BBC Merlin: 1x10 The Moment of Truth
<<< EPISODE 1x09 │ EPISODE 1x11 >>>
KILGHARRAH
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[The people of Ealdor go about their day, but scatter when bandits come riding through.]
KANEN
Search the place! Find him!
[Bandits bring Matthew to Kanen with his arms full of food.]
KANEN
It's harvest time.
[Bandits hand him a couple of the bags Matthew was carrying.]
KANEN
What's this? Where's the rest of it?
MATTHEW
I only kept back what we need to survive.
KANEN
Survive? I'll be back in one week, farmer, and I want to see all of it.
HUNITH
You can't take our food! Our children will starve! I won't let you do this!
[Hunith tries to grab the bags that Kanen took.]
HUNITH
You're not taking any of it!
[Kanen smacks Hunith, who falls to the ground.]
VILLAGER
Hunith!
[A villager runs to help Hunith; Kanen shoots him with a crossbow.]
KANEN
I will give you a week. Don't you dare disappoint me. I'll see you later, sweetheart.
[The bandits ride off. Matthew helps Hunith get up.]
--
[EXT. LOWER TOWN - DAY]
[Hunith walks into Camelot. Merlin sees her as he's collecting water from the well.]
MERLIN
Mother?
HUNITH
Merlin!
[She goes to hug him, but he notices her bruise.]
MERLIN
What happened? Who did this to you?!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
[Hunith stands before Uther and the court.]
HUNITH
The winters are harsh in Ealdor, and there are many children. Some of them just won't be strong enough to survive. We barely have enough food as it is, and if Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help.
UTHER
Ealdor's in Cenred's kingdom. Your safety is his responsibility.
HUNITH
We've appealed to our King, but he cares little for the outlying regions. You're our only hope.
UTHER
I have the deepest sympathy for you and would have this barbarian wiped off the face of the earth.
HUNITH
You'll help us?
UTHER
I wish I could.
ARTHUR
Surely we can spare a few men?
UTHER
Resources are not the problem.
MORGANA
Then what is?
UTHER
Ealdor lies beyond the Ridge of Essetir. For an army of Camelot to enter it would be an act of war.
[Hunith drops to her knees.]
HUNITH
I know you're a good king, a caring man. I'm begging you, help us, please.
UTHER
The accord we've struck with Cenred was years in the making. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village. I'm afraid Camelot cannot help.
[Morgana glares at Uther and escorts Hunith out.]
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS - DAY]
[Arthur looks out over Camelot. Merlin joins him.]
ARTHUR
I'm sorry. If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now.
MERLIN
You tried. And thank you for getting an audience with the King.
ARTHUR
I wish that Camelot was able to help people regardless of how far away they lived.
MERLIN
I'm going back to Ealdor.
ARTHUR
Of course.
MERLIN
It's been an honour serving you.
ARTHUR
You'll be coming back.
MERLIN
Well, she's my mother. I have got to look after her before anyone else. You understand?
ARTHUR
I'd do exactly the same. Well, you've been terrible. Really, I mean it. The worst servant I've ever had.
MERLIN
Thank you, Sire.
ARTHUR
Merlin. Good luck.
--
[INT. GWEN’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Gwen helps Merlin pack for his trip.]
GWEN
Here.
[Gwen hands Merlin a sword. He starts to reach for the blade and she sucks in her breath. Merlin grabs the hilt.]
GWEN
Tell me how it feels?
MERLIN
Yeah. Yeah that feel...that feels really good. It's very, erm, you know...swordy.
[Gwen raises her eyebrows.]
GWEN
I've packed some armour for you.
MERLIN
I won't be able to carry all that.
[Morgana enters dressed in trousers and a corseted tunic.]
MORGANA
You won't have to. We're coming with you.
MERLIN
What do you mean?
GWEN
You're going to need all the help you can get. I can mend armour and sharpen swords.
MORGANA
And I know how to fight.
MERLIN
But y-y- you can't. I mean, why would you?
