03x10 - Queen of Hearts

[bunniefuu]

Episode 3.10 - Queen of Hearts



Camelot, Throne Room.

Guinevere kneels before Arthur, while he's taking a crown. Merlin and Gaius, in the first row, are smiling.

Arthur: By the sacred laws invested in me, I pronounce you Guinevere, Queen of Camelot.

Arthur crowns her, take her hand and they each sit on a throne.



Morgana's Bedroom. Morgana wakes up, scared, and looks at her arm. She sees the healing bracelet. She goes to the window, and turn around hearing someone.

Guinevere: Is everything alright my Lady?

Morgana: I'm fine. It's late. You should go to bed.

Guinevere: Good night.

Morgana: Good night Gwen.



Corridor of Camelot.

Morgana's walking in the castle. .

Morgause (echo): Sister...Siste r...Sister...This way...This way...This way...

A door opens and a torch lights.

Morgause: Sister...Sister...Sister...

Morgana takes the torch.

Morgause: Siter...This way...

Morgana enters in a room, and Morgause appears behind her.

Morgause: Hello Sister.

They hug.

Morgana: I can't tell you how good is to see you.

Morgause: I received your message. Tell me about these dreams that are so troubling to you.

Morgana: They show a ceremony in Camelot. It's my serving girl, Gwen, she...sits beside Arthur on a throne. She's crowned queen. I see the same thing night after night.

Morgause: There are some dreams that are so powerful your healing bracelet will not stop them. It is a prophecy.

Morgana: How can that be? She's a servant. Uther would never allow Arthur to marry her.

Morgause: There are many futures, Sister. Some are shrouded in mist, and others are clear as cut glass. But your gift is powerful, and this vision cannot be ignored. You cannot allow this serving girl to take your rightful place upon the throne. Whatever relationship exists between Arthur and...Gwen, you must destroy it.



Morgana's Bedroom. Gwen puts breakfast on the table, while Morgana fixes her. Gwen gasps when she notices it.

Gwen: You startled me. You're up early this morning.

Morgana: I...I couldn't sleep. I went for a walk.

Gwen: Did you want to change?

Morgana: No. Have you spoken to Arthur recently?

Gwen: I saw him yesterday in the market.

Morgana: It must be hard.

Gwen: What's that?

Morgana: Hiding your feelings for him.

Gwen: I'm not sure what you mean.

Morgana: I know how you feel about Arthur and how he feels about you. Do you deny it?

Morgana takes Gwen's hand.

Morgana: It's such a shame you can't be more open about your feelings for each other.

Gwen pulls her hand away.

Gwen: If you'll excuse me my Lady.



Dining Room.

Gwen and Merlin serve Arthur, Uther and Morgana.

Uther: What news from the northern borders?

Arthur: There've been a number of minor skirmishes.

Arthur touches Gwen's hand, and she smiles. Morgana saw it.

Uther: You think Odin is testing our defences?

Arthur stares Gwen.

Uther: Arthur, are you listening?

Arthur: What's that?

Arthur moves his hand and accidentally knocks down his cup.

Uther: What on earth is wrong with you?

Gwen hurries to clean it up. Morgana stares Arthur.

Arthur: Nothing. Sorry.



Arthur's Bedroom.

Arthur sits, staring at a parchment and playing with a feather pen. Morgana opens the door.

Arthur: Morgana.

Morgana: Arthur, am I disturbing you?

Arthur: No. Come in. To what do I owe this pleasure?

Morgana: Well, I was worried about you. You weren't yourself at dinner.

Arthur: Just a bit tired.

Morgana: Really? I thought the reason you were so distracted had something to do with the fact that Gwen was in the room.

Arthur: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Morgana: Come on, Arthur. Why can't you admit you have feelings for her? A blind man could see it.

Arthur: Is it really that obvious?

Morgana: It's only so obvious to me because...I know Gwen also has feelings for you.

Arthur: Has she said something?

Morgana: She speaks of you all the time.

Arthur: What did she say?

Morgana: You're already arrogant enough. I will flatter you no further. Poor girl, I fear she doesn't know what to do with herself when she's around you.

