you on personal matters, Sire, but this is also a matter of state. You've been made a fool of, and you must respond robustly. Of course, in the days of your father, adultery in noble families was punishable by death.
Merlin stands in the room, arms folded, glaring at Agravaine.
Agravaine: But as for Lancelot, death's too good for him. He must die, but...painfully.
KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
The court waits in silence. Guinevere stands between two guards, surrounded by the entire council, including the Knights of the Round Table. Agravaine stands by the throne. He nods and the two guards force Guinevere to her knees as Arthur enters. Arthur walks resolutely to the throne. He stands behind it, his back to the council. Guinevere is pale, her face streaked with tears. Arthur speaks softly.
King Arthur: You will leave, please.
Agravaine nods to the two guards and they depart.
King Arthur: All of you.
No one moves.
King Arthur: Now!
The knights and councilmen leave. Guinevere looks at her brother. He glares at her disappointedly as he leaves. Agravaine remains.
King Arthur: You, too, Uncle.
Agravaine: Sire…
King Arthur: Now!
Agravaine bows and exits. Arthur glares at the wall as he waits for the doors to close. Guinevere sighs with grief. Arthur turns around and glares at her as he walks slowly past her. She can't bring herself to look at him.
King Arthur: What are you still doing on your knees? Am I just your king? Get up for goodness sake.
Gwen gets up in tears. He stares at her for some seconds and he circles her.
King Arthur: I was to be your husband.
Arthur completes his circle and faces her, finally looking her in the eye. She holds his gaze, distressed.
King Arthur: What happened, Guinevere?
She tries to say something, but has no answer and shakes her head.
King Arthur: We were happy. I know we were happy.
Guinevere nods painfully.
King Arthur: You felt it too?
She nods with her eyes closed. She shakes her head, still unable to speak, and nods.
King Arthur: You love him? You've always loved him?
Guinevere (shakes her head): No!
King Arthur: All those times you said you wanted to be with me?
Guinevere: I meant every word.
King Arthur: Tomorrow was our wedding day.
Guinevere nods painfully, closing her eyes, suffering through a new bout of tears.
Guinevere: I know.
King Arthur: If you had worries...
She shakes her head.
Guinevere: I wasn't worried.
King Arthur: If you had doubts...
Guinevere: I didn't have any doubts.
King Arthur (steps closer to her): Then forgive me! Because I must be really stupid! (he grabs her by her shoulders and shakes her) WHAT WERE YOU DOING!? (he releases her and steps back) Sorry.
Guinevere rubs her arm.
Guinevere: No. No. No. It is I who should be sorry.
Arthur struggles to control his anger.
Guinevere: You mean everything to me, Arthur...Once there was Lancelot, a long time ago. But I haven't considered him in that way for many years. I thought he was dead. I thought I would never see him again, and...and then...when I did, I was...overwhelmed. I was drawn to him. I couldn't stop myself, I don't know why.
Guinevere presses her hands to her face. She’s crying desperately.
Guinevere: I love you. You mean everything to me.
Guinevere holds her hands to her stomach, barely able to get the last words out through her sobs.
Guinevere: All these years, I've waited for you.
King Arthur: You only had to wait one more day.
Arthur's voice cracks with emotion.
Guinevere: All I've ever wanted is to be your Queen. I still want to be your Queen.
King Arthur: Do you know what they're saying?
Arthur points to the doors that the councilmen left through. Guinevere shakes her head.
King Arthur: That in my father's day, you'd be put to death.
They stare at each other for some seconds. Guinevere watches him for his decision.
King Arthur: I don't want to see you dead, Guinevere.
She waits.
King Arthur: But I don't want to see you.
Guinevere is distraught by his answer.
King Arthur: I cannot look on you every day. You will leave Camelot at first light…
Guinevere: Arthur…
King Arthur: You return upon pain of death.
Guinevere (sniffles): No!
Arthur walks past Guinevere and she panics.
Guinevere: No! No! No! I cannot be without you!
King Arthur: That is my decision.
Guinevere stops and he continues to the door.
Guinevere: Where will I go?
Arthur stops at the door and turns to look at her.
King Arthur: I am sorry. I am truly sorry.
Arthur opens the door and leaves Guinevere alone in the council room.
KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin: This is what Morgana wanted...all along.
Gaius: She couldn't suffer the ignominy of seeing Gwen on her throne. It is, indeed, a cruel revenge.
Merlin But it is Morgana who created it. I must make Arthur see that. If he knew that Lancelot was a shade...
Gaius: It wouldn't change what Gwen has done. It's the betrayal that matters to the King, Merlin. Telling him of Lancelot's true nature won't change that. It's Gwen who must pay the price.
KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - DAY
Agravaine enters Lancelot du Lac's cell where he is chained to the wall. Agravaine pulls out a letter with a black ribbon and seal.
Agravaine: This is from our Lady Morgana. She has one last wish for you.
Lancelot du Lac: Whatever my Lady desires. I'm hers to command.
Lancelot du Lac opens the letter and reads it.
LOWER TOWN - DAWN
Gwen exits her house for the last time, dressed for travel. Merlin looks up from where he's waiting. Gwen takes the yoke and begins to pull the cart. Merlin stands and Gwen sees him. She pauses for a moment and then continues pulling the cart awkwardly down the street. Merlin watches her go.
KING'S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY
Arthur stands despondently, staring into space, as servants take down the wedding decorations. Merlin enters behind him.
Merlin: It's not too late, Sire. I know what Gwen did was desperately wrong, but she is a good person. I truly believe that.
King Arthur: As do I, Merlin... As do I.
Merlin: Can you find it in your heart to forgive her?
King Arthur: That's not the problem.
Merlin (angry): Agravaine? Well, it is Agravaine, isn't it? He's wrong. People won't find you weak or a fool. They will find you merciful, understanding.
King Arthur: You're brave to speak out, Merlin. Gwen's your friend, I understand. I'm afraid you're wrong. I love Gwen with all my heart.
Arthur finally looks at Merlin.
King Arthur: And I'm sure in time, I'll find a way to forgive her…But I'll never trust her. I can't live like that. Not as a King, certainly not as a husband. And though it pains me...it's best that she's gone.
Agravaine arrives with two guards.
Agravaine: Sire.
KING'S PALACE, PYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY
Agravaine, Merlin, Gaius, and Arthur stand over Lancelot du Lac's dead body.
Agravaine: The guards found him.
King Arthur: What happened?
Gaius: It appears he took his own life.
King Arthur: I guess we shouldn't be surprised.
Agravaine twitches a smile. Merlin glares at him.
King Arthur: In all ways but one, Lancelot was a man of honour. See to it that he receives a proper burial.
Arthur and Agravaine leave and Gaius covers Lancelot du Lac's face with a sheet.
LAKE - DAY
Lancelot lies on a boat made of twigs and covered in flowers. Merlin stands over him and places a hand on his forehead.
Merlin (casts a spell): Grið fæstne mid þisse tintregian sawle!
Merlin's eyes glow and Lancelot is freed from Morgana’s grasp. Lancelot breathes sharply in as he regains a brief consciousness. He looks at Merlin.
Lancelot (whispers): Merlin. Thank you.
Lancelot smiles and closes his eyes, breathing his last breath. Merlin smiles between tears, knowing Lancelot is now at peace. Merlin pushes the boat towards the centre of the lake and sets its aflame. He continues to cry as he watches it burn.
04x09 - Lancelot Du Lac
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The saga of King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin, both young men struggling to understand their future destinies.
The saga of King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin, both young men struggling to understand their future destinies.