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.
Get him!
Trapped, are we?
That's the idea.
On me!
Your Majesty! Look what we have here.
He comes with us. I'll deal with the prisoners when we get to Camelot.
I fear this is no ordinary prisoner, Your Highness.
Well, well.
What is it?
This, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon.
Is it not...
...Your Highness?
This is not the first time he's trespassed on our lands.
No, sire. Only last week, he seized the village of Stonedown on the western borders.
We're not on the borders now, Agravaine.
This is the heart of the kingdom. He took a grave risk coming here.
Perhaps he doesn't see it that way.
I fear it's no coincidence that all this has happened since Uther's death.
What do you mean?
Arthur, your father was a strong king.
His enemies feared and respected that strength.
Are you saying I'm not worthy of that respect?
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.
Did we not achieve that here today?
No, sire. Not enough.
Not enough to deter the likes of Odin and Bayard...
...and the others who covet Camelot's wealth.
Then what do you suggest?
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 Evorwick.
He'd rather die than agree to such terms.
Then you are left with no choice.
I can't just kill a man in cold blood.
Arthur, you must do what you need to do to assert your authority on this land.
There must be another way.
There's no other way.
Think on it.
Decide by tomorrow.
-Arthur. -Not now, Merlin.
Arthur?
Arthur.
Here.
Thank you.
You must be cold.
-Have you not slept at all? -I've been thinking.
About what Agravaine said?
So, what are you going to do?
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 have done.
You're going to draw up this treaty?
I have to show my strength.
-Show that I'm worthy of my father's name. -Caerleon won't sign it.
-You know that. -Caerleon brought this upon himself.
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.
You have no idea what it is to make these decisions.
Decisions that will shape the future of this land.
-Arthur-- -So, please, stick to what you do know.
What is this?
You expect me to sign this?
To humiliate myself before you?
You invaded our kingdom...
...took what did not belong to you.
-And if I do not sign? -Then you will pay with your life.
And who makes these terms?
Arthur Pendragon...
...king of Camelot.
Very well.
Then make it quick.
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.
I am not my father.
And you are not Uther.
Do you really have the guts to kill me?
-You leave me no choice. -You do not choose anything, boy.
It is I who choose to die, and I alone.
Now get on with it.
So be it.
Your resolve has already earned the respect of both the council and the people alike.
-Your father would have been proud of you. -Thank you, uncle.
I don't know what I'd have done without your support and counsel.
-Did you miss me? -Yes, I did.
It can't have been easy having a man killed like that.
I had no choice. A show of strength was necessary.
Don't you think compassion can also show strength?
Not to the likes of Caerleon. No.
No, an example had to be made for the good of the kingdom.
So you don't regret what you did?
My conscience is clean, Merlin, which is more than I can say for my room.
So just do your job, will you?
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 most. -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.
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!
Come.
I am sorry to disturb you, my lord.
Is something the matter, uncle?
I dare to hope that my advice...
...has been of some use these past months.
Of course it has. You know that.
There is something I wish to discuss with you.
But it is a delicate matter.
Yes?
It concerns Gwynevere.
What about her?
She's a beautiful woman, sire...
...and possessed of many fine qualities, I have no doubt.
But she is a servant.
-That doesn't matter to me. -Nor to me.
I assure you. No. It-- It's your people that concern me.
Surely, as king, I can do as I see fit.
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.
This isn't a matter of state.
This is a matter of the heart.
You cannot rule the kingdom with your heart, Arthur.
Your father understood that.
You didn't want to kill Caerleon. I know that.
But you were strong.
You didn't let those emotions cloud your judgment.
You ruled with your head, like a strong king must.
-Yes. -Now you must show that strength again.
Set aside personal feelings for the good of your kingdom.
Set aside my feelings for Gwynevere?
I'm afraid so, my lord.
-You seem tense. -What do you mean, tense?
You know. Agitated, on edge, angry.
This is not anger, Merlin.
This is controlled aggression!
Great. I'm glad we cleared that up.
Sire. A messenger this minute arrived.
-What is it? -An army.
-It crossed our border at first light. An army? Whose army?
