"Once upon a time... no... no... that's not the way to start..." "You'll think this is a fairytale and it isn't." "It has elements of a fairytale..." "dragons... elves... griffins...fairies and so on..." "And it has magic!" "Now in my day magic was much more commonplace." "Oh, well, all things change... the arrow of time points in one direction only... so... where should I begin?" "Well, it's obvious..." "I should start at the beginning..." " Loose your arrows!" "Those were terrible years of darkness" "King Constant was the first Christian king of England." "You're all prisoners..." "no mercy... no treasures... let the whole world die... if I die." "Vortigern is here!" "Traitors!" "King Vortigern..." "he's had all the prisoners slaughtered!" "I curse you all..." "Deaths came so easily then... and one tyrant smoothly passed the crown to another... even worse." "Civil war tore the country apart... then the Saxons came." "Christian churches were destroyed and defiled." "So were the sacred places of the old pagan religion." "The followers of the old ways cried out in their agony." "There was only one being who could save them... and she would come out of the land of magic." "I got your message, sister..." "I've come to a great decision..." "I don't like the sound of your voice when you say that, sister." "I'm going to create a leader for the people." "a powerful wizard who'll save Britain... and bring the people back to us and the old ways." "It'll be too much for you, Mab." "It'll drain you of what power you still have." "If I don't do it, we'll die." "If people stop believing in us we won't exist." "The new religion has already pushed us to the brink soon we'll be forgotten." "All things change, sister." "It's sad but heaven, hell and the world move on..." "It's fate." " I won't accept it..." "I'll fight!" "Will you help me?" "You forget, I'm the Lady of the Lake." "I'm made of water." "Now, everything's flowing away from us and I accept it." "I'm sorry, my maiden." "Then, I'll do it myself." "You heard that, Fricke?" " Yes, but I'm afraid madam that your sister's rather... shall we say... indecisive when it comes to making decisions." "She never really gave you the backing that you deserve." "We're on our own." "We'd better get started." "Well, don't you think you should at least wait a couple of days to build up your strength?" "No time!" "Our world is dying!" "He's magnificent!" "Now I have to give him life!" "It's a beautiful boy!" "Please, look after my baby." "I beg you..." "It's alright, my dear." "Swear it!" "I'm dying..." "I Swear." "I'll take care of your child." "Let me see the child." "I name this child...." "Merlin." "While you're making gestures, save the mother..." "She's dying." "No, she's not... she's dead." "Sleep easy child... may angels fly thee home." "What's your excuse?" "Why didn't you save her?" "She'd served her purpose." "Served her purpose?" "You are so cold." "If I were to punch you in the heart I'd break my fist." "And, to think I used to serve you in the old ways." "Then you changed..." "you became a Christian." "Who told you that... huh?" "that snooping, smiling, blatherskite..." "I follow my own heart..." "that's religion enough for me." "Why do you allow her to talk to you like that, madam?" "Because, she needs me, idiot." "Why do I need you, Ambrosia?" "To take care of this child" "I can take care of it" "Tricks!" "You need more than tricks to bring up a child." "You need patience, understanding, love... most of all you need love." "You used to have that once... no more." "So...what have you decided?" "The child stays with you... but remember..." "he's only half human." "He belongs to me." "He's my son." "I will send for him when the time is right." "Ambrosia was like a tiger protecting me..." "Get out of there... and stay out!" "She was the bravest, kindest, person I ever knew." "I called her Auntie A, but she was really a mother to me." "Have you ever noticed, when you're miserable, time seems to slow to a crawl?" "On the other hand, when you're happy..." "My childhood must have been very, very happy... for it was over in a flash." "Please, excuse their rudeness... we're traveling to Lord Lambert's castle and we've lost our way." "It's about a mile..." "Take the right fork.But don't try any shortcuts." "It's dangerous, and you can get lost." "Thank you, sir..." "What can we offer you as a reward?" "A kiss..." "Do you know who you're talking to?" "This is the lady, Nimue..." "Lord Ardente's daughter." "She asked me what I wanted..." "and I told the truth." "And I think it's a fair price." "My name's Merlin." "Mine's Nimue." "And I think you're a very rude young man!" "I'll never forget you, Nimue." "We'll meet again..." "I can see it." "I don't think so, Master Merlin." "I'd warned Nimue not to leave the path..." "but she was very headstrong, even then." "well, I suppose all young people are..." "She went off on her own." "Don't struggle... you'll only sink deeper... stay calm...take hold of the branch" "I can't reach it... after all these years..." "I still remember how it was." "I felt the power in me..." " grow -grow -grow -grow Grow now!" "Keep hold of it..." "That's it!" "You're safe now." "I told you we'd meet again." "How did you do that... with the branch?" "I don't know." "Well, whatever it was, you saved my life." "You deserve another kiss." "Auntie A!" "I've seen her...the most beautiful girl in the world... the only girl I'll ever love..." "I know it!" "And she loves me and..." "and we'll love each other, always." " What are you babbling about?" "You're dripping wet, take your clothes off." " I'm a hero too..." "I saved her!" "saved who... from what?" "Nimue... she's the daughter of some lord." "She fell into a mud hole... and I saved her." "That's very brave of you, my dear." "The extraordinary thing was how I saved her..." "I had this branch...somehow, I made it grow." "I know it sounds impossible, but I said "grow, grow," and it grew!" "What's the matter, Auntie A?" "I..." "I... need to sit down..." "Tell me what's the matter?" "It's the moment I've been dreading all these years." "It's time for you to leave." "Leave?" "I don't understand..." "You were created by Queen Mab... you have no mortal father." "There's magic at work here... and now, she wants you to join her." "I won't!" " You have no choice, my dear." "You can't fight it... not yet." "He's talking to me... he says I have to go with him." "This will keep you warm... on cold nights." " Auntie A" " No, no, no... keep your chin up." "Magic has no power over the human heart." "I love you, Auntie A." "Go." "And you can tell her royal, high and mighty Queen Mab, that magic, or no magic... if she harms you, in any way..." "I'll have her guts for my bootlaces!" "It was very strange... and yet, it wasn't." "Half of me felt... all this was the most natural thing in the world." "I suppose I'm to get into the boat?" "that feeling inside was growing stronger, and stronger." "I was coming home." "Sorry, I'm late." "The ship left without me." "Dreadfully rude, really." "Well, coming aboard?" "Who are you?" "Shhh, I've got to concentrate..." "these are treacherous waters... strong currents..." "unseen rocks." "Follow me... follow me..." "Don't get lost... don't get lost..." "This way, if you will, Master Merlin." "Your Majesty, well, I mean, I'm rather pleased to present..." "You've come at last." "Do you know who I am?" " Queen Mab" " Yes" "You've grown handsome, and true..." "I did well when I created you." "This is Merlin..." "Who comes to save us..." "He will bring the people back to the old ways." "Why am I here?" "To learn!" "I will teach you to become the most powerful wizard in the world." " Why?" " To lead mortals back to us... and the old ways." " What if I don't want to be a wizard?" " It's your destiny." "Remember that branch and how you made it grow?" "That's why you're here... to learn." "You'll soon know the power that is in you." "and when it is unleashed... you will hold this world in the hollow of your hand." "All the magic of the universe and all the spells you will ever need... are in these books, Merlin." "If I'm half mortal, will I die?" "In the fullness of time, we cannot change that." "But... we can change form." "But, it is only an illusion..." "particularly, in his case." "Sometimes... we can see into the future..." "This is you as you will be." "Will I grow that old?" " Have a care, young