Arthur: She's not alone. I have such feelings for her, and yet I know nothing can ever come of them.

Morgana: If it's Gwen who you desire, why do you deny yourself?

Arthur: Because she's a servant. My father would have me marry for the good of the kingdom.

Morgana: Uther knows nothing of love. You are the future king.You must set your own rules. Besides, he doesn't have to find out. You should spend some time with Gwen. I know she'd like that.



Gwen's House.

Gwen drops firewood into a basket.

Gwen: Arthur wishes to spend the day with me?

Merlin: I thought you'd be happy.

Gwen: It isn't that simple. If anyone were to find out...What if someone sees us?

Merlin: I'll take you to meet him outside the city. Arthur's willing to take the risk...if you are.

Gwen hesitates.

Merlin: Should I tell him you won't meet him?

Gwen (fastly): No.

Merlin laughs, and puts his hands on Gwen's shoulders.

Merlin: You forget, he's Prince Arthur, and that he can be a spoiled, arrogant brat.

Gwen (laughing): Merlin.

Merlin (laughing): Sorry.

Gwen's still hesitating.

Merlin: You like him.

Gwen: Yes.

Merlin: He likes you.

Gwen: Mmmm.

Merlin: Isn't that all that really matters?

Gwen: I suppose it is.

Merlin goes to exit.

Merlin: then I will come back in the morning.

Gwen follows him, nervously. Merlin stops next to the door, and by a gesture, says her to relax. She smiles and looks happy.



Morgana's Bedroom.

Morgana sits in front of her mirror while Gwen folds down the bed.

Gwen: Will there be anything else?

Morgana: No, that'll be all.

Gwen walks toward the door, but stop and turn around.

Gwen: I was hoping it might be possible to be relieved of my duties tomorrow.

Morgana: Really? And why is that?

Gwen: I fear I'm sickening with a fever.

Morgana: Of course.

Gwen: Thank you.

Gwen smiles, and goes out. Morgana smirks.


Gwen's House.

Gwen looks in the mirror. Merlin knocks and comes in. Gwen appears to him, and he stares at her.

Gwen: What?

Merlin: You look lovely.

Gwen sighs and smiles.



In the woods.

Arthur stares at a silver plater, fixing his hair and eyebrows. Behind him, Merlin and Gwen arrive, laughing.

Merlin: Shh.

Merlin cups his hands around his mouth.

Merlin: Caw Caw!

Arthur drops the platter and turn around. Gwen and Merlin walk toward him.

Arthur: Guinevere, you look...

He stares at her, and can't say anything.

Merlin: I think he's trying to say you look nice.

Gwen laughs.

Arthur: Thank you, Merlin. That'll be all.

Merlin: Have fun.

Merlin leaves, and Gwen crosses the brook on stones. Arthur takes her hand to help her. Morgana watches them by far, smiles, and leaves.



Dining Room.

Uther's drinking.

Morgana: It's such a beautiful day, I was wondering if you might join me for a ride.

Uther: I have council matters to attend to.

Morgana: It's just, I get to spend so little time with you these days. Time together is...so precious to me.

Uther: You're right. We don't spend enough time together. The council can wait.

They toast.



In the woods.

Gwen wants to serve the lunch. Arthur takes the plates from her hands.

Arthur: You are not here as a servant.

He serves her.

Gwen: It feels different, doesn't it? Being away from Camelot?

Arthur: I love Camelot more than I can say, but when I'm there, sometimes I feel I can hardly breathe everyone expects so much of me. Being here with you? I can be myself.

Gwen: I like that, you being yourself.

Arthur: Sometimes I dream of leaving Camelot.

Gwen: Really? Where would you go?

Arthur: I don't know. Somewhere where nobody knew who I was. I'd get some land and become a farmer.

Gwen laughs.

Gwen: I can hardly see you toiling away in the fields all day.

Arthur: Obviously I'd take Merlin with me; he can do all the hard work.

Gwen: I'm sure he'd love that.

Arthur hands Gwen the plate.

Gwen: Thank you.



