'In a land of myth and a time of magic,
'the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.
'His name, Merlin.'
What's he actually doing?
Thinking.
About?
You.
Shh.
He has to decide upon a quest.
And crouching on his knees all night is going to help?
Yes, he has to transcend his body, so that the quest is revealed to him
in a vision.
And you're going to stay here and watch?
Gwen, this is one of the most important days in a Prince's life.
HE SNORES
Now.
It is time.
What is the quest you have chosen?
I can see but one path, sire.
I am to enter the realm of the Fisher King
and find the golden trident,
spoken of in the legends of the Fallen Kings.
You do understand that if you are to prove yourself worthy of the throne,
you must complete this task alone and unaided?
I do.
You'll get hiccups.
Who is the Fisher King?
He was a sorcerer who lived many hundreds of years ago.
And?
Legend has it he was wounded in battle.
The wound festered and the infection spread not just through his body,
but through his lands as well.
His mighty kingdom was reduced to a wasteland
and has remained that way till this very day.
I don't understand, why is Uther so worried?
Some believe the Fisher King is still alive...
..kept from death by his magic.
Do you?
Perhaps, perhaps not.
But the people of the north call the area the Perilous Lands.
Few who have ever ventured there have lived to tell the tale.
MERLIN HICCUPS
I ate too quickly.
MERLIN HICCUPS
Merlin. I can't help it. I need to concentrate.
HE HICCUPS AGAIN
I am trying to prepare
for one of the most important moments in my life.
All these maps. HE HICCUPS
None of them are the same.
Well done, Merlin. Do you know why? No.
Because hardly anyone's ever been there.
Couldn't you have chosen something a bit easier?
I'm meant to be proving my worth to the people.
A quick trip to the Lower Town to collect a bundle of herbs probably won't cut it.
But the Perilous Lands are...perilous.
Maybe I should come with you.
What for?
To...help out.
You really don't get it, do you?
The task must be completed alone and unaided.
That's the way it's been for hundreds of years and it's not about to change for you.
Now if you don't mind,
I've some important preparation to do.
MERLIN HICCUPS
Please. Please, just spare me a few minutes of your time, sister.
My lady? It's all right, Gwen. I won't be a moment.
We must be quick, sister, this enchantment will not hold for long.
Tell me, what has Arthur chosen as his quest?
He sets out tomorrow for the Perilous Lands.
How perfect.
Present this to the Prince as a token of your good wishes.
When the time is right, you must make a likeness of the Prince
and bind it to the gift using the skills that I taught you.
When he does not return, you, sister,
will take your rightful place as sole heir to the throne of Camelot.
SHE GASPS
My lady? Are you all right? Why wouldn't I be? I...
I thought...
The poor woman didn't have a penny to feed her family.
I felt duty bound to help her, Gwen.
I know you have to go, but...
I'll be careful.
For me.
You look troubled, sire. He is sole heir to the throne, Morgana.
Don't worry.
I'm certain a Pendragon will rule over Camelot for a long time to come.
Beautiful, isn't it? It was a gift from Morgana.
You're sure it wasn't a jewel?
No. Brighter than that.
And you think it was enchanted?
There was magic there, I could feel it. You're sure?
And if it came from Morgana, it can only mean one thing.
Arthur's in danger.
I'm not sure where else to look, Merlin. There has to be something.
We've examined every stone imaginable.
Unless...
Merlin!
Gaius! That's it!
Then it's not a stone, Merlin. It's an eye of the Phoenix.
The Phoenix? Some call it the firebird.
Its eye burns with a fire that consumes the life force of anybody it comes in contact with.
Arthur. The eye will draw energy from him.
If it is worn for too long, Arthur will die. I have to go after him.
This is not a task to be undertaken lightly, Merlin. You'll need help.
What is it now?
I just wanted to see if there was anything you needed. No, get out.
Is something burning? I said, get out!
SHOUTING
Hello, Gwaine. Ah, Merlin.
How are you?
Give me my money.
Gwaine.
Run!
Remind me again, what are you doing here?
Arthur's in trouble, I need your help. What kind of trouble?
