For the first time since his coronation, Arthur finds out what it's really like to be King. Arthur faces his first true test as King when he incurs the wrath of the formidable Queen Annis. With the lives of thousands hanging in the balance, Arthur must find the strength to be his own man and become the leader Camelot so desperately needs.
"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". FIELD - DAY Merlin, dressed as a knight, is running. Armed men are running after him. Merlin heads into the woods and keeps running until he reaches a dead end in a narrow pass. He stops and turns to face his pursuers, who are now slowly walking towards him. A man, who appears to be the leader, stands out of the pursuers. Leader: Trapped...are we? An arrow hits one of the pursuers. Everyone looks up to see Camelot's knights on either sides of the pass. Merlin (smiling): That's the idea. King Arthur (jumping down on the ground): On me! [SCENE_BREAK] OPENING TITLES [SCENE_BREAK] FOREST - DAY Agravaine is dragging along the leader of the prisoners towards King Arthur. Agravaine: Your Majesty. Look what we have here. King Arthur: He comes with us. We'll deal with the prisoners when we get back to Camelot. Agravaine: I fear this is no ordinary prisoner, Your Highness. He pulls a necklace out from the leader's neck and hands it over to Arthur. King Arthur: Well, well. Merlin: What is it? King Arthur: This, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon. Is it not (facing the leader)...Your Highness? FOREST, CAMPFIRE - NIGHT King Arthur: This is not the first time he's trespassed on our lands. Agravaine: No, sire. Only last week he seized the village of Stonedown on the western borders. King Arthur: We're not on the borders now, Agravaine. This is the heart of the kingdom. He took a grave risk coming here. Agravaine: Perhaps he doesn't see it that way. I fear it's no coincidence that all this has happened since Uther's death. King Arthur: What do you mean? Agravaine: Arthur, your father was a strong king. His enemies feared and respected that strength. King Arthur: Are you saying I'm not worthy of that respect? Agravaine: No, sire, not at all. There isn't a citizen of Camelot who would not lay down their life for you. But your enemies...to the enemies of Camelot, you are still untested as a king. You must send a clear message that any action against Camelot will be met without mercy. King Arthur: Did we not achieve that here today? Agravaine: No, sire. Not enough. Merlin is cooking dinner and he is listening to the conversation. Agravaine: Not enough to deter the likes of Odin and Bayard and the countless others who covet Camelot's wealth. King Arthur: Well, what do you suggest? Agravaine: I suggest... I suggest that we force him to accept a treaty on our terms. He must withdraw his men from our land, return our territories to us. He must surrender Everwick. King Arthur: He'd rather die than agree to such terms. Agravaine: Then you are left with no choice. King Arthur: I can't just kill a man in cold blood. Agravaine: Arthur, you must do what you need to do to assert your authority on this land. King Arthur: Well, there must be another way. Agravaine: There's no other way. Think on it. Decide by tomorrow. Agravaine leaves. Merlin: Arthur... King Arthur: Not now, Merlin. FOREST - DAY Merlin wakes up and brings a glass to Arthur, who is still thinking about the decision he has to make. Merlin: Arthur? Arthur. Here. King Arthur (takes the glass): Thank you. Merlin: You must be cold (kneels by the fire) Have you not slept at all? King Arthur: Been thinking. Merlin: About what Agravaine said? Arthur nods. Merlin: So, what are you going to do? King Arthur: My father was a great king, but I don't have his wisdom or his conviction. I can only follow his example and do what he would've done. Merlin: You're going to draw up this treaty? King Arthur (nods): I have to show my strength. Show that I'm worthy of my father's name. Merlin: Caerleon won't sign it. You know that? King Arthur: Caerleon brought this upon himself. Merlin: Arthur, you've always shown mercy in battle. You've never sought to humiliate your enemy in this way. This isn't like you. This isn't who you are. King Arthur: You have no idea what it is to