Not far from there.

Uther and Morgana are riding.

Uther: I'm glad you persuaded me to come. We must do this again.

Morgana: I'd like that very much. Come on, I'll race you.




In the woods.

Arthur and Gwen rest on pillows.

Gwen: We should be heading back to Camelot soon.

Arthur: We could stay a while longer. Don't know when we'll have the chance to do this again.

Gwen: Perhaps when you become a farmer we can be together more often.

Arthur: That's just a dream. I fear I will never leave Camelot...

A noise.

Arthur: Stay still.

Gwen: Is it bandits?

Arthur reaches toward his sword, take a glove and hits something over guinever's head. She gasps.

Arthur: A wasp.

Arthur smiles. Gwen laughs, and kisses him.

Horses arrive. Arthur and Gwen stop kissing, and Gwen gasps.

Uther: Arthur!




Council Room.

Arthur walks, nervous. Uther enters, and starts laughing next to his son. He slaps him on the soulder. Surprised, Arthur smiles.

Arthur: I thought you'd be furious.

Uther: I was young once, I'm more than familiar with the temptations of serving girls.

Arthur: I'm sorry I kept it from you. I thought it for the best.

Uther: No serious harm has been done. I can't allow it to continue, obviously.

Arthur: What are you talking about?

Uther: You can never see this girl again.

Arthur: You just said that no harm had been done.

Uther: You've had your fun, now it must come to an end.

Arthur: What does it matter that Guinevere's a servant?

Uther: The survival of Camelot depends on forging an alliance through your marriage.

Arthur: But I can't marry someone who I don't have feelings for.

Uther: Your first duty is to Camelot.

Arthur: I care about her...

Uther: I cannot allow this. I forbid it.

Arthur: You can't forbid my feelings any more than I can. I won't deny them any longer, I love her. I love Guinevere.

Uther: You leave me no choice; she's banished from the city.

Arthur: You can't do that.

Uther: She has three days to leave. To return is on pain of death.

Arthur: She has nowhere to go! Her, her life is in Camelot.

Uther: You have caused this to happen, Arthur. My decision is final.

Arthur: Please, do not banish her. I give you my solemn word that I'll never see her again.

Uther: You have made it clear to me that you cannot control your feelings for this girl.

Arthur: No! I...

Arthur catches Uther's arm, stops when he sees his father's expression and lets him go.

Uther: This is for your own good.

He leaves.




Arthur's Bedroom.

Merlin: How did Uther know where to find you?

Arthur: I don't know. You were the only person who knew where we were.

Merlin: I didn't *dramatic pause* tell him.

Arthur: Oh, maybe something you said *dramatic pause* gave it away.

Merlin: I didn't say anything.

Arthur: You know Merlin, you couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it!

Merlin: You'd be surprised!

Arthur: What's that supposed to mean?

Merlin: Nothing.

Arthur looks at the floor.

Merlin: What are you going to do?

Arthur: I don't know.

Morgana enters.

Arthur: Leave us, Merlin.

Merlin and Morgana stare at each other before Merlin goes out.

Morgana: Arthur, I heard what happened. I can't tell you how sorry I am.

Arthur: It's all my fault.

Morgana: You're not to blame.

Arthur: I- I can't accept that I may never see her again.

Morgana: Uther has banished her. Surely you have no choice.

Arthur: There are always choices.

Morgana: What will you do?

Arthur: I'll leave with her.

Morgana: You're leaving Camelot? You'd give up your rights to the throne!

Arthur: One day we will return to Camelot together, and Guinevere will take her place on the throne beside me.




Gwen's House.

Gwen's packing stuff to move.

Gwen: There is so much to do. I'll have to sell everything I can't take with me. And of course I need to find a new maid for Morgana.

Merlin: Gwen.

Gwen: Do you know anyone suitable?

Merlin: Gwen, stop it. Where will you go?

She sits on her bed and shakes her head, tears in eyes.

Gwen (crying): I don't know. I've spent my whole life in Camelot, it's all I know. Everything I care about is here. I have nothing else.

Merlin: I'll think of something. I promise.

