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.
DISTANT CRY
You there!
Show yourself.
Your Highness. Are you all right? Is something wrong?
No, no, all is well.
It's dangerous to be out at such an hour.
I'm grateful you're so scrupulous in your duties.
It's not where I thought to find you, Your Highness.
One doesn't always wish to be "Your Highness", Percival.
I miss the old town. Its streets, its people.
So I go back sometimes.
Is that wise?
People only see a queen when they expect to.
All the same... And it reminds me of Elyan.
And I need that sometimes.
Of course.
I understand.
I'm not sure Arthur would.
I won't mention it.
Thank you.
You're late. I'm sorry.
Was there a problem? Nothing I couldn't handle.
Did you get what I asked for?
It wasn't easy.
It details the route the levy collection will take.
The names of the knights, their arms and the day they depart.
You've done well, Gwen. But how can it further our cause?
WHISPERED: With this we can strike at the twin pillars of Arthur's power...
(No, my lord! Morgana is too powerful.)
Now is not the time. How could she do this?
She is not the Gwen you love.
She has fallen prey to a dark and powerful magic.
If I lose her, I lose everything.
We'll find a way to bring her back, Arthur.
I promise.
I thought I might ride this morning.
Yes.
Would you like to join me?
That won't be possible.
Oh. Perhaps this afternoon, then?
Perhaps.
Arthur, is everything all right?
What do you mean?
You seem distracted.
Not at all.
Pressing matters of state, that's all. I'm sorry.
I understand.
Is there anything I can help you with?
Won't be necessary.
You've hardly eaten!
I have a training session I must attend.
Well, perhaps I'll see you later...
Gentlemen. This is the new route to collect the levy.
Commit it to memory. My lord?
Tell no-one of the change of plans
until the patrol is on its way, is that understood? Sire.
Mordred?
Of course.
But may I ask why we're changing the route, my lord?
This is another day's ride. I can't tell you that.
I just ask you trust me.
Good. You leave in three days.
Why did I promise to help Gwen?
I have no idea what to do.
Is there really no remedy?
If Gwen has suffered what I suspect, then no, I fear not.
You know what happened to her?
When I was young I heard talk of an ancient ritual
of the Old Religion called the Teine Diaga.
Teine Diaga?
The sacred fire.
The ritual used the mandrake root to bring unimaginable terror
to the victim.
Their screams could be heard 20 leagues away.
When it was finally over, their will was no longer their own.
They were slaves of the high priestesses for eternity.
Who performed this ritual? Where?
I've told you all I know.
Such mysteries were revealed only to a handful of female initiates.
As a boy, I was privy only to rumours.
There must be someone who can help.
I can think of only two people who truly know the old ways...
One is Morgana Pendragon.
The other is the Dochraid.
But be warned, Merlin - the Dochraid cannot be trusted.
She must never know your true identity.
Who dares enter the sacred cave?
I come to petition the Dochraid.
Give me your hand!
SHE HISSES
SHE SNIFFS
I smell the stench of enmity.
I come in peace, in friendship.
You are no friend of the Old Religion -
no friend of Morgana Pendragon. Great Dochraid...
Silence!
I know you, Emrys!
Your queen will find no relief here.
How do you know why I come?
I am the Dochraid!
The earth speaks to me.
You are not welcome here.
Depart! I cannot do that.
Not until I have what I came for.
You dare challenge me,
the ancient Dochraid?
You, a puny sorcerer!
And yet I will have what I came for.
I am a creature of the earth, you cannot kill me.
This sword was forged in a dragon's breath
and it will do my bidding.
You do not have the power to wield such a weapon.
SHE CRIES OUT
I wish you no further harm, Dochraid.
Tell me what I need to know.
Your queen is doomed, Emrys.
Her spirit has been consumed by the Teine Diaga,
bound by the Silver Wheel for all eternity.
Her body is nothing but an empty vessel,
filled by the will of another.
Morgana.
Once she has served her purpose, then that too will be cast away.
How do I break the spell?
Only the greatest of sorcerers could attempt such a thing.
SHE GASPS
How?
You must travel to the Cauldron of Arianrhod.
There you will need all of your powers,
for you must summon the White Goddess herself.
And that is all?
No, Emrys.
The Queen must enter the cauldron.
Its waters hold the Goddess's power. Only their touch can heal her.
Remember, Emrys, the Queen must enter the water willingly.
If she is tricked, forced or beguiled,
she will fall into the abyss
and be lost forever.
Thank you, great Dochraid. Thank you.
