05x10 - The Kindness of Strangers

Episode transcripts for the show "Merlin". Aired: September 2008 to December 2012.*
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The saga of King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin, both young men struggling to understand their future destinies.
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05x10 - The Kindness of Strangers

Post by bunniefuu »

Episode 5.10 - The Kindness of Strangers



In the forest

There’s man hunt in the forest. Alator is chased by Morgana and hers soldiers. The sorceress uses her magic to capture him.

Morgana: I was hoping for more of a challenge. There was a time when the name Alator struck fear even into the most courageous. Your skills of t*rture were unparalleled, did you know that?

Alator: That was nothing to be proud of.

Morgana: What was it you used to say? The victim always talks… eventually.

Alator: What do you want from me?

Morgana: I thought that was obvious. I want you to tell me where Emrys is.

Alator: I told you before, never.

Morgana: I was rather hoping you'd say that.



[OPENING CREDITS]



In the woods near Camelot


Arthur, Gwen and Merlin are having a picnic.

Arthur: This really is the most perfect spot is it not?

Gwen: It is my lord.

Arthur: Sometimes I forget how beautiful Camelot is, but never how beautiful my queen is. Was that you Merlin?

Merlin snorts.

Merlin: It was the horse.

Arthur: Because if you were mocking the king...

Merlin: I wasn't. I wouldn't.

Arthur: There is a special punishment preserved for such impudence. You're too easy Merlin. Every time. How about here, Guinevere?

Gwen: Yes, that looks perfect.

Arthur: Than here it shall be.

Merlin and Gwen are looking for a place for the picnic.

Gwen: Here?

Merlin: I haven't seen him this happy in a long time.

Gwen: Yes, he has changed hasn't he?

Merlin: Yeah, yeah I think he has.

Arthur is still unloading things for the picnic, he finds an empty flask and throws it on Merlin’s head.

Arthur: Sorry! pick that up will you, Merlin?

Merlin: Well perhaps he hasn't totally changed.

Arthur: And this one too are you ready?

Arthur throws another empty flask at Merlin who fails to catch it.

Merlin: Sire.

Arthur: I think my dog can catch better than you.

Merlin: Possibly because you treat him better.

Merlin leans to fetch the flask and he notices something on a tree.

Arthur: Are you blind, Merlin?

Merlin: Something happened here.

Arthur: Stags marking their territory.

Merlin: No, this was caused by magic.

Arthur: Merlin, who knows more about hunting me or you? It's rutting season, half the trees in the forest look like that. Come on. Your king awaits.

Merlin picks up a medallion he sees on the ground and puts it in his bag.

---
Camelot yard

Merlin, Arthur and Guinevere are coming back from the picnic, they discover refugees in the yard.

Arthur: What happened?

Leon: They sought sanctuary at the western garrison.

Arthur: Ashwick's been at peace since my father's time.

Leon: They're not from Ashwick. They fled over the border from Odin's lands.

---
Council Hall

A council meeting is assembled.

Leon: Two days ago the city of Helva was att*cked. Only a handful of people managed to escape.

Arthur: Who is responsible?

Leon: At first we assumed it was the Saxons. They've been active in that area before, but the refugees tell a different story. They say magic was involved.

Arthur: Morgana.

Leon: The evidence suggests so, sire.

Arthur: Strengthen the garrison. Double the patrol on the border.

Leon: Sire

The knights leave the hall.

Merlin: Who would Morgana att*ck Helva?

Arthur: She must have her reasons.

Merlin: That's one of the few places where magic is practiced freely. Why would she att*ck her own? It makes no sense.

---
Gaius’ Chambers

Gaius is studying the medallion Merlin found in the woods.

Gaius: The workmanship is undeniable. See how the pattern repeats in each concentric circle? It was made in Helva.

Merlin: Anything else? A name? A date?

Gaius: Not that I can see. It's a fine piece. No one would part with it willingly. Perhaps one of the refugees dropped it.

Merlin: Perhaps.

Gaius: Merlin, what are you up to?

Merlin: I'm going back to where I found it.

Gaius: I doubt the owner will still be there.

Merlin: Something terrible happened there, Gaius. Something only the strongest magic could do. I could feel it.

Gaius: You're not suggesting that Morgana's within the Camelot's borders?

Merlin: Who else could it be?

Gaius: Don't go Merlin, not on your own.

Merlin: I'll be fine.

Gaius: Take someone with you, at least. If it is Morgana...

Merlin: Then it won't make any difference who I take, will it?

---
In the woods

Merlin rides to the spot he found the medallion. Followinfg a trail, he finally discovers a broken carriage and finds some torn papers and mysterious signs carved on the carriage.