GWEN
If it was the other way around, you'd help us. You already have. You saved my life.
MERLIN
And you helped me get the druid boy out of Camelot. We owe it to you. Both of us.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
GAIUS
You got the food I prepared for you?
MERLIN
Yes.
GAIUS
Be careful with the wine. You know what you're like. One whiff of a barmaid's apron and you're singing like a sailor.
MERLIN
I'll be fine.
GAIUS
Are you sure you don't want an extra blanket?
MERLIN
It's okay, really. I'll be alright.
GAIUS
Well, make sure you are. Do whatever it takes.
[Gaius hugs Merlin.]
--
[EXT. ROAD - DAY]
[Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, and Hunith ride for Ealdor.]
--
[EXT. WOODS, CAMP - NIGHT]
[At night, Merlin sits at the campfire with his mother, the others asleep.]
HUNITH
They shouldn't be here. Especially the Lady Morgana. Isn't she the King's ward?
MERLIN
Not that you'd know it. She's the only person I know who isn't frightened of him.
HUNITH
It won't make any difference to Kanen that they're women.
MERLIN
I know. But I couldn't talk them out of coming.
[Merlin looks at the healing bruise on his mother's face.]
MERLIN
I want to make him pay for what he did to you.
HUNITH
Promise me you'll be careful. No one can find out about you.
MERLIN
They won't. They never do.
HUNITH
Get some rest.
[Hunith goes to lay down. Merlin takes a burning stick from the fire and blows some flecks into the air.]
MERLIN
Draca.
[The glowing flecks take the shape of the Pendragon dragon.]
--
[EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]
[Merlin shifts in his sleep and hears horse in the woods. He draws his sword and goes searching through the dark. Someone puts a sword against his back.]
ARTHUR
I'd ask you for money, but I know you don't have any.
MERLIN
Arthur!
[Merlin whips around and Arthur ducks as the sword swings near his head.]
ARTHUR
Put the word down, Merlin. You look ridiculous.
[Arthur takes Merlin's sword and walks toward their camp.]
--
[EXT. WOODS, CAMP - NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin sit at the newly stoked campfire.]
ARTHUR
How much further is it?
MERLIN
Er, maybe a few hours.
ARTHUR
How many men does Kanen have?
MERLIN
Erm, I'm not sure. I think, from what my mother said, maybe as many as forty.
ARTHUR
You should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow.
MERLIN
Thank you. Erm, I know you didn't have to come.
ARTHUR
Get some sleep.
--
[EXT. ROAD - DAY]
[Arthur, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, and Hunith ride for Ealdor.]
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[Bandits burst into the village looking for the rest of the food.]
MATTHEW
Wait.
BANDIT
What's in here? What's there?
KANEN
If you're hiding anything from me...
[Merlin's party continues to ride. Kanen's men discover a hidden stash.]
BANDIT
Kanen!
[The bandit hold up bags of food. A village woman touches a young girl on the shoulder.]
VILLAGE WOMAN
Stay there. Stay there.
MATTHEW
Please, we have to eat.
KANEN
Oh.
MATTHEW
And re-sow the fields for next year! We only kept the bare minimum! Everything else you can take.
KANEN
That sounds fair.
[Kanen strikes Matthew, and raises his axe for a final blow.]
MATTHEW
No!
[Arthur throws a sword into the post behind Kanen, rides up, dismounts, fights the bandits. Merlin rides up and dismounts too.]
KANEN
Kill them!
[Merlin fights a bandit. girls arrive and dismount. Merlin caught against a door in his sword fight.]
MERLIN
Hætende.
[The bandit's sword heats up. Will watches him. Bandit drops sword. Merlin kills him. bandit attacks Arthur from behind, but Morgana parries and kills him.]
MORGANA
Bring back memories of when I used to beat you?
ARTHUR
That never happened.
[Kanen mounts.]
KANEN
You'll pay for this with your lives! All of you!
WILL
You still up to the same old magic tricks again? Look, I thought I told you I didn't want your kind around here?
