Merlin (2008–2012): Season 5, Episode 7 - A Lesson in Vengeance - full transcript
After Arthur is unseated from his horse, his saddle is shown to have been tampered with and stable groom Tyr Seward blamed. Imprisoned, he tells Merlin he saw the true culprit but was told his mother would die if he informed on them. The actual saboteur, Guinevere (enchanted by Morgana) kills Tyr, and Arthur realises too late his innocence. Guinevere then poisons Arthur and casts the blame on Merlin, leaving an imprisoned Merlin to use magic to save himself and the king. To cover herself, Guinevere summons the apothecary from whom Morgana purchased the poison to pass subsequent blame onto Morgana as the would-be assassin, though Merlin knows better.
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.
Well, this is nice,
isn't it?
Just the two of us.
Well, three of us.
Merlin? Merlin doesn't count.
I don't count.
I'm not here,
I'm not actually speaking right now.
Aren't you impressed that
I remembered our anniversary?
But you didn't remember.
I reminded you over a month ago.
Yes...but I remembered
that it was today...
..today.
Ah.
Actually, I did.
Shut up, Merlin!
I did!
Arthur!
You're very fortunate, sire.
A fall like that,
you could have broken your neck.
Have the men who attacked us
been questioned?
I'm sorry, sire,
their wounds were fatal.
We were unable to learn
anything from them.
We know one thing -
it can't have been a coincidence
they were there.
Sire.
We recovered your saddle
from the forest trail.
The girth has been unpicked
and re-stitched.
It was designed to break, sire.
It appears, Merlin, on this single,
solitary occasion...
..you may be right.
Afternoon, sir knights.
Horses shod and watered
as requested.
You are Tyr Seward?
I am, Sir Gwaine.
You know I am.
Stable hand to the King?
That is my honour, yes.
Is the King not
pleased with my work?
Have I done something wrong?
You are Gelda Seward,
Mother of Tyr Seward?
Yes? And you live here
with your son?
Is he in some kind of trouble?
He's been arrested
on suspicion of treason.
No! No, that can't be,
you've made a mistake!
My Tyr's as loyal
to the King as you are!
Here.
The thread we found
at the boy's home
matches that used to sabotage
your saddle, sire.
Who put you up to this, Tyr?
No-one.
No-one's put me
up to anything, sire.
Are you saying you acted alone?
You had no help, no accomplice?
I don't know anything about
these things you're talking about.
I've done nothing, sire,
save look after your horse
and tack like I always do.
The evidence is staring
you in the face.
You can't deny it.
Sire...
I swear on my mother's life...
Just give me their name.
Why protect them?
They can't help you now.
Just give me their name.
I have no name.
There's no name to give.
Then you leave me no choice.
Though it saddens me
greatly to do so,
I must charge you with treason.
Is there anything further...
you'd like to say?
You're my King, sire.
I'd never do anything to hurt you.
Never.
Tyr Seward,
by the power vested in me
I hereby sentence you to death.
How long have you known Tyr?
He's been in my service
since he was a boy.
Do you really think him
capable of this treason?
What I think is irrelevant -
the facts speak for themselves.
Arthur, to sentence him to death...
The law is the law, Merlin,
whether I like it or not.
Why would Tyr want Arthur dead?
It makes no sense.
Perhaps he harboured some grudge,
some festering resentment.
What grudge could he bear?
He loved his work,
he was deeply proud of it.
And Arthur respected him,
I know he did.
He always treated him
fairly and well.
Merlin, it's not always
possible to know
what's in the mind
of another man.
Maybe so, but Arthur
was right about one thing.
Tyr could not have done this alone,
someone else is involved.
And, unless we find out
who they are,
what's to stop them
from trying it again?
Arthur.
I know you were fond of Tyr,
but you had no choice.
He was guilty.
Tyr Seward is a simple man.
He can't have planned this
assassination himself.
Well, I know that's what you'd
like to think. We all would.
But, hard as it is to accept,
even a great and honourable King
has enemies within his walls.
Very often the last person
you would suspect.
Tyr is just such a person.
No, you're right.
I suppose experience should have
taught me that by now.
The important thing is
he didn't succeed.
I've already lost my brother,
I couldn't bear to lose you, too.
I'm here, Guinevere.
I always will be.
I'll never leave you,
I promise you that.
Thought you might like some food.
Cooking's not Gaius's strong point,
as you know.
Well, least it's not
the turnip stew!
Thank you, Merlin.
I'd like to help you, Tyr, if I can.
You heard the King.
No-one can help me now.
I know you, Tyr.
Whatever you did,
I don't believe you meant any harm.
I didn't do anything.
On my honour, I didn't.
But something happened, didn't it?
No... Tyr, please.
I know you're not to blame,
just tell me what happened.
No! They'll...
Who?
This was a few days back.
One of the horses
came down with colic
so I had to sleep in the stable
to watch over him...