---
Gaius’ Chambers

Gaius is examining the documents.

Gaius: You shouldn't have gone. It might have been a trap.

Merlin: Can you decipher it?

Gaius: It's in Catha, that's for sure.

Merlin: What does it say?

Gaius: It's been so long since I heard the language, never mind read it. There's part of a signature here

Merlin: What is it?

Gaius: Alator. That's why Morgana att*cked Helva. Alator was the prize she was after.

Merlin: Why risk so much for one man?

Gaius: There can only be one reason. To have him reveal who Emrys is.

Merlin: Alator would never betray me.

Gaius: Not willingly. But Morgana will use every power she has to break him and even Cathas cannot resist forever.

---
Morgana’s Den

Morgana's soldier is torturing Alator.

Morgana: Enough. Hello again Alator.

Alator: You are wasting your time Morgana. I will not tell you who Emrys is.

Morgana: We both now that's not true. Otherwise, why would I have spared your life?

Alator: I am a Catha. Trained from birth to master all physical pain. To rise above the...

Morgana: Yes, yes… you can resist any physical t*rture. Separate your mind from your body. It's all very impressive Alator. But you see it's not your body I'm interested in. Not even you can separate your mind from your mind. Do you recognise this?

She opens a case, there’s a sort of snake hissing in it.

Morgana: I see that you do.

Alator: A nathair.

Morgana: That's right, Alator. A nathair. It can cause the most exquisite pain, not in the body of the victim, but in his very soul. So I ask you again, where is Emrys?


---
Royal Chambers

Merlin walks into the royal chambers and starts opening the curtains of the bed.

Arthur: Shh!

Merlin: What are you doing?

Arthur: I'm gonna surprise her. Breakfast in bed.

Merlin: Oh… what a lovely thought!

Arthur: Where are you going?

Merlin: You don't need me do you?

Arthur: I can't very well get the breakfast, can I? What if she wakes up and... panics?

Merlin: Panics?

Arthur: Look, just, go and get it alright? Merlin, flowers don't forget the flowers.

Merlin: Of course, the personal touch. Nice.

Arthur: Yeah.


---
Outskirts of the castle

Merlin is picking flowers in the meadow, there ‘s a woman watching his, she’s got a sword in her hand She shows up in front of Merlin.

Finna: Be still.

She shows Merlin a mark on her arm.

Finna: The great battle is nearing. You must listen to me. Emrys.

Merlin: How do you know my name?

Finna: Arthur's enemies are closer than you think. If you value your king, meet me tonight at the old temple of Erui. Come alone, or not at all.

As a patrol from Camelot is approaching, the woman disappears.

---
Royal Chambers



Merlin brings the Queen's breakfast on a tray.

Arthur: Merlin!

Merlin: What?

Arthur: Where are the flowers?

Guinevere starts to wake up.

Gwen: Arthur.

Arthur: Good morning.

Gwen: That is so sweet.

Arthur: It's nothing. Who's there? Merlin! What do you think you’re doing in the royal chambers?

Merlin: I thought… I thought I heard voices.

Arthur: Well, maybe next time you'll be good enough to knock.

Merlin: Yes, sire.

Gwen: Merlin, thank you.

Arthur: It was my idea.

---
Gaius’ Chambers



Merlin is drawing a picture of Finna's tattoo.

Gaius: If it is what I think it is, this is the mark of the Bendrui.

Merlin: Bendrui?

Gaius: Before the time of the Great Purge, girls would be chosen at birth for the priesthood. They would be taken away from their families and brought up as initiates in the Old Religion.

Merlin: I thought Morgana was the only high priestess left.

Gaius: Many tried, few succeeded. For ordinary gifts were not enough. Only those possessed with exceptional magical power could ever hope to be one of the nine. But do not underestimate this woman's abilities. All Bendrui are practised in potent magic.

Merlin: She said Arthur's enemies were closer than I thought. Now, who else could she mean, but Mordred?

Gaius: If she meant Mordred, why not say so?

Merlin: We were interrupted.

Gaius: She's drawing you in, Merlin. It's a trap. She knew your real name. There's only one explanation for that. Alator told Morgana who you really are and she has sent this woman to lure you to her.

Merlin: But I looked into her eyes. She meant no harm.

Gaius: You think a sorceress of her power couldn't feign any look she wished?

Merlin: I was there Gaius. You were not.

Gaius: You mustn't go to her Merlin.

Merlin: If she can help me protect Arthur, I have to. Do I have a choice?

Gaius: Don't you understand? If something happened to you we would all be lost.

Merlin: If she can truly help me protect Arthur from Mordred, and I refuse to go, would all not be lost then too?