There!
He's gone to the Perilous Lands. You serious? Yeah.
Just now, that sounds pretty attractive.
All right, we go for the horses.
You have got to be joking.
Yah!
Go on! Yah! Yah!
Who is it that wishes to cross my bridge?
A knight...
on a quest to find the trident of the Fisher King.
Then you must be Courage.
No, I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot.
I'm Grettir.
I have to say, you're not as short as I thought you'd be.
Before I let you pass, I'll give you a little advice.
As Courage, there are two more things you will need
to complete your quest - Strength and Magic.
I don't condone the use of magic.
You'd be wise not to dismiss it so freely.
The rules in the land that you are heading to are quite different to those in the world that you know.
Thank you for your help.
That's a very beautiful bracelet.
It was a gift from someone very dear to me.
She hoped it would bring me good fortune. Did she now?
How very thoughtful of her. HE CHUCKLES
Why were those men so angry?
It's always the way in gambling -
you make a man a fool, he calls you a thief.
How did you find me?
It wasn't easy, I've been in almost every tavern in Engerd.
So have I.
THEY LAUGH
You're so good to me, Gwen. Thank you.
It's nothing.
You're upset with me.
I know. I shouted at you last night.
I'm sorry.
What can I do to make it up? It's forgotten.
Why don't I give you some time off?
Don't look like at me that, I'm sure I can look after myself for one night.
That's very kind of you, my lady.
I'm glad we're friends again.
Before I go, I'll make sure everything is ready for your return.
That's sweet,
but don't stay too late.
This is it. On the other side of the forest lie the Perilous Lands.
Doesn't look too friendly. That's because it's not.
Believe me, it's wretched.
How do you know? You've never been there.
I've travelled to many places, Merlin.
But not to the Perilous Lands. I know that.
Why? There aren't any taverns. GAIUS LAUGHS
I told you it was wretched.
Gwen?
So, Magic has arrived.
What?
There is nothing to be afraid of.
Your presence is essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest. How do you know about Arthur? Who are you?
I'm the Keeper of the Bridge. I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prosperity reign again.
Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen.
It is not my mission, it is Arthur's.
If that's what you choose to believe.
It is no accident that Arthur chose this path
or you chose to follow him.
Ah.
Finally. Strength has arrived, the trio is complete. Who is he?
I mean no harm to either of you
and would thank you to mean no harm in return.
Where's my sword?
It will return once you reach the other side.
The Fisher King has waited many years for this day. Do not deny him what he wishes.
And remember, nothing is as it seems.
UNEARTHLY WAILING IN DISTANCE
What was that?
A pheasant.
A pheasant? A very big one.
You can turn back if you want.
I'm not scared of pheasants.
I don't know. Why do you want to do this?
Same reason as you.
Help a friend.
Arthur's lucky to have us.
Not Arthur.
I'd do the same for you.
I hope so.
You're the only friend I've got.
I'm not surprised.
UNEARTHLY WAILING, LOUDER
That sounded like three pheasants.
At least.
BANGING AT DOOR
I'm sorry to wake you. Don't be silly.
I'm not sure who else I can talk to. What is it, child?
It's Morgana. What's happened?
She had a box.
And her eyes... It was like they were on fire.
What do I do, Gaius? She's using magic.
Everything may not be as it seems, Gwen.
No, no. I know what I saw.
I've known Morgana for so long.
I didn't want to believe it. But she...
isn't the person I knew.
She's changed, Gaius.
I don't think she means well to any of us any more.
I wish I could say otherwise,
but I fear you are right.
UNEARTHLY WAILING
There it is.
What's that in the sky?
They're not birds.
I've never seen creatures like that.
It's like they're hunting something.
What was that?
A sword.
It's Arthur.
I should have known. What are they? Wyverns.
Distant cousins of the dragon.
They're creatures of magic.
So be careful.
Quick, quick, quick!
Let's split up.
FURIOUS WAILING
Arthur?
Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai!
What the hell are YOU doing here?
Why can you never just say thanks?
Thanks! What, for completely ruining the quest?
It's a good job I was here, otherwise you'd be wyvern fodder!