Ataese!
SHE SCREAMS
Sire?
Is all well?
Yes, thank you.
If there's anything I can do...
Sorry?
I just wanted you to know I'm always at your service.
I never doubted it, Mordred.
There are too many things to go wrong,
and summoning the White Goddess, that may be beyond me.
I think not.
Merlin, the only person who ever doubts your powers is you.
And even if I do manage that, we need to get Gwen
to the cauldron in the first place and she's hardly likely
to go willingly. I have already thought of that.
Tincture of Belladonna? All that studying has paid off.
It's a powerful and dangerous drug, Gaius.
More dangerous than a traitor in the heart of Camelot?
Gwen needs to be conscious when she enters the cauldron.
She must do so of her own free will or the spell will not be broken.
That, I agree, may not be within our powers.
Well, then the rest is futile.
But there is someone for whom it is possible.
Arthur?
Only he can reach the part of Gwen that remains true.
It won't work.
You underestimate the power of love, Merlin. No. Not that.
Me. How can I use my magic with Arthur there?
He'd discover me in an instant.
Not if he didn't recognise you.
MERLIN CHUCKLES DISBELIEVINGLY No. No, not again.
You know how exhausting the ageing spell is, Gaius.
I don't have the strength to do that and perform the ceremony.
Then you must find the strength.
This Tincture of Belladonna - what are its effects?
The patient is rendered into a deep sleep. Patient?
It is generally used for the badly wounded.
How long does it last? A few hours.
It has to be administered several times a day
to provide a continuous sleep.
But for no more than three days.
It is true, sire,
the tincture should not be taken for an extended period.
Or?
The body will not tolerate it.
Thank you, Merlin.
Three days is time enough to ride to the Cauldron of Arianrhod.
You've done the journey yourself, have you? I cannot claim to.
Any mishap, any unexpected circumstances and...
There is no reason to suspect that all will not go well.
My lord, if we do nothing, Gwen is already taken from you.
Merlin?
Summoning this goddess...
will it require magic?
It is a ritual that can only be performed by a sorcerer.
It is the only way, sire.
Sorcery has to be fought with sorcery.
I'd be breaking my own decrees.
To save your queen. To save your wife.
Very well.
It's decided.
There'll be a sorcerer - can he be trusted?
Upon my life.
You assured me so once before, Gaius,
then my father died in the hands of such a man.
This sorcerer will be entirely different.
How can you be sure?
Because, sire, this time I have chosen...
..a woman.
How was the training, my lord?
Fine.
Did you win? Lose?
A little of both.
You're a terrible liar, Arthur.
You're wearing the same clothes you were this morning.
And your armour remains untouched.
I am not a fool - wherever you've been, it wasn't the training ground.
I... Have I done something wrong?
Spoken out of turn?
Said something I shouldn't?
I'm your wife, Arthur!
I wouldn't see you hurt for the world.
Now, tell me - what's troubling you?
I love you, Guinevere, more than you can imagine.
There isn't anything I would not do for you.
I know, but...
What do you think?
Ah. It quite suits you, actually!
MERLIN LAUGHS Thanks.
You're forgetting one thing.
You think it needs a belt?
Remember, you have to administer two drops every two hours
to keep Gwen asleep.
Do you really think we can succeed, Gaius? We must.
GAIUS CONTINUES INSTRUCTIONS
Wine, my lady? Not tonight, thanks, Merlin.
A toast.
My lord?
A toast to...
A toast to the Queen.
Me? What have I done?
Just been yourself, Your Highness. You are very kind, Gaius.
But shouldn't it rather be to Camelot?
To Camelot. Yes. To Camelot.
You haven't eaten, my lord.
No.
I...haven't.
You're sure this is safe, Gaius? I would stake my life on it, sire.
You may have to.
She's still a queen! It was the best I could do.
We have to hurry, sire.
Careful.
There. No-one will know. Gaius, you're sure this is going to work?
You'd be amazed how much licence old age lends you, sire.
Merlin, come. We meet at the Darkling Wood.
Merlin, if you drop her...
I know, I lose my head. Just so we're clear.
Keep up, boy! Keep up!
Why I keep him is beyond me!
Are you all right? She's a lot heavier than she looks.
That may very well be grounds for treason. Oh, dear.
Gaius and Merlin.
And a barrow of linen.
Sir Gwaine, Sir Mordred. Planning on changing a bed?
Or perhaps to run up some clothes.
Don't touch that!
Not unless you want to risk an attack of redthrush fever.
