Episode 3.11 - The Sorcerer's Shadow

A FOREST

A young man is walking when two men show up.

Nollar: Your mother knows you’re out here? What’s your name, boy?

The young man: Gilli.

Tindr: What’s in the bag?

Gilli: Nothing

Tindr grabs Gilli’s bag and empties it.

Nollar: Where you’re heading?

Gilli: Camelot. To fight in the tournament ...

Nollar (laughs): Is that what your pretty new sword’s for?

Gilli: Yeah

Tindr (grabs the sword): Let me see.

Nollar: You ever seen this tournament? Believe me, a little boy like you is got no chance. Especially without a sword.

Gilli (as the men leave): Give it back.

Nollar: I’m doing you a favor, one day you’ll thank me.

Gilli: I said, give it back.

Gilli as*ault them but he is pushed back

Nollar: I thought you were a fighter!? Here, I’ll show you how to fight!!

Gilli as*ault him once more but the man punches him.

Nollar: Good luck at the tournament.

They leave, laughing. Gilli takes a ring from his stuff. As he looks at it, the ring starts to shine in gold, as well as Gilli’s eyes.

***Open credits***

CAMELOT, THE COURTYARD

Arthur and Merlin are walking; Merlin holds pieces of Arthur’s armor.

Merlin: Did anyone think this tournament through? A contest opens to all comers with a prize of hundred gold coins. Hum, I wonder what kind of people are going to turn up?

Arthur: It’s a tradition Merlin, the tournament’s been held every ten years to centuries … Nothing to worry about.

THE TRAINING FIELD

Many men are gathered, training for the tournament.

Merlin (seeing a man cutting the head off of a mannequin with an axe): Tell me he can’t use that in the contest.

Arthur: He can use what he likes, it’s an open tournament.

Merlin: What about the Knight’s Code?

Arthur: It counts for nothing. The only rule is: there are no rules.

Arthur leaves and Merlin avoids only just an axe thrown by Nollar.

Merlin (for himself): Yeah, you’re right, there’s nothing to worry about!

THE LOWER TOWN

Gilli comes in the Rising Sun Inn.

Gilli (to the innkeeper): Excuse me? Hello?

The innkeeper: Drink?

Gilli: A room

The innkeeper: I’m only taking competitive. Spectators have to stay outside the city walls.

Gilli: But I am a competitor.

The innkeeper : Of course you are …

Gilli (presenting a parchment): Here. (The innkeeper reads it) I’d like a room please.

The innkeeper (giving him a key): You’ll have to share.

Gilli: But …

The innkeeper: D’you want a bed or not? And I’ll have my money now.

Gilli: Why?

The innkeeper: Because you’ll be d*ad by sunset.

CAMELOT’S ARMORY

Merlin prepares Arthur’s armor. Nollar and Tindr show up.

Nollar (to Merlin): My! If it’s not the Prince of Camelot …

Merlin : I’m his servant.

Nollar: I’ve always wanted a servant. (Putting his foot on the bench where Merlin sits) Here. Clean them.

Merlin: What?

Nollar: My boots. (thr*at Merlin with a whip) Hurry up.

Merlin stands up and moves across the armory. Nollar gives him a lash of whip.

Merlin: I’m looking for a cloth!

Nollar: I don’t care if you use your tongue! Clean them!

Gilli (comes out from behind the three of them): Stay where you are.

Nollar: Oh so you’ve decided to join us after all.

Gilli (about the whip): I think you should put that down sire.

Nollar (to his companion): Did you hear that?

Tindr: Oh I heard it all right.

Nollar (to Gilli): Why don’t you say it again?

Merlin: I’m sorry, this is my fault.

Nollar gesture him to stay quiet while Tindr faces him.

Nollar (to Gilli): I’m not hearing you.

Gilli: I’ve said what I had to say.

Nollar makes his whip cracks. The ring on Gilli’s finger starts to shine while he magically grabs a sword. He manages to disarm the man. But Nollar gets a small axe out of his belt.

Merlin (to Gilli): Watch out!

Gilli disarms his opponent once again.

Gilli: Now, get out.

The men leave the Amory.

Gilli (to Merlin): Thanks for the warning.

Merlin: It’s me who should be grateful.

Gilli: It’s all right. I’ve already had a run in with those two.

Merlin: You have?

Gilli: Yeah, I know what it’s like to be picked on.

Arthur (from outside): Merlin!