How many times do I have to get it into your thick skull?
I'm supposed to be doing this alone!
FURIOUS SQUEALING
Great. This just gets better and better.
Are Gwen and Morgana here too?
Are we going to have a surprise party?
There are more wyverns on their way. We need to get out of here.
I'm not leaving without the trident.
That was the whole point of this quest.
Do you want us to help you?
Or do you want to do this alone?
Merlin!
Do you know where the trident is?
If I did, there wouldn't be a problem, would there?
Any clues you can give us?
This is a quest, Merlin, not a treasure hunt.
Well, it is sort of... Merlin!
Look at this.
Looks like a throne room.
If the trident's going to be anywhere...
Merlin?
Merlin, are you all right?
Gwaine! Arthur!
There's got to be a way to open this.
FEEBLE WHISPER: So, Emrys, you are here at last.
So you ARE still alive.
For now.
Now, I'm sure if we can just reach in here...
..we'll be able to find something to release the door.
Go on, then.
Don't be such a princess.
This is your quest, after all.
CLUNKING
That'll be... Your friends.
Courage and strength, I know.
Without their help you would not be here. What is it you want?
I want an end to my suffering.
You want to die?
I have been waiting all these years...
..for the arrival of a new time,
the time of the once and future king.
I've heard these words before.
And you will hear them again,
for that time is dawning.
And my time finally can come to an end.
This is why you were brought here.
For this is not Arthur's quest,
it is yours.
Arthur thinks the prize is the trident.
But the real prize...
..is something far greater.
Water from the Lake of Avalon.
I have kept it safe these years,
waiting for the right person to claim it.
And that is you.
You are the one chosen.
What are you talking about?
Albion's time of need is near,
and in that dark hour you must be strong,
for you alone can save her.
Your powers are great, but you will need help.
And that is what I'm giving you.
When all seems lost,
this will show you the way.
Thank you.
I have given you a gift.
Now you must give me one in return.
But I have nothing to give.
HE WHEEZES AND GROANS
I think you do.
If I give you this, you will die.
'Thank you.'
RUMBLING
Merlin.
Ha! Look what I found.
Now let's get out of this place.
This is the border.
By Uther's decree, I can go no further. I'm sorry, Gwaine.
There's nothing I can do to change that.
Maybe one day. Yeah, when Camelot gets itself a half-decent king.
Careful...
he is my father.
Well, you can't have everything. Where will you go this time?
Think I'll ride south.
You can't keep living like that.
Yeah, but it's fun trying.
Thanks, Gwaine.
I'll remember this, Gwaine.
Got to say, that was a good quest.
Did you meet that man on the bridge?
Then the wyverns, they were really scary.
And the door to the throne room! That was so close.
You do talk some nonsense sometimes. What on earth
would you even know about it? It's not like you were there.
Of course I was. You were not there, you have not seen me for days.
You've been on a little trip to... pick herbs, or whatever it is
you do in your spare time. Ah, course, if your father was to find out you weren't alone...
Yes, Merlin. So just keep your mouth shut!
Absolutely, sire.
Do anything you say.
For a price.
What kind of price?
A day off. Mmm.
I think you've had too many of those herbs you've been picking.
My lady?
Arthur!
Thank god.
Isn't it wonderful? I'm so happy.
I'll clear that up.
Arthur, I don't know what pleases me more -
to be in possession of such a precious artefact
or know that you have finally proved yourself to be
the man I had always hoped you would be.
Thank you, father.
I have no doubt that you will one day make a fine king.
It's from the Lake of Avalon?
That's what he told me. Interesting.
You think? Well, it must have some significance.
Maybe...
Do you believe his warnings?
Well, we already know of one enemy within our walls. Morgana.
Her abilities are growing.
Whether the Fisher King is right or wrong,
we would be foolish to ignore his words.
I've missed you. And I you.
Ye bay ode ick.
UNEARTHLY WAILING
There's some kind of creature in your room. That is the manticore.
The ancients lived in fear of it. Trembled at its very name.
I love you, Alice.
She's up to something, and whatever it is it isn't good.
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