Go on, it's all right.
That night,
I was woke up by a sound.
There was someone there,
going over the King's saddle.
I knew it wasn't right.
I tried to get away
and warn someone...
but they saw me.
They told me if I so much as
whispered a word of what I'd seen...
..they'd take my mother.
They'd take her...
and they'd cut her throat.
Who was it?
I can't!
Tyr, please, tell me.
This is the only chance you have.
You'll be hanged if you don't...
And they'll kill my mother if I do.
Tyr...
..I can help you.
No.
If it means me dying
instead of her, then so be it.
I'd rather die.
'You went to the cells
to see Tyr? Yes.'
We've been over this before,
we know what he said.
The evidence doesn't lie.
No-one denies the crime, sire,
but the only part that Tyr played
was to see it done.
He told you this?
Five minutes ago.
Then who was it?
He won't say, he's too frightened.
They threatened him.
I must speak with him, at once.
Arthur, surely it can wait?
Gaius told you to rest, let your
injuries heal. I'll be fine,
I just want to hear
what he has to say. And you shall.
But Tyr's said all
he's willing to say for now.
He's clearly frightened and unsure
of what to do - don't push him.
Let him think it over
and maybe after a night in the cells
he'll be prepared to say more.
As always, Guinevere...
you're right.
Have you noticed
anything about Gwen of late?
Nothing unusual. Why?
I'm not sure exactly.
Something she's said?
Something she's done?
No. It's nothing in particular.
It just seems to me that ever since
she returned from the Dark Tower
she hasn't been quite herself.
Well, is that so surprising?
She lost her only brother.
Elyan was all the family she had.
And grief changes people, Merlin.
I know that. I do, but...
Besides, we can only guess at
what Morgana put her though.
That's what worries me.
Tyr.
What are you doing here?
Nothing to worry about.
I just want to talk.
I've said nothing! Shhhh.
Come closer.
We don't want to be heard, do we?
I've told no names.
I've not mentioned you to anyone.
I believe you.
My mother's safe?
You've not harmed her?
Your mother is alive and well.
She's not the problem.
You are.
Me? You see, Tyr,
it's not what you haven't said.
It's what you may yet say.
Don't...
Understand?
The blade punctured his heart.
He suffered very little,
I'm glad to say.
You've spoken to the night patrols?
They saw nothing unusual, sire.
What about the guards?
Why didn't they raise the alarm?
Sire. We found this
in a grate in the guard-room.
Clary wort.
A powerful soporific, sire.
I've been a fool.
I should have spoken to him
when I had the chance.
Arthur...
What?
Whoever did this
was no stranger to Camelot.
They knew the Citadel inside out.
Guinevere.
The plan failed. Arthur lives.
Does he suspect you?
Not yet.
But the stable hand saw me.
He was going to tell them
everything. Was?
You have some good news then.
I did what had to be done.
With Tyr gone you have to find
someone else to take the fall.
When Arthur dies you have
to be beyond all suspicion.
You must have the support
of the knights -
only with their allegiance will
your path to the throne be clear.
But what good is all this?
Arthur's still alive. For now.
By tonight you'll have everything
you need to finish the job.
Arthur's doubled the guard,
there are patrols night and day.
I can't risk leaving... Gwen, Gwen.
It is I that will come to you.
Go!
Gwen?
I've been looking for you
everywhere.
Arthur's been beside himself
with worry.
Well, there was no need to worry,
I was just walking in the meadow.
Since Elyan died...
sometimes I just need time
to myself.
I understand,
but you should be careful.
A patrol was attacked in the woods
only an hour ago.
Oh, I had no idea.
Thank you, Merlin.
I'll be more careful next time.
No broken bones, I'm glad to say.
Anything else you remember?
Nothing. One minute I was
pursuing them through the trees.
The next I was flat on the ground.
You're sure it was sorcery?
Without a doubt. Powerful, too.
Morgana? It's possible.
But why was she there?
Maybe she was meeting someone.
Why would she come
so close to the Citadel?
Maybe she had to. Maybe whoever
she was meeting was here in Camelot.
Well, until we have more to go on
this is idle speculation.
Gaius, Merlin -
see what you can find in the woods.
Perhaps there's something
we overlooked.
I'll go with them.
You'll do no such thing.
You'll rest, Gwaine.
Physician's orders.
I don't think this is over.
What do you mean?
Whoever's responsible
the attack on Arthur's life,
what's to stop them
from trying again?
They haven't a chance,
the Citadel's on full alert.
Every entrance, every exit's
being watched. Trust me,
Arthur's safe as long
as he remains in Camelot.
That's just it,
what if he's not safe here?
What if Camelot's the most
dangerous place that he could be?
Who could have had access
to the stables, known
the layout of the cells?
Who knew that Tyr would do anything
to protect his mother?
You need to stay close to Arthur,
and do whatever you can
to protect him.