Gaius: Merlin… It was I who told Alator of your true identity.

Merlin: You had no choice.

Gaius: But I cannot let that destroy you. If ever you held me in any regard, please, do not do this.

Merlin: You know I'd never do anything to hurt you, Gaius.

Gaius: Thank you.

Merlin walks out of the room.



---
Temple of Erui

Finna is casting a spell on a raven.

Finna : *** Cuem mec, hraefn wan; bebuge me. Nim bod min thissere nihte thinum drhytne.Gedo hit his agenum handum Morgana Pendragon

The raven lefts carrying a message.



---
Royal Chambers

Gaius knocks on Arthur's door.

Arthur: Yes? Gaius.

Gaius: Sire.

Arthur: Is something wrong?

Gaius: I fear so.

Arthur: Go on, Gaius, you obviously have something to tell me. There can be no secrets between us.

Gaius: There is a special bond between a doctor and his patient. One might almost say a bond of sacred confidentiality.

Arthur: I believe so.

Gaius: And yet, is there not also a loyal bond between a subject and his king.

Arthur: There can be no greater duty.

Gaius: A patient has advised me that within the walls of Camelot, there is a follower of the Old Religion. It is my belief that this woman poses a thr*at, not only to the kingdom, but to you yourself.

Arthur: I see. Does she have a name?

Gaius: All that I know is, she practises her craft at night, in the Darkling Woods near the ruined temple of Erui.

Arthur: You did the right thing Gaius. Thank you.

Gaius leaves Arthur's chambers.



---
Armoury

Gwaine is being teased by the other knights.

Gwaine: It's not funny.

Percival: It's not funny at all.

Gwaine: Nobody's laughing. It's just child play.

Mordred: You're right, it's stupid. Here.

Athur comes in.

Arthur: Gentlemen.

Percival: Um, we were just...

Arthur: No matter. Mordred, I have a task for you.

Mordred: Sire?

Merlin watches as Arthur speaks to Mordred.



---
Gaius’ Chambers

Gaius gives Merlin his supper.

Gaius: Your favourite. Do you not want it?

Merlin: No, of course I do, thank you Gaius.

Gaius: You're not still thinking about that woman in the forest, are you? It's for the best Merlin. Really, it is.

Later, during the night, Merlin sneaks out his room



---
Temple of Erui

Finna is in the ruins, waiting for Emrys, she bents when she kneels in front of him.

Finna: Great One!

Merlin: Please, that's not necessary.

Finna: It is an honour to meet you, Emrys.

Merlin: How did you know my name?

Finna: From my master, Alator of the Catha. He sends you greetings, but also a warning. The great battle nears, the fate of Camelot rests in the balance. Only you, great Emrys, can ensure the great triumph of the Once and Future King.

Merlin: How do I do that?

They hear the knights coming.

Finna: Quickly!

Mordred: Seize them!

Merlin: Go!

Finna: I cannot leave you!

Merlin: I'll find you, you have my word. Go!

Merlin makes fire appear and runs off.



---
Morgana’s Den

In Morgana's castle, Alator is thrown into his cell and a raven appears to him from Finna.

He reads the message: “Do not fear Alator. I have found Emrys. Our sacred mission continues. Your faithful servant, Finna. “



---
Council Hall

Arthur is talking to the patrol led by Mordred to track Finna.

Arthur: You saw her, but you lost her?

Mordred: She used magic, sire.

Arthur: Even so, there are how many of you? Six? Against one old woman.

Leon: There were two of them sire.

Arthur: Oh, well… that explains it! Mordred, who was the other?

Mordred: We couldn't see. But they were in earnest conversation, sire, that much we could tell.

Arthur: Send out a second patrol. Seal off the ford of Greinton and alert the border garrisons. They must be found and brought to trial.

Mordred: Sire.



---
Gaius’ Chambers

Merlin is packing his bag.

Gaius: I told Arthur because I was worried about you, Merlin.

Merlin: She was working for Alator not Morgana.

Gaius: How was I to know that?

Merlin: Because I told you.

Gaius: I'm sorry Merlin I thought it was for the best.

Merlin: Now, because of me, her life is in danger.

Gaius: No, not you, me. I acted like a foolish old man.

Merlin: No, never that. But I have to go now. I must find out why she risked her life for me.

Gaius: Take care Merlin.

Merlin leaves



---
Morgana’s Den

Alator is being tortured by Morgana's men.

Alator: You continue to waste your time, Morgana. I'm a Catha priest.

Morgana: You think that will protect you?

Alator: No matter what you do. You cannot break me.

Morgana: So it would seem. In which case I have no further use for you.

