UtherI should have known.
(Nimueh appears before him)
NNimueh
It is more than I hoped for, Uther. Soon, Arthur will be slain. And you have sent him to his death.
Uther
Haven't you had your fill of revenge?
NNimueh
Haven't you! You began this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered my kind.
Uther
You brought that on yourself with the evil you practiced.
NNimueh
I was your friend, Uther. You welcomed me here.
Uther
And you betrayed that friendship.
NNimueh
I did as you asked! I used the magic you so despise to give your barren wife the son you craved.
Uther
Don't you ever speak of her in that way! Ygraine was my heart. And you took her from me!
NNimueh
She died giving birth to your son! It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create a life there had to be a death. The balance of the world had to be repaid!
Uther
You knew it would kill her.
NNimueh
No, you're wrong! If I had foreseen her death and the terrible retribution you'd seek, I would never have granted your request.
Uther
I wish you hadn't.
NNimueh
You wish you didn't have a son? Well, your wish will come true soon enough.
Uther
I will not let you take him!
NNimueh
That is your choice. I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now...it is your turn.
(There is a rattle at the window and the flames of the candles go out. When Uther turns back, Nimueh has gone.)
Uther
We must learn our lessons from these terrible events, Gaius.
Uther
They prove beyond doubt I was right. Magic is evil; it is our greatest threat. [pause] I have grown complacent, Gaius.
I wouldn't say that, sire.
Uther
We must renew our efforts. We must ensure that all sorcerers and their followers are eradicated from this kingdom.
We’ve received reports that a beast has been sighted roaming the forest near the northern borders.
Uther
What’s the nature of this beast?
Well, it is said to have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the… face of… a bear.
[Merlin struggles not to laugh.]
I believe it has been conjured by sorcery.
Uther
Then we must destroy it.
I’ll leave for the northern borders in the morning.
Uther
But you’ll miss the tournament!
As much as I want to compete, my duty to Camelot comes first.
Uther
You’re right of course.
[Arthur looks at Merlin, who is still fighting hard not to laugh.]
(Gaius, Sir Leon, and a number of Knights have called a meeting to tell Uther about Queen Catrina)
Uther
I didn't know we were due a court meeting.
Well, we just wanted to make sure you knew, just in case it passed you by. You do know, your wife is a troll, sire?
Uther
What?
Well, what with the warts and the -
The smell. She also appears to have a set of fangs.
I wouldn't call them fangs. More like tusks.
Yes, they are more like tusks. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing. We just thought you should know.
(Gaius and Sir Leon smile)
Uther
The next person to insult Queen Catrina, will be charged with treason and executed.
(Gaius and Sir Leon's smiles fade)
Uther
It cannot continue.
I will hunt down those responsible, father; I promise they will not escape unpunished.
Uther
No. Stronger methods are called for. [pause] Send for the Witch Finder.
[startled whispers]
Sire! Is it necessary to resort to such measures?
Uther
The Witch Finder is a trusted ally, Gaius – his help will be invaluable.
AAredian
Do you smell it? Do you smell it, Uther?
Uther
Aredian.
AAredian
It’s all around us, the foul stench of sorcery. It’s infected your great city like a contagion.
Uther
I welcome you to Camelot, Aredian. Thank you for making such haste to be here.
AAredian
Well let’s hope I’m not too late, mm? For every hour counts in the war against sorcery. Unchecked, it spreads like a disease; seeks out the young and the old, the weak and the able, the fair and the foul of heart alike. You have grown lazy, Uther. You’ve grown idle. Your once noble Camelot is rotten to the core. You stand on the brink of dark oblivion.
I am at your disposal, Aredian. The knights will aid you in any way they can.
AAredian
You must be Arthur.
AAredian
You’re a great warrior – the finest this kingdom has ever known.
AAredian
So you won’t be offended when I say that I shall have no need of you, or your knights. The subtle arts of sorcery can only be fought by yet subtler means, methods honed over decades of study. Methods known only to myself.
[Uther has been mortally wounded.]
Uther
It’s my time.
Uther
I know you will make me proud as you always have. You will be a great king.
Uther
You’ve been ready for some time, Arthur.
Uther
I know I’ve not been a good father, I put my duty to Camelot first. I’m sorry.
Uther
But know this, Arthur, I have always loved you.
Merlin · 285 quotes
