02x13 - The Last Dragonlord

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Episode 2.13 – The Last Dragonlord



Camelot castle

People are running through the castle square, amongst burning rubble. Arthur and his knights run past with crossbows.

Arthur: I know you're tired, but make one last effort for me! Every sh*t must count!

----

Castle: hospital

Gwen: I don't think people can suffer a third night of this.

Gaius: We must trust in Arthur.

Gwen: I do. But even he has little chance.

----

Castle battlements

Merlin follows Arthur on the battlements. The situation looks pretty compromised.

Merlin: I'm sorry you're having to do this.

Arthur: Why? You're not to blame.

Merlin looks uncomfortable.

The dragon flies over Camelot. The soldiers and Sir Leon look terrified.

Arthur: Flame up!

Knights light their arrows and take aim.

Arthur: Stay strong! For tonight is not your night to die, I will make sure of that! Hold firm! Hold! Hold! Now!

Knights sh**t arrow, it’s useless and the dragon flames the battlements. They all duck.





– Opening Credits –

---

Castle Hospital

The atmosphere is chaotic, people everywhere.

Gwen: We've no clean water left.

Gaius: I know, but it's too dangerous to go out there.

Gwen heads for the door.

Gaius: Gwen! Don't!

---

Castle courtyard



Gwen takes a bucket to the well in the squre, stepping over the rubble while everyone else flees. Dragon flies overhead. She begins to draw from the well. Arthur enters the square. The dragon circles above.

Arthur: Clear the square!

Arthur notices Gwen drawing from the well.

Arthur: Gwen?!

Arthur looks up at the dragon as it starts to turn for an att*ck.

Arthur: Guinevere!

Gwen turns and sees the dragon. She runs, Arthur runs to help her. Dragon swoops and catches Arthur. They both fall. Arthur grabs Gwen's hand and they run for cover. Merlin runs into the square. He sees a spear on the ground and cast a spell to throw it at the Dragon.

Merlin: Fleoge… gar!

Dragon glances off.

Kilgharrah: Do not imagine that your petty magic can harm me!

Dragon flies off.

Merlin: Why are you doing this?! You're k*lling innocent people!

---

Castle Hospital

Gwen treats Arthur's shoulder in the hospital.

Gwen: You shouldn't have risked your life.

Arthur: I wasn't going to let anything happen to you.

She reaches to put the towel down, but Arthur catches her hand and presses it against his chest. She smiles. Gaius notices and smiles at the pair. Merlin comes into the room.

Gaius: Are you hurt?

Merlin: There's nothing I can do. My magic is no good. It doesn't work.

Gaius: Dragons aren't monsters. They're creatures of wonder and magic. You must realise that they're immune to your powers.

---

The next morning, there are fires still burning in several places of Camelot.

---

Castle Council Room

There knights and advisors with Uther.

Arthur: The dead number 49 men, 27 women, a further 18 women and children are unaccounted for. Most of last night's fires are now out. The castle walls, in particular, the western section are near to collapse, I could go on.

Uther: Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?

Leon: I regret to say, Sire, we don't.

Uther: There must be some way to rid ourselves of this aberration. Gaius?

Gaius: We need a dragonlord, Sire.

Uther: You know very well that's not an option.

Gaius: Sire, what if...there was, indeed, one last dragonlord left.

Uther: That's not possible

Gaius: But if there was.

Uther: What are you saying?

Gaius: It may just be rumour.

Uther: Go on.

Gaius: I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor.

Uther: Balinor?

Arthur: Where does he live?

Gaius: He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom in the border town of Engerd, but that was many years ago.

Arthur: If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him.

Uther: Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds. We are at w*r. If they discovered you beyond our border, they would k*ll you.

Arthur: I will go alone.

Uther: No.

Arthur: That way I will not be detected.

Uther: No, Arthur. It is too dangerous.

Arthur: More dangerous than staying here? I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them.

Uther: I have given you my orders.

Arthur: Do not make this a test of wills, Father.

Uther: I'm not talking to you as a father; I'm talking to you as a king!