You have my word on it, Merlin.
Who are you?
It matters not who I am,
but what I want
and whether you can give it to me.
And what it is that you want?
A tincture. With the power to kill.
Not just to kill, but to do so
slowly and with the utmost pain.
Very particular, what you seek.
It has a very particular purpose.
Well?
Do you possess such a thing?
I do.
Here.
What are they?
Valerian. Two drops will render
the victim unconscious.
And Henbane. A single drop
administered through the ear.
Their death will be as...
prolonged and as unpleasant
as could be wished for.
These are...uncommon things.
Hard to come by, hard to prepare...
Very generous, my Lady,
more than enough to buy my wares.
But not my silence.
Arthur, are you all right?
What if Merlin's right?
What if Morgana
did attack the patrol?
Morgana? She wants me dead.
What better way of achieving that
than conspiring with
an ally with in Camelot?
An ally who she couldn't risk
meeting within these walls?
Who?
Whoever killed Tyr.
But that doesn't make sense.
If you're the target, why kill Tyr?
To protect their identity.
Perhaps.
Tyr's killer had an intimate
knowledge of the palace.
Whoever they were,
they must be known to me,
and they must be here as we speak.
If what you say is true,
they must be found quickly.
And if they're not
and strike again?
I will not let that happen.
I would lay down my life
to protect you.
You'll find them, Arthur.
You and I together.
Gaius!
Yes, that's certainly not natural.
It was Morgana, I'm sure of it.
Are you sure
we're in the right place?
Gwaine said he spotted them
somewhere around here.
There. On that branch.
It's not much to go on, is it?
Raw imported silk.
Traders ask a small fortune for it.
Whoever that belongs to
is extremely wealthy.
What is that?
Some kind of embroidery?
Indeed. Woven threads
of silver and gold.
Only those of the highest rank
can afford such a thing.
Merlin? Where are you going now?
Merlin?
Would you care to explain
exactly what it is you're doing?
I was just checking for holes.
Holes?
Yes. That's where the hand goes.
Granted. But look...
That, I believe,
is where the other hand goes.
Right. I'm just saying
that you can't be too careful.
A lady's modesty
is at stake, after all.
Is it now? Merlin,
I would strongly recommend
you start showing a little less
interest in Guinevere's clothing
and a little more interest in mine.
I think I prefer Gwen's.
I'm going to do everything
in my power
to try and forget
you ever just said that.
I suggest you do the same.
Just a few drops
will ease your troubles, my dear.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Come on.
Are you prepared?
Have you found someone
to take the fall?
Don't worry. I have someone in mind.
Guinevere. I was beginning
to wonder where you were.
Sorry, I had some business
to attend to in town.
I hope you have an appetite.
Mmm. And a thirst.
What took you into town?
Oh, just delivering supplies
to those most in need.
Your kindness
never ceases to amaze me.
Keep your grubby hands
off of my dumplings!
You know, now that I think of it,
we never got to have
our little celebration, did we?
Yes, why was that?
To us.
All the evidence suggests
that the King has been poisoned.
You're certain, Gaius?
Quite certain.
The sweating,
the corruption of the skin,
the traces of tincture
around the ear.
They all point
to the use of Henbane.
Is there no hope?
The poison is a deadly one, my lady.
There may be a way to arrest its
course but I cannot guarantee it.
One thing I know for certain.
Whoever did this lives among us.
Whoever did this
has betrayed us all.
Someone who is free to roam
this Citadel as they please,
someone who has access
to the King's stables,
the King's prison...
..even the King's food.
There is only one I know of...
Merlin.
How is Arthur?
There is no change.
I know how you must feel -
about Merlin.
You must believe me
when I say how sorry I am.
But the evidence against him
is overwhelming.
You did what you had to do,
Guinevere. You had no choice.
I understand that.
Thank you.
Is there no hope, Gaius?
None at all?
I will not lie to you.
Arthur's time is nearly upon him.
But until the King
draws his last breath,
there is always hope.
You were right, Merlin. Whatever
Morgana did in the Dark Tower,
she's taken control over Gwen
and used her to get to Arthur.
Can you save him?
The poison is too strong,
too virulent.
Your magic is his only hope.
You need to get me
out of here somehow.
You promised you'd never leave me,
Arthur. You promised.
He is our strength, our heart.
How can I live without him?
How can any of us live without him?
Because we must.
My lady. If Arthur is to die,
we will lose more than that.
The kingdom will lose its King.
While Arthur lives,
there is still a King of Camelot.
But when the time comes,
and it will surely come soon,
we need to be prepared.
If we do not have a leader
and a guide...
..Camelot and all the kingdom
will be vulnerable.
Everything Arthur worked so hard
to achieve will be threatened.
But who could wear his crown?
He has no family to succeed him.
And who among us is...worthy
of such a thing?
You are, my lady.
Me?
You are as close to family
as Arthur has.