Merlin." " Sorry, sir." " Oh, but you're right." "Try and stay as young inside as you are now." "That's another thing to watch out for... young Merlin, don't start giving advice." "Frik!" "It's your turn." "Now, Master Merlin, there are three classes of magic... three stages of progression to full wizard status." "The first, and lowest stage is wizard by incantation." "Abracadabra!" "Dove, and chalk!" "The second stage wizards are hand wizards." "Whose magic is performed by gestures of the hands, and fingers." "The third, and highest stage of wizardry... the supreme exponents... are wizards of pure thought." "Who need no words, nor gestures... but by their will alone... test the heavens." "Of course, only the most supremely gifted personages... become wizards of the third stage." " Oh, get on with it!" "Yes, madam." "Any questions?" "I studied day and night... and learned of those unseen forces that hold this world together." "Learnt the secret ways of other worlds, that exist beneath the surface and behind the mirrors." "Now, you try it." "Must I?" "Yes!" "Right hand, sir." "Right hand." "Now, Master Merlin, put it out..." "Left hand!" "Concentrate." "That happened because you didn't concentrate!" "Well, how is he doing?" "Did you read my report, madam?" " Yes, yes..." " But I want your personal impressions." "Well, I mean, I rather think he's got the ability." "He could... indeed... be the greatest." "Ahh..." "I knew it!" "But he never will be..." "He can't get past being a hand wizard." "He doesn't want to do it." "In his heart... he doesn't like magic." "He doesn't like it?" "I..." "I... know it sounds shocking... but if... that's the way it is." "Isn't it?" "Well, we've got to make him like it!" "I have work for him to do." "Well, the truth is..." "He wants to go home." "Home?" "Why did you call me, Merlin?" " I didn't." " You did." " Who are you?" " The Lady of the Lake..." "How are you getting on with my sister, Mab?" " We two don't get on." " Why?" "I don't approve of what she's been doing... creating you, and... letting your mother die like that." "She let my mother die?" "Oh, dear." "I shouldn't have told you... but it just slipped out." " I'm going home." " You should... your Auntie Ambrosia is very ill." "Where is he?" "He's on his way home to that viper-tongued witch, Ambrosia." "How can he get across the lake?" "My dear sister..." "If I may say so, madam, it really would help matters, if you two could agree to..." " When I want your advice, I'll ask for it, Frik!" " As you wish, madam." " What are you going to do?" " I'm not going to lose him." "Where is he?" "So... here you are again." "You're still a chip off|the iceberg, I see..." "Oh, please, don't bother to knock." "Where's Merlin?" "You've lost him, haven't you?" "I must say, it's typical." "You've been sliding down the ladder of success so quickly these last few years... you must have got splinters in your backside." "Don't provoke me, Ambrosia." "I'm in no mood for your jibes." "I'm anxious about him, too." "You should have taken better care of him..." "He'll be here." "he's heard you're ill." "I'm not ill..." "I'm dying." "When he comes, you must send him back." "Can't you make him come back?" "It's better that you tell him his place is with me." " No, I won't do that." "Do you defy me?" " Of course, I defy you, I've always defied you." "Why?" " It's my nature." "When my boy comes here..." "I'll say not one word." "He'll do what's in his heart." "Now, see what you made me do?" "What is it?" "You tell me... you're the mistress of magic." "Dear boy, you've come back." "What's wrong?" "Nothing... everything's as it should be." "Merlin... remember... only listen to your heart." " You killed her..." " No, I didn't." " Just like you killed my real mother." " No..." "I only let her die." "You haven't the power to strike me." "Watch my power grow..." "That was very good, Merlin..." "I'm impressed." " I'll never forgive you." " I'm sorry about your mother and Ambrosia." "but they were casualties of war..." "I am fighting to save my people from extinction." " I don't care if you die, and disappear." " I will... unless I fight, and win." "I'll never help you." "You will..." "I'll make you." "I swear on Ambrosia's grave and the grave of my mother..." "I'll only, ever use my powers to defeat Queen Mab." "On this, I swear." "And thus, I set my course..." "I knew Mab had heard me, but right from the start she believed she could make me break my oath." "After all, part of her was in me." "So, she waited, patiently, in the shadows... for the time when she could strike, and make me see the error of my ways." "So, the world turned, and turned again." "The rain fell on the just, and unjust, alike." "Men and women were cut down like wheat, to be born again... strong." "Mab had to wait years, but it didn't matter." "Those years passed as if in seconds, and then she found a way, of making me break my oath." "It's a prime position for a new castle... don't you think?" "Lord Ardente... it will be impregnable." "You're Majesty, no army can take it." "Not even Uther's." " My Lord Uther is in Normandy, sire." "My spies tell me he's raising an army and getting ready to sail for England... he wants to kill me." "I don't blame him..." "I killed his father, King Constant." "King Constant was a tyrant... not unlike myself." "You don't sound very convincing, my lord." " What I'm interested in is... in case we'd have to fight, whose side would you be on... his or mine?" "I have always been loyal to your majesty..." "I've pledged my entire army to you." "True... up until now." "The trouble is..." "I don't trust anyone." "I want guarantees..." "You have my word, Sire." "It's not good enough." "I'm keeping your daughter, Nimue... just to be sure." "This is outrageous, Sire!" "I'm sorry." "King Vortigern..." "whatever you do to me... my father will do what is right." "Of course, he will... if you stay loyal to me, she'll be safe." "But if you betray me, I will kill her, myself." "How does it go?" "Progress?" "Fine, Sire... fine... the linnets on the west side need bolstering." "Run for your lives!" "Tell me roughly... what happened?" "I don't know, Sire..." "Guards!" "Take him away!" "It shouldn't have done that..." "It's the linnets." "I'm sure it's the linnets." "Get me a different architect!" " Hey you!" "You... why won't it stand?" " I'm a soothsayer, your Majesty, not an architect." "If you were a soothsayer you should know." "Tell me why it is, that every time I try to rebuild a tower... it collapses!" "yes, indeed... you think I should know that, sire?" " Yes, yes, well..." "I'll read the stones..." " Then, read them!" "Oh, I will, Sire..." "I will...that's something I do very well, Sire... very well." "Why is it that I surround myself with a bunch of incompetent fools?" "I've been a worshipper of the old ways all my life." "Now... that life is in danger." "And it's a precious life. it's mine!" "I've never had any real help..." "no... not never!" "What am I going to I've no idea why his tower keeps falling down." "The land is cursed..." "You've appeared!" "You appeared after all these years!" "It is... it is..." "Queen Mab!" "The land is cursed." "Neither tower, nor castle will stand." "So, what do we do?" "You... must find a man who has no mortal father... and mix his blood with the mortar." "Oooh... ahh... splendid!" "But... ummm... a man who has no mortal father... where can I find a man like that?" "I will show you..." "Seize that man!" "Welcome to my home, sir." "What can I do for you?" " I'm the king's soothsayer." " Important position..." "Ohh... and a fragile one." "I'm the third royal soothsayer this year." " Vortigern gets through them at an alarming rate." " He gets through everything at an alarming rate." "It seems to be holding." " It will hold this time, your majesty, never fear." " Never have." "The foundations are as solid..." "You were saying...?" "Your majesty..." "I've found him..." "the man without a mortal father." "This better not be one of your tricks." " No... no... no Sire." "It's all true." "Well, there's only one way to find out... get a bowl... cut his throat." "Do it now!" "What's the matter with you?" " He's a wizard..." " He doesn't look like much of a wizard to me." "I never did anything to you..." "why do you want to cut my throat?" "It's nothing personal." "I have to mix your blood with the mortar for the castle." "This old fool tells me it's the only way to make