Gwen nods.



Arthur's Bedroom.

Morgana places a poultice under Arthur's pillow.



Uther's Bedroom.

Uther sits at the table, when someone knocks on the door.

Uther: Enter.

Morgane comes in, ans Uther smiles.

Uther: Morgana.

Morgana: I was concerned about you, My Lord. You weren't at dinner.

She takes candles.

Uther: Augh, I had no appetite.

Morgana: You're worried about Arthur.

Uther: I do not understand his feelings for this girl; she's a servant.

Morgana lights candles.

Morgana: It is strange that...

Uther: What?

Morgana: Arthur tells me everything and he's never expressed any feelings for Gwen and suddenly he's declaring his love for her.

Morgana switch off the match.

Uther: What are you saying, Morgana?

Morgana: I'm sure there's an explanation.

Uther: Speak your mind.

Morgana: You yourself have noticed Arthur's strange mood. It's almost as though he's...been enchanted.



Arthur's Bedroom.

Guards search something magic, while Arthur stands up with his arms crossed. Merlin comes in.

Merlin: What's going on?

Arthur: My father has ordered my chambers to be searched.

Merlin: What for?

A guard empties a container onto the table.

Arthur: You think I have a girl hiding in there?

A guard finds the poultice under Arthur's pillow.

Arthur: What's that?



Council Room.

Gaius examinates the poultice.

Uther: Is it magical?

Gaius: I believe so. These are the symbols of the Old Religion.

Uther: Could it be used to cast an enchantment?

Gaius: That would be one use of such a poultice.

Uther: This enchantment, could it cause someone to fall in love?

Gaius: It is entirely possible. May I ask where it was found?

Uther takes the poultice.

Uther: It was discovered in Arthur's Chambers. Find Morgana's maid and bring her to me immediately.

Gaius looks at Morgana.



Arthur's Bedroom.

Arthur is packing some stuff while Merlin enters, running.

Arthur: What is it, Merlin?

Merlin: I just saw some guards dragging Gwen into the palace.

Arthur runs out of the room, and Merlin follows him.



Council Room.

Gwen is dropped on knees in front of Uther. The King shows her the poultice.

Uther. Uther holds poultice out in front of her]

Uther: You recognise it?

Gwen: I've never seen it before in my life.

Uther: Really? I believe you planted it in Arthur's Chambers to enchant him.

Uther gives the poultice to a guard.

Gwen: That's not true.

Uther: Why else would Arthur fall in love with someone like you?

Gwen: I don't expect someone like you to understand that.

Uther slaps her.

Morgana: My Lord! Gwen has always been a loyal and trusted servant!

Uther: I have no doubt she's feigned loyalty while using her position to get close to my son.

The doors open and Arthur enters, furious.

Arthur: What is the meaning of this?!

Uther: This poultice was found under your pillow. Some kind of love charm. You are under its spell.

Arthur: That's ridiculous.

Uther: What would you know.

Arthur: Because I know how I feel. I'm not enchanted.

Uther: So can you tell me how it came to be in your room?

Gwen gasps, scared.

Arthur: I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there.

Uther: Until its spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth. Her father consorted with sorcerers.

Gwen: My father was a good and innocent man and you ex*cuted him!

Uther: So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?!

Gwen: No!

Gaius: My Lord, whatever this poultice is, I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic.

Uther: I don't care what you believe, Gaius. Arthur is under her spell. It's the only rational explanation for his behaviour!

Arthur: Father, you have to see reason. Guinevere has done nothing wrong.

Uther: She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. She will be burnt at the stake.

Arthur: No...

Arthur runs toward Uther.

Uther: Restrain him!

Guards grab Arthur.

Arthur: You can't do this!

Gaius: My Lord! At least give Gwen a fair trial!

Uther: I have all the evidence I need.

Arthur: I'm begging you! W-we will leave Camelot and never return! Just, just let us go! I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!

Morgana looks Gwen, who gasps.

Uther: My son would never do that. It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted.

Arthur: I will never forgive you for this.