No-one can deny your wisdom,
your compassion and your loyalty.
I am certain that were Arthur
able to make this decision,
he would choose you.
I don't know what to say.
I realise that
this is a great responsibility
but you will not be alone.
I guarantee you, myself and
all the knights will stand by you.
Now and forever.
Thank you, Leon.
I am lucky indeed
to have such friends.
Who are you?
What kind of a
damn fool question is that?
I am who I am and I am who I was
and I am who I will always be.
That's no answer.
What other answer is there?
It's the only answer worth giving.
What are you doing here?
Incredible.
You follow one idiot question
with another.
I'm visiting the cells,
as you perfectly well know.
No, you're not.
Not unless we say so, you're not.
But you already said so.
Only ten minutes ago you said so.
You said so and I did so!
No, we didn't.
What on earth is wrong with you?
Something interesting
in your tea, is there?
It's hardly any wonder
your prisoners are being murdered
if you can't even remember
who you're letting in and who
you're letting out. You let me in!
And I thank you for that.
And now, apparently,
I have to let myself out. Ah!
Goodbye!
You! What are you doing
in my kitchen?
Nothing. Nothing means mischief
in my book.
You've been reading the wrong book.
And mischief means theft.
No, it doesn't.
And theft means my pies.
Your pies?
Why on earth would anyone want
to steal your godforsaken pies?
My pies are the talk of Camelot!
Oh, yes, indeed they are.
A crust like rusted iron,
a filling like
last year's horse dung,
and the smell, oh, yes,
just like the guardhouse's latrine!
No-one insults my pies
and gets away with it!
Oh, I'm sorry! Should I speak
instead of your poisonous flans?
Like vomit curdling
in the noonday sun!
Or your dumplings!
The King himself likened them
to freshly-lain frogspawn
wrapped in pig's snot!
What would you know about the King
and my dumplings? Oh, good grief.
Should have done that years ago.
You there!
You! Halt!
There! This way!
He's gone. We've lost him!
Inform the men we have an intruder.
Put the Citadel on high alert.
Faerblaed waw!
That was no wind. That was sorcery.
Light the braziers!
Search the courtyard!
Are you all right?
Yes. You haven't seen anything?
Heard anything? Nothing. Why?
There's an intruder
within our walls.
Here? In the Citadel? Yes, my lady.
We last saw them in the Main Square,
then lost sight of them.
My lady, you may be in danger.
Gwaine will take you
to the guest chambers.
He'll ensure no harm comes to you.
Why would anyone wish me harm?
You are to be our leader, Gwen.
You are Camelot's future.
Do you imagine
our enemies don't want you dead?
I can't leave Arthur, not now.
Gwen, I promise,
if there is any change,
I'll fetch you at once.
Gaius is right. Come, my lady.
You're not safe here.
How on earth did you get in here?
Don't even ask.
How is he?
His heart has nearly stopped.
I fear he's close to death.
The sickness is so deep in him.
I don't know if I have the power
to bring him back.
You can do this, Merlin.
Ic the thurhaele
thinu licsar
mid thamsundorcraeft
thaere ealdan ae!
Gaius...
Merlin...
Well done, Merlin! Well done.
You'd better get back to the cells
before you're missed.
There are guards on every floor and
stairwell. How can I get back down?
The same way you came up, obviously.
Obviously...
Morning, Merlin.
If you've got a moment,
the King would like a word.
Merlin!
This is one of the two...
possibly three moments in my life
where I've actually
been glad to see you.
That's my thoughts exactly, sire.
How're you feeling?
Like death. Well,
death warmed up, at least.
I can imagine.
It seems like we've both been through
something of an ordeal.
It wasn't so bad, really.
Once you get used to
the eternal night and the rats,
the mouldy pillows, living with
a bucket of your own... Merlin.
I'm sorry about
what happened to you. Truly.
Once I heard, I told them it couldn't
have been you who poisoned me.
I had the cook confirm your alibi.
Thank you. I also told them
you simply weren't bright enough
to organise an assassination attempt.
That's very thoughtful.
You're welcome.
Arthur... Hmm.
There is something I need to
talk to you about. Sorry, Merlin,
another time. They're waiting for me
in the Council Chambers.
Thanks to Guinevere, some
new evidence has come to light.
The Queen found these vials
in my chambers.
They bear, as you can see,
a distinctive mark.
Thanks to her tireless efforts,
she has been able to trace them.
This is your mark, is it not?
It is my mark, yes.
And what does this vial contain?
It...it's valerian, sire.
What does it do?
It renders the subject unconscious.
This one?
Henbane.
It's a poison, my lord.
A lethal poison.
And it is only thanks to
the great skill of my physician
that I am still alive.
I'm sorry, my lord.
I supplied it, I confess. But I did
not know it was intended for you.
In truth, I was...too afraid to ask.
Too afraid to ask who?
She who...procured it.
