Chapter Text
Episode 1
1. EXT. DAY BROAD SHOT OF COUNTRYSIDE
Wide shot of surrounding countryside. Lambs, farmers. (Work the metaphor)
2. EXT DAY THE COURTYARD OF CAMELOT
Arthur and Gwen ride in - Merlin rides behind with pack horses. Leon and servants wait on the steps.
LEON
Welcome back Your Majesties!
ARTHUR
We've only been gone a few days, no need for the full welcome
GWEN
(pointedly) Thank you Leon.
[Arthur dismounts and then lifts Gwen off her horse
ARTHUR
Get the bags Merlin!
[Arthur and Gwen go up the steps. Arthur pauses in front of a servant
ARTHUR
Give him a hand will you, or we'll never hear the end of it
GWEN
Is that another comment on how much I packed?
ARTHUR
Two days, Guinivere, you didn't need ten dresses.
MERLIN [Passing by laden with bags]
Didn't need any dresses
GWEN
Merlin!
[Merlin smiles and winks]
FADE
2. INT DAY INSIDE THE MAIN DOOR A CORRIDOR IN CAMELOT
Gwen and Arthur are walking
ARTHUR
You will have to get a maid, Guinivere, and soon. Especially with all these dresses
GWEN
I know, I just (pause) I'm not comfortable with a maid.
ARTHUR
Because of Morgana
GWEN
Because of me. Because of who I was. Who I am
ARTHUR
You are Guinivere, Queen of Camelot and you are my wife. (kisses her lightly)
[Merlin comes into shot, carrying more bags]
ARTHUR (CONT)
You don't have to make a friend of your maid. You could have an entirely professional relationship.
[He puts out a foot to trip Merlin, pulling him back by the scruff of his collar to stop him falling. Merlin gives him a poke in the ribs and continues on]
GWEN
Like you and Merlin then?
ARTHUR
Exactly. (beat) I had better check he is putting those in the right room. [he walks away] Don't forget about the maid Guinivere
GWEN
Yes Arthur.
[She stands in the corridor for a moment]
FADE
3. INT DAY THE KING'S CHAMBER
Merlin is putting away the Queen's dresses using magic. The door opens with a slight creak. The dresses fall to the ground. Merlin looks around in shock. Arthur enter. he is looking into the corridor. He has seen nothing.
ARTHUR
I wanted a quick word.
MERLIN
Yes Sire
ARTHUR
I want you (beat) Why are my wife's gowns on the floor?
MERLIN
I tripped.
ARTHUR
Of course you did. That's what I want to talk to you about
MERLIN
Me tripping?
ARTHUR
Guinivere's dresses.
[Merlin looks at Arthur with raised eyebrows]
MERLIN
Yes Sire
ARTHUR
She needs a maid. Someone to do for her what you do for me (beat) only better, and on time. And in the right place. (pause) (in a more serious tone) It's hard for her Merlin. She needs someone. Can you look?
MERLIN
I will ask around Sire. (pause) You are happy aren't you Arthur?
ARTHUR
Yes of course.
MERLIN
It feels that everything is finally coming together - that things are going right for once.
ARTHUR
[Moving into the anteroom] (Voice only) Don't say that Merlin! Somehthing will change!
MERLIN
(very quietly, to himself) Maybe something has to.
FADE
4. INT NIGHT THE BANQUETING HALL
All of the nobles and knights of Camelot are at a feast. There is noise and bustle. Arthur and Gwen are at the top table. They are laughing. Merlin slips out of the back of the hall.
FADE
5. INT NIGHT MERLIN'S ROOM
Merlin sits at the side of his bed. He holds his hand out and mutters an incantation. A flame burns in his palm. He looks at it and it turns into a tiny dragon shape. He mutters again and the tiny dragon flies around the room. He sighs and the light goes out. He curls up on the bed. His eyelids are wet.
FADE
6. INT DAY THE QUEEN'S CHAMBERS
Gwen is sitting nervously.
MERLIN
So are you ready to start interviewing?
GWEN
I'm not sure
MERLIN
Gwen, you know what to look for.
GWEN
(Bitterly) Because I was a servant
MERLIN
Exactly. [He kneels before her and takes her hand} Just remember, apart from Arthur, the best people in this palace were servants.
[She smiles]
GWEN
Or still are.
[Merlin stands up and begins to move towards the door.]
MERLIN
Ready to meet the world, Your majesty?