the building stand." "It's easy to die knowing you'll die for your country." "If I may I first offer some advice... your majesty's in danger of seeming a little stupid." "What did you call me?" "Stupid" "This man thinks he's me!" "Why would you call me stupid?" "Because, it's obvious why you can't build a castle there." "Look!" "I'm looking..." " I don't see anything." "Can't you see the stream?" "It runs into a great cavern below." "The water's here, I swear!" "I can see it." "We can all..." "You wanted to build my castle on water?" "That's not all that's wrong." "You work on the dragons..." "Dragons?" "What dragons?" "I see two dragons... one red... one white." "My crest is a white dragon." "It's an omen..." "Wouldn't you say, sir?" "What else did you see?" "The red dragon conquered the white." "It's an omen... wouldn't you say, Sire?" "Could be an omen." "Your Majesty, Prince Uther has landed..." "from Normandy with a great army." "He's marching on Winchester." "You foresaw all this..." "I see things unknown." "Gather my armies!" "We march on Winchester!" "I've been fighting my enemies for fifteen years." "Every time I crush one, another one takes his place." "Will it ever end?" "Perhaps, you need me to foretell the future..." "then you could crush them all before they get a chance to cause trouble." "Of course, then you wouldn't be able to cut my throat." "You're an extraordinary man... but I can't have extraordinary men..." "You're not quick enough, that's a mistake many of my enemies make... they think before they act..." "I act before I think." "That's my advantage." "And you... you're out of a job." "Tie the wizard." "Come on, quick..." "before he changes his mind." "Open the gates" "Here comes the king." "There they are..." "Throw him in." "Ah, Frik!" "How are you doing?" "Overworked, and underpaid..." "how terribly sweet of you to inquire." "You're in serious trouble this time, Master Merlin." "How did they ever make vulgarian like Vortigern king?" "You mortals have no sense of the fitness of things." "Quite appalling." "Anyway, I'm here with a message from Mab." " Naturally..." " She's going to punish you." "She hates me." "But she's rather disappointed that you've refused to use your magic power." "I swore an oath on Ambrosia's grave, Frik." "But why won't you use them, Master Merlin?" " Because Mab wants me to." "You will in the end, you know." "You're half human." "She's a terrible enemy, Master Merlin..." "and a very poor employer." "Well, I mean, I could tell you stories..." "but enough of my problems." "It is you, Merlin." "what are you doing here?" "I'm a hostage..." "Vortigern wants to make sure..." "that my father doesn't join Prince Uther." "Why... was he going to?" " No... but he doesn't trust anybody." "It's dangerous being here..." "no one knows who he'll strike down next." "Seems I said the wrong thing..." "I told him Uther would defeat him." "I hope you're right." "What is the matter?" "Are you ill?" " No... no, it's just..." "I... uhh..." "I need space to breathe these four walls are suffocating me." "I've never forgotten you all these years." "I've always remembered you, Merlin." "Uther has captured Winchester..." "he's unstoppable." "I'll stop him!" "I didn't send for you..." "That's why I'm here..." "I've killed men for such insolence" " and women?" " and children..." "I'm trembling..." "What makes you so brave, woman?" "Knowing that if you hurt me, my father and his men will join Uther." "Alright." "You're here now..." "so... what is it you want?" "Merlin... the wizard..." "He's sick." " Get him a physician." "There is no cure, but his freedom." "I cannot give him that." " Then he'll die." "We all die... eventually... even... wizards." "but if he does, you will not know about the battle." "He has had another vision." "Don't you want to know how to win?" "I now have the strongest army Britain has ever seen." "It may not be enough, your Majesty." "Uther and his men follow the Christian way." "I thought they didn't believe in killing." "Oh, they'll kill in a holy cause..." "and destroying you is a holy cause." "How convenient..." "they kill when it suits them." "Like the rest of us, Sire." "When... will he attack?" " Not before the spring..." "Good... we'll use winter as our ally." "We'll take him by surprise..." "Merlin!" "I need your help." "How are you?" "I know I've been a little hot-tempered..." "Patience is not one of my virtues." "Well, you have so few of those I wouldn't concern myself about that one, too much, Sire." "How can I help you?" "Can Uther be defeated?" "I dreamed of battle near Winchester." "but I couldn't see how it ended..." "I was too weak." "Dream it again..." "I want to know who wins." "And I want fresh air, and light." "without them I cannot dream dreams, and see visions." "Is that all?" "'Way over there, beyond those hills..." "is an island, called Avalon." "Joseph, of Arimathea came there from Jerusalem with the Holy Grail..." "The cup our lord, Jesus Christ, used at the holy supper." "It has the power to feed the hungry and heal the sick." "But the Holy Grail was lost to us." "Many men search for it but no one has ever seen it, since." "But one day, a man with a pure heart will find it." "and peace, and happiness will return.'" "That's a lovely story... and so are you." "Oh... they hurt... memories... memories of love, they hurt." "Our world was tearing itself to pieces, I didn't care... those were truly the happiest days of my life." "Are you really a wizard?" "A hand wizard..." "You mean... there's magic in your hands?" "Well, for one thing, hands can say so much more than words." "They can... umm... welcome... beg... pray." "They can... hands can even..." "If only we could keep everything as simple as the roundness of the moon." "Look at it's simplicity, Nimue." "Everything equal, no part more important than the rest." "I thought you weren't going to do any magic..." "Oh... that wasn't magic... magic is real." "That was just a trick." "Open the gate... open the gate..." "Hail, Vortigern... king of Britain." "I am Mab...queen of the old ways." "What brings you here, madam?" "I can tell you how to defeat Uther." "What will this alliance cost me?" "There's a price to everything." "The wizard..." "Merlin..." "I want him." "He is too valuable to me... he sees things... he has visions." "Anyone can have visions... don't you see visions?" "Don't you see yourself... winning?" "Yes... but I don't see why you would want to help me." "I would rather see you on the throne than Uther!" "I don't believe in your old ways." "You... don't believe in anything." "I believe in me." "That's not enough to make us win." "I understand..." "Uther will bring Christianity to the people and that will be the end of you." "Allright." "I'll give you the wizard... tell me, how do I defeat..." "Uther?" "Sacrifice Nimue to the great dragon..." "That's not so easy..." "Ethics...?" "Politic." "I can't do that... she's my hostage." "It keeps her father loyal to me." "Urgent news, your Majesty." "Lord Argent has defected." "He's joined Prince Uther." "How convenient..." "Mab!" "For both of us!" "The girl dies!" "Let Merlin watch..." "Very good, Merlin." "Very good..." "Like Joseph of Arimathea..." "I went to Avalon... not with the Holy Grail, but... but with something much more precious to me." "Sisters..." "Take care of her, please..." "she's very badly hurt." "Whilst the monks prayed and I thought of revenge." "the nuns were more practical." "They used their knowledge of ancient herbs, and potions... to try and save my only love." "she's very badly wounded." "The sisters are doing all they can, but you must pray with us." "Why should I pray to your God if he is going to take her from me?" "But this is not God's work..." "No, you're right... it isn't." "Do you know who did it?" "Oh, yes..." "I know..." "Do you hear me, Mab?" "You destroyed everyone I love... my mother, Ambrosia, and now, Nimue." "The end justifies the means." "I did it for you." "I want you to use the power in you." "Rise up, dear, dear, Merlin and be great." "No, Mab." "I'll destroy you for what you've done to me." "You can't, Merlin." "I'll always be too strong." "I'll find a way." "I WILL FIND A WAY!" "Never..." "Not ever!" "Shh... don't try to speak..." "save your strength." "Don't... don't turn your face to the wall..." "Please, go out..." "The important thing is you are alive." "I have to go away for a little while." "When I come