Merlin (2008–2012): Season 1, Episode 2 - Valiant - full transcript

I understand you have
a shield for me.

With your swordcraft and this shield,
I guarantee you'll win.

- Show me how it works.
- Certainly.

Tharinna imbicentra.

Orpha hormanace doll.

When you're competing
in the tournament,

you pin your opponent under
the shield, a snake strikes...

(SPITTING)

Your opponent will be paralyzed.

The snakes are now
under your command.

They will do anything
you tell them to do.



- Anything?
- Just say the word.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

Kill him.

(HORSE WHINNYING)

Knight Valiant of
the Western Isles.

- I'm here for the tournament.
- Welcome to Camelot.

Ready?

Would it make any difference
if I said no?

Not really.

ARTHUR: Body. Shield. Body. Shield.
MERLIN: Shield.

- Head.
- Head? Ow!

Come on, Merlin.
You're not even trying.

- Arggh.
- Once more.

To the left. Right.
And left. Head.



- Ow!
- Come on, Merlin.

I've got a tournament to win.

Can we stop now, please?

- Ow!
- Shield. Body. Shield. Shield.

(GROANS) Ow.

You're braver than you look. Most servants
collapse after the first blow.

- Is it over?
- Just a warm-up.

- How's your mace work coming along?
- (SIGHS)

(LAUGHS) So... how was your
first day as Arthur's servant?

Do you hear clanging?

(GROANS) It was horrible.

And I've still got to learn about
tournament etiquette by the morning.

Unheran achtung bragdan.

Oi! What have I told you
about using magic like this?

If I could actually feel my arms,
I'd pick up the book myself.

Never mind your arms.
What do I do if you get caught?

What would you do?

Well, you just make sure
it doesn't happen - for both our sakes.

I save Arthur from being killed
and I end up as a servant.

How is that fair?

Not sure if fairness comes into it.
You never know, it might be fun.

You think mucking out Arthur's horses
is gonna be fun?

- Should hear my list of duties.
- We all have duties. Even Arthur.

Must be tough for him.
With all the girls, the glory.

He is a future king.
People expect so much of him.

- He's under a lot of pressure.
- (GROANS) That makes two of us.

So you've got voiders on the arms.
The hauberk goes over your chest.

Chest, arms...

I guess you know what to do
with the helmet.

Yeah. That was the only bit
I'd figured out.

How come you're
better at this than me?

I'm the blacksmith's daughter.

I know pretty much

everything there is
to know about armor,

which is actually kind of sad.

- No, it's brilliant.
- (CHUCKLES)

You do know the tournament
starts today.

Yes, sire.

- You nervous?
- I don't get nervous.

- Really? I thought everyone did.
- Will you shut up?

- Great. I think you're all set.
- Aren't you forgetting something?

My sword.

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Sorry.

Guess, er, you'll be needing that.

That went well.

(DRUMS RUMBLING)

(CROWD APPLAUDING)

(GRAND MILITARY-STYLE MUSIC)

UTHER: Knights of the realm,

it's a great honor
to welcome you to Camelot.

Over the next three days,
you will put your bravery to the test,

your skills as warriors

and, of course, to challenge
the reigning champion,

my son, Prince Arthur.

Only one can have the honor
of being crowned champion,

and he will receive a prize
of 1,000 gold pieces.

(CROWD MURMURING)

It is in combat that we learn
a knight's true nature,

whether he is indeed
a warrior or a coward.

The tournament begins!

(CROWD CHEERING AND APPLAUDING)

I trust you will make me proud.

Whoo!

Yeah! Come on!

(CHEERING)

Yeah!

Knight Valiant looks pretty handy
with a sword.

May I offer my congratulations
on your victories today.

Likewise.

Hope to see you at the reception
this evening.

Creep.

Er, for tomorrow, you need to
repair my shield, wash my tunic,

clean my boots, sharpen my sword
and polish my chain mail.