[Gwen nods. Merlin goes to the door then hesitates and turns around]
MERLIN
You do love him Gwen? (does not wait for reply) You will always be at his side? Even if (beat) things get strange?
GWEN
What are you talking about Merlin? Open the door
[Merlin smiles sadly and opens the door. A girl enters and gives a nervous curtesy]
MERLIN
Your majesty, this is Blodwyn.
FADE
7. INT. A bright sunny room. People running about cleaning. The ROUND TABLE is being set up. Focus on face, Gwaine, Leon, Percival, Elyan. Arthur is standing to one side, his arms folded.
Merlin is to one side of the room. He looks strained.
MERLIN :
Arthur? Could I have a word.
ARTHUR :
Can it wait Merlin? I’m a bit busy if you haven’t noticed.
MERLIN:
Sorry. I’ll .. Later.
ARTHUR:
(looking worried) Is something wrong? I can leave – but I am meeting Guinivere – the Queen for lunch.
MERLIN :
(hands up, backing away, Laughing) No. I’m not having Gwen after me. You go and be properly husbandly. I can wait.
Merlin leaves the room. Arthur looks thoughtfully after him.
FADE
CUT SCENE
3. INT GAIUS’ ROOM. EVENING.
The fire is flickering. The walls are covered with bottles of various shapes and sizes. Merlin and Gaius are sitting at the table.
GAIUS
It’s a bad idea Merlin. After all this time, you can’t tell what the King’s reaction will be. You are more than a servant but, still, he is his father’s son.
MERLIN
You served his father
GAIUS
For years. And with Loyalty. Uther and I shared a past. But I never trusted him.
MERLIN
I trust Arthur
GAUIS
With your secret? With your life. Think Merlin. Think what you are doing. Wait a little longer.
MERLIN
I have waited. I have waited and lied and pretended (beat) and I am tired Gaius. Tired of it all.
GAIUS
But is this the time Merlin? Arthur is just married. Give him time to settle into being a husband as well as a King. He will come round.
MERLIN
There will never be a good time. I have lied to him every day and that is not fair to him. Or to me. I want him to see me. Gaius. Just once. Really see me.
GAIUS
Are you sure you are not looking for some sort of praise, Merlin? Recognition for what you have done? Because, if that is the case you need to think again. There is more at stake here than your pride. You have a Destiny.
MERLIN
(Stands up, agitated) Destiny. I am fed up with the word. You, The dragon, the druids. All talking about Destiny. Well, it’s Arthur’s destiny too but he has to choose it. And how can he do that if he doesn’t know the truth? Everyone lies to him Gaius. And he is the King. He is my king. The lies stop. I am telling him.
GAIUS
Even if it kills you?
MERLIN
(Sitting down, shoulders slumped) Even then.
GAIUS
This will not end well.
FADE
8. INT The corridor outside Arthur’s old rooms. Arthur and Merlin at the door.
ARTHUR
Why here? I could have talked to you in my own chambers?
MERLIN
I just thought somewhere we... where you felt safe and we could be private.
ARTHUR
Merlin?
MERLIN
There’s something I have to tell you.
[They open the door and go into the room. The door closes. After a pause there is the sound of something (a body) hitting the door].
CUT SCENE
9. INT ARTHUR’S OLD CHAMBERS .
[Merlin is against the door holding his hand to his face. He has obviously been punched. Arthur is a few steps away, his hand on his sword. He snarls.
Merlin holds out his hand and his eyes glow gold. He hesitates. The table moves between him and Arthur giving Merlin the chance to open the door and escape.]
FADE.
CUT SCENE
10. INT THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ARTHUR’S ROOM
[Merlin is running along the corridor.]
MERLIN
That went well.
FADE
11. MONTAGE CAMALOT STOCK SHOT OF SEARCH
People running about, doors slamming, guards marching, etc.
12. INT A CORRIDOR
Gwaine runs into an attractive female servant carrying a bundle of clothes. It is Blodwyn. Clothes fall on the floor. Gwaine stoops to pick them up just as the servant does the same. Their eyes lock.
GWAINE
Sorry. Let me help you.
SERVANT
No.. I shouldn’t ...It’s my first day..
GWAINE
I’m a knight of Camelot. Haven’t you heard the King It is our duty to help all subjects of the King.
SERVANT
(coyly) All?
GWAINE
Especially the pretty ones
.
[Leon enters and stops]
LEON
Gwaine! Get moving
[Gwaine moves away, still looking at the girl.]
