05x02 - Arthur's Bane - Part Two

[bunniefuu]

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.

Precedingly on Merlin…

***Opening Credits***

Ismere Castle in the night.

Morgana is sleeping.

She does a nightmare, she is enchained with Aithusa in a well. Somebody open the door. Aithusa is growling. Morgana wakes up.

Morgana : Aithusa ? Come. Come in. We’re safe. No harm can come to us now. Our troubles are all in the past. I promise.

The white dragon comes into Morgana’s room and put his head on the bed.

Morgana : Soon we’ll have the Diamair. Soon we’ll know Arthur’s bane. Camelot will be ours.

Snowing place. Arthur and Merlin are prisoners from Ragnor. They walk behind him enchained.

Arthur : Remind me, Merlin, how did we end up like this ? Oh yes, you were thinking about your stomach, as usual. I told you it was a trap.

Merlin : I told you to go back to Camelot.

Arthur : Merlin !

Ragnor : Hold !

Merlin : We can’t let them hand us over to Morgana. We need to get out of there, we need a plan.

Ragnor down from his horse and sh**t Arthur in the stomach.

Ragnor : You speak when you’re spoken to. (he comes back to his horse) Faster.

Camelot courtyard.

Gaius comes into Sefa’s dungeon.

Gaius : Here. Drink this.

Sefa : No.

Gaius : It will make it easier to bear.

Sefa : No, Gaius. You have to help me. Please speak to the queen.

Gaius : It will do no good.

Sefa : Then let me. Please it’s all I ask. Allow me to meet with her.

Gaius : I’m just a physician.

Sefa : But she listens to you. She trusts you. Please, all I want is to talk with her. If you don’t help me Gaius…Please don’t let me die. Please.

Gaius nods. He leaves.

The night outside in the snow. The convoy of prisoner sleeps. Merlin stares at Mordred.

Ragnor : What are you gwaping at ? (He takes bread and he gets up) Is this what you want ? (he sends the bread away from Merlin) Catch (laughs)

Mordred : Maybe we should feed them.

Ragnor : What for ?

Mordred : They’ll be skin and bones.

Ragnor : Morgana wants slaves, not hogs for the fire.

Mordred : Then slow the pace.

Ragnor : The quicker we get there, the quicker I get my money.

Mordred look at Merlin.

The creature looks Gwaine sleep when he hears a noise. He goes to hide. Gards approaching.

Creature : sceadu hine wreoth.

Gwaine is hidding.

Tomorrow morning. The prisoner convoy wakes up. Mordred moves toward to Merlin. He gives him bread.

Mordred : Do you want them ?

Merlin : Why are you doing this ?

Mordred : He once saved my life. I owe him a debt. Don’t be so quick to judge me. You fear me, Emrys, don’t you? I know the hatred and suspicion with which men treat those with magic. You and I are not so different. I, too, have learned to hide my gifts. I promise. You secret is safe with me.

Merlin : What’s Morgana looking for in Ismere ?

Mordred : The Diamair.

Merlin : What’s that ?

Mordred : In the language of my people it means “the key”.

Merlin : The key to what ?

Mordred : The key to all knowledge.

Ismere Castle.

Throne room.

Morgana comes.

Morgana : There is still no sign of the Diamair. We’re running out of time !

Ruadan : Have faith Morgana.

Morgana : Arthur could be on us in days.

Ruadan : Or he could be dead.

Morgana : No. He escaped. I’m sure of it.

Ruadan : Then he would be in Camelot by now.

Morgana : You must speak to your spy and discover what Arthur intends to do next !

Ruadan : My lady, Sefa has been arrested. She is sentenced to die.

Morgana : That is cruel indeed. You must remember there is no greater glory than giving your life for a cause that is right.

Ruadan : She has proved herself to be a worthy daughter.

Morgana : It will not be forgotten. I will double the patrol on the border. We will be ready for when Arthur returns. There is nothing more you can do for Sefa. You must make sure her sacrifice was not in vain.