make these decisions. Decisions that will shape the future of this land. Merlin: Arthur... King Arthur: So, please...stick to what you do know. Arthur gets up and leaves. FOREST - DAY Clearing. Merlin and the knights watch the scene. Agravaine hands the treaty scroll to King Caerleon. King Caerleon (does not take the scroll): What is this? Agravaine hands the scroll to Sir Leon who opens it. King Caerleon: You expect me to sign this? To humiliate myself before you? Agravaine: You invaded our kingdom and took what did not belong to you. King Caerleon: And if I do not sign? Agravaine: Then you will pay with your life. King Caerleon: And who makes these terms? King Arthur: Arthur Pendragon...(Arthur walks forward)...King of Camelot. Caerleon steps forward. King Caerleon: Very well. Then make it quick. King Caerleon kneels. King Arthur: Think what you're doing, Caerleon. This treaty could seal a truce between us. There would be peace. Like there was between your father and mine. King Caerleon: I am not my father. And you are not Uther. Do you really have the guts to kill me? King Arthur: You leave me no choice. King Caerleon: You do not choose anything, boy. It is I who choose to die and I alone. Now, get on with it. King Caerleon bows his head down. King Arthur: So be it. Agravaine smirks. Merlin shakes his head. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY Gaius watches through a window Arthur, Merlin, and the knights dismount in the square. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY Agravaine walks with Arthur to his chambers. Agravaine: Your resolve has already earned the respect of both the council and the people alike. Your father would be proud of you. King Arthur: Thank you, Uncle. I don't know what I'd have done without your support and counsel. Arthur enters his chambers where Guinevere is waiting for him. They hug. Agravaine makes a face. Merlin enters with Arthur's pack. King Arthur: Did you miss me? Guivevere: Yes. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY Merlin is unpacking. Arthur is washing up. Merlin (about King Caerleon's execution): Can't have been easy having a man killed like that. King Arthur: I had no choice. Show of strength was necessary. Merlin: Don't you think compassion can also show strength? King Arthur: Not for the likes of Caerleon, no. No, an example had to be made for the good of the kingdom. Merlin: So, you don't regret what you did? King Arthur: My conscience is clean, Merlin, which is more than I can say for my room. So, just do your job, will you? Merlin: Look, I'm just saying, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. You shouldn't push your friends away, you know! Not now. Not when you need them the most. King Arthur: You're wrong, Merlin. I don't need anyone. I can't afford that luxury. The kingdom's my responsibility now. Mine to bear alone. And you must learn to accept that. CAERLEON'S CASTLE - DAY King Caerleon's body is being brought to his castle. His wife, Queen Annis, uncovers the body. She is shocked by what she sees. Queen Annis: This...this is no battle wound! This is the work of cowards! Arthur will pay for this, by God! The whole of Camelot will pay for this! KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER Arthur sits alone at the table, reading documents. Someone knocks on the door. King Arthur: Come. Agravaine enters. Agravaine: I am sorry to disturb you, my Lord. King Arthur: Something the matter, Uncle? Agravaine: I dare to hope that my advice has been of some use these past months. King Arthur: Of course it has. You know that. Agravaine: There is something I wish to discuss with you. But...it is a delicate matter. King Arthur: Yes? Agravaine: It concerns Guinevere. King Arthur: What about her? Agravaine: She's a beautiful woman, Sire, and possessed of many fine qualities, I have no doubt. But she is a servant. King Arthur: That doesn't matter to me. Agravaine: Nor to me. I assure you. No, it's your people that concern me. Arthur looks uncomfortable. King Arthur: Well, surely as king, I can do as I see fit. Agravaine: No, sire, you cannot. You must do what is expected of you. You must present yourself in an appropriate manner. The people...your people do not wish to see their king with the daughter