Arthur: I will ride immediately.

Uther: My concern is for you.

Arthur: Mine is for Camelot. I will send word when I've found him. Prepare the horses.

Merlin bows to Uther and follows Arthur out.

---

Gaius’s room

Merlin is packing.

Merlin: Who were the dragonlords? Gaius?

Merlin pulls Gaius out of his contemplative pacing.

Gaius: There were once men, who could talk to the dragons, tame them.

Merlin: What happened to them?

Gaius: Uther believed that the art of the dragonlord was too close to magic. So he had them all rounded up and slaughtered.

Merlin: But one survived. How did you know?

Gaius: I helped him escape.

Merlin: Gaius.

Gaius: Merlin, you've never heard the name Balinor?

Merlin: No.

Gaius: Your mother never mentioned him?

Merlin: My mother?

Gaius: She took him in.

Merlin: She stood up against Uther?

Gaius: Yes.

Merlin: She was brave.

Gaius: Yes. When Uther discovered where Balinor was, he sent knights to Ealdor to hunt him down. He was forced to flee.

Merlin: Why didn't my mother tell me any of this?

Gaius: Merlin, I promised her I would never speak of these things.

Merlin: Of what?

Gaius: I've always treated you as my son, but that is not what you are. The man you are going to look for is your father.

Merlin looks deeply shocked.

Merlin: My father?...

Gaius: Yes.

Merlin: He was a dragonlord? Why did no one ever tell me?!

Gaius: I wanted to. Your mother feared it would be too dangerous.

Merlin: I had a right to know!

Gaius: She wanted to protect you.

Merlin: No. I had a right to know.

---

Castle courtyard

The yard is full of smoking rubble. Gaius approaches Merlin in the Square as Merlin prepares his horse.

Gaius: You got everything you need?

Merlin: *nods* I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

Gaius: I know that.

Arthur: Come on, Merlin.

Merlin: You're ready?

Arthur: No thanks to you.

Arthur cringes from his wound.

Merlin: You okay?

Arthur: It's just a scratch.

Gaius: Merlin, whatever happens, you must not let Arthur know who this man is. Uther would view the son of a dragonlord with the deepest suspicion.

---

Somewhere in the woods

Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods and stop at the top of a hill overlooking a village.

Arthur: This is it. One more step and we’re in Cenred's kingdom. This Balinor better be worth it.

---

A village

Arthur and Merlin arrive in the village at night in the pouring rain. They enter a tavern and everyone stops to stare at them.

Arthur: Greetings!

A man pulls a Kn*fe out of a table.

They sit at a table and the innkeeper slops their drinks all over the table.

Arthur: We're looking for a man named Balinor. I'm willing to pay...

Slaps a bag of coins in front of the innkeeper.

Arthur: ...handsomely.

Innkeeper nods and leans in.

Innkeeper: Never heard of him.

Innkeeper takes the few coins Arthur already had on the end of the table.

Merlin: D’you think one of these men is Balinor?

Arthur: I hope not.

Merlin: So do I.

---

Inn’s room

Arthur and Merlin getting ready for bed in their guest chamber.

Arthur: What is wrong with you today?

Merlin: What?

Arthur: It pains me to admit it, but I do enjoy your surly retorts. In fact, it's probably your only redeemable feature.

Merlin: Thanks.

Arthur: There are loads of servants who can serve. So few are capable of making a complete prat of themselves. What is it?

Merlin: Nothing.

Arthur: It's something. Tell me. Alright, I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends. But if I wasn't a prince…

Merlin: What?

Arthur: Well, then...I think we'd probably get on.

Merlin: So?

Arthur: So that means can you tell me?

Merlin: That's true. But you see, if you weren't a prince, I'd tell you to mind your own damn business.

Arthur: Merlin! Are you missing Gaius?

Merlin: Something like that.

Arthur: Well, what is it, then?

Arthur throws a pillow at Merlin.

Merlin: I'll tell you. I'm worried about everyone back in Camelot. I hope they're alright.

Arthur: So do I.

