Merlin (2008–2012): Season 5, Episode 3 - The Death Song of Uther Pendragon - full transcript
Arthur rescues an old lady accused of sorcery, who gives him a horn with which to summon the spirit world. Despite Gaius's warning, he uses it to briefly meet his father but soon realises his error as Uther terms him weak for his non-political marriage, his practice of knighting ordinary young men on merit, and his lack of cruelty to make his subjects fear him. When Camelot falls prey to poltergeist attacks, with Guinevere the principal victim, it becomes clear that Arthur has unwittingly released his disapproving, vengeful father's spirit on the court. With a potion made by Gaius to make the spirit visible, and with Merlin's help, he sets out to return Uther to the grave, delivering a few home truths before it goes.
In a land of myth
and a time of magic,
the destiny of a great kingdom rests
on the shoulders of a young man.
His name... Merlin.
You're still angry with me,
aren't you?
We spend the entire day hunting,
catch nothing, because every time
we got anywhere near anything
you sneezed and frightened it away.
- Not the last time.
- No. That time you fell into a stream.
No-one could accuse you of being
predictable, Merlin.
- I think I'm getting a cold.
- Let's hope it's a bad one.
What was that?
I think it was a bird.
That? That was definitely a woman
screaming.
Why couldn't it have just been
a bird?
It's never just a bird.
What are you doing?
I assume you want to risk our lives
and see what's going on.
I never thought I'd say this,
Merlin, but you're learning.
Let the woman go.
This woman has
been sentenced to death.
It does not concern you.
I am Arthur Pendragon,
King of Camelot,
and your village is in my lands.
Her sorcery has brought sickness
and suffering to this village.
Did she receive a fair trial?
Your father would have shown
her no mercy.
I am not my father.
Now cut her down.
I will not endanger the lives of
all who live here.
I said...
cut her down.
Is there anything more you
can do for her?
She won't make it through the night.
Make her as comfortable as possible.
Thank you.
You should try and get some rest.
My time has come.
When you have lived as long as I,
you no longer fear the journey
to the next world.
I have a gift for you.
You showed kindness,
and compassion.
Those are the qualities of
a true king.
Open it.
It's beautiful.
It has the power to summon
the spirits of the dead.
The Horn of Cathbhadh.
When Uther attacked
the Isle of the Blessed,
the Horn of Cathbhadh was smuggled to
safety before the temple fell.
It hasn't been heard of since.
The old woman said it could be used
to open the door
to the spirit world?
I have seen it with my own eyes.
Long before the time of the Great
Purge I took part in such ceremonies.
Each year at Beltain,
the High Priestesses
would gather at the
Great Stones of Nemeton
and summon the spirits of
their ancestors.
It holds powerful magic.
You must keep it safe.
He's always like this
at the anniversary of his coronation.
I thought it was
a cause for celebration?
It is, but it's also the anniversary
of Uther's death.
What are you doing?
Nothing... Thinking.
You, thinking?
- Well, now I'm really getting worried.
- Shut up.
Leave it!
- Why?
- Because I'm telling you to
and I'm the King of Camelot,
not that that seems to mean
anything to you.
Ready the horses
and gather some supplies.
Where are we going?
You don't need to know.
Do not breathe a word
of this to anyone.
Not even Guinevere.
You're threatening me with a spoon?
Ow!
I'm getting a very bad feeling
about this place.
That is because you're a coward.
No. It's because I value my life
and I don't want to die horribly.
Fair point.
- So, are we going to turn back?
- No.
What are they?
The Great Stones of Nemeton.
You're going to use it?
This will be the only chance I have
to see my father again.
I can't let it pass.
This is powerful magic.
My father was taken from me
before his time.
Now there isn't a day that passes
when I don't think of the things
I wish I'd said to him.
If you were given the same chance...
to see your father... talk to him.
Wouldn't you do the same?
Father.
Arthur.
I thought I would never
see you again.
There isn't a day that passes
when I don't think of you.
And I, you.
There are times
when I feel so alone,
I wish more than anything that
you were by my side.
If I were at your side,
I fear you would not like all that
I have to say.
What do you mean?
Many of the decisions you have made
since you have become King
go against all that I taught you.
I have done what
I have believed to be right.
You have ignored our tradition,
our ancient laws.
You have allowed common men
to become knights.
They are some of the finest
knights that Camelot's ever known.
They would gladly
give their lives for the kingdom.
They question your decisions.
They make you look weak.
Listening to others is
a sign of strength, not weakness.