of a blacksmith. King Arthur: This isn't a matter of state. This is a matter of the heart. Agravaine: You cannot rule the kingdom with your heart, Arthur. Your father understood that. Agravaine sits down next to Arthur. Agravaine: You didn't want to kill Caerleon, I know that. But you were strong. You didn't let those emotions cloud your judgement. You ruled with your head like a strong king must. King Arthur: Yes. Agravaine: And now you must show that strength again. Set aside your personal feelings for the good of your kingdom. King Arthur: Set aside my feelings for Guinevere... Agravaine: I'm afraid so, my Lord. Arthur considers the advice unhappily. CAMELOT - DAY A messenger rides to Camelot. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY Arthur is furiously hitting a punching bag that Merlin is holding for him. Merlin: You seem tense. King Arthur: What do you mean "tense"? Merlin: You know...agitated, on edge, angry. King Arthur: This is not anger, Merlin (punches stronger and stronger) This...is...controlled...aggression! Arthur punches the bag so hard that it is knocked off its chains. Merlin falls to the ground. Merlin: Great. I'm glad we cleared that up. Sir Leon arrives. Sir Leon: Sire. A messenger this minute arrived. King Arthur: What is it? Sir Leon: An army. They crossed our border at first light. King Arthur: An army? Whose army? Sir Leon: Caerleon's Queen. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY King Arthur: At a forced march, Caerleon's men will reach Camelot by sundown tomorrow, which means we have no choice. We must intercept them before they can breach the walls of the kingdom. That way we hold the high ground. The knights of Camelot make ready as I speak. We ride at dawn. Agravaine: Long live the king! Assembly: Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!. CAERLEON'S CASTLE, TUNNELS - NIGHT Morgana arrives outside Caerleon's castle. She magics a door to the tunnels open and enters. A guard stops her. Guard: Halt! Another guard appears. Morgana: Please. I mean you know harm. I wish only to speak with your Queen. CAERLEON'S CASTLE, THRONE ROOM - NIGHT The guards escort Morgana into the throne room. One of them pulls her hood off. Queen Annis: Morgana Pendragon. Stealing into my castle in the dead of night. You must have a death wish. Morgana: Sorry for the interruption Your Majesty, but I've come on urgent business. Queen Annis: What business could you possibly have with me?...witch. Morgana: I come in the name of my father. Queen Annis: Is that so? When last I heard, you and he were... Morgana: I speak not of Uther, but of Gorlois. Queen Annis: Gorlois? Morgana: Uther is my father by blood alone. Gorlois raised me as a child. He made me who I am. Queen Annis: I remember him well. He was a good man. An honourable man. Morgana: He was, Your Highness. And his sole reward was death, betrayed by his king. Queen Annis: Well, then. It seems we have both lost something at the hands of a Pendragon. Queen Annis stands up and approaches Morgana. Queen Annis: Now, for the last time, what are you doing here? Morgana: Your Highness... Morgana walks up to Queen Annis, and bows down to her knees. Morgana: Your Highness, Uther was a curse upon this land, as is his son. I seek revenge for the wounds they have inflicted, as do you. If you will accept it, I've come to offer my help. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT Merlin prepares Arthur's bed while Arthur puts a cloak on. Merlin: Off again? Another week in the wilderness. Eating weird animals, being eaten by weird animals. No hot water, no baths. This will be the last time either of us get to sleep in a proper bed. King Arthur: Merlin, I'm prepared to face all manner of horrors in this world, but if you think I'm sharing this bed with you... Merlin (laughs): What? No, that's not what I meant. King Arthur: Right. Good. Comfort to know. Merlin: Where are you going? King Arthur: That's my business. And Merlin, don't be here when I come back. Arthur leaves, pulling the hood on. LOWER TOWN - NIGHT Arthur is walking to Guinevere's house. A guard spots him. Guard: Halt! Declare yourself! Arthur stops. He turns around and pulls the hood off. Guard: I'm sorry, Sire. Forgive me. King Arthur: No harm