And did you recognise this woman?
Well, I cannot say for certain
but I believed it
to be Morgana Pendragon.
Because of the Queen's diligence,
the truth has been uncovered.
Each and every one of us
owes her a great debt.
Long live the Queen.
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen...
You're not happy with your husband?
I'd be happy if he died tomorrow.
and a time of magic
the destiny of a great kingdom rests
on the shoulders of a young man.
His name... Merlin.
Well, this is nice,
isn't it?
Just the two of us.
Well, three of us.
Merlin? Merlin doesn't count.
I don't count.
I'm not here,
I'm not actually speaking right now.
Aren't you impressed that
I remembered our anniversary?
But you didn't remember.
I reminded you over a month ago.
Yes...but I remembered
that it was today...
..today.
Ah.
Actually, I did.
Shut up, Merlin!
I did!
Arthur!
You're very fortunate, sire.
A fall like that,
you could have broken your neck.
Have the men who attacked us
been questioned?
I'm sorry, sire,
their wounds were fatal.
We were unable to learn
anything from them.
We know one thing -
it can't have been a coincidence
they were there.
Sire.
We recovered your saddle
from the forest trail.
The girth has been unpicked
and re-stitched.
It was designed to break, sire.
It appears, Merlin, on this single,
solitary occasion...
..you may be right.
Afternoon, sir knights.
Horses shod and watered
as requested.
You are Tyr Seward?
I am, Sir Gwaine.
You know I am.
Stable hand to the King?
That is my honour, yes.
Is the King not
pleased with my work?
Have I done something wrong?
You are Gelda Seward,
Mother of Tyr Seward?
Yes? And you live here
with your son?
Is he in some kind of trouble?
He's been arrested
on suspicion of treason.
No! No, that can't be,
you've made a mistake!
My Tyr's as loyal
to the King as you are!
Here.
The thread we found
at the boy's home
matches that used to sabotage
your saddle, sire.
Who put you up to this, Tyr?
No-one.
No-one's put me
up to anything, sire.
Are you saying you acted alone?
You had no help, no accomplice?
I don't know anything about
these things you're talking about.
I've done nothing, sire,
save look after your horse
and tack like I always do.
The evidence is staring
you in the face.
You can't deny it.
Sire...
I swear on my mother's life...
Just give me their name.
Why protect them?
They can't help you now.
Just give me their name.
I have no name.
There's no name to give.
Then you leave me no choice.
Though it saddens me
greatly to do so,
I must charge you with treason.
Is there anything further...
you'd like to say?
You're my King, sire.
I'd never do anything to hurt you.
Never.
Tyr Seward,
by the power vested in me
I hereby sentence you to death.
How long have you known Tyr?
He's been in my service
since he was a boy.
Do you really think him
capable of this treason?
What I think is irrelevant -
the facts speak for themselves.
Arthur, to sentence him to death...
The law is the law, Merlin,
whether I like it or not.
Why would Tyr want Arthur dead?
It makes no sense.
Perhaps he harboured some grudge,
some festering resentment.
What grudge could he bear?
He loved his work,
he was deeply proud of it.
And Arthur respected him,
I know he did.
He always treated him
fairly and well.
Merlin, it's not always
possible to know
what's in the mind
of another man.
Maybe so, but Arthur
was right about one thing.
Tyr could not have done this alone,
someone else is involved.
And, unless we find out
who they are,
what's to stop them
from trying it again?
Arthur.
I know you were fond of Tyr,
but you had no choice.
He was guilty.
Tyr Seward is a simple man.
He can't have planned this
assassination himself.
Well, I know that's what you'd
like to think. We all would.
But, hard as it is to accept,
even a great and honourable King
has enemies within his walls.
Very often the last person
you would suspect.
Tyr is just such a person.
No, you're right.
I suppose experience should have
taught me that by now.
The important thing is
he didn't succeed.
I've already lost my brother,
I couldn't bear to lose you, too.
I'm here, Guinevere.
I always will be.
I'll never leave you,
I promise you that.
Thought you might like some food.
Cooking's not Gaius's strong point,
as you know.
Well, least it's not
the turnip stew!
Thank you, Merlin.
I'd like to help you, Tyr, if I can.
You heard the King.
No-one can help me now.
I know you, Tyr.
Whatever you did,
I don't believe you meant any harm.
I didn't do anything.
On my honour, I didn't.
But something happened, didn't it?
No... Tyr, please.
I know you're not to blame,
just tell me what happened.
No! They'll...
Who?
This was a few days back.
One of the horses
came down with colic
so I had to sleep in the stable
to watch over him...
Go on, it's all right.
That night,
I was woke up by a sound.
There was someone there,
going over the King's saddle.
I knew it wasn't right.
I tried to get away
and warn someone...
but they saw me.
They told me if I so much as
whispered a word of what I'd seen...
..they'd take my mother.
They'd take her...
and they'd cut her throat.