Alator: You think I fear death?

Morgana: Shall I let you into a secret, Alator? I'm no longer interested in what you think or what you fear.

Alator: I shall pass to the other world happy in the knowledge that you will never find Emrys. He is your destiny, Morgana, and he is your doom.

Morgana slaps him.

Beroun: Mistress!

Morgana: What now?

Beroun: We found a letter in his cell.

Morgana: Show me. “Do not fear Alator. I have found Emrys? Our sacred mission continues. Your faithful servant, Finna.” You poor fool Alator. Undone by a few scribbled words. Find this Finna. Bring her to me. Alive. I will break her Alator. Break her like a twig. How does it feel to know all your resistance is for nothing? Enjoy your other world.

Morgana kills him.




In the woods

Finna is walking in the woods and magically marks a tree. She hides from some knights she sees. Merlin goes back to the temple and follows the magical marks Finna left. He tries to hide from the knights, but Percival finds him.

Leon: Herbs? You were looking for herbs?

Merlin: Gaius is very particular. They have to be fresh, or their power’s diminished.

Percival: It's hardly the time or place to be gathering herbs.

Merlin: You were grateful enough for them when Gaius cured your palsy.

Percival: It wasn't palsy.

Merlin: I was being polite.

Leon: There's a dangerous sorceress at large, Merlin, not to mention Saxons. This is not the place to be alone.

Merlin: I'll be fine. I'll just, uh, collect the rest of my herbs and be on my way.

Leon: No.

Merlin: Right… I'll head back.

Mordred: We can't allow that either.

Gwaine: Stay with us Merlin until the sorcerer's apprehended.

Merlin: Well, thank you.




---
Another place in the forest

Morgana is tracking Finna.

Morgana: What news?

Beroun: The hounds have picked up a woman's trail.

Morgana: How far?

Beroun: Less than a mile.



---
In the forest

Percival is also following the woman’s trail.

Percival: We've lost her.

Gwaine: Shall we split up? Then we must track back.

Leon: It's nearly dark. We'll be sitting targets for the Saxons. We’ll start again at first light.

At night, Merlin tries to sneak out, but Mordred catches him.

Mordred: Good morning. Though, technically I think it's still night.

Merlin: I was just going for...

Mordred: Relieving yourself?

Merlin: Yeah.

Mordred: You always put your boots on to do that, do you?

Merlin: I don't like splinters.

Mordred: You weren't collecting herbs either, were you? You don't have to explain yourself to me, Merlin. If you're willing to risk your life it must be important.

Merlin: It is.

Mordred: A problem shared… I understand. I'll tell them I escorted you back to the bridge.

Merlin: Thank you.

Mordred: Merlin… Be careful.

Merlin follows Finna's marks. While Morgana is still leading the man hunt.

Beroun: We've lost the trail. She could've gone anywhere. Fan out!

Morgana: Wait!

Morgana has noticed one of Finna's marks.

Morgana: *** Neosie thu tha swathu.

The spells reveals Finna’s path in the forest.

Morgana: This way.

Meanwhile, Merlin finds Finna.

Merlin: Finna!

Finna: Oh… Master!

Merlin: Please, don't.

Finna: I thought I'd lost you.

Merlin: You doubted me?

Finna: Never!

Morgana's men run to them from out of the bushes. Merlin and Finna fight them off, but one strikes Merlin with an arrow. Merlin falls to the ground.

Finna: Lie back. They won't be alone. Morgana must not find you.

Merlin: Where can we go?

Finna: There’s an old watch tower on the other side of the valley.

Finna helps Merlin to stand up, he’s obviously suffering a lot.

Finna: Can you walk?

Merlin: Yeah. Yeah, I think so.

Finna: It's not far. It's safe. You ready?

Merlin: Yeah.

While Merlin and Finna are getting close to the watchtower, Morgana finds her men dead at Finna’s camp.

Beroun: There are no wounds.

Morgana: There wouldn't be.

Morgana sees Merlin's blood on the ground.

Morgana: She's been hit, bring your men.


---
At the watchower

Finna is helping Merlin to climb the steps in the watchtower.

Merlin: How do you know this tower?

Finna: When you've spent a lifetime running, you know all the places to hide.

Merlin: Running from... Arthur?

Finna: And from his father before him.

Merlin groans in pain.

Merlin: It won't always be like this. Things will be better.

Finna: That's why I was sent. To help you make it so.

They hear dogs barking in the distance. Finna helps Merlin to a room and bolts the door.

Merlin: Why are you doing this for me?

Finna: Without you, Emrys, Arthur cannot build the new world we all long for.

Merlin: I don't understand.