back it'll be forever." "You'll always be beautiful to me." "My Lady of the Lake..." "It is I..." "Merlin." "I need help..." "For what purpose..." "Merlin..." "To defeat Vortigern... he's Mab's ally." "and a tyrant." "Good king... bad king... you judge too easily, Merlin." "You'll learn..." "I give you..." "EXCALIBER!" "I heard the sword's song... and it was beautiful." "Now... armed with the sword of the just..." "I was going to face another dragon." "a red one..." "It was Uther's crest, and..." "I was about to make it supreme... if he'd let me." "You're welcome to Winchester Castle, Merlin." "Oh, are you Merlin, the wizard?" "We're Christians here, sir." "We don't believe in your blasphemy." "Well, that's you're choice, sir, but pagan or Christian..." "I hope you believe in fresh news." "Well... is it good or bad?" " That depends how you use it." "Vortigern will attack you within days." "No one fights in winter..." "It isn't done!" "Rules of War: we fight in summer, we rest in winter." "Vortigern isn't interested in rules, and traditions... he wants to win." "And if circumstances were different, I would favour him." "His army's already on the march..." "take it, or leave it." "Why are you telling me this?" "Vortigern is a friend of my enemy..." "Mab so my enemy's enemy is my friend, and besides..." "I've already seen the red dragon defeat the white." "And I think... that you might make a fair to decent king." " Oh, you think so, do you?" "King Constant wasn't." "You'll have to do a lot better than your father." "But I offer you my services as a wizard." "Merlin..." "I owe you an apology!" "You were right about Vortigern..." "What a fool... to fight in winter." "Perhaps, I was the fool thinking that winter would make me safe?" "We will be ready for him now." "We must choose our battleground, Sire." "Here... we fight him, here." "You mean by the river...?" " On it..." "He has to come down here through the pass, and cross on his way to Winchester." "This is where you meet Vortigern and crush him." "Uther knows you're going to attack him." "He's waiting for you..." "I wonder who told him I was coming?" "Merlin..." " The dragon didn't kill him?" "What about the girl?" " She's alive..." "So much for real magic." "It doesn't matter." "I never believed in it, anyway." "You're a very brave man, Vortigern, but so stupid!" "You have to believe in something, now." " Like what...?" "I've been king for twenty years, and I've never been defeated." "I didn't use any magic..." "I did it with my bare hands." "What is it?" " It'll protect you." "What are you afraid of, Mab?" "The world is passing you by, leaving you behind." "Kings... queens... old ways... new ways... they all come together in the end." "I've never been afraid, and never will be." "Vortigern... it's your pride." "Your pride condemns you." "Lord Ardente... the traitor... you changed sides!" "I wish I could." "CHARGE!" "Are you going to use some of your magic on me, Merlin?" "I'll kill you any way I can Vortigern." "And I will kill you..." "Only one tear was shed for Vortigern, and his pride had cast it away." "He paid for it with his life." "That is a mighty sword." "It is Excaliber... it can only be used by a good man in a good cause." "I understand..." "I thought..." "I could, now, spend time with Nimue." "I thought Uther would be a good king." "and so, help defeat Mab." "but..." "I was never a good judge of men." "I always expected too much of them." "Cornwall..." "Your majesty, may I present my wife..." "the lady, Igraine... and my daughter." "You are welcome to Pendragon, my lady, and you." "Morgan Le Fey, your majesty." "Cornwall, would you permit me to dance with your lady after the feast?" "If your majesty pleases..." "It would please his majesty, very much." "Igraine." "She's beautiful... isn't she?" "Beautiful and somebody else's wife." "But still beautiful... what does the rest matter." "Are you really a wizard...?" "So they say..." "Do some magic for me." "Do you wash behind your ears?" "That's not real magic... it's a trick!" "Anyone can do it!" "Alright... you do it, then." "There... you see?" "I did it!" "You were right... anyone could do it." "Come on." "He hardly had the crown on his head before it began all over again." "I decided to leave, let them stew in their own juices." "May I ride with you?" "Of course..." "I believe in you, Merllin." "And I in you, Uther." "How great is your power?" "Can you make a woman love me?" "No... magic can't create love." "Could you kill her husband?" "Igraine..." "I want her, Merlin." "more than I've ever wanted anything in the world." "Well, you can't have her..." "Do you know what love is?" "Yes, Uther... sad to say I know what love is." "Give me Igraine..." " She's not mine to give." "Then..." "I'll take her even if it means war!" "It will..." "So be it!" "I have Excaliber." "Very well... give me the sword." "I shall make a spell." "Who... dares wake me?" "I am Merlin and this is Excaliber." "Where did you get it?" "A gift from the Lady of the Lake." "She has been a friend of mine... since before the dawn of time." "If I can remember that... it means that I'm an old man." "I ask you to hold Excaliber for me... until a good man comes to take it from you." "Then..." "I will be holding it forever... if not longer." "You tricked me, Merlin!" "Come, come..." "Uther..." "I'm a wizard... that's my business." "The sword is yours if you can take it." "Where are you, Merlin?" "It's Avalon..." "Journey's end, Sir Rupert." "I certainly hope so." "You know, we're not as young as we used to be." "Come on... old friend." "I'm not ready for you to see me." "Let me be the judge of that." "I'm a monster..." "I can't..." "Mab is too strong." "Leave this place and come with me." "I'm not ready to face the world." "When will you be ready?" "I don't know." "Three months siege..." "and we still haven't taken it." "There's no way across the causeway, Sire..." "my advice to you is give it up." "It is madness..." "I..." "I must have Igraine..." "As one who's been to?" ", Sire..." "As one who knows a few things..." "I have to tell you." "The kingdom is falling apart whilst we tear ourselves to pieces." "If this was for money or love or power..." "I could understand it." "But all this for Cornwall's wife!" "?" "!" "You were born old, Boris." "You've never known what it is to lust after a woman." "I've spent all my life fighting..." "Bloody days, and cold nights... with a naked sword as my bedfellow." "You'll never take Tintagel." "Look!" "Hundreds are dead because you have an itch." "You helped cure me of that itch...?" "You've lost your reputation, Uther." "A reputation's like glass :" "once cracked, it can never be repaired." "Will you help me?" " I don't know you anymore." "You've become another Boris." "You'll devour the world in you lust." " You help me..." "Yes, I'll help you." "I have to be mad to stop this madness." "What will it cost me?" "You will have the lady, Igraine." "There will be a child, a boy..." "I've seen him, Uther." "He's mine." " Uh, what will you do with him?" "Teach him honour, and goodness..." " I can do that..." "Honour, and goodness, the words stick in your throat." "You choke on them just as you'll choke on your vomit in the end." "Very well..." "I agree." "Cornwall will not be harmed..." "Not by me..." " Now break camp... stay around me... now and daylight..." "while Cornwall can see you." "Uther's breaking camp..." "We'll follow him." "Don't leave, my lord..." " Why not?" "I have a feeling that's..." " The castle's well guarded..." "You will be safe, my love." "Look after you mother, eh Morgan?" " I will, Father." "Remember, Uther." "You only have until the morning." "The night is your friend... use it." "you don't approve..." " Of course, I don't approve." "The end justifies the means..." "Sir Rupert." " Where have I heard that before?" "HIS LORDSHIP, CORNWALL APPROACHES..." "OPEN THE GATES!" "Open the gates... his lordship returns!" "Back so soon, my Lord..." "Uther's really gone." "Mother..." "My place... is here with you." "Mother... that's..." " You to go to bed, little girl... umm?" "Let me go..." " not... not another word." "But I didn't say goodnight..." " Goodnight... goodnight..." "Things fall apart they say..." "Uther had betrayed me, killed Cornwall." "But then..." "I betrayed Igraine..." "by helping Uther seduce her." "So, the wheel of life turns..." "one betrayal leads to another." "the innocent die." "It