Merlin (to Gilli): Well, thanks again. I’m -

Arthur’s voice (Impatient): Merlin!

Merlin (shaking Gilli’s hand): Merlin. That’s me.

Gilli: I’m Gilli

Arthur’s voice (shouting): Merlin!!!!!

Merlin: Arrg! I got to go.

He leaves.

THE DINNER ROOM

Arthur, Uther and Morgana having lunch while Merlin is doing service

Morgana: Remind me how many times have you won this tournament Uther?

Uther: Three

Morgana: That’s a lot to leave up to, Arthur.

Arthur: Indeed.

Morgana (to Uther): I remember your last victory. You were a master in the arena. It’s such a shame we won’t see you compete again.

Uther: Who say you won’t?

Morgana: I thought you said you were too old to take the field?

Uther: Not ages stops me. I’m still proving the match for any man.

Arthur: Well, we won’t be finding out.

Uther (to Arthur): Why ever not?

Arthur: Because I don’t want you getting hurt.

Uther laughs

Morgana (to Uther): Do you think you could still win the crown?

Arthur: The Kingdom needs him to rule, not to fight.

Uther (to Arthur): You think I can’t do both?

Morgana: But you’re not as young as you used to be. Besides, I need someone to keep me company in the stands

Arthur: If you’ll excuse me, I need to prepare for the tournament. Merlin?

They both leave the room.

Morgana (to Uther): It is such a shame. Would‘ve been good for the people to see you competed one last time? But still, Arthur is probably right. You can’t do everything …

Uther seems thoughtful has they finish their lunch.

THE ARMORY

Merlin gets Arthur ready for his first battle

Merlin: How’re you feeling?

Arthur: Confident

Merlin: You’re sure?

Arthur: Yes

Merlin: The last time this tournament was held (whispering) three men died.

Arthur: Really

Merlin: And that was just on the first day …

Arthur: Thanks for that Merlin.

Merlin: And on that second day …

Arthur: Let’s just … gets to the first!

Merlin: You’re right. That’s when most people die

Arthur: Merlin …?

Merlin: Yes?

Arthur: Shut up.

THE ARENA OF CAMELOT

All the fighters are gathered in the field. Gaius and Merlin are standing among the other servants. Morgana shows up in the royal stand and start the opening speech.

Morgana: It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to Camelot. This is a contest like no other. It is open to all comers. (Uther comes along the other competitors) Including our reigning champion, the King. There are no rules, no w*apon are banned. The last man standing takes the prize. Let the tournament begin.

The tournament began with a fight involving Uther who win without too much difficulty. Arthur wins his own fight with only one punch.

Nollar almost loses his but finally s*ab his opponent and kills him.

Then it’s Gilli’s turn. He wins by using magic.

Gaius (about Gilli‘s fight): Who would believed it?

NEAR THE ARENA

As Gilli passes by, Gaius and Merlin talk to him

Gaius: That was a fine victory.

Gilli: Thank you.

Gaius (about Gilli’s wound): That will need treating.

Gilli: No, it’s all right.

Merlin: Gaius is the court physician.

Gilli: It’s just a nick, I’m fine.

He leaves quickly.

Merlin: He’s using magic.

Gaius: I suspected as much. The ring bears the mark of the old religion. Such rings are very rare but they acted as a conduit. A channel for magical powers.

Merlin: So, he does have magic like me?

Gaius: He doesn’t have your powers, Merlin but to wield a ring such as that needs considerable gift.

Merlin: Well, he’s braver than me, using magic in front of all those people.

Gaius: Brave or stupid. If Uther finds out, he’ll have him k*lled.

THE ARMORY

Gilli put his sword on the sword rack. As his wound hurts he goes in the corridors to cast a spell and heals his arm. The spell unleashes a bright light and let a mark on the wall. As two guards had seen the light, they try to stop him. Gilli succeed to escape, losing his ring.

IN THE ARMORY ‘S CORRIDOR

King Uther, Gaius and Merlin are gathered around the mark on the wall.

Uther: Sorcery. It’s the only explanation.

Gaius: We mustn’t jump to conclusions Sire.

Uther: What other explanation could it be? The guard report saying “an unnaturally bright light”. It’s heat so intense that they could feel at the other side of the corridor. These scorch marks would seem to support their story.

Gaius: But they appear to have been there for some time (seeing the ring on the floor behind Uther). Did the guards could get a look at this man?