Snowing place. Merlin and Arthur are enchains.

Arthur fall on his knees.

Merlin : Whoa ! Stop !

The convoy stops.

Merlin : He needs water.

Ragnor moves toward to Arthur.

Ragnor : Get up.

He kicks Arthur.

He helps him to get up and force to face him.

Ragnor : Not so much of the great warrior now, are you ? (Chuckles)

Merlin : Here. I’ll help him.

Ragnor go away. Arthur gets up and gives a wink to Merlin. Arthur takes Ragnor’s Kn*fe.

Counsil chamber.

Sefa (to the queen) : My Lady.

Gueneviere : Sefa. You asked to see me.

Sefa : I’m sorry for what I did. Ir was wrong, I know. It was without thinking. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I wouldn’t. All I wanted was to help my father. And now I’m condemned to death.

Gueneviere : You understand the law, Sefa. I cannot change it.

Sefa : Please. I know you have a good heart. A reprieve. I’m begging you.

Gueneviere : Men have d*ed.

Sefa : I know. I’m sorry. I…I’m so sorry. I did it for my father. It was the only thing he wanted from me. I told him I couldn’t, but … I don’t know. He… I wanted to make him happy. To please him.

Gueneviere : He used you.

Sefa : I know. My Lady, I don’t want to die.

Gueneviere : There’s nothing I can do, Sefa. The sentence stands.

Sefa : My Lady.

Guards drives Sefa to the dungeons.

Gueneviere (to Gaius) : Where is it that I need to sign ?

Gaius : Perhaps you should reconsider. The sentence is a harsh one.

Gueneviere : The law is clear.

Gaius : Sefa was naïve and foolish, but she doesn’t deserve to die.

Gueneviere : And she won’t, Gaius. I have no intention of executing her. My aim is to catch her father. He is the thr*at of Camelot not the girl. I’m hopping her plight will lure him here.

Gaius : Why did you not tell me this ?

Gueneviere : Her predicament must remain genuine. If Ruadan has one spy in Camelot, he may have others. And if he has any inkling of this, he will not come.

Gaius : It’s a dangerous game you’re playing my lady.

Gueneviere : Wars cannot be won without taking risks, Gaius.

Gaius : The execution is set. What happens if Ruadan doesn’t appear ?

Gueneviere : Sefa is his daughter. I have to believe that he will.

Snowing place. Arthur cut his ties and dropping the goods.

Ragnor : Who did this ? WHO !

Arthur glance at Merlin.

Merlin : We need to rest.

Ragnor dismount from his horse.

Ragnor : Right. You can rest. Forever !

He unsheathes his sword. Arthur begin to fight with him.

Merlin : Ga on wuda !

Merlin and Arthur leaves.

They stop in front of a precipice.

Merlin : You’ve got to be joking.

Arthur : Do you have a better solution ?

Arthur jump across.

Arthur : We haven’t got all day Merlin !

Merlin jump accross.

Merlin : I’ll make sure they can’t get across.

Arthur : Merlin !

Merlin breaks the edge of the ice precipice.

Merlin : Feall !

The edge is broken and stop Mordred.

Arthur arms his w*apon on Mordred. They looks at each other and Arthur put the w*apon down. Mordred leaves.

Merlin : Why did you spare his life ?

Arthur : He couldn’t come after us.

Merlin : He was leading us to our deaths !

Arthur : He showed us kindness.

Merlin : You should have k*lled him !

Arthur : What’s wrong with you ?

Merlin : You had the chance.

Arthur : We escape, didn’t we ?

Merlin : Next time we might not be so lucky.

Arthur : I love your optimism. Come on. We need to keep moving.

Cavern. Gwaine wakes up and see the creature. He’s afraid.

Creature : You have nothing to fear. You wounds are not yet healed.

Gwaine : You. You saved me. Thank you.