haunted me for the rest of my life." "Frik... what are you doing?" "Writing fairy stories, so you'll be remembered." "You don't need to do that..." "I'll not be forgotten." "For us..." "Things are going rather well, for us." "I can make sure..." "Who are you?" "Shh..." "I'm a gnome!" "You're tall for a gnome... aren't you?" "Well... as a matter of fact..." "gnomes do, indeed, come in all shapes and sizes." "I'm the tall kind." "Can you do magic?" " Of course!" "Watch!" "Ahh, beautiful lady..." "I'm at your service." "Your wish... is my command." "Watch me swashbuckle..." "That's real magic... not tricks!" "Will you teach me how to do that?" " I certainly shall... if you do something for me." "You're new baby brother will be born soon." "How terribly exciting... don't you think?" "He's not my real brother." "The man who made him wasn't my real father." "Well, I mean... that's clever, Morgan." "You'll make a wonderful pupil for the fantastic things I can teach you." "What do you want me to do?" " Just put this stone in the baby's crib." "Push... push... yes, yes, you're doing so well... just take my hand... take my hand... come on... come on..." "And so..." "Arthur was born." "It's a boy!" "At last... a good man... a good king." "You're easily fooled, Merlin." "Uther fooled you when he killed Cornwall..." "now, his child is damned." "The boy is mine!" "He'll be his father's son... because of him the days of blood will go on and on." "And out of it, the people will come back to me." "I'll see you fade into nothing..." "Poor Merlin... wrong again." "I'm winning!" "Well... where was I?" "Arthur had just been born." "I fostered him with Sir Hector." "Do unto others... as you would them do unto you." "I was his tutor." "I didn't teach him magic..." "I taught him ethics and morals." "which is much more difficult, believe me." "His real father..." "King Uther, went mad..." "Kill the prisoners... and killed himself." "That brings us up to date..." "I think." "Arthur grew up to be a fine young man." "Perhaps, as usual, I expected too much of him... but... he was the vessel of all my hopes." "Arthur, don't charge around like that, the horses don't like it." "And don't get off, we're leaving right away." "Merlin, have you heard the news?" "King Uther's dead!" "Didn't you hear what I said?" "The king is dead!" " I know..." " Know?" "How could you know out here in the woods?" "A little bird told me." "Where are we going?" " To make you king!" "Merlin... tell me..." "how can I be king?" "Because, you were born to it..." " I've no royal blood in me!" "Stand aside, this is a job for a man!" "That old windbag..." "look at him!" " If he's not careful, he'll do himself an injury!" "Arthur kept asking me..." "but I wasn't ready." "The truth about his father, the death of Cornwall, my part in the whole squalid plot." "No wonder I found it hard to tell him... besides..." "I was distracted." "Griffins!" "Thank you..." "I did nothing..." "I wasn't talking to you." "What was that?" "That... that was a message... from an old friend." "Arthur wanted me to explain..." " Why won't you tell me?" "He couldn't know that explaining everything settles nothing." "Yes, it's... it's time." "I hoped he'd understand my part of it." "you should know that Sir Hector isn't your real father." "Your father was King Uther and you... are the true heir to the throne." "It turned out better than I'd hoped." "If I am Uther's only son..." "I want what's mine." "I want to be king." "When you are king... what then?" "Well..." "I..." "What?" "What is it now?" "He has the right-of-way." "You were saying... if you were king..." "I'd do all the things that you taught me." "I'd build a golden city... devoted to peace... and charity." "What the world needs is justice, compassion, more than charity." "Still..." "Camelot sounds like a dream worthy of a king!" "All the knights in Britain have tried to take it." "But it is the sword of the true king." "It is yours, Arthur!" "Merlin... it seems you were here only a moment ago." "My lord, this man claims Excaliber." "Who is it?" "Arthur... only son of Uther, and rightful king of Britain." "Why give him the sword?" "He will betray the people, just as his father did." "I don't know what I'll do, or what I'll become, only what I am." "A wise answer..." " I had a wise teacher." "You're destroying the old ways." "You will be forgotten, just like the rest of us." "That is your fear... not mine, Mab." "I... cannot die." "I am... a rock of ages." "I will live forever... on the edge of dreams." "Take it now, Arthur." "The sword is yours!" "Look at him..." "Merlin." "His reign begins in blood... it will end the same way." "No, Mab... you're wrong..." "Arthur will heal the land!" "He has the sword... he has Excalibur!" "Long live the king!" "Don't you ever tidy, Frik?" "I try, your majesty, but I'm terribly overworked." "I can't use imps, gnomes, or fairies, they're utterly useless with anything practical." "I mean, I have so much to do!" " And you'll have more..." "I've totally given up on Merlin." "I thought..." "perhaps... despite everything... he might come 'round." " Well, I mean, he's a stubborn creature, isn't he?" "I wanted him to..." "so I fooled myself." "I've never know you to do that before..." "over anyone!" "Enough!" "Arthur's cursed." "I want everyone to know in good time." "And that will be your job..." "Frik!" "Uther was my cousin..." "I claim the throne by right!" "You did not pull the sword Excalibur, from the rock!" "You all failed." "My father is king by right of blood." "That's better... isn't it, my lords?" "Now you can listen, instead of fighting." "It should be a novel experience for most of you." "Uther had a son..." "I give you..." "Arthur..." "true king of Britain." "Uther had no son!" " Everyone knows that..." "He did..." "Uther did have a son..." "When Uther conquered Tintagel, he took the lady, Igraine." "A son was born." "It's true..." "I was there." "is Uther's son?" "If he is, let him draw Excaliber from the stone." "I already have..." "Well... prove it!" "Prove that it is Excaliber." "You do have Excaliber!" "You are Uther's son." "I acknowledge you..." "my liege, lord, and king." "And so do I!" "He has the sword..." "Accept him..." "Lot." "Never!" "I'll not bend my knee to a boy, nor will my son." "I can speak for myself, Father." "He has Excaliber..." "he is the king." "You'll go against your own father..." " The cause is just." "And if it's not... and you're wrong?" "Then you'll have to kill me in battle." "I'm the king's man, Father." "So be it!" "My Lords, hard as it may be for you, think for a moment." "We have seen too many wars." " My mind's made up!" "My... you've grown!" " Who are you?" "Don't you remember me?" "I used to visit you, when you were very young." "I remember you..." "I thought you were a dream." " I'm real!" "You lied to me, you told me you'd make me beautiful but you never did." "I told you I'd make you beautiful, did I?" "Then I will!" "But first, it's time to put away childish things." "Why so sad?" "It's just a toy." "Look at yourself..." "I'm beautiful..." "Very, very beautiful..." "I think, clothes cut in the Roman style are the only gowns for a lady of fashion." "Oh... it's wonderful!" "Now... get me the throne." "That's... beyond my powers." "I'll tell you from personal experience... that elves are so short..." "that when it rains... they're the last to know." "Because of their size... stop enjoying yourself and get on with it!" "I've been thinking..." "Morgan... that there might be a way of giving you what you want." "Your son... could be king." "Well, how?" "If Arthur defeats Lord Lot, he'll be king, and I can't marry him." "You don't have to marry him to have his son." " We have the same mother... and underneath this charming and devilishly handsome exterior.." "I'm a crabby, old gnome." "Does it matter?" "Not a bit!" "You don't to have to seduce me to win me over... like everyone else I want the crown." "I like you, Morgan Le Fey." "You're a truthful young woman." "And I like you..." "Stand aside!" "The army is all it's ready size going to be a bloody fight!" "Wait for my signal." "He'll be killed!" "Merlin!" "What the devil does he think he's doing?" "There is no reason why men should die today, my lord." "The quarrel is between us." "It is..." "This is Excalibur... the sword of the true king." "If you believe you have a right to it... take it... and kill me." "Forgive