How do you expect anyone to fear a
King who does not know his own mind?
I don't want my people to respect me
because they fear me.
Then they will not respect
you at all.
Your marriage should have served
to form an alliance
with another kingdom and
you choose to marry a serving girl.
I married for love.
I love Guinevere.
More than... I can express.
There are some things that are
more important than love.
It is your duty to strengthen
and protect the kingdom.
You have failed.
I have always strived
to make you proud.
How can I be proud of a son
who ignores everything
that I taught him?
Who is destroying my legacy?
- I have brought peace to the kingdom...
- At what price?
The peace cannot last.
If you are not strong,
the kingdom will fall.
You must go now.
I need more time.
There is still so much
I wish to say.
If you stay, you will be forever
trapped in the world of the dead.
You must go now.
Go.
This... can't be the last time
I will ever see you.
Think about everything
that I have said to you.
It isn't too late.
Now go.
I will always love you, Arthur.
Arthur?
Do you want to talk about it?
What happened at the stones?
It seems my father
doesn't approve of the way
I have chosen to rule his kingdom.
You mean YOUR kingdom.
The things he said about the
knights, about marrying Guinevere.
What if he's right?
What if I have weakened Camelot?
Do you really believe that?
You have always done what you
believed to be right.
People respect you.
Thank you, Merlin.
Some people still think you're
a foolish, arrogant ass.
Who?
Very funny.
We should get some sleep.
We covered the area from Pawlett
down to Meldreth.
This includes 30 troops at Bawtry.
15 at Talan. Ten at Chime.
Nine at Brune.
11 at Burwelle...
I want the table repaired
before the next council meeting.
- Are you listening to me, Merlin?
- What? Sorry.
I was just thinking about
what happened.
Did you get a terrible fright?
Yes. My heart nearly jumped out
through my mouth.
Oh, well maybe you should have
the rest of the day off
and put your feet up?
- Really?
You were joking?
There really is no limit to
your intelligence, is there, Merlin?
Merlin?
Why does it always take you twice
as long to change out of your armour?
Because I'm twice the size of you,
little man.
Then why is it that your brain
is so small?
Hello?
Is someone there?
Show yourself.
The axe must have fallen off
the rack.
I'm surprised that a falling axe
would cause such a deep wound.
Not as surprised as I was.
Quite. You were lucky you weren't
more severely injured.
It's strange...
What's that?
Just before it happened.
I sensed something, like there was
someone there, watching me.
I'm sure it was just my mind
playing tricks on me.
Apply a second poultice
in the morning. And no training.
Thank you, Gaius.
Is there something wrong, Merlin?
Merlin, I get the
distinct impression
there is something
you're not telling me.
No. Why would you say that?
Because there usually is.
We went to the Stones of Nemeton.
- Merlin, I warned you of the dangers...
- I tried to stop him.
He was insistent.
What is it, Merlin?
After the candelabra fell,
I was in the corridor outside
the Council Chambers.
I could sense something.
It was like Percival said,
a presence of some kind.
In the days of the Old Religion,
the priestesses trained for years
before entering into the spirit world.
It was fraught with dangers.
There was one thing
they were schooled never to do.
As the veil closed, they were never
to look back at the spirit.
What happened if they did?
They'd release the spirit
into this world.
Arthur must have looked back.
What?
At the Stones of Nemeton,
I think that you may have
released your father's spirit.
And what makes you think that?
Did you look back?
As the veil closed,
did you look back at your father?
I may have glanced round
for a second.
In that second...
you unleashed Uther's spirit.
All these strange things that
have been happening?
The candelabra falling onto
the Round Table.
- Yes, because the chain broke.
- The axe falling on Percival.
- It was an accident.
- Was it?
Do you really expect me to believe
that my father's spirit
is responsible for these things?
The Round Table...
represents everything that's
changed since you became King.
You told me how Uther disapproved.
He's angry with you and
that makes him dangerous.
I know my father.
He wouldn't do these things.
I think he'd do anything
to protect his legacy.
- Who knows what he's capable of?
- Enough! That's enough.
Leave me.
Go!
Is someone there?
Gwen!
Gwen!
You know this was Uther.
We don't know what happened.
So Gwen just mysteriously ended up
locked in the kitchens,
which just mysteriously caught fire.
You said yourself Uther
disapproved of you marrying Gwen.
- He wouldn't do this.
- I know how hard this is for you.
Gaius, how is she?
Smoke has entered her lungs,
but with time she will heal.