Who was it?
I can't!
Tyr, please, tell me.
This is the only chance you have.
You'll be hanged if you don't...
And they'll kill my mother if I do.
Tyr...
..I can help you.
No.
If it means me dying
instead of her, then so be it.
I'd rather die.
'You went to the cells
to see Tyr? Yes.'
We've been over this before,
we know what he said.
The evidence doesn't lie.
No-one denies the crime, sire,
but the only part that Tyr played
was to see it done.
He told you this?
Five minutes ago.
Then who was it?
He won't say, he's too frightened.
They threatened him.
I must speak with him, at once.
Arthur, surely it can wait?
Gaius told you to rest, let your
injuries heal. I'll be fine,
I just want to hear
what he has to say. And you shall.
But Tyr's said all
he's willing to say for now.
He's clearly frightened and unsure
of what to do - don't push him.
Let him think it over
and maybe after a night in the cells
he'll be prepared to say more.
As always, Guinevere...
you're right.
Have you noticed
anything about Gwen of late?
Nothing unusual. Why?
I'm not sure exactly.
Something she's said?
Something she's done?
No. It's nothing in particular.
It just seems to me that ever since
she returned from the Dark Tower
she hasn't been quite herself.
Well, is that so surprising?
She lost her only brother.
Elyan was all the family she had.
And grief changes people, Merlin.
I know that. I do, but...
Besides, we can only guess at
what Morgana put her though.
That's what worries me.
Tyr.
What are you doing here?
Nothing to worry about.
I just want to talk.
I've said nothing! Shhhh.
Come closer.
We don't want to be heard, do we?
I've told no names.
I've not mentioned you to anyone.
I believe you.
My mother's safe?
You've not harmed her?
Your mother is alive and well.
She's not the problem.
You are.
Me? You see, Tyr,
it's not what you haven't said.
It's what you may yet say.
Don't...
Understand?
The blade punctured his heart.
He suffered very little,
I'm glad to say.
You've spoken to the night patrols?
They saw nothing unusual, sire.
What about the guards?
Why didn't they raise the alarm?
Sire. We found this
in a grate in the guard-room.
Clary wort.
A powerful soporific, sire.
I've been a fool.
I should have spoken to him
when I had the chance.
Arthur...
What?
Whoever did this
was no stranger to Camelot.
They knew the Citadel inside out.
Guinevere.
The plan failed. Arthur lives.
Does he suspect you?
Not yet.
But the stable hand saw me.
He was going to tell them
everything. Was?
You have some good news then.
I did what had to be done.
With Tyr gone you have to find
someone else to take the fall.
When Arthur dies you have
to be beyond all suspicion.
You must have the support
of the knights -
only with their allegiance will
your path to the throne be clear.
But what good is all this?
Arthur's still alive. For now.
By tonight you'll have everything
you need to finish the job.
Arthur's doubled the guard,
there are patrols night and day.
I can't risk leaving... Gwen, Gwen.
It is I that will come to you.
Go!
Gwen?
I've been looking for you
everywhere.
Arthur's been beside himself
with worry.
Well, there was no need to worry,
I was just walking in the meadow.
Since Elyan died...
sometimes I just need time
to myself.
I understand,
but you should be careful.
A patrol was attacked in the woods
only an hour ago.
Oh, I had no idea.
Thank you, Merlin.
I'll be more careful next time.
No broken bones, I'm glad to say.
Anything else you remember?
Nothing. One minute I was
pursuing them through the trees.
The next I was flat on the ground.
You're sure it was sorcery?
Without a doubt. Powerful, too.
Morgana? It's possible.
But why was she there?
Maybe she was meeting someone.
Why would she come
so close to the Citadel?
Maybe she had to. Maybe whoever
she was meeting was here in Camelot.
Well, until we have more to go on
this is idle speculation.
Gaius, Merlin -
see what you can find in the woods.
Perhaps there's something
we overlooked.
I'll go with them.
You'll do no such thing.
You'll rest, Gwaine.
Physician's orders.
I don't think this is over.
What do you mean?
Whoever's responsible
the attack on Arthur's life,
what's to stop them
from trying again?
They haven't a chance,
the Citadel's on full alert.
Every entrance, every exit's
being watched. Trust me,
Arthur's safe as long
as he remains in Camelot.
That's just it,
what if he's not safe here?
What if Camelot's the most
dangerous place that he could be?
Who could have had access
to the stables, known
the layout of the cells?
Who knew that Tyr would do anything
to protect his mother?
You need to stay close to Arthur,
and do whatever you can
to protect him.
You have my word on it, Merlin.
Who are you?
It matters not who I am,
but what I want
and whether you can give it to me.
And what it is that you want?
A tincture. With the power to kill.
Not just to kill, but to do so
slowly and with the utmost pain.
Very particular, what you seek.
It has a very particular purpose.
Well?