Creature : I know that you are worthy of my help.

Gwaine : I don’t understand.

Creature : You think kindness is the preserve of humans ?

Gwaine : I’ve never seen a creature like you before.

Creature : No.

Gwaine : Who are you ?

Creature : I have been called many things by the children of men. I am the last of my kind. Once, we were revered by all. But those days are long gone. For hundreds of years, we were shunned and hunted till I found myself alone. And now, even this large refuge is safe no more. You are weak, fair knight. You must rest and heal yourself.

Gwaine sleep again.

In the forest by night. Ruadan appears and go to the Camelot.

He comes inside the castle, broke a window and come in.

A knight see him and stop.

Knight : Reveal yourself.

Ruadan k*ll the knight.

He comes inside the dungeon.

Ruadan : Onluce the.

Dungeon’s door is opening.

Ruadan (to Sefa) : Come on.

Gueneviere is in her bedroom whereas the bell is ringing.

Knight Leon comes.

Gueneviere : Is it Ruadan ?

Leon : Almost certainly.

Ruadan arrives at the exit door.

Ruadan : Onluce the.

The door is opening.

Elyan see them escaped.

Elyan : There ! Give yourselves up. There’s no escape.

A battle begin.

Ruadan is wounded.

Sefa : Father !

Ruadan : Bael onbryne !

A fire begin and Ruadan escaped with Sefa.

Inside the forest.

Ruadan : I need water.

Sefa bring him water.

Sefa : Father.

Ruadan : The fight must continue.

Sefa : You must cure yourself.

Ruadan : I do not have such powers.

Sefa : Try. Please.

Ruadan writes something on a paper.

Ruadan : Cum-eh mech. Href-n-wan !

A raven comes.

Ruadan (to Sefa) : Attach this to the bird.

Sefa does this.

Ruadan : You’ve done very well. You should be proud. Sefa…

Sefa : You can’t leave me.

Ruadan : You must be strong.

Sefa : Father please.

Ruadan : I will always love you.

Ruadan die.

Sefa escapes.

The raven arrives at Morgana.

Ruadan (on the paper) : I bring bad tidings. Arthur did not return to Camelot. He makes his way to Ismere. But you must not despair, Morgana. Soon you will have the Diamair and Arthur’s bane will be in your grasp. Soon, the Pendragons Will be no more.

In the snow.

Arthur : You know what they say, Merlin. Appearances can be deceiving.

Merlin : Not in this case.

They look at the Ismere castle.

Gaius’s room.

He examines Ruadan’s body.

Gaius finds a paper inside a locket.

Gueneviere (to Gaius) : What is it ?

Gaius : I believe it’s a prayer.

Gueneviere : Can you read it ? Gaius ?

Gaius : I’m no expert in the Druidic runes.

Gueneviere : Please I know you too well.

Gaius : It’s call for victory over the enemies of the Old Religion.

Gueneviere : I thought the Druids were a peaceful people.

Gaius : For the most part there are. But for some, the Great Purge changed that. They blame Uther for their suffering.

Gueneviere : But he’s long been dead.

Gaius : Some believe that Arthur’s not different from his father. Sorcery is still outlawed. For them, little has changed.

Gueneviere : So Ruadan believed it was his sacred duty to fight my husband.

Gaius : More than that. There are those who believe Arthur is destined to die by a Druid’s hand. Perhaps Ruadan thought he was this man.

Gueneviere : Well, then he was mistaken.

Oustide. Mordred and the convoy arrives to Ismere.

Merlin et Arthur are spying.

Merlin : I told you, you should have k*lled him when you had the chance. We’ll never make it in there.

Arthur : There is always a way, Merlin.

Merlin et Arthur are in the sewer.

Merlin : How did you talk me into this ?

Arthur : Genius Merlin.

Merlin progress inside the sewer and a pile of junk falls in front of him.

He look back to Arthur.

Merlin : Genius ?