[Will smiles and Merlin grins back.]
MERLIN
I miss you, too, Will.
[They hug.]
MERLIN
It's good to see you again.
WILL
How've you been? I, er, hear you're skivvying for some prince.
MERLIN
No. I wouldn't say I'm a skivvy.
ARTHUR
Merlin! Gather the villagers, I need to talk to them.
MERLIN
Yeah, in a minute. I'm just talking...
ARTHUR
Now, Merlin. There isn't much time.
MERLIN
Yes, Sire.
[Arthur addresses the villagers.]
ARTHUR
I know Kanen's kind. He'll be back. And when he is, you must be ready for him. First of all, we have to prepare for...
WILL
Am I the only one wondering who the hell this is?
ARTHUR
I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot.
WILL (scoff)
Yeah, and, er, I'm Prince William of Ealdor.
HUNITH
Keep quiet. He's here to help us.
WILL
But he's made things worse. Kanen will be back, and when he is, he'll be looking for revenge. You've just signed our death warrants.
HUNITH
He saved Matthew's life!
ARTHUR
That's alright, Hunith. This is his village. What would you have us do?
WILL
We can't fight against Kanen. He has too many men.
ARTHUR
So what's the alternative?
WILL
Give him what he wants.
[The villagers shake their heads.]
ARTHUR
Then what? Those of you who don't starve to death will face him again next harvest! And the harvest after that.
WILL
We'll manage. We'll survive.
VILLAGERS
How?
ARTHUR
The only way he can be stopped is if you stand up to him.
WILL
No. You just want the honour and glory of battle! That's what drives men like you! Look, if you want to fight, then go home and risk the lives of your own people, not ours!
MERLIN
Will.
HUNITH
I'll follow you. If I'm to die, then I want to go out fighting.
MATTHEW
That goes for me, too.
VILLAGE MAN
You can count me in.
VILLAGE WOMAN
I'm in.
VILLAGER
Me too!
VILLAGERS
Yeah!
VILLAGE MAN
You can count me in!
--
[INT. EALDOR, WILL’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Merlin approaches Will.]
MERLIN
He knows what he's doing. You've got to trust him. Look, when I first met Arthur, I was exactly like you. I hated him. I thought he was pompous and arrogant.
[Will rights a stand that has a chainmail shirt and tabard on it.]
WILL
Well, nothing's changed there, then.
MERLIN
But, in time, I came to respect him for what he stands for, what he does.
WILL
Yeah, I know what he stands for: princes, kings, all men like him.
MERLIN
Will, don't bring what happened to your father into this.
WILL
I'm not. Why are you defending him so much? You're just his servant.
MERLIN
He's also my friend.
WILL
Friends don't lord it over one another.
MERLIN
He isn't like that.
WILL
Really? Well, let's wait until the fighting begins and see who he sends in to die first. I guarantee you, it won't be him.
MERLIN
I trust Arthur with my life.
WILL
Is that so? So he knows your secret, then? Look, face it, Merlin You're living a lie. Just like you were here. You're Arthur's servant, nothing more. Otherwise you'd tell him the truth.
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - NIGHT]
[The Camelot party sleeps.]
ARTHUR
Have you always slept on the floor?
MERLIN
Yeah. The bed I've got in Camelot's luxury by comparison.
ARTHUR
Must've been hard.
MERLIN
Mmm. It's like rock.
ARTHUR
I didn't mean the ground. I meant, for you. It must've been difficult.
MERLIN
Mmm. Not really. I didn't know any different. Life's simple out here. You eat what you grow and everyone pitches in together. As long as you've got food on the table and a roof over your head, you're happy.
ARTHUR
Sounds...nice.
MERLIN
You'd hate it.
ARTHUR
No doubt. Why'd you leave?
MERLIN
Things just...changed.
ARTHUR
How? Come on, stop pretending to be interesting. Tell me.
MERLIN
I just didn't fit in anymore. I wanted to find somewhere that I did.