Uther: She will die. The enchantment will be broken. You'll see I was right. Take her away.

Uther leaves the room.

Arthur: No! Guinevere!

Arthur struggles with the guards, while Gwen begins to panic when guards sease her.

Gwen: Arthur! No! Arthur, please...!

Guards take her and move toward the door.

Arthur: No!

Arthur escapes from guards and runs to Gwen. He hugs her and kisses her until an other guard pull him away.

Arthur: I will always love you!

Gwen sees Morgana's smiling when she's taken away by the guards...


A pyre is built in the Place of Camelot. Gwen watches it from the window of her cell, and Arthur watches it from the window of his room.
Merlin enters.

Merlin: We need to find a way to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot.

Arthur: My father has me under constant watch. There are guards outside, below in the square. I can't watch her die, Merlin.



Prison.
Merlin brings a platter to Gwen's cell.

Merlin: I thought you might be hungry.

Gwen: I can't even think of eating. How is Arthur?

Merlin: He wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can to convince Uther that you're innocent. He won't stop until you're released.

Gwen: You and I both know that Uther will not change his mind. When I am gone, will you take care of him for me, Merlin?

Merlin: No, you can't give up hope. There is still time.

Gwen: To do what?

Merlin: I need to find the person who really planted the poultice. Do you have any idea who it might've been?

Gwen fixes Merlin with a dark look.

Merlin: What is it?

She checks if guards are far and faces Merlin.

Gwen: After I was sentenced to death, I was being led out. I looked back. I swear, Morgana was smiling. You probably think I'm mad.

Merlin: No, I...

Footsteps.

Merlin: don't doubt...

A guard opens the cell door.

Gwen: I can no longer trust her. I've started to wonder if it wasn't a coincidence that Uther and Morgana found us in the woods.

Merlin leaves. The guard locks the cell.



Gaius' place.

Gaius: Morgana? Uther'll never believe that Morgana's responsible.

Merlin: Perhaps Arthur will talk him 'round.

Gaius: Uther thinks Arthur's enchanted. Anything that Arthur does is going to strengthen that belief. I fear that's not going to save Gwen.

Merlin: If we can't expose the true sorcerer, then we must invent one.

Gaius: Oh?

Merlin: What if a sorcerer was caught planting an identical poultice in Arthur's Chambers? Uther would've no choice but to release Gwen.

Gaius: And do you know of a sorcerer who's stupid enough to get caught doing such a thing?

Merlin: Me.



Merlin's Chamber.
Merlin takes the magic book from the floor boards under his bed.

Merlin: So, if I disguise myself, it won't matter if I'm caught. I can use magic to escape, and then just change back into myself. They'll think that the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air.

Gaius: Well, no matter how you disguise yourself, I fear Arthur will recognise you.

Merlin: Not if I'm eighty years old.

Gaius: An aging spell? Merlin, aging spells are notoriously difficult and unpredictable. If the spell doesn't hold, you'll be exposed.

Merlin: If I don't do something, Gwen's going to die, and I'm not going to let that happen. Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's Chambers?

Gaius: Well, I believe so.

Merlin: Okay.

Merlin begins grinding magic dust and then tells an incantation and sets the dust on fire.

Gaius' place.
Gaius finishes tying a poultice. His jaw drops at the sight of Old Merlin exiting his chamber. Old Merlin makes grunting noises.

Merlin: You know me better than anyone, Gaius. Do you recognise me?

Gaius: There's something of you in the eyes. But perhaps that's just because I know it's you.

Merlin: I can't believe that one day I will actually look like this. Ooh. I ache, all over.

Gaius: Ah. Well, now you know how I feel.

Gaius gives to Merlin the poultice.

Gaius: You'll be needing this.



Corridor of Camelot.
Old Merlin walks to Arthur's Chambers. He peeks around corner and sees Arthur giving instructions to a pair of guards. Old Merlin allows Arthur to spot him entering the chamber: he goes to Arthur's bed and waits. Arthur creeps into the room, sword drawn. Old Merlin babbles a fake spell, Arthur puts his sword at Old Merlin's back.