Arthur : You’ve got a bit of, erm… carrot in your hair. At least I hope it’s carrot.

Arthur : Ready ?

Merlin : For what ?

Arthur : Our carriage awaits.

In the cavern.

Slaves are working. Arthur and Merlin get out from a trolley.

Merlin : It’s crawling with Saxons.

Arthur : Make sure we blend in.

Merlin : Arthur !

Ismere’s courtyard.

Ragnor : Let the Lady Morgana see for herself.

Morgana look outside the window and recognize Mordred.

Ragnor : I’ll get twice that in the market in Asgorath.

She comes out and move foward Mordred.

Ragnor : My lady. I am grateful for this opportunity. I have brought you eight of the finest…

Morgana look at him badly and he shuts up.

Morgana : Mordred.

Mordred smile at her.

The cavern.

Arthur founds Perceval.

Percival : Arthur.

Arthur : Didn’t think we’d just leave you here ? Where are the others ?

Percival : They’re…scattered around.

Arthur : Gwaine ?

Percival : I saw him a couple of days ago but…

Arthur put a sword inside Percival’s trolley.

Arthur : See if you can use it to find some more.

Merlin : Arthur.

Arthur : Do what you can to free the others. We’ll find Gwaine.

Arthur and Merlin look after Gwaine.

Percival push the trolley. He whistles after the guard.

The guard approaches.

Percival : In there.

He comes over and Percival knocks him.

Ismere’s castle.

Modred is eating with Morgana.

Morgana : I feared you were dead. It’s dangerous for those of us with magic.

Mordred : It’s not been easy.

Morgana : For any of us.

Mordred : Sorcery frightens people. Even some of those who claim to support it.

Morgana : You see a lot.

Mordred : I’ve learned to. I had to. If I was not to be b*rned at the stake or exploited for another man’s gain.

Morgana : Attitudes will change soon. The Old Religion will reign once more. There’ll be nothing to fear once Arthur and his kind are cleansed from the Earth.

Mordred : You know, we had Arthur in our grasp. He escaped.

Morgana : Who let him go ?

Mordred : He go away.

Morgana : How ? Who let him go ?

Mordred : He was an accident.

Morgana : k*ll him ! That’s all they had to do. I am a high priestess, I have the power of the heavens in my hand and yet he continues to defy me !

Mordred : Calm yourself.

Morgana : I want his annihilation, Mordred. I want to put his head on a spike and watch as the crows feast on his eyes.

The bell rings.

Morgana : Arthur.

In the cavern. The creature wakes up Gwaine.

Creature : You must wake.

Gwaine : What is that ?

Creature : The warning bell.

Gwaine : Where are they coming from ? Don’t worry. No one’s going to harm you.

He launched an att*ck but is stopped by Arthur.

Arthur : Trust you not to be doing any work.

Gwaine : It’s about time.

Merlin approaches the creature.

Gwaine : There’s friends. Good friends.

Merlin looks and creature goes.

Arthur : What was that ?

Gwaine : I’m not exactly sure. But I owe it my life.

Percival and the knights attacking guards in the cave.

Merlin : Something’s wrong. The Saxons. Where have they all gone ?

Arthur : First, there are too many, now there aren’t enough. Are you ever happy ?

Merlin hears grunting away.

Merlin : What was that ?

Arthur : What ?

The wind begins to blow.

Merlin : Feel the wind.

A growl is heard.

Gwaine : That wasn’t the wind.

Aithusa appears and chases them.

They escape.

Gwaine : Was that what I think i twas ?

Arthur : Where did Morgana get a dragon from ?

Merlin : I have no idea. Get Gwaine back to Percival. I’ll lure the dragon the other way.

Arthur : Merlin, I’ve always known you were stupid, but not that stupid.

Merlin : I really am that stupid. If you don’t believe me, watch.

Arthur : Merlin !

Merlin leaves.

Arthur : I’m going after him.

Merlin finds the dragon hissing.

