Merlin · Season 1
I've never heard of an Afanc before.
It's conjured from clay by powerful magic. The type that can only be invoked by an ancient sorcerer. One who has the power to mirror the spirit of life. I found this at the water source. (showing a piece of the Afanc's egg) It bears the mark of Nimueh.
No.
We must be vigilant, sire.
Will I never be rid of her?
What's happened to him?
I don't know, sire. It's the second case I've seen today.
Why didn't you report it to me?
I was attempting to find the cause.
What did you conclude?
I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one.
Why do you conceal it from me?
Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying within twenty-four hours and it's spreading fast.
What is the cause?
I think we should say the cause, the most likely cause, is sorcery.
(taking Arthur aside) You must find who did this.
I will, father.
Conduct door-to-door searches. Increase your presence in the town. Double the guards on all the gates and lend the physician your servant.
Merlin?
I'm going to need Gaius to find a cure. He needs all the help we can give him. If Gaius is right, believe me, the city will be wiped out. This is the kind of magic that undermines our authority, challenges all we've done. If we cannot control this plague, people will turn to magic for a cure. We have to find this sorcerer and quickly.
Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now.
Gaius, I...
I heard.
Why could he just tell you himself?
Because that's the way it is. You're a servant.
If he knew who I was, what I've done...
You'd be a dead servant.
Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy.
Because his life's worthless?
No, because it's worth less than yours.
[to Arthur] And what kind of king do you think Camelot would want? One that would risk his life for a lowly servant, or one that does what his father tells him to?
Okay, let the bragging begin. How did you manage it?
I'm not sure. All I do know is that I had help... Someone knew I was in trouble and... sent a light to guide the way.
Who?
I don't know. Whoever it was, I'm only here because of them.
I'm glad you're back. [Morgana walks away]
Look at him, Gaius. Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?
I never said he didn't, but destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight might have brought him triumph but who knows what the future holds?
Yeah. I don't know what it said on your invitation but on mine it said 'celebration'.
You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen.
Don't be silly.
So what if he did? Would it really be so bad?
He's not really my type.
Oh, there's a surprise. Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if it was standing right next to you.
You're probably right.
So, come on, just for the sake of argument. If you had to: Arthur or Lancelot?
But I don't have to and I never will.
You are no fun, Gwen.
Grumant's the third to fail this month. How am I supposed to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?
Well, I think I might be able to help.
You? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to be a knight. Courage. Fortitude. Discipline.
No. No, of course I don't. But I do know someone who does.
Yeah?
He saved my life.
That's blown it for starters.
No, no. He's really good. Honestly.
That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific but you forget the First Code of Camelot.
The what?
The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman...
Oh, he is a nobleman.
Is he?
Absolutely.
Very well, bring him to the training ground tomorrow and make sure he brings his seal of nobility.
You're not a nobleman by any chance, are you?
A nobleman? No. Good lord, no. Why do you ask?
It's just that...
The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who would wish to destroy it. He knew that he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him.
Nobility.
And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day only the sons of noble families have served as knights.
That is not fair!
Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly I am.
Why do you want to be a knight so much?
When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the Northern Plains. They were slaughtered where they stood. My father, my mother, everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless against the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat. When I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now it seems my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted.
Hear my words. Whatever it takes, I will make this right.
Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking. I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.
Lancelot...
Yes?
They are going to love you.
They are?
Yes! I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself.
I hardly think so.
He's trying out for the knights.
The First Code of Camelot has never been broken for any man. What have you done, Merlin?
OK, I bent the rules a little. But the rules were wrong. They're unfair.
You bent the rules. Using magic?
It was nothing, honestly. More of a trick than actual magic.
Your magic is not a toy, Merlin. It's not for you to use or abuse as you see fit.
I know, I know.
Then why did you do it?
I owe Lancelot my life. I'm paying for that debt the only way I can by giving him the opportunity he deserves.
I think it's great Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you. Well, not me, personally but, you know, Camelot. Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind but people like you and me.
Well, I'm not a knight yet, my lady.
And I'm not a lady.
(Merlin visits Lancelot who is imprisoned in the dungeons)
I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot.
You're not to blame.
Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie.
The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear and mine to bear alone.
I wish there was something I could do.
There is. You can stop blaming yourself.
These quotes come from Wikiquote's Merlin pages and are available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.