done. The guard bows and turns back. Arthur continues on to Guinevere's and knocks on her door. She opens the door and smiles. Guinevere: Arthur. King Arthur: May I come in? Guinevere: Of course. GWEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT Guinevere: Can I get you anything? Something to eat? King Arthur: I'm fine, thanks. Arthur closes the door and faces her. King Arthur: I won't be staying long. Guinevere: Oh. Arthur stands awkwardly and Gwen waits with a smile. King Arthur: Guinevere...please believe me when I say that you've done nothing wrong. Gwen is confused. King Arthur: And that none of this...has anything to do with you. Guinevere: None of what? I don't understand. King Arthur: Things have changed for me. With my father gone, it falls to me to rule this land. Guinevere: I know what a responsibility that must be. King Arthur: And now that I'm king...it's no longer relevant what I may or may not want for myself. My only duty is to the people of this land. I'll be judged by my actions. Who I'm seen with. Guinevere (surprised): You're ashamed to be seen with me? King Arthur: No! (Arthur shakes his head, beginning to have difficulty keeping his composure) No...but now that I'm king, it's not appropriate. Guinevere (hurt): I'm not...appropriate? King Arthur: It seems not. Guinevere, astounded, gets closer to Arthur. Guinevere: Arthur...listen to yourself. This doesn't sound like the man I know. You've been talked into this, haven't you? King Arthur: I haven't been talked into anything. I'm my own man. I make my own decisions. Guinevere (crying): And you decided we can't be together? King Arthur: Yes. Guinevere: I see. (looks at Arthur). King Arthur: I'm sorry, Guinevere. It's just the way it has to be. Arthur turns to leave. Guinevere: Arthur (he stops and looks at her). Don't let anyone tell you what to do. You said you are your own man. You have a good heart. Be true to it. Only then will you be the king you want to be. Arthur considers her for a moment, then exits. She sheds a tear. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY Guinevere and Gaius watch Arthur and his army riding out of the palace from a corridor window. Gaius: Don't worry, Gwen. They'll be back soon, I'm sure. Guinevere: It's different this time, though, isn't it? Arthur's king now. The fate of Camelot rests on shoulders alone. Gaius: Oh, he's not alone, Gwen. You above all people should know that. Guinevere: I do know that, but I'm not sure he does. FIELD - DAY Arthur stands alone on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the enemy's army. Agravaine steps up beside him. King Arthur: Make sure the men have everything they need. They must be well rested by morning. Agravaine: I'll see to it, Sire. King Arthur: The battle commences at first light. Agravaine walks away. CAMELOT CAMP - NIGHT Arthur watches the Round Table knights from his tent as they talk around the campfire. Leon tussles Merlin's hair and the knights chuckle. Sir Elyan: ...an army. King Arthur clearly longs for their camaraderie. Merlin notices Arthur watching and his smile fades slightly. The others notice and look over. Arthur is caught and tries to cover. King Arthur: We should all get some sleep (he turns back into his tent). Sir Gwaine (to Merlin): Is he all right? Merlin: He's our king. If anything were to happen to any of us, he'll hold himself responsible. Gwaine nods as they all take in Merlin's words. ARTHUR'S TENT - NIGHT Arthur is thoughtful. Merlin is busy dealing with Arthur's armour. Elyan leads the Knights as they enter. King Arthur: Elyan? Sir Elyan: Sire. Elyan looks at the other knights. King Arthur: Well? Sir Elyan: We just want you to know there isn't a man among us who would not die for you. We made our pledge, and we wear the Pendragon crest with pride. Tomorrow, we fight in your name, Sire. For freedom and justice in this land. Arthur is touched. King Arthur: Thank you, Elyan. Thank you all. They all nod and exit. Arthur seems disturbed. Merlin: They mean it, Sire. Every word. King Arthur: I've never once questioned their loyalty. I do wonder if I deserve it. Merlin: No one could care more for their men that you do. To send them into battle is not a decision that you would make lightly, and they know