me, Arthur..." "I can feel it." "The sword is yours." "You are the true king!" "The war is over!" "Arthur is our true king... by blood and right." "Here... in this circle, let us give thanks to our savior for this deliverance." "And let this circle be a symbol of our purpose." "Each man in it... is equal to the other." "Each has a voice... and each will strive to fight for truth and honour." "Let us pray." "I thought I'd finally achieved one of my dreams." "At last, there was a good king on the throne." "Your Majesty... may I present Lady Marie queen of the border Celts... who comes to pay you homage." "You are most welcome, my Lady." "Lady... we are overwhelmed by your gifts." "Perhaps, I... and my servants... can join you for the night." "We've had a long... tiring journey." "And we'd like to rest before we return home." "Of course... we can spend some time together." "You can tell me about... your people." "It will be my pleasure... your Majesty." "What are you showing me, Mab?" "What have you done?" "I rode fast that day... but I knew I was already too late to stop something that could finish us all." "Out my Lords..." "And close the door behind you." "Merlin... what's the matter?" "Tell me the truth, Arthur... two nights ago you slept with a woman." "Yes... if you must know..." "I did." "'though I don't see why I need to tell you about it." "That was Morgan Le Fey..." "Her mother was the Lady Igraine, your mother!" "I didn't know..." "I swear I didn't know." "There will be a child." "Mab will see to that." "He'll be the future and he'll destroy us!" "A mirror." "There are no mirrors in Avalon." "You see how it can change you?" "You've changed me already." "You've scarred me." "I know... so unfair!" " Unfair?" "That was evil." "With evil all around me, I can do nothing but evil to survive." "Ohh, that's too easy!" "You can fight it..." "like Merlin." "It's because of Merlin that all this came about." "That's not true!" "Why are you here, Mab?" "To make you an offer..." "I will restore your beauty if you take Merlin to a place that I have created for you." "You can live with him there until the end of your days." "And be happy?" "And be happy." "He has a destiny." "It would keep him from his purpose." "It would keep him from wasting his life." "He believes that fighting for what is right isn't a waste." "I wouldn't do that to him." "I love him." " I love him..." " You hate him..." " I hate him, too." "What's your answer?" " No!" "I'm sorry." "If you change your mind... just... call my name... out loud." "I couldn't stay away for long." "Arthur was more to me than just a king." "And, I was curious to see what was going on." "it's good to see you, old friend." "What's all this, Arthur?" " A promise made flesh." "I'm building the city of Camelot." "It's a new beginning." "I made a mistake that night with Morgan." "But I can't believe that I will be condemned for all eternity for one mistake." "Well, not by me." "I'll never condemn you, Arthur." "I'm to marry Lord Leo's daughter." "Ah... do you love her?" "She'll make a splendid queen and be a good wife." "We hope to get married here at Camelot." "It doesn't matter if it's not finished." "Will you be there with me?" " I'd be honoured." "What's her name, your bride?" "Guinevere." "I was going to Tintagel castle." "Perhaps, Arthur wouldn't have been so eager to leave on his quest for the Holy Grail... if he'd known what a terrible enemy he would leave behind in Morgan Le Fey." "Merlin... is here to see you, my Lady." "Send him in..." "You hear that Mordred?" "There's a wizard come to see us." "Won't this be fun?" "My Lady Morgan, do you know why I'm here?" "Say hello to my son, Mordred." "That was rude, Mordred." "You can do anything you like but you must never be rude." "Rude is being weak." "You were saying, Merlin?" " Do you know why I'm here?" "Hmm, it's to do with my son." "Hasn't he grown?" " Yes, he has and rather more than is natural, I have to say." "Hmm, of course..." "I beg you for the sake of the country..." "You must not teach him the old ways." "Oh, this country means nothing to me." "A bastard sits on the throne that should be mine." "A bastard... begot in blood..." "when his father, Uther, seduced my mother... and killed my father." "It's the future, I'm thinking of, Morgan." "Oh, you would think of the future, Merlin." "because the past is too painful." "You choose Uther to be king." "You helped him seduce my mother... and destroyed me." "In the end, you begot Mordred." "Just as surely as Queen Mab, and Arthur." " I know that, but I can live with it." "Just as you have to live with the fact that Mordred will be king." "No... that can never be!" "Merlin's a guest." "Don't be naughty." "He just wants attention." "You'll get all you want when you're king." "And he will be, Merlin, he's Arthur's son." "What about the old ways, Morgan?" "Well, you're in no position to lecture me on what I can or can't do." "Besides... the old ways have been good to me." "They gave me a son... and made me beautiful." "Oh, poor Morgan... it's only an illusion." "Beauty is always only an illusion, Merlin." "Didn't you know that?" "We thought we'd come in the traditional way, through the door." "It's traditional to open it, first." "Mordred!" "Look who's here!" "Your Auntie Mab, and Uncle Frik!" "It's been ages, Master Merlin..." "Do you ever think of the old school where I tried to teach you the fundamentals of magic?" "He could have been my star pupil, Morgan... but he proved... disappointing." "But you won't...will you, Mordred?" "Isn't he handsome?" " Handsome is as handsome does." "What does that mean?" "I've never really understood the phrase..." "Toys..." "Mordred..." "Auntie always brings you lots of lovely toys." "You see, Merlin, you took my family away from me... now..." "I have a new one." "It won't last, Morgan..." " Nothing does..." "Can't you see it... feel it?" "I'm winning, Merlin." "I have the precious gift of patience." "It'll be years before Mordred can claim the throne, but I can wait." "Time means nothing to me." "You'll be the death of Arthur and the end of all poor Merlin's dreams." "Won't you, my sweetie?" "Oh!" "Look!" "The big, bad wizard can't do a thing!" "Merlin... you're troubled again." "Still the same cry for help, Lady." "You're sister, Mab, grows more powerful." " And I grow weaker..." "What can I do?" "I..." "I have to find a man to guard the throne while Arthur goes questing for the Holy Grail." "The temptation will be to seize the crown when he's gone." "You need a man pure in heart." "I've tried to find him before... he doesn't exist." "The answer is at Joyous Guarde." "My ship will take you." "It was like a dream." "A dream of a dream... the skies parted and I saw the dream come alive, before my eyes." "That was someday, they'll describe me, Arthur, Guinevere, and Camelot as a dream." "Who are you?" " I am Merlin, the wizard." "There aren't any wizards left." " I'm the last of them." "Who are you?" " Galahad..." "My mother is the Lady Elaine..." "and my father is Sir Launcelot." "I've come here to find a man to defend King Arthur, and his kingdom." "But he must be a good man, pure in heart." "You've found him." "It was all... too easy." "You're sure this is what you want?" "It's not what I want..." "it's what you want." "I can't hold you back." "It's your chance forone last great adventure." "I should have known." "Galahad...protect your mother while I'm away." "My Lords, Ladies," "Knights of the realm..." "I shall leave soon, on a God-given quest for the Holy Grail." "Now, I seek a champion to protect our country, and the honour of our fair queen while I'm gone." "I claim that honour, Sire." "Gawaine, I hope that you don't win..." "you know I need you to come with me." "You should have let me compete in the tourney, Sire." "You're too old, Sir Boris." " Of course, he's too old, but I'm not." "Your Majesty, I wish to vouch for Sir Launcelot of the Lake." "He wants to enter the jousts." "So be it, Merlin." "Aha!" "Gawaine, or this Launcelot!" "Launcelot of the Lake takes the honours..." "He is the best and the noblest of the knights." "He's very handsome... isn't he?" " Yes." "What did you say, my Lady?" "Nothing..." "Your Majesty?" "I offer my sword and my life." "It is an honour, brave knight." "As champion, Launcelot shall be" "How is he?" "Fair to middling, considering we haven't taken the lance out, yet." " And why not?" "There is a dispute scholarly