Finna: For hundreds of years the Catha have guarded their ancient knowledge. But now the time has come to pass it on to you, Emrys. For only you can carry their hopes into the great battle itself.

Merlin: How can I do that?

Finna gives Merlin a small wooden box.

Finna: Here. Guard it carefully. It will help you in the dark days to come.

Merlin: Thank you.

Morgana and her men approach the watchtower.

Morgana: I want her taken alive. Do you understand? Alive!

Finna: There's something else. Something Alator himself wanted me to tell you. Do not make the same mistake as Arthur. Do not trust the Druid boy.

Crashing outside the room Merlin and Finna are hiding in. Finna helps Merlin up more steps to the room at the top of the tower.

Finna: You must go on.

Merlin: There is nowhere else to go.

Finna: There is a roof. You will be safe there.

Merlin: How?

Finna: They think I am alone. Once they have me they will go.

Merlin: I won't leave you Finna. We'll fight them together.

Finna: No. If Morgana sees us together she will know who you are. That must never happen.

Merlin: Finna please...

Finna: It is my destiny, Emrys to serve you until the end. I could wish for nothing more. Grant me one favour.

Merlin: Anything.

Finna: Leave me your sword.

Merlin passes his sword to Finna. He squeezes her shoulder then turns to the steps that lead to the roof.

Finna: It has been a privilege to know you, Emrys.

Merlin turns to Finna and nods then continues to the roof. Morgana and her men are searching for Finna. Merlin crawls out onto the roof.

Morgana: Finna, at last. I'm impressed. At your age, it's very spirited.

Finna: Stay away!

Morgana: But with age comes wisdom. I's over. Tell me who Emrys is.

Finna: She laughs. Never.

Finna stabs herself with Merlin's sword and dies. Merlin collapses on the roof. Morgana's men search Finna's belongings.

Morgana: Burn the body. Get the horses!

Merlin hears hooves thud as they leave.

Merlin: ***O drakon.... E male so ftengometta tesd' hup' anankes'.

Kilgharrah flies across the night sky in front of a full moon. He picks Merlin up and carries him away. It's day light when Merlin opens his eyes lying on the ground. His wound has been healed.

Merlin: Thank you.

Kilgharrah: It is my pleasure.

Merlin: For a second there, I thought you weren't coming.

Kilgharrah: I would never forsake you, young warlock.

Merlin: Are you alright?

Kilgharrah: Of course.

Merlin: Your wing...

Kilgharrah: I am tired, Emrys, that is all. But I shall serve you as long as I have the strength.

Merlin: If you are ill, I can heal you.

Kilgharrah: There are some things even a warlock as great as you cannot overcome. I am old, Emrys. My time has almost come.

Merlin: No.

Kilgharrah: It is the cycle of life. No more, no less.

Merlin: What will I do without you?

Kilgharrah: You will remember me.

Merlin: Will I see you again?

Kilgharrah turns and flies away.



---
Gaius’ Chambers

Merlin and Gaius look at the box Finna gave Merlin. Gaius opens it and removes a sealed parchment.

Merlin: What does it say?

Gaius: Just a moment.

Gaius reads from the parchment that is written in Catha.

Gaius: "Let loose the hounds of w*r. Let the dreadfire of the last priestess rain down from angry skies. For brother will slaughter brother. For friend will m*rder friend, as the great horn sounds a cold dawn at Camlann. The prophets do not lie. There Arthur will meet his end, upon that mighty plain."

Merlin sighs.

Merlin: So many have... suffered so that I may hear this.

Gaius: Yes. I think I know what's going through your mind, Merlin. That your destiny is too much for one man to bear.

Merlin: Yes. You always did know me best, Gaius.

Gaius: Be assured of one thing. There was never anyone more capable than you, Merlin. You will not fail.

Alarm bells ring out. Gwaine, Percival, Mordred and another knight enter Gaius's chambers carrying a knight on a stretcher, Percival follows them into the room.

Gwaine: We got here as fast as we could.

Gaius: You did well. Where did this happen?

Percival: We found him just inside the border.

Gaius: Merlin, fetch me my glass please.

Percival: Do you know what it is?

Gaius: I fear so. The skin has grown across his face until he suffocated.

Arthur enters the room and looks at the d*sfigured knight.

Arthur: Gaius?

Gaius: The disfigurement is not as a result of disease or infection. It's the result of powerful magic. In the old days it was a punishment known as raigaid, the ultimate warning from the high priestess to her enemies.

Arthur: Why was this knight chosen? What had he done?

Gaius: He had done nothing, except be a knight of Camelot. It is a warning sire. A warning to the whole kingdom. Morgana has declared w*r.
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