Arthur: Show yourself. Who are you?

Merlin: I am...

He spins around.

Merlin: Dragoon! The Great!

Arthur: Is it you who planted the poultice in my bed?

Merlin: You have caught me red-handed. I have no choice but to confess.

Arthur puts him back at sword point.

Arthur: An innocent girl almost d*ed because of your actions.

Merlin: I suppose your father will have to release her now that you've caught me.

Arthur: I should run you through where you stand.

Merlin: I really wouldn't do that if I were you! Because if you do that...!

Arthur looks puzzled at Old Merlin.

Merlin: You will never learn of my plan.

Arthur: What plan?

Merlin: Exactly! That's why you can't run me through!

Arthur lowers the sword.

Arthur: Have we met?

They look each other.

Merlin: No, I don't believe so. I never forget a face.

Arthur: Your eyes. We've met somewhere before.

Merlin: Me? No!

Old Merlin looks for a heavy object.

Merlin: Fly grimma!

Merlin's spell knocks Arthur with a helmet and he flees the scene. Arthur recovers.

Arthur: Guards!

Merlin avoids the guards in the corridors, and spells. But he's unable to break the aging spell.

Arthur: He went this way!

Old Merlin runs and hides behind another wall, always spelling, but it doesn't work.
He peeks around the corner at Arthur.

Arthur: There he is!

Old Merlin tries to run, but Arthur throws his dagger that pins Merlin's sleeve to the door.

Arthur: Seize him.

The guards grab Old Merlin.



Council Chamber.
Uther goes over documents with council members.

Arthur: Father.

Uther: Arthur.

Guards escort Old Merlin into the chamber.

Uther: Who is this?

Arthur: He is the sorcerer.

Arthur gives to Uther the poultice Gaius made.

Arthur: I found him placing this under my pillow.

Uther: Is this true?

Merlin: Yes.

Morgana is confused.

Arthur: What did you hope to achieve with this enchantment?

Merlin: If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl, it would bring shame on Camelot.

Uther: Have I wronged you in some way, old man?

Merlin: You have wronged so many people in so many ways. You're blinded by your hatred of magic. You have tortured and ex*cuted innocent people. You, Uther Pendragon, are a stupid, arrogant old tyrant!

Arthur: You will hold your tongue!

Merlin: And you. Oh, I have heard how you...mistreat your servants! They do everything for you, but do they ever get any thanks? No! You're a spoilt arrogant brat...!

Gaius rolls his eyes.

Merlin: ...with the brains of a donkey and the face *hic* *cough* of a toad.

Guards pull Old Merlin away from Arthur.

Uther: This serving girl. She is your accomplice?

Old Merlin shakes his head.

Merlin: I enchanted her too. The girl is entirely innocent.

Arthur: My Lord, he has confessed.

Morgana is still confused. Uther sulks and picks up the poultice.

Uther: Release the girl. Tomorrow at dawn you will take your place on the pyre. Take him away.

Arthur and guards escort Old Merlin to the dungeons. Morgana and Gaius follow to watch them in the Corridor.

Morgana: Do you know that man, Gaius?

Gaius: I've never seen him before. Is there something troubling you, Morgana? I would've thought you'd be relieved that the true culprit's been found.

Morgana: Of course I am.



Prison.
The guards shove Old Merlin into a cell. Merlin looks out at the pyre in the Place.

Corridor.
Gaius walks.

Arthur: Gaius? Have you seen Merlin, I can't find him anywhere.

Gaius: I- I think he said he was going to spend the day in the tavern.

Arthur: Oh, did he? Well, we'll see about that.



Prison.
Gaius visits Old Merlin's cell.

Gaius (whispers): Merlin! What happened?

Merlin cries.

Merlin: I can't break the spell, Gaius. It's too powerful.

Gaius: You have to try again.

Merlin: I have tried, it's no good. I'm stuck like this.

Gaius: Not for long. Uther will have you burnt at the stake.

Merlin: There must be another way to break the spell.

Gaius: There's only one thing I can think of.

Merlin: What is it?

Gaius: In the book of Gala there's an antidote that can undo such aging spells.