Caerleon's queen.
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 reach the Ridge of Landshire.
That way, we hold the high ground.
The knights of Camelot make ready as I speak.
We ride at dawn.
Long live the king!
Halt!
Please, I mean you no harm.
I wish only to speak with your queen.
Morgana Pendragon.
Stealing into my castle in the dead of night.
You must have a death wish.
Sorry for the interruption, Your Majesty, but I've come on urgent business.
What business could you possibly have with me, witch?
-I come in the name of my father. -Is that so?
When last I heard, you and he were--
I speak not of Uther, but of Gorlois.
-Gorlois? -Uther is my father by blood alone.
Gorlois raised me as a child. He made me who I am.
I remember him well.
He was a good man, an honorable man.
He was, Your Highness...
...and his sole reward was death, betrayed by his king.
Well, then.
It seems we have both lost something at the hands of a Pendragon.
Now, for the last time, what are you doing here?
Your Highness--
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.
Off again?
Another week in the wilderness?
Eating weird animals, being eaten by weird animals.
No hot water and no baths.
This will be the last time either of us get to sleep in a proper bed.
I'm prepared to face all manner of horrors in this world.
-But if you think I'm sharing this bed with you-- -Ha-ha-ha.
What?
-No! That's not what I meant. -Right.
-Good. Comfort to know. -Where are you going?
That's my business. And, Merlin, don't be here when I come back.
Halt! Declare yourself!
Sorry, sire. Forgive me.
No harm done.
-Arthur. -May I come in?
Of course.
-Can I get you anything? Something to eat? -I'm fine, thanks.
-I won't be staying long. -Oh.
Gwynevere.
Please believe me when I say that you've done nothing wrong...
...and that none of this has anything to do with you.
None of what? I don't understand.
Things have changed for me.
With my father gone, it falls to me to rule this land.
I know what a responsibility that must be.
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.
-You're ashamed to be seen with me? -No.
No.
But now that I'm king, it's not appropriate.
I'm not appropriate?
It seems not.
Arthur.
Listen to yourself.
This doesn't sound like the man I know.
-You've been talked into this, haven't you? -I haven't been talked into anything.
I'm my own man. I make my own decisions.
And you've decided we can't be together?
Yes.
I see.
I'm sorry, Gwynevere.
It's just the way it has to be.
Arthur.
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.
Don't worry, Gwen.
He'll be back soon, I'm sure.
It's different this time though, isn't it?
Arthur's king now. The fate of Camelot rests on his shoulders alone.
He's not alone, Gwen.
You, above all people, should know that.
I do know that.
But I'm not sure he does.
Ensure the men have everything they need.
-They must be well rested by morning. -I'll see to it, sire.
The battle commences at first light.
That's me. Like a one-man army.
We should all get some sleep.
Is he all right?
He's our king.
If anything were to happen to any of us...
...he'll hold himself responsible.
Elyan?
Sire.
Well?
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.
Thank you, Elyan.
Thank you all.
They mean it, sire.
Every word.
I've never once questioned their loyalty.
I do wonder if I deserve it.
No one could care more for their men than you do.
To send them into battle is not a decision that you would make lightly.
-They know that. -But was it the right decision?
If there was any other way out of this situation, you would take it.
But you must defend Camelot.
-You have no choice. -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.
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.
Maybe.
Now my men must pay for it with their lives.
Halt!
I'm unarmed.
You know who I am.
Take me to your queen.
-What is the meaning of this? -Your Highness, I've come here to--
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.
I'm ashamed of what I did.
It was cowardly, it was unjust, and I'm deeply sorry.
Sorry does not bring back my husband.
Sorry does not give my people back their king.
I realize that. I know there's nothing I can do to repair that loss.
Then what are you doing here, Arthur Pendragon?
I want to call off the battle.
It's a little too late for that.
I don't propose a truce, but an alternative.
I invoke the right of single combat.
Two champions settle this matter between them.
And why should I grant you this favor?
There has been bloodshed enough, Your Highness.
Many hundreds of lives will be saved this way.
And your terms?
If my man wins, you must withdraw your army.