- Are you using magic again?
- No.

What's all this, then?

(EXHALING)

Just came to tell you supper's ready.

(SIGHING)

Knight Valiant
of the Western Isles, my lord.

I saw you fighting today.
Very aggressive.

As my lord said,
"To lose is to be disgraced."

I couldn't agree more.

Knight Valiant, I present
the Lady Morgana, my ward.

My lady.

- I saw you competing today.
- I saw you watching.

I understand the champion
escorts my lady to the feast.

- That's correct.
- Then I will give everything to win.

My lady.

- Arthur.
- Father.

They all seem rather impressed
by Knight Valiant.

- They're not the only ones.
- Not jealous, are you?

I don't see there's anything
to be jealous of.

Could Arthur be any more annoying?

I so hope Knight Valiant
wins the tournament.

- You don't really mean that.
- Yes. I do.

- (SNAKES HISSING)
- Hello?

Is there someone there?

Can I help you with something, boy?

Nope. I'm good.

I... I was just...
um... gathering my master's armor.

Then you'd best be on your way.

Right. Yeah. No problem.

- You did all this on your own?
- Yes, sire.

Let's see if you can get me into it
without forgetting anything.

That was much better.
Not that it could have got any worse.

I'm a fast learner.

- I hope for your sake that's true.
- Good luck.

(CROWD ROARS)

Is it my imagination or are you
beginning to enjoy yourself?

It... It isn't totally horrible
all the time.

Yes!

(GRUNTING)

Strike him.

Strike him.

I think he's badly hurt.

(WEAK SIGHING)

- How is he?
- It's most odd.

Look at this. These
two small wounds?

Looks like a snake bite.

How could he've been
bitten by a snake?

He was injured
in the swordfight.

The symptoms are consistent
with poisoning.

- Slow pulse, fever, paralysis.
- Can you heal him?

If it's a bite, I have to extract
venom from the snake that bit him

to make an antidote.

What happens if he
doesn't get antidote?

I'm afraid there's nothing
more I can do for him.

He's going to die.

He was fighting Knight Valiant.

- What's that?
- Nothing.

(ANIMAL SQUEAKING)

Dinner time.

(CHUCKLING)

(SNAKES HISSING)

(CRASH)

(DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING)

I've just seen one of the snakes
on Valiant's shield come alive.

He's using magic.

Are you sure?

The snake ate a mouse...
one swallow, straight down.

Ewan was fighting Valiant
when he collapsed.

It must've been one of the snakes
from the shield.

I have to tell Arthur.

Is there any chance
you might be mistaken?

- I know magic when I see it.
- Perhaps, but have you any proof?

Don't you believe me?

I fear you'll
land yourself in trouble.

How would you explain
being in Valiant's chambers?

What does that matter?
He's using magic to cheat!

You can't accuse a knight
of using magic without proof...

the King wouldn't accept the word of
a servant over that of a knight.

So what I say doesn't count?

It counts for very little as far as the
King is concerned. That's the way it is.

(DOOR OPENING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

How are you getting on?

Fine. Just doing my job.

Minding my own business.

(BOTH GRUNTING)

(CROWD YELLING AND CHEERING)

(BOTH SHOUTING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

(BOTH GRUNTING)

(SWORDS CLASHING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

Valiant's going to fight
Arthur in the final.

He'll use the shield to kill him.

Merlin, about
what I said yesterday...

Look, Uther really wouldn't
listen to you or me.

But you are right.

We can't let Valiant
get away with this.

But we don't have proof.

If we can cure Ewan,

he could tell the King
Valiant was using magic.

The King would believe
another knight.

But how we get the antidote,
that's another matter.

Merlin?

ALL: Long live Valiant!

So, Valiant,

you think you stand a chance
of defeating my son?

He is a great
warrior, my lord.

I do hope to be a
worthy opponent.

You should stay in Camelot
after the tournament.

I could do with
more knights like you.