I've never heard of it. Then you are fortunate indeed.
More fortunate than the young man who just died
in these very bedclothes. They have to be burnt immediately.
The last thing Camelot needs is an outbreak of redthrush fever,
is it not? Yes. Of course. Sorry.
Gaius? Sire?
What was the name of the unfortunate young man?
So that I may send something to his family.
Timothy.
Where's Merlin?
It's all right, sire - he comes.
What kept you?
Have you any idea how steep those slopes are?
She looks so innocent. So perfect.
She still is, sire. The only evil in her is Morgana's.
Come, you must be on your way.
Gehaele thisne lichaman.
Gestrangeme nu thaet ic beo swithe mihtig
hie to forwarniene
yfel is on ofost!
The sorceress lives at the westernmost peak.
That would be the highest?
It always is, isn't it?
Better get started, then.
Wait.
We're being watched.
One of your funny feelings again?
That's all right then.
We'll tether the horses here. It'll be quicker on foot.
What about the supplies? You'll manage.
I can't take it all. I'll be carrying Guinevere.
She's half the weight of that lot.
Are you suggesting that I risk the safety of the Queen
and carry even more? I could take her.
She's my wife. I'd be careful.
And you're the servant.
Fleoge thu swa swa se
windraesgrimsath.
CROW SQUAWKS
These funny feelings of yours...
They're not funny.
Stupid then. Where do they come from, you think?
Are you still there, Merlin?
Don't tell me you've gone into a sulk.
I'm not sulking! I'm carrying a load even a horse would struggle under.
Do you good.
How come it wouldn't do you good? I'm already good.
Well, maybe I...
Merlin?
Merlin!
DRAGON GRUNTS
Emrys is working to thwart your plans.
He means to cleanse Guinevere at the Cauldron of Arianrhod.
No!
DRAGON WHIMPERS
You must help me, Aithusa.
This cannot be.
ARTHUR GROANS
Merlin?
Merlin!
Arthur!
HE SIGHS
Check on Guinevere.
I already have, sire. She sleeps soundly.
It doesn't seem possible.
The Queen has the sweetest of natures.
It was never her.
Just Morgana.
I'm sorry I didn't confide in you.
It's best you didn't.
If I hadn't had my suspicions, I wouldn't have followed you.
Merlin acting strangely...
Is that so unusual?
And the levy route being changed.
You had a funny feeling.
My lord?
I'm glad that you did, Mordred.
Without you, I fear I would have lost my arm at the very least.
I would have woken. Merlin, if I had to rely on your timekeeping,
I'd have lost both my arms and my legs to boot.
It's good to have you with us - three is always better than two,
isn't that right, Merlin?
Of course.
It's time. I'll do it.
Two drops only.
You don't trust me, do you, Merlin?
I believe you to be a...
..fine knight.
But not one to be trusted.
It's all right - I know you have the King's best interests at heart.
I only wish you believed that I do, too.
One day, I shall prove my loyalty, to you and to the King.
Then I hope we may be friends.
I could wish for nothing more.
What's the meaning of these banners?
It marks the way for pilgrims.
This is a sacred site for those who follow the Old Religion.
How do you know such things?
Gaius told me.
How much further?
Not far - this gorge leads to the cauldron.
SHRIEKING
Here!
Morgana must be close.
You go. I'll distract it. No. You must!
You're the only one who knows where the sorcerer is. Arthur! DRAGON ROARS
Get Gwen to safety, sire.
We'll cover you and join you beyond the gorge.
Very well.
Stay here. I'll divert the creature. Merlin, you can't.
I know what I'm doing, Mordred.
Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emoisepe'essin hepesthai!
DRAGON SHRIEKS
What happened?
Merlin?
Come on. The dragon? We need to move.
Merlin!
Where's Mordred?
No, Arthur. I won't leave a knight behind.
I saw Morgana. Mordred's given us a chance, we can't throw it away.
Why don't you kill me?
My argument's not with you, Mordred.
How could it be? We're of a kind.
Never.
You wear your uniform well, but we both know what lies beneath.
Do you think Arthur would tolerate you for one minute
if the knew the truth?
One of his knights a sorcerer?
One day he will know.
One day we will be accepted.
Your naivety would be charming if it wasn't so dangerous.
Where's Emrys?
Emrys?
You pretend you do not know of whom I speak?
It is a name I've only heard of.
He's not here, with you?
If he was, would we not both feel the presence
of such a great sorcerer?
Then I have no further use for you.