And if mine is the victor?
Then half of all Camelot is yours.
-Sorry about this. -You know him?
He's my servant. He must have followed me here. I knew nothing about it.
-Kill him. Wait, please. Let him go.
He's just a simple-minded fool.
That is two favors...
...you've asked of me this night, Arthur Pendragon.
Very well. You shall have your trial by combat.
Announce your champion by noon tomorrow.
Thank you, Your Highness.
And take your fool with you.
-Simple-minded fool? -Oh, I was being kind. Believe me.
-You almost got me killed in there. -Me?
You seem to be doing a good job of that yourself.
What is wrong with you? Why can you never just leave me be?
I'm your friend.
I was looking out for you.
I appreciate that in your very confused way...
...you were only trying to help. But please, don't do it again.
But, sire, we can win this battle. I know we can.
I don't doubt it. But at what cost? How many men would be slaughtered?
And what if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land.
That's the deal I've struck.
I believe it to be fair. I'll stand by it.
Well, then all that remains, my lord, is for you to choose your champion.
-It would be a privilege, sire. -Sire.
There can only be one choice.
One choice which is just and honorable.
This fight's mine.
I don't like it. It must be a trick.
-What concerns you, Your Highness? -Arthur.
Why would he choose himself as the champion?
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.
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?
I don't deny it. It's rightfully mine after all.
Arthur will not win.
How can you possibly know that?
Because I have the power to ensure that he doesn't.
Then you must use it.
Morgana.
-Did you get it? -Of course.
Arthur's as good as dead.
Not too tight, Merlin. You don't want to kill me before I've even started.
Heh. Sorry.
If this day should prove to be my last, give this to Gwynevere.
Tell her I'm sorry.
Of course.
Arthur, do you really think this is worth the risk? You're king now.
Camelot needs you alive.
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.
Well, whatever happens out there, um--
-You're not about to start crying are you? -No.
Just, uh, good luck.
Thank you, old friend.
It is time, my lord.
Very well.
Is all in readiness?
Merlin?
Ready.
Right then.
You have served my husband well, Derian.
I know you'll do the same for me.
And, Derian...
...no pity, no quarter.
Do not hesitate for one second.
Arthur Pendragon must die.
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.
Long live the king!
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.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Tell me something. You spared my champion. Why?
Because it's not victory I seek.
It is peace.
I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our kingdoms.
There is something about you, Arthur Pendragon.
Something which gives me hope for us all.
It seems you do not have the power after all, Morgana.
Arthur was made of sterner stuff than you imagined.
There will be other opportunities, Your Highness.
And next time he won't be so lucky.
There won't be a next time.
Not for me anyway.
What are you talking about?
I believe I may have misjudged our young king.
Don't be taken in by his fine words.
It wasn't Arthur who mislead 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.
That is untrue.
Have you forgotten how Arthur killed your husband?
-Do you deny that you sought revenge? -Yes, I sought revenge.
But that does not mean it was the right thing to do.
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.
You came to me in the name of Gorlois...
...but I fear you're more like Uther than you realize.
You're a hero.
Thank you, Merlin.
Not to me. To your people.
Right. You think different?
Maybe I know something they don't.
Which is?
You know, that you're a cabbage head.
Maybe.
I should have listened to you, Merlin.
Just this once, I think you were right.
Even if you are the worst servant in the five kingdoms.
Come.
-Gwen. -Sire.
These...
...are for you.
They're not much, I know.
I picked them by the side of the road.
Thank you, sire, but I don't know what they're for.
They're to say I'm sorry, Gwynevere.
You don't need to apologize.
I understand why things have to be the way they are.
Mm. A good king should...
...respect the traditions of the past.
-As my father did. -I know that.
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.
Even if they're not appropriate?
Does that answer your question?
It's a start.
Merlin.
Arthur is strangely fond of the boy.
He could prove useful.
You must kill Arthur Pendragon.
Merlin, is something wrong?
But why would Merlin want to kill Arthur?
You can't trust anyone. In fact, I think you, Merlin, are the only person I can trust.
You're just my imagination.
Whatever you say.