Merlin: How long will it take to make this antidote?

Gaius: Longer than I fear you have. Buy as much time as you can.

Merlin: How do I do that?

Gaius: Merlin, I've no idea.



Gaius' place.
Gaius brews potion, trying to make it a certain colour.



Prison.
A crowd is gathered around the pyre in the morning. Merlin waits in his cell. Arthur enters with guards.

Arthur: It's time.

Merlin: Wait!

Arthur: What is it?

Merlin: There are other crimes I wish to confess.

Arthur: What difference does it make? You're about to be burnt at the stake. We can't execute you twice.



Gaius' place.
Gaius finishes anti-aging potion.



Corridor.
Gaius sees Old Merlin being escorted to the Place.



The Place.
Merlin is escorted towards the pyre, accompanied by a drum roll.

Uther: You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our law, you will be b*rned at the stake. Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot.

Old Merlin sees Gaius weave through the crowd show him the antidote bottle. Merlin turns at lunges at Gaius.

Merlin: A curse upon you all!

Merlin grabs the bottle.

Merlin: I will have my revenge!

Guards pull Old Merlin towards the pyre.

Arthur: Are you alright, Gaius?

Gaius: I'm fine, Arthur.

Merlin spells and the pyre bursts into huge flames. Everyone pulls back and Old Merlin pushes through crowd.

Arthur: After him!



Corridor.
Old Merlin runs down the corridor, but can't get through the door at the end. He drinks the antidote as Arthur and guards approach. Arthur turns the corner to find young Merlin with the red robe tucked behind his back.

Arthur: Merlin, where's the sorcerer?

Merlin (gravelly voice): He w...

Merlin coughs and clears his throat.

Merlin: Erm...he went that way.

Merlin points to the wall behind him. Arthur turns to the guards.

Arthur: Sound the warning bell. Search the entire palace. I want him found. Are you telling me you let him run straight past you?

Merlin: He was, he was, he was too fast for me.

Arthur: He's a doddery old man. This is what happens when you spend all day in the tavern.

Merlin: What?

Arthur: Perhaps mucking out my horses will help sober you up.



Morgana's Bedroom.
Morgana enters while Gwen is gathering the dirty laundry.

Morgana: Gwen.

Morgana gives Gwen a fake hug.

Morgana: I can't tell you how relieved I am that you've been pardoned.

Gwen is suspicious.

Morgana: I begged Uther to release you, but he wouldn't listen to reason.

Gwen: I'm sure you did all you could.

They both nod.

Gwen: I...

Gwen indicates the laundry basket and exits. Still confused, Morgana closes the dividing door.



Corridor.
Gwen walks with the laundry. Arthur pops out of an alcove and pulls her into it. Gwen gasps.

Arthur: Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you. Now, my father believes that my feelings for you are a result of an enchantment. If he's to see any sign that that isn't the case, then he'll banish you from Camelot.

Gwen: And are your feelings for me the result of an enchantment?

Arthur: Oh, we both know that's a lie. But...I think it would be safer for you if we let others continue to believe it.

Gwen nods.

Gwen: What you said to your father...would you really have given up your place on the throne for me?

Arthur: Still would.

Gwen's jaw drops.

Gwen: Your place is here in Camelot.

Arthur: My place is with you.

Gwen: This isn't just about us. You must stay for the sake of your people. You will be a great king. And then you can change these ridiculous customs.

Arthur: I promise you that when I am King, things will be different. We can be together.

Gwen: I will count the days until then.

Arthur and Gwen lean in to kiss. They hear a noise nearby and break apart.

Gwen: I should go.

Arthur watches Gwen leave as he steps back into hiding and a guard walks down the corridor.



Gaius' place.
Merlin enters.

Gaius: Ah, Merlin. It's good to see you looking like your old self.

Merlin: I'm covered in horse dung.

Gaius: Precisely.

Merlin: Arthur seems to think I spent the day in the tavern. I don't suppose you, er...you know where he got that idea?

Gaius: I really can't imagine. Oh, and Merlin? You might want to take a bath.