ARTHUR
Had any luck?
MERLIN
I'm not sure yet.
ARTHUR
We'll start training the men tomorrow. It's gonna be a long day. Get the candle.
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Merlin helps Arthur put his jacket on the next morning.]
MORGANA
You still not learned how to dress yourself?
ARTHUR
You don't have a dog and fetch the stick yourself. No offense, Merlin.
MERLIN
None taken.
HUNITH
Prince Arthur, you didn't finish your breakfast.
ARTHUR
Didn't I?
MORGANA
Come on, eat up.
[Arthur pretends to eat it.]
ARTHUR
Mmmmm.
[Arthur hands the bowl off to Gwen.]
ARTHUR
Right. Let's get going. We need wood, and lots of it.
MERLIN
Of course.
[Gwen finished Arthur's breakfast and hands the bowl to Hunith.]
GWEN
Arthur said it was lovely.
HUNITH
He must care for you a great deal.
MERLIN
Arthur'd do the same for any village. That's just the way he is.
HUNITH
It's more than that. He's here for you.
MERLIN
I'm just his servant.
HUNITH
Give him more credit than that. He likes you.
MERLIN
That's because he doesn't know me. And if he did, I'd probably be dead by now.
HUNITH
You don't really believe that, do you?
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[Merlin walks toward the woods with an axe.]
WILL
Merlin! Where are you going with that thing?
MERLIN
What does it look like? We need wood.
WILL
We both know that you don't need an axe to fell a tree.
MERLIN
And I remember the trouble it got me into. I nearly flattened Old Man Simmons.
WILL
Ha. Yeah, well, he deserved it, stupid old crow.
MERLIN
Mmm. He never did like me anyway.
WILL
Well, even less after that.
MERLIN (chuckles)
Why are you being like this?
WILL
You know why. Why did you leave?
MERLIN
It wasn't what I wanted. My mother was worried. When she found out you knew, she was so angry.
WILL
I wouldn't've told anyone.
MERLIN
Well, I know you wouldn't.
WILL
You'd be able to defeat Kanen on your own, wouldn't you?
MERLIN
I'm not sure. Maybe.
WILL
Well, so what's stopping you? So what if Arthur finds out?
MERLIN
I don't expect you to understand.
WILL
Try me.
MERLIN
One day Arthur will be a great king, but he needs my help. And if anyone ever found out about my powers, I'd have to leave Camelot for good.
WILL
Are you telling me you'd rather keep your magic a secret for Arthur's sake than use it to protect your friends and family?
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[Arthur trains the village men.]
ARTHUR
I won't be able to teach you everything there is to know about fighting with a sword, but you can learn the basics: the stance, how to parry a blow, how to land your own. On my count! One! Two! Three! Four! Now, you may have to watch for the feint. So, keep your feet moving, and only stay in range long enough to land your blow. And again. One! Two! Three! Four!
[Morgana and Gwen watch the training as they sharpen swords.]
ARTHUR
One! Two! Three! Four!
MORGANA
There is no way they're going to be able to hold Kanen off.
GWEN
Men aren't the only ones who can fight.
ARTHUR
Again. One! Two! Three! Matthew. I want you to organise sentry duty to keep an eye out for Kanen and his men.
MATTHEW
Be glad to.
ARTHUR
If there's any sign of attack, I want you to ride straight back here. I don't want you fighting all on your own.
MATTHEW
Ha-ha. (nods)
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[Arthur draws water from the well to drink.]
MORGANA
Looks like the battle's already fought and lost.
ARTHUR
They'll toughen up.
GWEN
They need to.
ARTHUR
How are we doing for weapons?
MORGANA
There isn't much, but we should be able to scrape together what you need.
GWEN
It's not the weapons that worry us. It's having enough people to use them. We think the women should be allowed to fight.
MORGANA
You haven't enough men. If they were trained soldiers, maybe you'd stand a chance, but they're not.
ARTHUR
It's too dangerous.