---

Camelot

Leon heads the knights against the dragon back in Camelot.

Leon: Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!

They sh**t at dragon. Dragon blows fire. Knights hunch down and overlap their shields against the flames. Uther watches from his chambers. Dragon flies away.

---

Inn’s room

Someone sneaks into Merlin and Arthur's room and reaches for Arthur's bag. Arthur grabs the man's hand and throws him onto Merlin's bed at knifepoint. Merlin wakes.

Merlin: What's going on?

Arthur: Do you know what the punishment is for theft?

Asgerd: No, please. I've got children to feed.

Arthur: Tell me where to find Balinor.

Asgerd: Balinor?

Arthur: What do you know of him?

Asgerd: Nothing. I...

Arthur: Do you value your life?

Asgerd: It's been many years since I saw him!

Arthur: You know where he lives?

Asgerd: You must travel through the Forest of Marendra to the foot of Feorre Mountain. There you will find the cave where Balinor dwells.

Arthur releases Asgerd.

Asgerd: But don't get your hopes up.

Merlin: Why?

Asgerd: He will not welcome you. Balinor hates everyone and everything. A cave's the best place for him.

---

In the woods

Merlin and Arthur are walking their horses through the woods, Arthur stumbling a bit. Merlin notices.

Arthur: It's all right.

Merlin: No, it's the wound. Let me have a look.

A branch snaps as Merlin's looking at Arthur's wounded shoulder.

Rustling.

Merlin (whisper): Get down! Get down!

Merlin pulls him down to hide behind a fallen tree. Cenred's men pass by.

Merlin (whisper): Arthur? *shakes him* Arthur?

Arthur has passed out.

Arthur is slung over his horse as Merlin guides them to Balinor's cave. Merlin leaves Arthur for a bit as he enters Balinor's cave, near a torrent . The place is dark, Merlin discovers a camp.

Merlin: Hello?!

Balinor grabs him from behind.

Balinor: What do you want here, boy?

Balinor lets him go and Merlin stares at his father.

Merlin: My friend, he's sick! He needs help!

Balinor: Show me, boy.

Merlin keeps staring.

Balinor: What are you waiting for? Fetch him!

Balinor treats Arthur's wound.

Balinor: Ahlúttre þá séocnes. Þurh- hæle bræd. He needs rest.

Merlin: Will he be all right?

Balinor: By morning.

Merlin: Thank you.

Merlin and Balinor are eating dinner.

Merlin: Looks good. How long have you lived here?

Balinor: A few winters.

Merlin: Must be hard.

Balinor: Why are you here?

Merlin: Just travelling. We're looking for someone. I was told; well...they said that he lived somewhere hereabouts. A man named Balinor. You never heard of him? He was a dragonlord.

Balinor: He's passed on.

Merlin: You knew him?

Balinor: Who are you?!

Merlin: I'm...Merlin.

Balinor: And him?

He points at Arthur.

Merlin: He's my master.

Balinor: His name!

Merlin: His name is Lancelot. He's a knight. You know a nice one.

Balinor: His name is Arthur Pendragon. He is Uther's son.

Merlin: Yes.

Balinor: This is Cenred's kingdom. He's asking for trouble. What do you want from me?

Merlin: Are you Balinor? The Great Dragon is attacking Camelot.

Balinor: His name is Kilgharrah.

Merlin: Well, we can't stop him. Only you, a dragonlord, can.

Balinor: He doesn't act blindly. He kills for a reason. Vengeance. This is of Uther's making.

Merlin: But he's k*lling innocent people. Women and children.

Balinor: Uther pursued me! He hunted me like an animal!

Merlin: I know.

Balinor: What do you know about anybody's life, boy?! Uther asked me to use my power to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not! He lied to me! He betrayed me! You want me to protect this man?

Merlin: I want you to protect Camelot.

Balinor: He k*lled every one of my kind! I alone escaped!

Merlin: Where did you go?

Balinor: There's a place called Ealdor.

Merlin: Yes.