Do you possess such a thing?
I do.
Here.
What are they?
Valerian. Two drops will render
the victim unconscious.
And Henbane. A single drop
administered through the ear.
Their death will be as...
prolonged and as unpleasant
as could be wished for.
These are...uncommon things.
Hard to come by, hard to prepare...
Very generous, my Lady,
more than enough to buy my wares.
But not my silence.
Arthur, are you all right?
What if Merlin's right?
What if Morgana
did attack the patrol?
Morgana? She wants me dead.
What better way of achieving that
than conspiring with
an ally with in Camelot?
An ally who she couldn't risk
meeting within these walls?
Who?
Whoever killed Tyr.
But that doesn't make sense.
If you're the target, why kill Tyr?
To protect their identity.
Perhaps.
Tyr's killer had an intimate
knowledge of the palace.
Whoever they were,
they must be known to me,
and they must be here as we speak.
If what you say is true,
they must be found quickly.
And if they're not
and strike again?
I will not let that happen.
I would lay down my life
to protect you.
You'll find them, Arthur.
You and I together.
Gaius!
Yes, that's certainly not natural.
It was Morgana, I'm sure of it.
Are you sure
we're in the right place?
Gwaine said he spotted them
somewhere around here.
There. On that branch.
It's not much to go on, is it?
Raw imported silk.
Traders ask a small fortune for it.
Whoever that belongs to
is extremely wealthy.
What is that?
Some kind of embroidery?
Indeed. Woven threads
of silver and gold.
Only those of the highest rank
can afford such a thing.
Merlin? Where are you going now?
Merlin?
Would you care to explain
exactly what it is you're doing?
I was just checking for holes.
Holes?
Yes. That's where the hand goes.
Granted. But look...
That, I believe,
is where the other hand goes.
Right. I'm just saying
that you can't be too careful.
A lady's modesty
is at stake, after all.
Is it now? Merlin,
I would strongly recommend
you start showing a little less
interest in Guinevere's clothing
and a little more interest in mine.
I think I prefer Gwen's.
I'm going to do everything
in my power
to try and forget
you ever just said that.
I suggest you do the same.
Just a few drops
will ease your troubles, my dear.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Come on.
Are you prepared?
Have you found someone
to take the fall?
Don't worry. I have someone in mind.
Guinevere. I was beginning
to wonder where you were.
Sorry, I had some business
to attend to in town.
I hope you have an appetite.
Mmm. And a thirst.
What took you into town?
Oh, just delivering supplies
to those most in need.
Your kindness
never ceases to amaze me.
Keep your grubby hands
off of my dumplings!
You know, now that I think of it,
we never got to have
our little celebration, did we?
Yes, why was that?
To us.
All the evidence suggests
that the King has been poisoned.
You're certain, Gaius?
Quite certain.
The sweating,
the corruption of the skin,
the traces of tincture
around the ear.
They all point
to the use of Henbane.
Is there no hope?
The poison is a deadly one, my lady.
There may be a way to arrest its
course but I cannot guarantee it.
One thing I know for certain.
Whoever did this lives among us.
Whoever did this
has betrayed us all.
Someone who is free to roam
this Citadel as they please,
someone who has access
to the King's stables,
the King's prison...
..even the King's food.
There is only one I know of...
Merlin.
How is Arthur?
There is no change.
I know how you must feel -
about Merlin.
You must believe me
when I say how sorry I am.
But the evidence against him
is overwhelming.
You did what you had to do,
Guinevere. You had no choice.
I understand that.
Thank you.
Is there no hope, Gaius?
None at all?
I will not lie to you.
Arthur's time is nearly upon him.
But until the King
draws his last breath,
there is always hope.
You were right, Merlin. Whatever
Morgana did in the Dark Tower,
she's taken control over Gwen
and used her to get to Arthur.
Can you save him?
The poison is too strong,
too virulent.
Your magic is his only hope.
You need to get me
out of here somehow.
You promised you'd never leave me,
Arthur. You promised.
He is our strength, our heart.
How can I live without him?
How can any of us live without him?
Because we must.
My lady. If Arthur is to die,
we will lose more than that.
The kingdom will lose its King.
While Arthur lives,
there is still a King of Camelot.
But when the time comes,
and it will surely come soon,
we need to be prepared.
If we do not have a leader
and a guide...
..Camelot and all the kingdom
will be vulnerable.
Everything Arthur worked so hard
to achieve will be threatened.
But who could wear his crown?
He has no family to succeed him.
And who among us is...worthy
of such a thing?
You are, my lady.
Me?
You are as close to family
as Arthur has.
No-one can deny your wisdom,
your compassion and your loyalty.
I am certain that were Arthur
able to make this decision,
he would choose you.
I don't know what to say.
I realise that
this is a great responsibility
but you will not be alone.
I guarantee you, myself and
all the knights will stand by you.
Now and forever.
Thank you, Leon.