[Arthur walks towards the resting men.]
ARTHUR
Right! Back on your feet! Come on, let's go!
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - NIGHT]
[The Camelot party sleeps.]
GWEN
We don't stand a chance.
MORGANA
Arthur can't see that. He's too stubborn.
[Merlin wakes.]
GWEN
Why do you think he came here?
MORGANA
The same reason we did: Merlin. Arthur may act like he doesn't care, but he wouldn't be here if he didn't.
--
[INT/EXT. EALDOR, COMMON BUILDING - DAY]
[Arthur speaks to the men.]
ARTHUR
We're not going to be able to defend Ealdor with sword and sinew alone. We're going to need a plan. We need to find some way of limiting their mobility and drawing them into a trap. If we fight them on their terms, then...
[A village woman screams. Arthur and the men rush outside to investigate. Matthew is slung over a horse.]
ARTHUR
Get him down from there!
[The village men take Matthew down as villagers gather around. Arthur reads the note that's on the arrow in his back.]
MERLIN
What does it say?
ARTHUR
"Make the most of this day, it will be your last."
FIANCÉ
Matthew! No! No! No!
WILL
You did this! Look what you've done! You've killed him!
MERLIN
It wasn't his fault.
WILL
If he hadn't been strutting around, treating us like his own personal army, this would never have happened!
ARTHUR
These men are brave enough to fight for what they believe in, even if you aren't!
WILL
You're sending them to their graves! You killed one man. How many more need to die before you realise this a battle that can't be won? When Kanen comes, you haven't got a chance. You're gonna be slaughtered.
--
[INT. EALDOR, WILL’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Merlin follows Will into Will's house.]
WILL
Don't bother, Merlin. I'm not interested.
MERLIN
You should be. Because tomorrow Kanen attacks, and whether you like it or not, we'll have to fight.
WILL
Not if I'm not here.
MERLIN
Well, that's up to you, but the rest of us are staying. Join us, Will! This isn't about Arthur, this is about your friends. Are you really going to abandon them?
WILL
What, like you did?
MERLIN
I'm here now.
WILL
Yeah. Yeah, you are. And you could end this. If you used your magic, then no one else would have to die.
MERLIN
You know I can't.
WILL
Can't or won't? I'm not the one abandoning these people, Merlin. You are.
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Arthur sharpens his sword. Merlin sits down next to him.]
MERLIN
William's father was killed fighting for King Cenred, so he doesn't trust anyone of nobility.
ARTHUR
Do you think the villagers believed him?
MERLIN
No. He's always been a troublemaker. They're used to ignoring him.
ARTHUR
And if he's right?
MERLIN
He isn't.
[Hunith overhears them from inside her house.]
ARTHUR
I'm treating these men like soldiers, and they're not. You've seen them fight. They...they haven't got a clue! You need to tell them all to leave the village before Kanen returns.
MERLIN
No, we're going to stay. We're going to fight, and we're going to win.
ARTHUR
Merlin, it can't be done. The odds are too great.
MERLIN
It can. We're going to make Kanen rue the day he ever came to this village. All you need to do is get the men ready for battle, and the rest will take care of itself.
ARTHUR
How?
MERLIN
You've just got to believe in them. Because if you don't, they'll sense it, and the battle'll be lost before it's even begun.
--
[INT. EALDOR, COMMON BUILDING - NIGHT]
[Arthur addressesthe villagers.]
ARTHUR
Tomorrow morning, the women and children should gather what belongings they can carry and go to the woods.
GWEN
We're not going anywhere!
ARTHUR
I know you want to help. The women can't stay here. It's too dangerous.
GWEN
The women have as much right to fight for their lives as the men do!
ARTHUR
But none of you know how to fight.
GWEN
The more of us there are, the better chance we stand!
[The women step forward.]