You would strike one of your own?
I am not strong enough to defeat you, Morgana, but know this -
such hatred as yours can never triumph.
I hope one day you will find the love and compassion
which used to fill your heart.
It is as Gaius described.
The Cauldron of Arianrhod.
Where's the sorceress?
Gaius says she is a recluse, she shuns the company of men.
She's going to have to make an exception.
We haven't much time. Guinevere could wake at any moment.
We've got more tincture... No! No more, I won't risk it.
We have to find her. I'll search her out.
You didn't think this was going to be free, did you?
What are you talking about?
The sorceress - she likes to be paid in clothes.
She can't get to a tailor.
Why would a recluse be interested in clothes?
I don't know, Arthur. She's sorceress, she's not going to be normal, is she?
Not long now, my love.
Mordred! I thought we'd lost you.
So did I. How did you escape Morgana?
Even she is no match for a Knight of the Round Table!
Seriously, Mordred.
Now it makes sense. Merlin said she had trouble getting clothes.
Who are you? What business have you in this sacred place?
Are you the Dolma, ancient sorceress of the Cauldron of Arianrhod?
Who else would I be?
Does she look familiar to you?
There is something...
What say you? Why do you mutter?
You look familiar, sorceress.
Oh...
Is that so?
It is.
My lord, where is Merlin?
What have you done with my servant?
Oh, the gangly boy?
If you kill me you'll never see him again.
I am an old woman.
Is it not natural I seek some surety?
The boy will be returned to you when we have concluded our business.
You know why we're here.
Nothing is hidden from the Dolma.
Now hurry, before your queen awakes.
Set her by the pool.
Great king, the magic which has ensnared your queen
is strong indeed.
It can be fought, it can be broken - but it may also prevail.
Do you understand this? I do.
What we attempt will not be easy.
If we fail, your queen will be lost forever. I understand.
Very well. When I awake Guinevere from her sleep,
she must walk into the Cauldron of Arianrhod of her own will.
Only then will the spell be broken.
But be warned, all the magic that binds her will fight against it.
How then can we succeed?
You must reach her, Arthur.
Reach that part of your queen which has remained untouched
by the evil of Morgana. Is there such a part?
You must believe there is.
Prepare.
When she wakes you will have but a few moments.
Gielde ic thec thissa meowlessawole...
Gyden aeblaece.
Where am I?!
What have you done to me? You've been asleep for a long time.
Get away from me! My Guinevere...
YOUR Guinevere?! You stupid, foolish man.
I was never yours - and never will be.
You must reach her, Arthur, reach out or all is lost.
Who's this old crone? You loved me once.
You are easily fooled, Arthur. And still do.
It was a trick, nothing more.
A subterfuge to pass Camelot to its rightful Queen.
I don't believe that.
Believe what you like. The fact remains.
No! It must be of her own will!
Look at me. Tell me you don't love me.
Let me go! Arthur!
Do you remember when I asked you to marry me?
Do you remember what you said?
You said "with all my heart." That's what you said, Guinevere.
That was no subterfuge. No trickery.
"With all my heart."
With all my heart.
Come.
Yfel gaest ga thu fram thisselichaman.
Bith hire mod eft freo.
Ar ond heofonutungol sceal thurhswithan!
I owe you a great debt. We both do.
If there's ever anything I can do in return - perhaps a new dress?
Arthur! She likes clothes.
There is one thing. Name it.
Remember what saved your queen.
Magic and sorcery.
It was also sorcery that bewitched her.
There is no evil in sorcery, only in the hearts of men.
My request is that you remember this.
You have my word.
Aren't you forgetting something?
I don't think so. The boy?
Ah. Ah. Of course.
I thought everything had gone unusually smoothly.
That boy was your surety, great king!
Without him, your queen would still be lost.
I'm not sure that's quite true...
And I say it is!
You owe him a greater debt than you can possibly know.
Right. Um, I'm sorry.
I'll give him the afternoon off.
One day, great king,
you will recognise the true worth of those that surround you.
Go.
Arthur's a lucky man.
Yes.
Not just to have Gwen. To have you.
He'd find someone else to do his chores soon enough.
It was hardly a chore.
That was your magic back there, wasn't it?
Have no fear. I will not divulge your secret. I admire you.
It can't be easy to do so much for so little reward.
I do not seek reward. Recognition then.
My friends are safe and well, that's all I require.
You see, Merlin, we do have something in common, after all.
The future of Camelot.
I want you to tell me where Emrys is.
MAN SCREAMS
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