LEON
Flirtling? really?
[Gwaine shrugs]
9. EXT. NIGHT FOREST.
[Merlin is sitting by a tiny fire. He is hunched and stressed looking. Rain starts to fall, spluttering on the fire. Merlin shivers. ]
CUT SCENE
13. INT THE KING’S CHAMBER
[Arthur is sitting by a roaring fire. Gwen comes over and stands behind him, resting her hand on his shoulder.]
GWEN
What did he do this time?
ARTHUR
He lied Guinivere. To me. I need to be able to trust....
GWEN
You can trust Merlin. You know him. He always has schemes and things to hide but you know he could never hurt you. He could never hurt any of us. You know him Arthur.
ARTHUR
(beat) I do. (he rises and looks more animated) Thank you Gwen. I know how to find him.
He leaves the room
GWEN
You’re welcome. I think.
FADE
14. INT THE ROUND TABLE ROOM
Arthur and Knights are together in the room. They are not sitting.
ARTHUR
Just find him
LEON
We will Sir
[The knights start to leave.]
ARTHUR
(loudly) And don’t hurt him (beat) Much!
FADE
15 EXT. DAY THE COURTYARD OF CAMELOT
The Knights are preparing to leave. The Courtyard is full of horses and men. There is much activity and moving about. Arthur is on the steps looking at the departure. Gwen is at the window of the royal chambers.
16 EXT. DAY THE GATES OF CAMELOT
The knights ride out, galloping, red cloaks flowing in the wind.
17. EXT. DAY FOREST
The knights are galloping through a wooded area, the light flickering between the trees.
18. EXT. DUSK FOREST
Merlin is running through a steep wood area. He is breathless and looks dishevelled.
19. EXT DUSK FOREST
The knights are running/climbing through the same terrain as Merlin.
20. EXT DUSK FOREST
Merlin is at bay, surrounded by the knights, all carrying swords. He reaches out his hand and there is a very brief flash of gold in his eyes. There is a pause as both sides look at each other. Then Merlin drops his hand and bows his head. The knights converge
21 EXT NIGHT CAMELOT
The knights ride into the Courtyard. Merlin is bound and thrown over a horse. As they enter, Leon looks up to meet the eye of Arthur, standing on the balcony. Arthur nods.
22 INT NIGHT DUNGEON
A door opens . Merlin is thrown into a dungeon and the door is clanged shut.
FADE
23 INT NIGHT OUTSIDE THE DUNGEON
A group of knights stand by the closed door.
LEON
The King’s orders are no sees him, no speaks to him and that includes any of us. Two knights are to stay out here at all times. But no contact. Understood?
GWAINE
What did he do? Why are we doing this? It’s Merlin. This isn’t right.
LEON
Are you questioning the King’s orders.
GWAINE
If this goes on much longer I will be.
FADE
CUT SCENE
24. INT MORNING THE KING’S CHAMBERS
Arthur is sitting at the table. He is fully dressed. There is food on the table but he is not eating. Gwen enters and puts her arms around his neck.
GWEN
Did you sleep at all last night? I didn’t hear you come to bed.
ARTHUR
I have a lot to think about
GWEN
At least tell me what he did
ARTHUR
I told you. He lied.
GWEN
It’s been three days Arthur, talk to him. For your own sake For mine. You have hardly eaten, barely slept. Please Arthur talk to him.
Blodwyn enters carrying a dish
GWEN
Put it on the table and you may go. We will serve ourselves
BLODWYN
Yes Madam, Your Highness I mean (hesitates in confusion)
GWEN
It is all right Blodwyn just leave.
BLODWYN exits.
CUT SCENE
25. INT THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE KING’S CHAMBERS
Blodwyn is standing by the door. Gwaine and Percival approach.
GWAINE
Oh! it’s you. Settled in yet?
BLODWYN
Not really. My first week as the Queen's maid servant and the King has sent his servant to the dungeons. Not a comforting thought
GWAINE
Don’t worry, Merlin gets sent to the dungeons practically every year. It will all sort itself out. It always does. And remember (pointing to self) Knight. I can protect you
BLODWYN
(Shakes head) The king's own servant was not protected. What did he do to be locked up? What should I be afraid of?
GWAINE
(sighs) I don't know, The king, He's not normally like this. It will all work out. It will
BLODWYN smiles but says nothing and walks on her way.
Gwaine I
It will work out, won’t it?
Percival shrugs
FADE.