ARTHUR
This is your home. If you want to fight to defend it, that's your choice. I'd be honoured to stand alongside you. Kanen attacks tomorrow. Kanen's brutal. He fights only to kill, which is why he will never defeat us. Look around. In this circle, we're all equals. You're not fighting because someone's ordering you to, you're fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You fight for the right to grow crops in peace. And if you fall, you fall fighting for the noblest of causes: fighting for your very right to survive! And when you're old and grey, you'll look back on this day, and you'll know you earned the right to live every day in between! So you fight! For your family! For your friends! For Ealdor!
[The villagers stand with swords raised.]
VILLAGERS & MERLIN
For Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor!
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - NIGHT]
[Hunith sits pensively in her home. Merlin enters and hangs up his jacket.]
HUNITH
Come here.
[Merlin sits down beside her and she strokes his face.]
HUNITH
I do love you, my boy.
MERLIN
What's wrong?
HUNITH
I should never have gone to Camelot. I've ruined everything for you.
MERLIN
You haven't. Why would you say that?
HUNITH
I know what you're planning to do.
MERLIN (sigh)
If it comes to a choice between saving people's lives and revealing who I really am, *shrugs* there is no choice.
HUNITH
You can't let Arthur know about your gift.
MERLIN
Why not? Maybe it's meant to be this way. And if he doesn't accept me for who I really am, then he's not the friend I hoped he was.
--
[EXT. WOODS - DAY]
[Arthur stands watch. Gwen brings him a bowl of Hunith's home cooking.]
GWEN
Arthur, Hunith made you some food.
[Gwen hands him the bowl.]
ARTHUR
Thanks.
[Gwen turns to leave.]
ARTHUR (mutters)
I think.
[Gwen stops and turns back around.]
GWEN
Food is scarce for these people, you shouldn't turn your nose up at it!
[Arthur stares at her.]
GWEN
Oh, no. I--I shouldn't've spoken to you like that. I'm sorry.
ARTHUR
Gwen.
[Gwen starts leaving.]
GWEN
I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking. It won't happen again.
ARTHUR
Guinevere!
[Gwen turns to face him.]
ARTHUR
Thank you. You're right. And you were right to speak up. I should've listened to you and Morgana. (mutters) We're going to need all the help we can get.
GWEN
We'll be fine.
ARTHUR
How can you be so sure?
GWEN
Because I have faith in you. I mean, we all do.
ARTHUR
Thank you.
--
[INT. EALDOR, HUNITH’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Merlin starts to help Arthur with his armour.]
ARTHUR
No, not today.
MERLIN
Put on your own.
[They dress for battle. Merlin struggles with the buckle on one of his bracers. Arthur helps him out.]
ARTHUR
You ready?
MERLIN
My throat's dry.
ARTHUR
Me too.
[Arthur hold out his hand and Merlin shakes it.]
ARTHUR
It's been an honour.
MERLIN
Whatever happens out there today, please don't think any differently of me.
ARTHUR
I won't. It's alright to be scared, Merlin.
MERLIN
That's not what I meant.
ARTHUR
What is it? If you've got something to say, now's the time to say it.
MORGANA
Arthur. They've crossed the river.
--
[EXT. EALDOR - DAY]
[Arthur goes down the line of villagers, shaking hands.]
ARTHUR
You ready?
VILLAGER
Ready.
ARTHUR
For Ealdor.
[He reaches Gwen and shakes her hand.]
ARTHUR
Are you frightened?
GWEN
Not in the slightest.
[Gwen, Arthur, and Merlin take their hiding positions. Kanen and his men ride out of the woods and into the village.]
ARTHUR
Hold. No one moves until they give the signal.
[Kanen and his men stop and look around the empty village.]
ARTHUR
Hold.
KANEN
Come out, come out wherever you are.
GWEN
Now, pull!
[Gwen and a villager pull up a hidden gate, trapping the riders inside. Morgana tries to light a fire with flint.]
ARTHUR
Now, Morgana. What are you waiting for? Something's gone wrong.
[Merlin rushes off.]
ARTHUR
Merlin!
[Kanen spots Merlin running.]
KANEN
There's one. Get him!