dispute as to whether we take it out con or contra wise." "Which means, to the mere layman, turning and pulling it to the left or to the right... contra." "Is there anything I can do for you, Sir Launcelot?" "Hold my hand, Lady." "No, Tannen, pull conwise the planets of Venus, and Uranus will be the dominant influences." "You're physicians, instead of arguing, about it... do it!" "We must talk about it first." "Indeed, these are weighty matters fit only for experts." "Trust us, if we treat a knight for a broken arm that is what he'll die of." "That's enough... enough!" "Launcelot?" "Are you ready, Sir Knight?" "Do it..." "Gawaine." "Goodbye, Merlin." " 'Bye, Arthur... come back to us." "They left to chase dreams, shadows... but if I'd told them, they wouldn't have listened." "And so, the years rolled on... one year merging into another... and another." "If you five gentlemen don't stop trembling, I might miss, and kill you all." "Less than perfect." "That's enough, Mordred." "You mustn't get carried away, my sweet." "It shows lack of control." "Why fire at Auntie Mab, and Uncle Frik?" "I do hope that the boy is just having fun, and it's nothing personal." "It's not personal... he likes you." " I often wonder what he would do if he didn't like me." "Stop fussing, Mother!" "Auntie Mab understands, don't you, Auntie Mab?" "Of course, I understand, you were testing yourself." "Now, come and sit by me." "You know you're my favourite, Mordred, but you have to channel your aggression." "Against Arthur ?" " Yes... always Arthur, and Merlin." "You're looking pale, Mordred." "You're not eating enough." "I already have the strength of ten men." " Listen to your aunt..." "Please do something about your hair." "Very well, Mother." "There's a good boy." "The work is going much too slowly." "but you keep on changing your mind, Sir Launcelot." "First this, then that..." "I'm giving it my best try!" "Well, you've got to do better than that." " How can I do better than my best?" "All alone, my Lady?" " Merlin is my faithful shadow." "That's right, and proper." " Why not you?" "You're my champion." "Because when I'm near you, I can't control my heart." "You're near me now." " It's dangerous..." "Perhaps, we should be grateful for my shadow." "What's wrong, Merlin?" " The walls are whispering, Guinevere." "Can't you hear them?" "What are they saying?" " That you are too friendly with Sir Launcelot." "Do you believe such whispers, Merlin?" "Ah, but I've seen how you two look at each other." "I don't care what others think." "I'm a queen!" "That is why you must take special care..." "I can't protect you in this matter." "You look... beautiful..." "I should jump throw myself from the battlement." "Then I'll jump, too..." "I can't live without you." "I don't believe it!" "Launcelot wouldn't..." "Auntie... you're looking extraordinarily pleased with yourself." "What have you done?" "Is it terrible?" "Do tell..." "I'm sure it's perfect." "I've made sure..." "Elaine knows that Launcelot... and Guinevere are lovers." "How absolutely delicious!" "Isn't that rather unworthy of us?" "Unworthy?" "Well, what does that mean, Mother?" "Ohh, I've forgotten what does it mean?" "Yes... it is unworthy... but I don't like to be told, Frik." "I warned you... you didn't listen." "What's happened?" "How did she die?" "She died of a broken heart... because of you." "I'm sorry..." "I judged them too harshly." "The blame was mine, too." "I picked Launcelot, after all." "I wish I'd told them that." "It might have made it easier." "Oh, great news..." "great news, Nimue!" "Arthur's coming home!" "Oh, thank God!" "Did he find the Holy Grail?" " No... but what of it?" "He's coming home." "Holy Grail, or no Holy Grail, he should never have left." "Merlin, he's free, he can start living his own life again." "Yes... and it should be with you, my child." "Your true vocation is Merlin." "God doesn't want you when you love another." "Umm..." "I..." "I shouldn't really say this, in these hallowed walls." "Faith is supreme, of course... but love... is even better." "Careful, my dear, these steps are very slippery." "Where are we going?" " To my land, the land of magic." "Can I create monsters?" " Ohh, if you wish." "You're so good to me, Auntie." " It won't all be fun, and games..." "Arthur's coming back." "There will be things I have to teach you..." "Is Mother coming?" " No, we don't need her, anymore." "Mab... where are you taking my son?" " It's time..." "Without a word?" "Without a by-your-leave?" " I have to make him ready." "You're not taking him!" "He's my son." " He's mine!" "I gave him love, you gave him toys!" "I gave him life!" "I'm never letting him go." "That was very clever, Auntie." "My love..." "My love..." "Frik...?" "My love...?" "Am I still beautiful?" "Beyond words, my love..." "Am I?" "Oh... yes... beyond words." "You killed her!" " Perhaps, she just slipped." "In any case, what does it matter?" "You're holding us up, Frik." "We have a lot to do!" "Mab!" "You evil, old crone!" "May God have mercy on your soul!" "He obviously didn't have any on the rest of you!" " Why is everybody suddenly against me?" "I'm leaving you with your misery, and pain... but... with no more magic powers!" "Now... you will wander through the world ugly and alone... just as if you were human." "Goodbye, Frik..." "I'll miss you..." "No, I won't!" "Why didn't you kill him, Auntie Mab?" " Because, that's what he wanted me to do." "Camelot!" "It's built!" "Sir Launcelot has kept his word." "We have to ride in with our banners held high, Sire." "You're right, Gawaine..." "Raise your banners, and your hearts, men!" "We're home!" "Where is everyone?" " Something's wrong, Sire." "What's wrong here?" "Where is Merlin?" "Where's Launcelot?" "I'll tell you..." "Who the devil are you?" "Elegantly put, 'who the devil...' yes, indeed. 'Who the devil...'" "Well, don't you recognize me?" " No." "Should I?" "Ohh..." "I'm hurt!" "here... in my heart... not usually my most vulnerable spot." "I recognize you..." "Father!" "I'm your long lost son, Mordred." "Morgan Le Fey... is your mother." "Not is, Father... was... she passed over into a better world." "And she sleeps alone, at last." "A great loss... one day, she was laughing, smiling... the next... gone!" "like a summer's breeze." "In the midst of life, etc." "etc. and so on, and so forth." "It's why I'm here..." " I don't understand..." "To protect your interests, Father." "You see, your interests are my interests." "Whilst you were away on this great spiritual quest to cleanse your soul..." "How should I put it...?" "you were being betrayed..." " That's enough!" " It isn't!" "So, come Merlin, let's speak the truth, at last..." " Farces in the time..." "Father..." "Launcelot betrayed you with the queen." "Or should it be the queen betrayed you with Launcelot?" "No pretense... no point being pedantic." "You were betrayed!" "This isn't the place to discuss this matter." " Oh..." "I think it's the perfect place." "Is it true?" " Arthur, you have just returned, we must talk calmly." " Guinevere, is it true?" " Yes, it's true!" "Mordred, you have no right to be here." " I have every right to be here." "We all have." "This isn't a private matter, it concerns us all." "How could you do that to me?" "Didn't you think of me at all?" "You left me alone for years, did you not think of me?" "What of my honour, finding out my husband had a child by a woman named Morgan Le Fey?" "Good one..." "Oh, come, Father, this is becoming distressingly personal." "When you're forgetting, it's a matter of state." "Matter of state...!" "We are talking treason here..." "My Lords..." "I don't see it as treason..." "She betrayed me and only me." "That's enough." "Sire, Mordred is right..." "You are the king and that makes her adultery treason." " Then we must condemn her to death!" "Do you really think we should do that?" "" " It's the law!" "It's harsh..." " It's meant to be." "My Lords, this is a time when we should temper justice with mercy." "After all, your religion proclaims it." "Let he who is not guilty of sin cast the first stone." "Now, I know I have been guilty in my time. and I suspect that you have been, too." "I must confess I have sinned a little." "So... we make excuses for her, because she's a queen." "Because she is human." " No... because she is Arthur's wife!" "Are we going back to one I aw for the rulers, and one for the ruled?" "Is that the way it