I have given her a sleeping draft.
She was lucky to escape
with her life.
I've always known
my father could be cruel,
but why would he do this to Guinevere?
He knows how much I love her.
Gaius.
What do you know about ghosts?
We must force Uther's spirit to
return to the other world
before he does any more harm.
We must use The Horn of Cathbhadh to
reopen the veil between the worlds.
But we must remember one thing...
only the person who summoned the
spirit can force it from this world.
Sorry.
You're fortunate
I'm not easily frightened.
Really?
Because it looked like you jumped
out of your skin.
That's because you're a clumsy oaf.
Now pick that lot up.
Where is Gaius? How long does
it take to make a potion?
These things take time
if they're to be done properly.
What is it?
I heard something
behind the door.
You're imagining things, Merlin.
What do we do?
There's your ghost, Merlin.
The potion will allow you to see
Uther in his spirit form.
Once you are in his presence,
you must blow the horn.
It is the only way you can force him
to go back to the spirit world.
Is it safe?
I can't say I'm entirely sure.
- What are you waiting for?
- To see if it's safe.
So, if I don't die,
you'll take yours?
Precisely.
Get on with it.
Well, at least we know it doesn't
kill you instantly.
Eurgh!
That... That is the foulest thing
I've ever tasted.
Sorry. Did I forget to tell you
about that part?
There!
Where?
Oh, it's just our shadows.
Ow!
Arthur. Merlin.
- Leon.
- Leon.
Is everything all right, my Lord?
It's perfectly fine.
We are...
- Merlin. Tell Leon what we're doing.
- We're...
I'm teaching him some poetry.
Poetry?
I... love poetry.
I was as surprised as you are.
He can't get enough of it.
I'll leave you to your poetry,
then, my Lord.
Poetry? That's the best
you could come up with?
- What did you want me to say?
- I don't know.
Something that didn't make me
sound like a lovestruck girl.
What was that?
It was my father.
I never thought the day would come
when I would be hunting my own father.
When I became King, more than
anything, I wanted to make him proud.
What is it?
You've always done
what you believed to be right
even if you knew your father
would disapprove of it.
Do you not see how different
you are to him?
Camelot is a better place
since you became King.
My father clearly doesn't think so.
The people believe in you, Arthur.
It counts for nothing
if you don't believe in yourself.
Check the storeroom.
Arthur!
Merlin?
Merlin, is that you?
Father?
I know it's you, Father.
Why are you doing this?
I did not spend my entire life
building this kingdom
to see my own son destroy it.
- You tried to kill Guinevere.
- For your own good.
How can a serving girl understand
what it means to be Queen?
Guinevere is wise, and strong,
and I trust her more than anyone.
And that is your weakness.
You put too much trust
in other people.
You, and you alone must rule Camelot.
I would rather not rule at all,
than rule alone.
Your whole life,
I tried to prepare you for the day
you would become King.
Did you learn nothing?
I watched you rule,
and I learnt that if you trust no-one,
you will always live in fear.
Your hatred came from fear,
not strength.
- How dare you!
- I loved, and respected you.
But I have to rule
the Kingdom in my own way.
I have to do what
I believe to be right.
I will not allow you destroy
all that I built.
Then you will have to kill me.
I am not you, Father.
I can't rule the way you did.
Camelot must come before all else.
Even you.
Get away from him, Uther!
You've caused enough harm.
You don't belong here.
You must return to the other world.
This is MY kingdom!
You think you can drive me from it?
You are nothing but a serving boy!
I am much more than that.
You have magic?
I was born with it.
I made you Arthur's servant.
You are a sorcerer?
Even while you were King,
there was magic
at the heart of Camelot.
I will not allow you and
your kind to poison
my Kingdom.
- You're wrong. You're wrong.
About so much.
Arthur is a better, and more worthy
King than you ever were.
No!
Bael onbryne!
It will give me great
pleasure killing you.
Father!
Arthur!
No! Please.
Whatever I have done,
I have done for Camelot.
You've had your turn.
Now it's mine.
Merlin has...
I always looked up to my father.
I admired and respected him
more than anyone.
I have to accept that I can't
please him, and be true to myself.
Uther did what he thought
he had to do to protect the Kingdom.
That doesn't mean he was right.
I want to build a kingdom
that is fair and just.
One where everyone is respected,
regardless of rank.
Does that include me?
Of course.
So... does that mean you're not
going to hit me anymore?
- When do I ever hit you?
- All the time.