26. INT NIGHT> VARIOUS PARTS OF CAMELOT.
Arthur wanders over the castle.
CUE FLASHBACKS : Merlin sitting on the floor waiting for Arthur, Merlin on the battlements. Merlin waiting in the rain, Merlin pulling open the curtains, etc .
27. INT NIGHT THE DOOR TO GAIUS’ CHAMBERS.
Arthur is standing outside the door. He pauses, then opens the door and enters.
28. INT NIGHT GAIUS’ ROOM
Gaius is sitting at the table which is covered with ingredients and equipment. He looks up as Arthur enters. He looks tired.
ARTHUR
You knew. You knew Merlin had magic
GAIUS
Sire
ARTHUR
I should have you arrested too. Why shouldn’t I? You defied the law. The king. Me. Why?
GAIUS
Merlin’s magic saved my life the moment I met him. When a man saves your life you owe him some consideration.
ARTHUR
is that aimed at me? Because he drank that poison? That was years ago. I paid him back many times – I have saved his life so many times. I owe him nothing
GAIUS
You don’t know? What Merlin has done for you? Will you listen? Will you hear why Merlin stays here?
ARTHUR
What are you talking about?
GAIUS
Sit down Sire and I will tell you.
FADE
29. EXT DAWN THE BATTLEMENTS
Arthur is standing at the battlements looking at Camelot.
CUE FLASHBACKS> Merlin with Nimueh, Merlin with the griffin etc
Arthur turns and walks back inside.
30. INT OUTSIDE THE DUNGEON>
Gwaine is walking about the space Percival, and Leon are sitting.
GWAINE
I’m not putting up with this
LEON
Gwaine, Sit down and shut up
GWAINE
Locking Merlin up without a reason? You know it is wrong.
LEON
I am sure the King has his reasons
GWAINE
Well, I'd like to hear them? Have you noticed he's stopped calling for us. He's given up on us. I can't do this. (getting agitated} Merlin is my friend
LEON
Arthur is your King
GWAINE
Is he?
Arthur enters He is in full chainmail with Excalibur at his side. Leon and Percival stand.
LEON
Sire!
GWAINE
(challenging) Are you letting him go?
ARTHUR
That is not your business
GWAINE
I believed in you. I thought you were better than Cenred but you Kings are all the same. Pick on the peasant.
Merlin is most loyal of any of us. Why has he been sitting in there alone? You have not accused him of anything – what did he do?
ARTHUR
(Coldly) As I said that is not your business. Now get out. All of you.
Leon and Percival move towards the exit. Gwaine hesitates.
GWAINE
If you hurt him...
Leon pulls him out.
Arthur moves over to the door of the cell. He unbars the door and enters.
31. INT THE DUNGEON CELL
Merlin is sitting against the wall, his legs bent, head on his knees. A tray of uneaten food is beside him. He looks up. He is dishevelled. He looks pale, with dark circles beneath his eyes and a bruise on his cheek.
MERLIN
So are you going to kill me then?
ARTHUR
It is the law.
MERLIN
Yes
ARTHUR
You’re supposed to be the great warlock. Why are you still here?
[Merlin bows his head and does not look at Arthur]
MERLIN
You know why.
ARTHUR
Tell me.
MERLIN
(angrily) Because I will not harm my friends! (beat) That is why you sent them after me, why they are always outside that door. I hear them talking but they won’t answer me. What did you tell them about me? They believe I am evil?
ARTHUR
I have told no one of your magic.
{Silence}
MERLIN
Why not?
ARTHUR
Maybe I don’t want the country to know how you fooled me
MERLIN
It will make it more difficult to explain killing me
[Arthur puts his hand on his sword hilt and begins to draw out the sword]
ARTHUR
I can just say that you attacked me. Here. Now. I can claim defence
[Merlin struggles to his feet.]
MERLIN
Wait. I want to stand. It will be easier to explain. (Beat) Do you want to me to punch you. It would make it more real if you have a bruise when you leave
ARTHUR
You couldn't bruise me.
{A tense silence - eye contact}
[Arthur pushes the sword back into the hilt with a snap]
ARTHUR
You don’t know me as I know you. I also will never harm (beat) a friend
[Merlin staggers back.]
MERLIN
Arthur ?
ARTHUR
I don’t know how this will work but I can't have you killed I can't..