Balinor: I had a life there. A woman. A good woman. Ealdor is beyond Uther's realm, but still he pursued me. Why would he not let me be? What was it that I had done that he wanted to destroy the life I built, abandon the woman I loved? He sent knights to k*ll me. I was forced to come here, to this! So, I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost every one of his kind, every one of his kin. You want to know how that feels? Look around, boy. Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall.

Merlin: You want everyone in Camelot to die?

Balinor: Why should I care?

Merlin: What if one of them was your son?

Balinor: I don't have a son.

Merlin: And if I told you...

Arthur: Merlin. Merlin…

---

The next morning. Merlin watches his father by the mouth of the cave. Arthur comes out of the cave.

Arthur: I feel great! What the hell did you give me?

Merlin: It was all down to Balinor.

Arthur: So we found him, then? Thank heaven for that.

Merlin: That doesn't mean he's willing to help.

Arthur: What?

Merlin: You won't persuade him.

Arthur: Does he know what's at stake?

Merlin: *nods*

Arthur: What kind of man is he?

Merlin: I don't know. I thought he'd be something more.

---

People of Camelot carry buckets of water through the lower town to put out the fires. Gwen gazes across Camelot from the battlements. Gaius joins her.

Gaius: You missing Morgana? She's stronger than people think. I believe that, wherever she is, she'll be alright.

Gwen: And Arthur?

Gaius: You care a lot for him, don't you?

Gwen: Everyone does.

Gaius: I think he cares the same way about you. It's alright, I won't tell anyone.

Gwen: I know we can never be.

Gaius: Oh...the world's a strange place, Guinevere. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things.

---

Arthur walks back to Merlin after talking to Balinor.

Merlin: What did he say?

Arthur: He'll change his mind.

Merlin: He said that?

Arthur: Just...give him a moment.

Balinor: Farewell, then.

Arthur: That's your decision?

Balinor: I will not help Uther.

Arthur: Then the people of Camelot are damned.

Balinor: So be it.

Arthur: Have you no conscience?!

Balinor: You should ask that question of your father!

Merlin: And you are no better than him!

Arthur: Don't waste your time, Merlin!

Merlin: Gaius spoke of the nobility of dragonlords! Clearly he was wrong!

Balinor: Gaius?

Merlin: Yes.

Balinor: A good man.

Merlin: Yeah. I was hoping you'd be like him.

Arthur: Merlin!

Merlin: I wanted to...

Arthur: Merlin!

Merlin: Well, there's no point.

---

In the woods

Arthur and Merlin ride off then set up a camp.

Arthur: I always thought that silence would be a blessing with you, but I find it just as irritating. You're a riddle, Merlin.

Merlin: A riddle?

Arthur: Yes. But I've got to quite like you.

Merlin: Yeah?

Arthur: Now I realise you're not as big a fool as you look.

Arthur pushes Merlin with a branch.

Merlin: Yeah, I feel the same. Now that I realise you're not as arrogant as you sound.

Arthur: You still think I'm arrogant?

Merlin: No. More...supercilious.

Arthur: That's a big word, Merlin. You sure you know what it means?

Merlin: Condescending.

Arthur: Very good.

Merlin: Patronising.

Arthur: It doesn't quite mean that.

Merlin: No, these are other things you are.

Arthur: Hang on!

Merlin: Over bearing.

Branch cracks.

Arthur hears a twig snap and picks up his sword.

Arthur: Shh.

Merlin: Very overbearing.

Arthur: Merlin!

Merlin: But you wanted me to talk.

Merlin hears another twig snap. Merlin picks up a sword and follows Arthur. They hear trees move behind them and turn around.

Balinor: Careful, boy. I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country.

Arthur: And will you return to Camelot with us?

Balinor: You were right, Merlin. There are some in Camelot who risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid.

Arthur: If you succeed in k*lling the dragon, you will not go unrewarded.

Balinor: I seek no reward.

Arthur: Great! Let's eat.

Merlin and Balinor collect firewood.

Merlin: This wood's too wet.

Balinor: Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it light.

Merlin: When you healed Arthur, I heard you mumble some words.

Balinor: An ancient prayer.