I'd be honored, my lord.

(MUTTERING SPELL)

(THUDDING)

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(HISSING)

I'll get started
preparing the antidote.

- I'm going to tell Arthur.
- You'll need this.

And, Merlin, what you did
was very brave.

(DOOR CLOSING)

You?

You chopped its head off?

Ewan was bitten by a
snake from the shield

when he was fighting
Valiant, talk to Gaius.

You can see the puncture wounds
in his neck where the snake bit him.

Ewan was beating him...
he had to cheat!

Valiant wouldn't dare
use magic in Camelot.

Ewan was pinned under
Valiant's shield...

no-one could see the
snake bite him.

I don't like the guy,
but that doesn't mean he's cheating.

Gaius is preparing an antidote
to the snake venom.

When Ewan's conscious,
he'll tell you what happened.

If you fight him, he'll use
the shield so he can beat you.

Look at it! Have you seen snakes
like this in Camelot?

I know I'm just a servant

and my word doesn't
count for anything.

I wouldn't lie to you.

I want you to swear to me
what you're telling me is true.

I swear it's true.

Then I believe you.

(HISSING)

Welcome back.

There was a snake on his shield.

It came alive.

You're weak. The snake's venom
is still in your system.

I must warn Arthur.

Arthur knows. He's requested
an audience with the King.

They'll want to talk to you.
Rest. You'll need your strength.

I need to fetch more herbs.
I'll be right back.

(HISSING)

Why have you summoned the court?

I believe Knight Valiant
is using a magic shield

to cheat in the tournament.

Valiant, what do you
have to say to this?

My Lord this is ridiculous.
I've never used magic.

Does your son have evidence
to support this outrageous accusation?

- Do you have evidence?
- I do.

I'm afraid this potion
tastes like toad water,

but it'll get you back on your feet.

Ewan?

Be careful, my lord.

(WHISPERING) Merlin.

We need Ewan.
See what's happening.

As you can see,
it's an ordinary shield.

He's not gonna let everyone
see it come alive.

Then how do I know
what you say is true?

I have a witness.

Knight Ewan was bitten
by a snake from the shield.

Its venom made him grievously ill.
However, he's received an antidote.

He will confirm that Knight Valiant
is using magic.

Where is this witness?

He should be here.

Where's Ewan?

He's dead.

I'm waiting!

I'm afraid the witness is dead.

So you have no proof
to support these allegations?

Have you seen Valiant using magic?

No.

But my servant fought...

Your servant?

You make these outrageous accusations
against a knight

on the word of your servant?

I believe he tells the truth.

Am I really to be judged
on hearsay from a boy?

- I've seen those snakes come alive.
- How dare you interrupt!

Guards.

- My lord...
- Wait.

I'm sure he was merely mistaken.

I wouldn't want him punished
on my account.

You see? This is how a true knight
behaves... with gallantry and honor.

My lord, if your son
made these accusations

because he's afraid to fight me,

then I will graciously
accept his withdrawal.

Is this true?

Do you wish to withdraw
from the tournament?

No!

Then what am I to make
of these allegations?

Obviously there has been
a misunderstanding.

I withdraw the allegation
against Knight Valiant.

Please accept my apology.

Accepted.

I believed you, I trusted you,

and you made me look a complete fool.

I know it didn't go
exactly to plan...

Didn't go to plan?!

My father and the entire royal court
think I'm a coward.

You humiliated me!

We can still expose Valiant.

I no longer require your services.

- You're sacking me?
- I need a servant I can trust.

You can trust me.

Look where it got me this time.
Get out of my sight!

Where are you?!

I just came to tell you...
whatever you think my destiny is,

whatever it is you think
I'm supposed to do,

you've got the wrong person.

That's it.

Goodbye.

DRAGON: If only it were so easy
to escape one's destiny.

How can it be my destiny
to protect someone who hates me?

A half cannot truly hate
that which makes it whole.