MERLIN
for what it's worth I am sorry
ARTHUR
For which bit? Gaius talked to me. I don't understand most of it and I am pretty much furious about the rest but (pause) You do know you are the biggest idiot in the Five kingdoms?
MERLIN
For staying with the biggest prat?
[Arthur huffs a laugh then looks serious]
ARTHUR
It has to stay secret. You can't use it publically or let anyone know.
(silence)
MERLIN
You are not going to lift the ban on magic?
[Merlin, slumps and sounds tired]
ARTHUR
No. (pause) Camelot is not ready for that
MERLIN
Are you?
ARTHUR
(beat) No.
(Silence)
MERLIN
So you are going to hide my magic?
ARTHUR
No Merlin, I am going to help YOU hide your magic.
MERLIN
I won't stop using it, you know, if i need to use magic to protect you I will.
ARTHUR
I don't need a bodyguard Merlin!
MERLIN
Really? Are you sure about that - because from where I was looking you get into a lot of trouble!
ARTHUR
(Irritated) Merlin!
MERLIN
Well, you do! You keep wandering round pracitaclly with a sign that says attack me or eat me. What am I supposed to do? Watch as a griffin turns you into a tasty snack?
ARTHUR
I could just leave you in here
(Silence) [Merlin stiffens. His eyes are anxious. His shoulders slump]
MERLIN
Would you?
ARTHUR
(Pause) NO. I need someone to keep my armour in order and polish my sword. You may be the worst servant ever but I am used to you. But Merlin, I am serious, the magic must remain hidden. If you reveal your magic, it will destroy me.
MERLIN
(pause) I'm good at hiding. I've been doing it for years. You never looked behind the lies, so I can keep doing it.
[He turns away, unshed tears in his eyes]
ARTHUR
Just for a while Merlin, until I am stronger. And not from me. Don't hide it from me. I want to see what you can do.
MERLIN
You *want* to see my magic?
ARTHUR
When it's safe. When no one else can see. Not even Guinivere. (Smiles grimly) (pointedly) I think I missed a lot being unconcious so much
MERLIN
And I thought my life was complicated before.
ARTHUR
Come on Merlin, I have to get you out of here before Gwaine attacks me
[They both move towards the door of the cell]
ARTHUR
So exactly how many times did you knock me out?
MERLIN
(Hesitates) Once or twice. Maybe half a dozen. Or more. Maybe more? But I won’t need to do that again. Now I'll just yell duck
[Arthur gives Merlin a slap across the back of his head. ]
MERLIN
OW!
ARTHUR
Hurts? Now you know what it feels like.
[They head towards the stairs. Arthur pauses.]
ARTHUR
Don’t think I have forgiven you. That is going to take time
MERLIN
I’ll give you time.
FADE
32 INT DAY A BRIGHT OPEN ROOM
The Round Table stands in the middle of the room. Light pours in from the many windows around the room. Merlin is standing to one side, arms folded Arthur and Gwen in full royal regalia enter side by side, followed by the knights also in full regalia, with long red cloaks. . They process around the table until each is standing behind a chair. Gwen is on the left side of Arthur. She sits first, then Arthur followed by the knights. The seat to the right of Arthur is empty.
ARTHUR
This is the first meeting of the Round Table. Here all opinions are equal. Here you may speak your mind without fear. Here we can argue freely. As king
I must take the responsibility for the decisions made but here I pledge always to listen to you and heed your advice.
As my Queen, Guinevere sits at this Table and will take my seat if I am away.
GWAINE
One seat is empty. Who is missing?
[Merlin unobtrusively moves towards the table.]
ARTHUR
Some of you were with me when we sat at the first Round Table. At my right hand then and always has been Merlin.
[Merlin stands behind the last chair.]
ARTHUR (cont)
Merlin has earned his place here and I welcome his views.
MERLIN
{taking his seat) Really – Because I have some ideas about..
ARTHUR
Shut up Merlin
FADE
CUT SCENE
33 EXT NIGHT WOODS NEAR CAMELOT
A figure, hooded and cloaked stands by a tree silhouetted by moonlight. Another hooded figure comes from the shadows and greets the first.
FIGURE 2
The king is reconconciled with his Manservant. I don't know what led to the breach. Even the queen was not told.
FIGURE 1
Nevertheless you have done well. In your new position you will play a great part in the overthrow of Camelot. Take your time in building trust. We will do this carefully, without mistakes. Arthur will fall.
The moonlight shines on a brooch on the figure’s cloak. It is shaped like a raven’s head
Credits .