Merlin: I thought it might've been more than that.

Balinor: The Old Religion can teach us many things.

Merlin: The Old Religion. Is that something you were taught?

Balinor: It's not something you can learn. Either it's a part of you, or it isn't. My father knew that, and his father before him.

Merlin: Were they also dragonlords?

Balinor: We'll need some kindling.

Merlin: You mentioned...You spoke of Ealdor. You took refuge with a woman.

Balinor: That was a long time ago.

Merlin: I grew up there.

Balinor: Ealdor?

Merlin: Yes. I know the woman.

Balinor: Hunith? She's still alive?

Merlin: Yes. She's my mother.

Balinor: Then she married. That's good.

Merlin: She never married. I'm your son.

Balinor: I don't know what it is to have a son.

Merlin: Or I a father.

Merlin hears something snap and sees Arthur walking close by.

Merlin: You must not tell Arthur.

Balinor hands Merlin some firewood and they smile at one another.

Arthur's asleep as Merlin and Balinor sit by the campfire, Balinor whittling some wood.

Merlin: Why did you never return?

Balinor: I thought her life would be better without me.

Merlin: Why?

Balinor: Uther wanted me dead. If he'd found me, he'd have k*lled me, and your mother. I wanted her to be safe.

Merlin: We could've come with you.

Balinor: What kind of life would you have had here?

Merlin: We'd have been...happy. When we've finished in Camelot, I will take you to Ealdor.

Balinor: She won't recognise me. I see her in you.

Merlin: Yeah?

Balinor: You have her kindness.

Merlin: How did you become a dragonlord?

Balinor: You don't choose to become a dragonlord. It's not something you're taught. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years it's been handed down from father to son. And that is what you must now become, Merlin.

Merlin: I would like that.

Balinor: And like all dragonlords, you won't know for sure that you have that power until you face your first dragon. You should get some sleep. We've a big day ahead of us. Goodnight, Son.

Merlin: Sleep well, Father.

---

Merlin wakes and sees mini-dragon that his father whittled for him. He smiles. Arthur grabs him from behind, covering his mouth.

Arthur (whispering): Cenred's men.

Arthur draws his sword. Cenred's men att*ck. Merlin tosses his father a sword and takes on his own opponent. Merlin gets disarmed. Balinor rushes to his aid.

Balinor: No!

Balinor is run through. Merlin catches his father.

Merlin: Ahhhhhh!

Merlin's eyes glow and he throws the guard who just stabbed his father. Merlin lowers his dad to the ground and holds him.

Balinor: Ah, I see you have your father's talent. Merlin...

Merlin: Please, no. Please. I can save you.

Balinor: Listen to me. When you face the dragon, remember: be strong. A dragon's heart is on its right side, not its left.

Merlin: I can't do it alone.

Balinor: Listen to me! Oh, my son. I've seen enough in you to know that you will make me proud.

Balinor dies.

Merlin: No. Father. No.

Arthur shows up, sees Balinor, and throws his sword down.

Arthur: NO!

Merlin wipes his eyes and stands up to face Arthur.

Arthur: Camelot is doomed.

---

Camelot

Merlin and Arthur ride back to Camelot in the rain. Soldiers spot them and rush to tell the King. Arthur and Merlin enter the Council Room.

Arthur: I'm sorry, Father. I failed you. The last dragonlord is dead.

Gaius looks at Merlin who tries not to cry. Gaius lowers his head.

Uther: There are many years where I might've wished for that news.

Arthur: All is not lost, Father. We have to fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms: on open ground, on horseback, where we can manoeuvre better.

Uther: There is no point.

Arthur: So what? We stand here, watch Camelot fall.

Uther: You have my blessing.

Arthur: I need a dozen knights! Those who do not wish to fight can do so without stain on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer should know, the chances of returning are slim.

Sir Leon's the first to step forward. Other knights step forward and form a circle around Arthur.

---

Gaius’s room

Merlin sits on his bed and cries over the dragon figurine his father made for him. Gaius enters.

Gaius: Merlin, what happened?