Very soon you shall learn that.

Oh, great.

Just what I needed...
another riddle.

That your and Arthur's path
lies together is but the truth.

What is that supposed to mean?

You know, young warlock,
this is not the end.

It is the beginning.

(WINGS RUSTLE)

Just give me a straight answer!

(WINGS FLAP, METAL CLINKS)

Hello, Merlin.

All right?

Is it true, about
Valiant using magic?

What are you gonna do?

Why does everyone think

it's down to me to do
something about it?

Because it is.

Isn't it?

You have to show everyone
you were right and they were wrong.

And how do I do that?

I don't know.

(WHISPERS) That's it.

Where are you going?

Do you have a wheelbarrow?

What are you doing with that?

Letting everyone see the snakes
for themselves.

(READS) "Berbay odo-thay...

"Berbay odothay arisan quickem."

Berbay odothay arisan quickem.

(WHOOSHING)

Berbay odothay arisan quickem.

Berbay odothay arisan quickem!

(GROANS)

(GASPS QUIETLY)

(METAL WHOOSHES)

(GASPS LOUDLY)

(METAL CLINKS)

(QUIETLY) Berbay odothay
arisan quickem.

Berbay odothay arisan quickem.

I thought I told you
to get out of my sight.

Don't fight Valiant
in the final tomorrow.

- He'll use the shield against you.
- I know.

Then withdraw.
You have to withdraw.

Don't you understand?
I can't withdraw.

The people expect their
prince to fight. How can I

lead men into battle
if they think I'm a coward?

Valiant will kill you
if you fight.

Then I die.

How can you go out there
and fight like that?

Because I have to.

It's my duty.

(ROOSTER CROWS)

Berbay odothay

arisan quicken.

Let me.

I used to help my father
with his armor.

Thanks.

(MILITARY DRUM MUSIC)

Arthur.

Be careful.

See you at the feast.

(YELLS)

- Berbey odothey arisan quicken.
- (GROWLING AND CREAKING)

- Berbey odothey arisan quicken.
- (GROWLING)

I did it! (LAUGHING)

(DOG BARKING FIERCELY)

(DOOR THUDDING)

- Arthur's fighting Valiant.
- I know, I'm on my way.

Oh, don't go into my room.
I'll deal with it later.

(BARKING AND THUDDING)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUDING)

(CROWD CHEERING AND GROANING)

Go on!

(YELLING)

(CROWD GASPING)

(WHISPERING)
Berbey odothey arisan quicken.

What are you doing?

- I didn't summon you.
- He IS using magic.

Now they see you
for what you really are.

(LAUGHING)

Kill him!

Arthur!

Looks like I'll be going
to the feast after all.

My honorable guests,
I give you Prince Arthur,

your champion.

(APPLAUDING)

- My lady.
- My champion.

See, I told you he gets
all the girls and the glory.

And he owes it all to you.

Has your father apologized
for not believing you?

He'll never apologize.

I hope you're not disappointed
Valiant's not escorting you?

Turns out he wasn't
champion material.

That was some tournament final.

Tell me about it.

It's not every day a girl
gets to save her prince.

Um, I wouldn't say
I needed exactly saving.

I would've thought of something.

You're too proud to admit
you were saved by a girl.

Because I wasn't.

- I wish Valiant WAS escorting me.
- Me too.

Then I wouldn't have to listen to you.

- Fine.
- Fine.

Do you believe Morgana?
She says she saved me.

Like I needed any help.

I wanted to say...
I made a mistake.

It was unfair to sack you.

No, don't worry about it.
Buy me a drink and call it even.

I can't really be seen to be
buying drinks for my servant.

Your servant?

You sacked me.

Now I'm rehiring you.

My chambers are a complete mess,
my clothes need washing,

my armor needs repairing,
my boots need cleaning,

my dogs need exercising,
my fireplace needs sweeping,

my bed needs changing and someone
needs to muck out my stables.