Merlin approaches.

Merlin : Aithusa.

Aithusa att*cks him breathing fire.

Merlin : Nün de ge dei s’eikein kai amois epe’essin hespethal.

Aithusa calms.

Merlin : What happened ? Who did this to you ? I won’t harm you.

The dragon growls.

Merlin : What does that mean ? You can’t speak.

Arthur : Merlin ?

Merlin : Go.

Aithusa growls.

Merlin : Ithi !

Aithusa leaves.

Arthur : Merlin ? Merlin ?

Morgana appears.

Morgana : How good of you to save me the trouble of finding you.

Arthur tries to take his sword.

Morgana : Oh, dear. How remiss of you. You bravery is matched only by your stupidity. What on earth dis you think you would achieve by coming here ?

Arthur : I’m here to free my men.

Morgana : Fleoge seax forth !

She send a Kn*fe to Arthur and wounds him.

Morgana : This time, it seems there really is no way out.

Arthur : I’m sorry about what our father did to you.

Morgana : Uther was never my father.

Arthur : We are brother and sister.

Morgana : Funny how you choose to remember that with my dagger at your back.

Arthur : What happened to you, Morgana ? As a child, you were so kind. So compassionate.

Morgana : I grew up.

She wounds him a second time.

Morgana : You’re right to cover before my hand. I am more powerful than you could ever imagine.

Arthur : And yet with all that, you choose to do nothing but hate.

Morgana : Uther taught me well. Goodbye Arthur Pendragon.

Merlin : Arthur !

Morgana sees Merlin and thrown into the air. He knocks in falling.

Arthur : Morgana.

Mordred walks behind Morgana.

Arthur : Please.

Morgana knocks Arthur.

Morgana : Don’t speak dear brother.

Merlin is ready to make magic.

Morgana : I’s too late. Hine fordo !

Morgana gasps.

Mordred stabbed Morgana.

Morgana : Mordred ?

Mordred helps Arthur to get up. Merlin is still on the ground.

Gwaine, Percival and the others found Arthur and Mordred.

Percival : Arthur.

The creature approached Merlin.

Creature : Ic the thurhaele thinu licsar.

Merlin wakes up.

Creature : Emrys. Lie still. Much blood has been shed this day. All all for something, few wise men would ever want.

Merlin : You mean the Diamair. Morgana never found it.

Creature : And she never will.

Merlin : Because it is you. You are the key to all knowledge. There are times when I feel the weight of my destiny crushing me, but that’s nothing to what you carry.

Creature : It is both a blessing and a curse. Is there anything you wish to ask me ?

Merlin : No. I don’t think it would be good.

Creature : You are wise Emrys. Your wisdom will live long in the minds of men.

Merlin : Wait. There is one question. If Mordred is not Arthur’s bane, then who is ?

Creature : Himself.

Camelot. Throne room.

Arthur : Arise Sir Mordred, knight of Camelot.

Everybody applause.

Mordred comes out of the throne room.

Merlin : Here. Let me help you with that.

Mordred : Thank you.

Merlin : You know, if Arthur knew you had magic, things would be very different. Tell me something.

Mordred : Of course.

Merlin : You saved Arthur’s life. Why ?

Mordred : Because Arthur is right. The love that binds us is more important than the power we wield. Morgana had forgotten that.

Merlin leaves.

Gaius’s room.

Gaius : It’s been a big day. You must be tired. Too tired for pudding.

Merlin : Is there pudding ? Is that my favourite ?

Gaius : So, are you going to tell me what’s troubling you ?

Merlin : Mordred.

Gaius : People change. Perhaps you should give him the benefit of the doubt.

Merlin : Remember what the dragon said ? Arthur would meet his end at the hands of a Druid.

Gaius : You still believe that’s him.

Merlin : I feel that the die is cast. And that for good or ill, Albion’s great trial has begun.

Snowing place, Morgana wanders injured.