Merlin: I couldn't save him.

Gaius: Merlin.

Merlin: He said the dragonlord's gift is passed from father to son.

Gaius: That is true.

Merlin: When I faced the Great Dragon, my magic was useless.

Gaius: Your father wasn't dead. It's only then you can inherit his powers.

Merlin: Do you think I'm strong enough to stand up to him?

Gaius: Only time will tell.

---

Arthur's Chambers

Merlin helps Arthur put on his armour.

Arthur: Well, look on the bright side, Merlin. Chances are you're not going to have to clean this again.

Merlin: You must be careful today. Do not force the battle.

Arthur: Yes, Sire!

Merlin: I'm serious.

Arthur: I can hear that.

Merlin: Let matters take their course.

Arthur: Merlin, if I die, please...

Merlin: What?

Arthur: The dragonlord today...I saw you. One thing I tell all my young knights: no man is worth your tears.

Merlin: Yeah. You're certainly not.

Arthur picks up a sword and Merlin does too.

Arthur: What are you doing?

Merlin: I'm coming with you.

Arthur: Merlin, the chances are I'm going to die.

Merlin: Yeah. Yeah, you probably would if I wasn't there.

Arthur: Right.

Merlin: Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal backside?

Arthur: Well at least you got your sense of humour back.

Arthur swipes Merlin's sword out of the way and heads toward the door. Merlin follows. Arthur stops.

Arthur: Are you really going to face this dragon with me?

Merlin: I'm not going to sit here and watch. I know it's hard for you to understand how I feel, but...well, I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up.

They laugh. Arthur gives Merlin a friendly hit and they exit. Gaius watches from the battlements as the dragon slayer party rides out of Camelot.

---

Castle surroundings

Night time. Dragon slayer party waits for Kilgharrah in a clearing. Dragon arrives.

Arthur: Hold firm.

Kilgharrah swoops down.

Arthur: Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!

Knights circle their horses in formation to surround Kilgharrah. Kilgharrah knocks Merlin, Arthur and some other knights off of their horses with his tail. Kilgharrah roasts some other knights.

Merlin: No. Stop!

Kilgharrah turns toward Merlin and Arthur. Arthur picks up a spear. Kilgharrah contemplates Arthur for a moment and then tries to flambé him. Arthur rolls out of the way and stabs Kilgharrah in the side. Kilgharrah roars and knocks Arthur out. Merlin gets up.

Balinor (voiceover): You're the last dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will.

Merlin: Dracan! Nán dyd ǽlc áciere miss! Eftsíðas eom ála cræt! Géate' stǽr ábære gárrǽs! Géate cyre. Mé tácen átende diegollice. Car grise áþes.

Kilgharrah settles back and bows to Merlin. Merlin picks up the spear.

Kilgharrah: I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed.

Merlin thrusts the spear into the air and Kilgharrah winces.

Merlin: Go! Leave! If you ever att*ck Camelot again, I will k*ll you!

Kilgharrah bows. Merlin drops the spear.

Merlin: I have shown you mercy! Now you must do the same to others!

Kilgharrah: Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency. I'm sure our paths will cross again.

Kilgharrah flies off. Arthur wakes.

Arthur: What happened?

Merlin: You dealt him a mortal blow.

Arthur: He's gone?

Merlin: Yeah. You did it.

Arthur: Ha! Ha! Ha! *insane laughter*

Merlin: You did it.

Arthur and Merlin head for the drawbridge. Uther sees them from his window, sighs in relief and leaves. Gwen and Gaius come to meet them. Gwen runs to Arthur and hugs him.

Gwen (whisper): I thought I'd lost you.

Gaius and Merlin hug.

Gaius: My boy.

Arthur and Gwen leave.

Merlin: I felt him there with me, Gaius.

Gaius: He'll always be with you.

Merlin: I hope so.

Gaius: Merlin, I know I can never compare with your father, but for what it's worth, you've still got me.

Merlin: Well, I suppose I'll just have to make do.

Gaius laughs.

‘MERLIN

WILL RETURN’

– Closing Credits –