That's not hitting, Merlin. That's...
merely friendly slaps.
It's horseplay.
So, can I give you a friendly slap?
You can certainly try.
What the hell was that?
It was, um...
horseplay.
No, Merlin, you're doing it
all wrong.
Why don't I show you?
Princess Mthian...
I have no-one else to turn to
but you, Arthur.
You kill me and you'll have
all of Camelot to answer to.
and a time of magic,
the destiny of a great kingdom rests
on the shoulders of a young man.
His name... Merlin.
You're still angry with me,
aren't you?
We spend the entire day hunting,
catch nothing, because every time
we got anywhere near anything
you sneezed and frightened it away.
- Not the last time.
- No. That time you fell into a stream.
No-one could accuse you of being
predictable, Merlin.
- I think I'm getting a cold.
- Let's hope it's a bad one.
What was that?
I think it was a bird.
That? That was definitely a woman
screaming.
Why couldn't it have just been
a bird?
It's never just a bird.
What are you doing?
I assume you want to risk our lives
and see what's going on.
I never thought I'd say this,
Merlin, but you're learning.
Let the woman go.
This woman has
been sentenced to death.
It does not concern you.
I am Arthur Pendragon,
King of Camelot,
and your village is in my lands.
Her sorcery has brought sickness
and suffering to this village.
Did she receive a fair trial?
Your father would have shown
her no mercy.
I am not my father.
Now cut her down.
I will not endanger the lives of
all who live here.
I said...
cut her down.
Is there anything more you
can do for her?
She won't make it through the night.
Make her as comfortable as possible.
Thank you.
You should try and get some rest.
My time has come.
When you have lived as long as I,
you no longer fear the journey
to the next world.
I have a gift for you.
You showed kindness,
and compassion.
Those are the qualities of
a true king.
Open it.
It's beautiful.
It has the power to summon
the spirits of the dead.
The Horn of Cathbhadh.
When Uther attacked
the Isle of the Blessed,
the Horn of Cathbhadh was smuggled to
safety before the temple fell.
It hasn't been heard of since.
The old woman said it could be used
to open the door
to the spirit world?
I have seen it with my own eyes.
Long before the time of the Great
Purge I took part in such ceremonies.
Each year at Beltain,
the High Priestesses
would gather at the
Great Stones of Nemeton
and summon the spirits of
their ancestors.
It holds powerful magic.
You must keep it safe.
He's always like this
at the anniversary of his coronation.
I thought it was
a cause for celebration?
It is, but it's also the anniversary
of Uther's death.
What are you doing?
Nothing... Thinking.
You, thinking?
- Well, now I'm really getting worried.
- Shut up.
Leave it!
- Why?
- Because I'm telling you to
and I'm the King of Camelot,
not that that seems to mean
anything to you.
Ready the horses
and gather some supplies.
Where are we going?
You don't need to know.
Do not breathe a word
of this to anyone.
Not even Guinevere.
You're threatening me with a spoon?
Ow!
I'm getting a very bad feeling
about this place.
That is because you're a coward.
No. It's because I value my life
and I don't want to die horribly.
Fair point.
- So, are we going to turn back?
- No.
What are they?
The Great Stones of Nemeton.
You're going to use it?
This will be the only chance I have
to see my father again.
I can't let it pass.
This is powerful magic.
My father was taken from me
before his time.
Now there isn't a day that passes
when I don't think of the things
I wish I'd said to him.
If you were given the same chance...
to see your father... talk to him.
Wouldn't you do the same?
Father.
Arthur.
I thought I would never
see you again.
There isn't a day that passes
when I don't think of you.
And I, you.
There are times
when I feel so alone,
I wish more than anything that
you were by my side.
If I were at your side,
I fear you would not like all that
I have to say.
What do you mean?
Many of the decisions you have made
since you have become King
go against all that I taught you.
I have done what
I have believed to be right.
You have ignored our tradition,
our ancient laws.
You have allowed common men
to become knights.
They are some of the finest
knights that Camelot's ever known.
They would gladly
give their lives for the kingdom.
They question your decisions.
They make you look weak.
Listening to others is
a sign of strength, not weakness.
How do you expect anyone to fear a
King who does not know his own mind?
I don't want my people to respect me
because they fear me.
Then they will not respect
you at all.
Your marriage should have served
to form an alliance
with another kingdom and
you choose to marry a serving girl.
I married for love.
I love Guinevere.
More than... I can express.
There are some things that are
more important than love.
It is your duty to strengthen
and protect the kingdom.