is?" "Arthur?" "I thought Camelot was to be different." "It is..." " Then, show the world you mean it!" "Merlin..." "What should I do?" "In the end, you must uphold the law." "Guinevere... will be tried for treason." "A splendid decision..." "both fair, and just, eh, Father?" "Now!" "Let's drink and enjoy ourselves" "I want you out of Camelot!" "But Father, I've only just arrived." "I thought we could reminisce about old times, and play happy families." "Stop him talking!" " You can't mean that, Father." "I'm your beloved son, the crown prince, your one and only heir." "I want you out of my sight." " Embrace me, Father..." " Never!" " Or I'll take what's rightfully mine." "Guards!" "Seize him!" "Don't get up, I know my way out." "I'm sorry, Father..." "but I'm going to destroy you." "And this time, you pet wizard won't save you." "I'm here, Nimue." "You made me a promise, years ago, will you keep it?" "What made you change your mind?" "The king is coming home..." "Merlin is free to be with me." "I've discovered all I want is Merlin." "Will you agree to live with him in a place that I choose?" "If you make me whole again." "I have to warn you, Nimue... that if you go to this place, you can never leave it." "Will he come to me there?" " Yes... he will." "Then, do it, Mab!" "I've got to watch?" "The sin was mine, not hers." "It's too late!" "Launcelot always left everything to the last moment." "But then, my memory of Launcelot is that he never got anything right." "And so Launcelot, and Guinevere rode out of my story... and into legend." "What's the meaning of this?" " You tricked us, Father... you pretended to condemn the queen to the stake then you had her rescued by your damned wizard!" "You hadn't even the courage to set her free, yourself." "That's true." "I should have done it." "One law for you and another for the rest of us." "Do you hear?" "They can't live like that!" "I call upon all true-born Britains to rally to freedom's flag!" "You caught me by surprise, Father." "I know how that is..." "Nobles, the time for talking is over." "Those who value right, and justice, follow me." "Who's there?" "Father Abbot..." "I rode all night to get here." "Nimue's gone!" "But she left you a message that she'll be waiting for you at the door of magic." "You're a liar!" " How can you say such a thing?" "You're a liar!" "I'm glad to see you haven't lost all the skills I taught you." "I've lost none of them..." "and it was Frik, who taught me." "Don't mention that ingrate!" "He's left my employment." "Without a reference!" "Anyway, Nimue has gone... and she does want you to join her... when you're ready." "My noblemen don't want you with us against Mordred." "They say that if you come then they won't follow me." "What will you do now?" "Close my books, break my wand and... retire." "I have a life to live, and... uh..." "a chance to live it." "I'm going to meet her, now." "You'll be able to deal with Mordred?" "It's just one more battle and right is on our side." "I'm proud of you, Arthur." "Don't worry about me, Merlin." "I've still got Excaliber." "Merlin, I am here..." "Look!" "Look where we are..." "This is all Mab..." "Oh, forget her, we've wasted so much of our lives together, we're ready." "Now, it's our turn." "Isn't it what you've always wanted?" "What a pleasant surprise!" "Stop talking, Mordred... and fight!" "I thought you might enjoy a little light conversaton, before you die." "But... as you wish." "Clever boy!" "Father!" "It's time to... end it all." "We agree on that, at least." "You know, Father, if you'd lived..." "I don't think we'd have been very happy as a family." "What is it, Merlin?" "I heard a scream." "I didn't hear anything." "It's the sound of battle." "Arthur and Mordred." "It's nothing to do with us." "I'm sorry..." "Mordred." "Don't tell me, Father." "Another sin?" "You've killed your own son." "Arthur is dying." "I must go to him." "I'll be back very soon." "I'll be waiting for you, always." "Very soon..." "I swear!" "Why didn't you tell me?" "I knew I would never see her again." "I cannot save you..." "Don't die, Mordred." "Die here, Auntie Mab... that's the last thing I shall do." "Merlin... old friend..." "I knew you would come." "How goes the day, Arthur?" "I've seen better..." "Take the sword to the lake..." "No one must have it." "Go, Merlin... now!" "Rest easy, son..." "You were the right man to hold Excaliber." "Take it back, Lady..." "You lied to me..." "I didn't lie to you, Merlin." "I told you the answer was at Joyous Guarde." "That's where I found Launcelot." "It wasn't Launcelot, was it?" " It was the boy..." "Galahad." "It's human to make mistakes, Merlin." "and part of you is human... the best part." "Goodbye, Merlin... my sister, Mab, was right about one thing... when we're forgotten... we cease to exist." "What are you doing here, Frik?" " Betraying my principles, I'm afraid." "Indeed, I've always believed that it was better to be a coward for a second than dead for a lifetime." "And yet, here I am fighting." "fighting on the side of right, which is worse." "As a matter of fact, I gave in my notice." "If you're going after her, Master Merlin, you'll need help." "I knew I'd find you here, Mab." "You've come to see my final triumph?" " No, I've come to see your final defeat." "You always were a dreamer, Merlin." "Let me see... you've lost Arthur... the battle... you're one, true love..." "The battle isn't over yet, Mab." "You can't win..." "Why are you consulting with that traitor?" "Madam!" "After all my years of faithful service..." "I mean that's... rather harsh." "Not as harsh as I'm going to be..." "Sorry!" "Can't stay!" "Mordred's dead..." "So, we both have nothing to lose." "The battle is just between you, and me, Mab." "I'll show you how weak I am..." "My strength may be fading, Merlin... but I can still deal with these poor humans." "What do you plan to do?" "Use you puny sword... on me?" "No, Mab... we're just going to forget you." "What are you doing?" "You can't fight us or frighten us." "You're just not important enough, anymore." "We forget you, Queen Mab." "Go join your sister, in the lake, and be forgotten." "Look at me..." "Don't forget me, Merlin..." "I... uh..." "love you... as a son." "You failed!" "I had won." "I was trying to smile but it was the smile of... desolation." "Inside I felt only the pity and the terror and the waste of it all." "Everyone I ever loved and who ever loved me... all gone." "All gone, now." "And then..." "Galahad returned... and brought with him..." "the Holy Grail... and spring." "and the land became fertile, again." "And the cycle of death and darkness ended... and so does my story." "Now, if my story entertained, or enchanted... you may show you appreciaton in any way you see fit..." "But particularly with money." "Did you ever find Nimue?" "No, I never found Nimue or even the cave, again." "What about the magic?" "Can you still do magic?" "I got out of the habit, and besides, nobody believes in it anymore." "It's all over, friend, there is no more." "Is it all exactly the way I remember it, Master Merlin?" "Is it you?" "Yes... it's me." "I must say, you do tell a rather good tale, terribly exciting and all." "But I was intrigued that you chose to omit certain..." "Well, that's the way they like it... and besides I didn't think they'd believe it if I told the way it really was." "And how are you doing in this world, Master Frik?" "Well..." "I mean... there will always be a need for the perfect gentleman's gentleman." "And I was, and always will be one of the best, you see." "Ohh... it can't be..." "It 'tis..." "Sir Rupert!" "Yes, well I found him grazing in a field then, we got to reminising." "Dear old boy, shouldn't you be dead by now?" "there's a little magic in me, too, Merlin." "Oh, I almost forgot..." "Nimue..." " What about her?" "Oh, nothing really other than she was inquiring about you when I saw her last month." "I don't understand." "What happened?" "Sometime, after Mab disappeared... her spells began to lose their power." "And, Nimue was set free!" "Where is she, Frik?" "Sir Rupert knows..." "Thank-you, my old friend for everything." "Oh, no need to thank me." "I just love happy endings." "Frik found you..." "I never believed I would ever see you, again." "So many years..." "lost." "You've grown old..." "You, too." "Does it matter?" "No... not anymore." "I think I have one, last trick..." "There's no more..." "That's the end of magic."