[Merlin dodges the arrow.]
KANEN
Kill him!
[Merlin dodges again and reaches Morgana, still desperately trying to light a fire.]
MERLIN
Give me the flint.
[Morgana hands them over and Merlin pretends to use them.]
MERLIN
Baerne.
[Merlin lights a fire and a prepared line flames up, trapping the riders.]
KANEN
Come back! Don't run away!
[Kanen's men ride back into the village.]
ARTHUR
Now!
[The villagers give a battle cry as they spring out of hiding to fight. A rider comes up behind Merlin and Will jumps off a roof in his father's armour to unhorse the rider.]
MERLIN
I didn't think you were coming.
WILL
Neither did I.
[Merlin and Will fight back to back. The villagers start losing. Merlin and Will stop to assess the situation.]
WILL
There's too many of them.
MERLIN
Not for me there isn't. Cume thoden.
[Merlin conjures a windstorm, Arthur sees. the villagers start winning and the remaining bandits flee. Gwen and Morgana hug. Kanen marches out to face Arthur.]
KANEN
Pendragon!
[Arthur fights Kanen and wins, running him through. then he marches angrily towards Merlin and Will.]
ARTHUR
Who did that?
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that happen.
MERLIN
Arthur...
[Kanen picks up a crossbow and aims it at Arthur.]
WILL
Look out!
[Will pushes Arthur out of the way and gets hit himself. Kanen dies.]
MERLIN
Will!
ARTHUR
You just saved my life.
WILL
Yeah. Don't know what I was thinking.
ARTHUR
Come on! Get him inside!
--
[INT. EALDOR, WILL’S HOUSE - DAY]
[Merlin, Arthur, and a couple village men carry Will inside.]
WILL
That's twice I've saved you.
ARTHUR
Twice?
WILL
Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that used the magic.
MERLIN
Will, don't.
[Arthur looks at Merlin.]
WILL
It's alright, Merlin. I won't be alive long enough for anyone to do anything to me. I did it. I saw how desperate things were becoming and I had to do something.
ARTHUR
You're a sorcerer?
WILL
Yeah. What are you gonna do? Kill me?
ARTHUR
No. Of course not. Do what you can for him.
[Merlin nods. Arthur puts his hand on Will's shoulder and then leads the women out.]
WILL
I was right about him. I told you he was going to get me killed.
MERLIN
You're not going to die.
WILL
You're a good man, Merlin. A great man. And one day, you're going to be servant to a great king. Now you can still make that happen.
MERLIN
Thanks to you.
WILL
This place has been boring without you. It was good to see you again.
MERLIN
Yeah, you too.
WILL
Merlin. Merlin, I'm scared.
MERLIN
Don't be. It's going to be alright.
WILL
Merlin...*dies*
[The villagers stand at Will's funeral pyre.]
ARTHUR
I'm sorry. I know he was a close friend.
MERLIN
He still is.
ARTHUR
You knew he was a sorcerer, didn't you? That's what you were going to tell me?
MERLIN
Yes. It was.
ARTHUR
You know how dangerous magic is. You shouldn't've kept this from me, Merlin.
[Arthur walks over to Morgana and Gwen. Hunith walks over to Merlin.]
HUNITH
You better be going.
MERLIN
I don't have to go.
HUNITH
Yes, you do.
MERLIN
If anything were to happen to you...
HUNITH
I know where to find you. You have to go, Merlin. You belong at Arthur's side. I've seen how much he needs you. How much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin.
MERLIN
I've heard someone say that about us before. I'm going to miss you.
[Merlin hugs his mum.]
HUNITH
I'm going to miss you , too. When you left, you were just a boy. Now look at you. I'm so proud of you.
[Gwen, Morgana, Arthur, and Merlin ride for Camelot.]
HUNITH (voiceover)
When the time is right, the truth will be known. Until then, you must keep your talents hidden. It's better for everyone.
---------------------------------------------------
Note: incantations found at Merlin Wiki
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