You have failed.
I have always strived
to make you proud.
How can I be proud of a son
who ignores everything
that I taught him?
Who is destroying my legacy?
- I have brought peace to the kingdom...
- At what price?
The peace cannot last.
If you are not strong,
the kingdom will fall.
You must go now.
I need more time.
There is still so much
I wish to say.
If you stay, you will be forever
trapped in the world of the dead.
You must go now.
Go.
This... can't be the last time
I will ever see you.
Think about everything
that I have said to you.
It isn't too late.
Now go.
I will always love you, Arthur.
Arthur?
Do you want to talk about it?
What happened at the stones?
It seems my father
doesn't approve of the way
I have chosen to rule his kingdom.
You mean YOUR kingdom.
The things he said about the
knights, about marrying Guinevere.
What if he's right?
What if I have weakened Camelot?
Do you really believe that?
You have always done what you
believed to be right.
People respect you.
Thank you, Merlin.
Some people still think you're
a foolish, arrogant ass.
Who?
Very funny.
We should get some sleep.
We covered the area from Pawlett
down to Meldreth.
This includes 30 troops at Bawtry.
15 at Talan. Ten at Chime.
Nine at Brune.
11 at Burwelle...
I want the table repaired
before the next council meeting.
- Are you listening to me, Merlin?
- What? Sorry.
I was just thinking about
what happened.
Did you get a terrible fright?
Yes. My heart nearly jumped out
through my mouth.
Oh, well maybe you should have
the rest of the day off
and put your feet up?
- Really?
You were joking?
There really is no limit to
your intelligence, is there, Merlin?
Merlin?
Why does it always take you twice
as long to change out of your armour?
Because I'm twice the size of you,
little man.
Then why is it that your brain
is so small?
Hello?
Is someone there?
Show yourself.
The axe must have fallen off
the rack.
I'm surprised that a falling axe
would cause such a deep wound.
Not as surprised as I was.
Quite. You were lucky you weren't
more severely injured.
It's strange...
What's that?
Just before it happened.
I sensed something, like there was
someone there, watching me.
I'm sure it was just my mind
playing tricks on me.
Apply a second poultice
in the morning. And no training.
Thank you, Gaius.
Is there something wrong, Merlin?
Merlin, I get the
distinct impression
there is something
you're not telling me.
No. Why would you say that?
Because there usually is.
We went to the Stones of Nemeton.
- Merlin, I warned you of the dangers...
- I tried to stop him.
He was insistent.
What is it, Merlin?
After the candelabra fell,
I was in the corridor outside
the Council Chambers.
I could sense something.
It was like Percival said,
a presence of some kind.
In the days of the Old Religion,
the priestesses trained for years
before entering into the spirit world.
It was fraught with dangers.
There was one thing
they were schooled never to do.
As the veil closed, they were never
to look back at the spirit.
What happened if they did?
They'd release the spirit
into this world.
Arthur must have looked back.
What?
At the Stones of Nemeton,
I think that you may have
released your father's spirit.
And what makes you think that?
Did you look back?
As the veil closed,
did you look back at your father?
I may have glanced round
for a second.
In that second...
you unleashed Uther's spirit.
All these strange things that
have been happening?
The candelabra falling onto
the Round Table.
- Yes, because the chain broke.
- The axe falling on Percival.
- It was an accident.
- Was it?
Do you really expect me to believe
that my father's spirit
is responsible for these things?
The Round Table...
represents everything that's
changed since you became King.
You told me how Uther disapproved.
He's angry with you and
that makes him dangerous.
I know my father.
He wouldn't do these things.
I think he'd do anything
to protect his legacy.
- Who knows what he's capable of?
- Enough! That's enough.
Leave me.
Go!
Is someone there?
Gwen!
Gwen!
You know this was Uther.
We don't know what happened.
So Gwen just mysteriously ended up
locked in the kitchens,
which just mysteriously caught fire.
You said yourself Uther
disapproved of you marrying Gwen.
- He wouldn't do this.
- I know how hard this is for you.
Gaius, how is she?
Smoke has entered her lungs,
but with time she will heal.
I have given her a sleeping draft.
She was lucky to escape
with her life.
I've always known
my father could be cruel,
but why would he do this to Guinevere?
He knows how much I love her.
Gaius.
What do you know about ghosts?
We must force Uther's spirit to
return to the other world
before he does any more harm.
We must use The Horn of Cathbhadh to
reopen the veil between the worlds.