I am lucky indeed
to have such friends.
Who are you?
What kind of a
damn fool question is that?
I am who I am and I am who I was
and I am who I will always be.
That's no answer.
What other answer is there?
It's the only answer worth giving.
What are you doing here?
Incredible.
You follow one idiot question
with another.
I'm visiting the cells,
as you perfectly well know.
No, you're not.
Not unless we say so, you're not.
But you already said so.
Only ten minutes ago you said so.
You said so and I did so!
No, we didn't.
What on earth is wrong with you?
Something interesting
in your tea, is there?
It's hardly any wonder
your prisoners are being murdered
if you can't even remember
who you're letting in and who
you're letting out. You let me in!
And I thank you for that.
And now, apparently,
I have to let myself out. Ah!
Goodbye!
You! What are you doing
in my kitchen?
Nothing. Nothing means mischief
in my book.
You've been reading the wrong book.
And mischief means theft.
No, it doesn't.
And theft means my pies.
Your pies?
Why on earth would anyone want
to steal your godforsaken pies?
My pies are the talk of Camelot!
Oh, yes, indeed they are.
A crust like rusted iron,
a filling like
last year's horse dung,
and the smell, oh, yes,
just like the guardhouse's latrine!
No-one insults my pies
and gets away with it!
Oh, I'm sorry! Should I speak
instead of your poisonous flans?
Like vomit curdling
in the noonday sun!
Or your dumplings!
The King himself likened them
to freshly-lain frogspawn
wrapped in pig's snot!
What would you know about the King
and my dumplings? Oh, good grief.
Should have done that years ago.
You there!
You! Halt!
There! This way!
He's gone. We've lost him!
Inform the men we have an intruder.
Put the Citadel on high alert.
Faerblaed waw!
That was no wind. That was sorcery.
Light the braziers!
Search the courtyard!
Are you all right?
Yes. You haven't seen anything?
Heard anything? Nothing. Why?
There's an intruder
within our walls.
Here? In the Citadel? Yes, my lady.
We last saw them in the Main Square,
then lost sight of them.
My lady, you may be in danger.
Gwaine will take you
to the guest chambers.
He'll ensure no harm comes to you.
Why would anyone wish me harm?
You are to be our leader, Gwen.
You are Camelot's future.
Do you imagine
our enemies don't want you dead?
I can't leave Arthur, not now.
Gwen, I promise,
if there is any change,
I'll fetch you at once.
Gaius is right. Come, my lady.
You're not safe here.
How on earth did you get in here?
Don't even ask.
How is he?
His heart has nearly stopped.
I fear he's close to death.
The sickness is so deep in him.
I don't know if I have the power
to bring him back.
You can do this, Merlin.
Ic the thurhaele
thinu licsar
mid thamsundorcraeft
thaere ealdan ae!
Gaius...
Merlin...
Well done, Merlin! Well done.
You'd better get back to the cells
before you're missed.
There are guards on every floor and
stairwell. How can I get back down?
The same way you came up, obviously.
Obviously...
Morning, Merlin.
If you've got a moment,
the King would like a word.
Merlin!
This is one of the two...
possibly three moments in my life
where I've actually
been glad to see you.
That's my thoughts exactly, sire.
How're you feeling?
Like death. Well,
death warmed up, at least.
I can imagine.
It seems like we've both been through
something of an ordeal.
It wasn't so bad, really.
Once you get used to
the eternal night and the rats,
the mouldy pillows, living with
a bucket of your own... Merlin.
I'm sorry about
what happened to you. Truly.
Once I heard, I told them it couldn't
have been you who poisoned me.
I had the cook confirm your alibi.
Thank you. I also told them
you simply weren't bright enough
to organise an assassination attempt.
That's very thoughtful.
You're welcome.
Arthur... Hmm.
There is something I need to
talk to you about. Sorry, Merlin,
another time. They're waiting for me
in the Council Chambers.
Thanks to Guinevere, some
new evidence has come to light.
The Queen found these vials
in my chambers.
They bear, as you can see,
a distinctive mark.
Thanks to her tireless efforts,
she has been able to trace them.
This is your mark, is it not?
It is my mark, yes.
And what does this vial contain?
It...it's valerian, sire.
What does it do?
It renders the subject unconscious.
This one?
Henbane.
It's a poison, my lord.
A lethal poison.
And it is only thanks to
the great skill of my physician
that I am still alive.
I'm sorry, my lord.
I supplied it, I confess. But I did
not know it was intended for you.
In truth, I was...too afraid to ask.
Too afraid to ask who?
She who...procured it.
And did you recognise this woman?
Well, I cannot say for certain
but I believed it
to be Morgana Pendragon.
Because of the Queen's diligence,
the truth has been uncovered.
Each and every one of us
owes her a great debt.
Long live the Queen.
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen...
You're not happy with your husband?
I'd be happy if he died tomorrow.