that. King Arthur: But was it the right decision? Merlin: If there was any other way out of this situation, you would take it. But you must defend Camelot. You have no choice. King Arthur: I had a choice...to let Caerleon live or die. I made the wrong decision. And now I've brought this war upon Camelot myself. Merlin: Arthur...no one is prepared to sacrifice more for the sake of this kingdom than you. Your decision was made in the best interests of Camelot. King Arthur: Maybe. Now my men must pay for it with their lives. CAMELOT CAMP - NIGHT Arthur exits his tent, dressed in a brown cloak, and walks past his sleeping men. Merlin wakes and sees him heading off somewhere. Merlin gets up to follow. Arthur is heading to Queen Annis's campsite. He walks down towards the sentries and he is stopped. Sentry: Halt! Arthur opens his cloak. Merlin watches from above. King Arthur: I'm unarmed. Arthur pulls off the cloak and drops it on the ground. King Arthur: You know who I am. Take me to your Queen. Merlin follows. QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - NIGHT The sentries bring Arthur into the tent. Queen Annis: What is the meaning of this? King Arthur: Your Highness, I'm here to... She slaps him. King Arthur: Your Highness, I know that you feel nothing but contempt for me. You feel I've done you a grievous wrong, and you would be right. Merlin peeks from outside. King Arthur: I'm ashamed of what I did. It was cowardly, it was unjust, and I am deeply sorry. Queen Annis: Sorry does not bring back my husband. Sorry does not give my people back their king. King Arthur: I realise that. I know there's nothing I can do to repair that loss. Queen Annis: Then what are you doing here, Arthur Pendragon? King Arthur: I want to call off the battle. Queen Annis: It's a little too late for that. King Arthur: I don't propose a truce, but an alternative. I invoke the right of single combat. Two champions to settle this matter between them. Queen Annis: And why should I grant you this favour? King Arthur: There's been bloodshed enough already, Your Highness. Many hundreds of lives will be saved this way. Annis nods for her men to release Arthur's arms. Queen Annis: And your terms? King Arthur: If my man wins, you must withdraw your army. Queen Annis: And if mine is the victor? King Arthur: Then half of all Camelot is yours. A guard brings Merlin into the tent and shoves him to his knees. Arthur is astounded. Merlin (to Arthur): Sorry about this. Queen Annis: You know him? King Arthur: He's my servant. He must've followed me here. I...I knew nothing about it. Queen Annis: Kill him. King Arthur: Wait. Please. Let him go. He's just...a simple-minded fool. Queen Annis: That is two favours you've asked of me this night, Arthur Pendragon. Queen Annis turns and sits on her throne, considering Merlin. Tension as Arthur waits for her decision. Queen Annis: Very well. You shall have your trial by combat (Arthur is relieved). Announce your champion by noon tomorrow. King Arthur (bows): Thank you, Your Highness. Queen Annis: And take your fool with you. [SCENE_BREAK] FIELD - NIGHT Arthur and Merlin return to their camp. Merlin: Simple-minded fool? King Arthur: Oh, I was being kind, believe me. You almost got me killed in there. Merlin: Me? You seem to be doing a pretty good job yourself. King Arthur: What is wrong with you? Why can you never just let me be? Merlin: I'm your friend! I was looking out for you. King Arthur: I appreciate that. In your very confused way, you're only trying to help. But, please, don't do it again. KING ARTHUR'S TENT - DAY Everyone now knows about the agreement King Arthur and Queen Annis have reached. Sir Leon: But, Sire, we can win this battle. I know we can. King Arthur: I don't doubt it. But at what cost? How many men will be slaughtered? Sir Elyan: And what if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land. King Arthur: That's the deal I've struck. I believe it to be fair, and I'll stand by it. Agravaine: Well, then. All that remains, my Lord, is for you to choose your champion. The Knights step forward. Sir Percival: It would be a privilege, Sire. Sir Elyan: Sire. King Arthur: There can only be one choice. One choice which is just and honourable. This fight's mine. Agravaine looks