But we must remember one thing...
only the person who summoned the
spirit can force it from this world.
Sorry.
You're fortunate
I'm not easily frightened.
Really?
Because it looked like you jumped
out of your skin.
That's because you're a clumsy oaf.
Now pick that lot up.
Where is Gaius? How long does
it take to make a potion?
These things take time
if they're to be done properly.
What is it?
I heard something
behind the door.
You're imagining things, Merlin.
What do we do?
There's your ghost, Merlin.
The potion will allow you to see
Uther in his spirit form.
Once you are in his presence,
you must blow the horn.
It is the only way you can force him
to go back to the spirit world.
Is it safe?
I can't say I'm entirely sure.
- What are you waiting for?
- To see if it's safe.
So, if I don't die,
you'll take yours?
Precisely.
Get on with it.
Well, at least we know it doesn't
kill you instantly.
Eurgh!
That... That is the foulest thing
I've ever tasted.
Sorry. Did I forget to tell you
about that part?
There!
Where?
Oh, it's just our shadows.
Ow!
Arthur. Merlin.
- Leon.
- Leon.
Is everything all right, my Lord?
It's perfectly fine.
We are...
- Merlin. Tell Leon what we're doing.
- We're...
I'm teaching him some poetry.
Poetry?
I... love poetry.
I was as surprised as you are.
He can't get enough of it.
I'll leave you to your poetry,
then, my Lord.
Poetry? That's the best
you could come up with?
- What did you want me to say?
- I don't know.
Something that didn't make me
sound like a lovestruck girl.
What was that?
It was my father.
I never thought the day would come
when I would be hunting my own father.
When I became King, more than
anything, I wanted to make him proud.
What is it?
You've always done
what you believed to be right
even if you knew your father
would disapprove of it.
Do you not see how different
you are to him?
Camelot is a better place
since you became King.
My father clearly doesn't think so.
The people believe in you, Arthur.
It counts for nothing
if you don't believe in yourself.
Check the storeroom.
Arthur!
Merlin?
Merlin, is that you?
Father?
I know it's you, Father.
Why are you doing this?
I did not spend my entire life
building this kingdom
to see my own son destroy it.
- You tried to kill Guinevere.
- For your own good.
How can a serving girl understand
what it means to be Queen?
Guinevere is wise, and strong,
and I trust her more than anyone.
And that is your weakness.
You put too much trust
in other people.
You, and you alone must rule Camelot.
I would rather not rule at all,
than rule alone.
Your whole life,
I tried to prepare you for the day
you would become King.
Did you learn nothing?
I watched you rule,
and I learnt that if you trust no-one,
you will always live in fear.
Your hatred came from fear,
not strength.
- How dare you!
- I loved, and respected you.
But I have to rule
the Kingdom in my own way.
I have to do what
I believe to be right.
I will not allow you destroy
all that I built.
Then you will have to kill me.
I am not you, Father.
I can't rule the way you did.
Camelot must come before all else.
Even you.
Get away from him, Uther!
You've caused enough harm.
You don't belong here.
You must return to the other world.
This is MY kingdom!
You think you can drive me from it?
You are nothing but a serving boy!
I am much more than that.
You have magic?
I was born with it.
I made you Arthur's servant.
You are a sorcerer?
Even while you were King,
there was magic
at the heart of Camelot.
I will not allow you and
your kind to poison
my Kingdom.
- You're wrong. You're wrong.
About so much.
Arthur is a better, and more worthy
King than you ever were.
No!
Bael onbryne!
It will give me great
pleasure killing you.
Father!
Arthur!
No! Please.
Whatever I have done,
I have done for Camelot.
You've had your turn.
Now it's mine.
Merlin has...
I always looked up to my father.
I admired and respected him
more than anyone.
I have to accept that I can't
please him, and be true to myself.
Uther did what he thought
he had to do to protect the Kingdom.
That doesn't mean he was right.
I want to build a kingdom
that is fair and just.
One where everyone is respected,
regardless of rank.
Does that include me?
Of course.
So... does that mean you're not
going to hit me anymore?
- When do I ever hit you?
- All the time.
That's not hitting, Merlin. That's...
merely friendly slaps.
It's horseplay.
So, can I give you a friendly slap?
You can certainly try.
What the hell was that?
It was, um...
horseplay.
No, Merlin, you're doing it
all wrong.
Why don't I show you?
Princess Mthian...
I have no-one else to turn to
but you, Arthur.
You kill me and you'll have
all of Camelot to answer to.