pleased. QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY Queen Annis: I don't like it. It must be a trick. Morgana: What concerns you, Your Highness? Queen Annis: Arthur. Why would he choose himself as the champion? Morgana: Because he's Arthur. He'll always risk his own life before those of his men. Trust me, it's no trick. Arthur will fight. Queen Annis: It's as if you were pleased, Morgana. Whatever else he is, Arthur is a great warrior. You have as much to lose as I if he wins. You desire the throne of Camelot, do you not? Morgana (enraged): I don't deny it. It's rightfully mine, after all. Annis considers Morgana's emotional response. Morgana calms herself. Morgana: Arthur will not win. Queen Annis: How can you possibly know that? Morgana: Because I have the power to ensure that he doesn't. Queen Annis: Then you must use it. ARTHUR'S TENT - NIGHT Agravaine takes Arthur's sword while he is sleeping. FOREST - NIGHT Agravaine sneaks through the woods with the sword. He checks for Morgana, then turns and finds her standing there. Agravaine: Morgana! Morgana: Did you get it? Agravaine: Of course. Morgana draws the sword. She kneels down in the middle of three small fires and enchants the sword. Morgana: Efencume ætgædre, eala gastas cræft ige. Hige hefe. Hefe mæst sara. Fornéðe þas, ende hie æra (Her eyes glow. She raises the sword and the blade bursts into flame) Efencume þonne swæs bora! The flames disappear and Morgana lowers the sword. Morgana (smiles): Arthur's as good as dead. ARTHUR'S TENT Merlin helps Arthur with his armour. King Arthur: Not too tight, Merlin, you don't want to kill me before I've even started. Merlin: Sorry. Arthur takes off his left glove and pulls off his ring. He turns to Merlin. King Arthur: If this day should prove to be my last, give this to Guinevere. Arthur hands over his ring to Merlin. King Arthur: Tell her I'm sorry. Merlin (nods): Of course...Arthur, do you really think this is worth the risk? You're king now. Camelot needs you. Alive. King Arthur: I don't know what will happen. But for the first time since I became king, I know in my heart I've made the right decision. Merlin: Well, whatever happens out there...erm... King Arthur: You're not about to start crying on me, are you? Merlin: No. Just...good luck. King Arthur: Thank you, old friend. They shake hands. Agravaine enters. Agravaine: It is time, my Lord. King Arthur: Very well. Agravaine: Is all in readiness? King Arthur: Merlin? Merlin: Ready. Arthur nods and draws the now-cursed sword. Agravaine smiles as Arthur inspects it. King Arthur: Right, then. Arthur and Agravaine exit. QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY A giant man is standing inside the tent. Queen Annis: You have served my husband well, Darian. I know you'll do the same for me. Morgana: And Darian, no pity, no quarter. Do not hesitate for one second. Arthur Pendragon must die. FIELD - DAY The two armies face each other. Darian and Arthur walk to the centre of the field. Arthur looks up at the giant. Darian bears his teeth. Morgana watches from Caerleon's lines. Agravaine grins in Camelot's front line. The fight begins. Darian eventually knocks Arthur to his knees. Arthur rolls out from the blow and slices Darian's cheek. Darian checks for blood and howls, enraged. Morgana: This has gone on long enough. Time to turn the tide. I've enchanted Arthur's sword. It holds the weight of a thousand ages. No one could bear it for long. Morgana's eyes glow. Arthur's sword drops like lead behind him. He looks at it, unable to lift it. Darian swings and misses on the down sweep. Arthur punches Darian's face and gets caught on the upsweep of Darian's sword. He cries out in pain. He tries to lift his sword again. Darian begins to strike, but Merlin's eyes glow and Darian freezes mid-swing. Arthur leaves his sword and rams his shoulder into Darian, knocking him over and falling. Morgana is confused. Darian gets up first and kicks Arthur over. Darian picks up his sword. Morgana and Agravaine smirk. Annis waits. Arthur lies almost helpless and Darian raises his sword over his head. Merlin: *spell* The sword drops out of Darian's hands into the ground behind him and he freezes. Arthur rolls up behind Darian, grabs the sword and slices across Darian's back. The giant falls to his knees and Arthur kicks him down. Arthur is poised to strike. He looks up at his men on the ridge. Merlin looks on tensely. Arthur looks down at his fallen enemy and runs the sword into the ground by Darian's head. Arthur's army bursts out cheering. Sir Perceval: Long live the king! Agravaine is disappointed. He has no choice but to join the applause. Knights: Long live the king! Army: Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king! Queen Annis heads toward the champions. Morgana turns and disappears into Caerleon's army. Annis approaches Arthur. Queen Annis: You are victorious, Arthur Pendragon. And you may rest assured that I shall comply absolutely with the terms of our agreement. My army will be gone by nightfall. King Arthur: Thank you, Your Highness. Annis holds out her hand and Arthur grasps it. Queen Annis: Tell me something. You spared my champion. Why? King Arthur: Because it's not victory I seek. It is peace. I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our kingdoms. Queen Annis: There is something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something which gives me hope for us all. She considers him for a moment, then turns to leave. QUEEN ANNIS'S TENT - DAY Queen Annis and her men pack up her tent. Morgana enters. Queen Annis: It seems you do not have the power after all, Morgana. Arthur was made of sterner stuff than you imagined. Morgana: There will be other opportunities, Your Highness, and next time he won't be so lucky. Queen Annis: There won't be a next time. Not for me, anyway. Morgana: What are you talking about? Queen Annis: I believe I may have misjudged our young king. Morgana (scoffs): Don't be taken in by his fine words. Queen Annis: It wasn't Arthur who misled me. It was you. You are consumed by bitterness, Morgana. It spreads within you like a disease. In my grief, I let you infect me with your hate. Morgana: That is untrue. Have you forgotten how Arthur killed your husband? Do you not deny that you sought revenge? Queen Annis: Yes, I sought revenge. But that does not mean it was the right thing to do. Morgana (scoffs): You are weak, Annis, as I thought you were. Go ahead. Make peace with Arthur. But I will not rest until all of Camelot bows before me. Morgana turns to leave. Queen Annis: Morgana... Morgana turns around. Queen Annis: You came to me in the name of Gorlois, but I fear you're more like Uther than you realise. Morgana glares at Queen Annis and leaves CAMELOT, LOWER TOWN - DAY Arthur and his knights ride triumphantly into Camelot. CAMELOT, MAIN SQUARE - DAY Merlin: You're a hero. King Arthur: Thank you, Merlin. Merlin: Not to me. To your people. King Arthur: Right. You think different? Merlin: Maybe I know something they don't. King Arthur: Which is? Merlin: You know. That you're a cabbage head. King Arthur: Maybe. I should've listened to you, Merlin. Just this once, I think you were right. Even if you are the worst servant in the five kingdoms. Arthur dismounts. Merlin smiles. ATHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY Arthur lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. Someone knocks at the door. King Arthur: Come. Guinevere enters with a pitcher. Arthur pauses when he sees it is her. King Arthur: Gwen. Guinevere (nods): Sire. King Arthur: These (retrieving some wild flowers from under a pillow and getting out of bed)...are for you. He offers her the flowers and she takes them King Arthur: They're not much, I know. I...picked them by the side of a road. Guinevere: Thank you Sire, but...I don't know what they're for. King Arthur: They're to say, "I'm sorry Guinevere." Guinevere: You don't need to apologize. I understand why things have to be the way they are. King Arthur: Mm... (stepping to her) A good king should...respect the traditions of the past, as my father did. Guinevere: I know that. King Arthur (stepping closer to her): But a good king should also...be true to himself...and do as he sees fit...and be seen with those who he cares for. She looks at him. Guinevere: Even if they're not...appropriate? He pulls her closer to him and kisses her King Arthur: Does that answer your question? Guinevere: It's a start. Both smile then kiss again.
His Father's Son