Uther: No, it was too dark.

Gaius: Unfortunate. I can see no evidence of magic.

Uther: This is strange odour. How do you explain that?

Gaius (pointing in the end of the corridor to make a diversion): It’s coming from the grain store there. It’s  alecost for the tavern. (He picks up the ring)They used it in their brewing.

Uther: Brewing?

Gaius: Indeed sire. It imparts a special flavour.

Uther (leaving): Very well.

GAIUS’ CHAMBERS

Gaius: It’s cleary Gilli’s judging by the scorch mark and the odour. This is an old healing spell. It’s crude but its works. You heat the skin to coagulate the blood and there cauterizes the wound.

Merlin: On his shoulder. Well, no wondering why he didn’t want treatment.

Gaius: You’ll have to talk to him before it’s too late.

THE RISING SUN TAVERN

Merlin knocks at Gilli’s door.

Gilli: Who is it?

Merlin (opens the door): Merlin. I’ve come to see how you are.

Gilli: It’s a lot better.

Merlin (about Gilli’s wound): Can I have a look?

Gilli: There’s nothing to see.

Merlin (sitting in a bed): Wow, the way you fought earlier, that was incredible.

Gilli: Yeah?

Merlin: Yeah. Someone your size to go b*at a man like that. Sure a lot of people are going to think you’re using magic …  I’m not gonna tell anyone.

Gilli: I’m not using magic.

Merlin gets out the ring.

Merlin: You don’t have to fear me. (Looking the ring) It bears the mark of the old religion (giving the jewel back to Gilli).  Where did you get it from?

Gilli: My father. He left it me.

Merlin: Did he have the same powers as you?

Gilli: He was a gifted man, but he would not touch magic. He vowed never to use it. He feared it. Wouldn’t even let me talk about it.

Merlin: Why?

Gilli: He was scared Uther would found out. That the King would discover he was a sorcerer. Even when he was att*cked and … he’d three men on him; he still wouldn’t use this.

Merlin: Is that how he died?

Gilli: I am not gonna be like him.

Merlin: Because you want to be proud? … Of who you are?

Gilli: Why all these questions?

Merlin: You remind me someone I know.

Gilli: Who?

Merlin (stand up and walking up to Gilli): You saved my life and I’m trying to save yours. You need to withdrawn from the tournament.

Gilli: It’s an open competition. You’re supposed to be up to use whatever skills you have.

Merlin: Fighting skills! … And you’re not a swordsman, or a gladiator. Fighting is not your talent. Magic is.

Gilli: Then why can’t I use it?

Merlin: Because is banned.

Gilli: Without magic, I’m a Nobody. People think they can kick dirt in my face.

Merlin: You’re not a Nobody. You’re … special.

Gilli: Then let me prove that.

Merlin: If you continue to use magic here, you will be caught, Uther will have you ex*cuted.

Another customer enters the room putting the conversation to an end.

BACK TO THE AREANA

Uther and Arthur both win their second fight.

As Arthur is in the tent, Uther comes in, followed by the Lady Morgana.

Uther (to Arthur): Have you seen who you are to face in the semi final tomorrow? Might need to put in some practice.

Morgana: Well, the crowd are really looking forward to it. So am I. (as Arthur leaves) It should be quite a match !

NEAR THE ARENA

Gilli headed to his battle when he meets Nollar.

Nollar: Seems like you’re my next opponent.

Gilli (trying to leave): Excuse me.

Nollar don’t let him pass.

Gilli: Can you let me past please?

Nollar (as he shows his w*apon): No. ‘Cause I want you to help me decide which of these I’m gonna k*ll you with?

The two men laugh as Gilli leaves.

Few minutes later, Gilli and Nollar meet in the arena. Under the man’s as*ault Gilli is pushing against the arena’s wall, right into Tindr’s arms who was standing in the crowd.

Tindr : Hello again!

Nollar is about to pass Gilli through. The young man uses his magic and ejects his opponent. He manages to escape from Tindr, reaches Nollar and kills him.

THE ARMORY

Gilli is sitting on a bench, still shocked by Nollar death. Merlin shows up.

Gilli (looking straight): I’ve never k*lled a man before. I just wanted to feel … what was like to be … respected. But this … I’m not a k*ller. This isn’t me.

Merlin: You need to withdraw.

Gilli: I’m going to.

THE RISING SUN TAVERN

As Gilli enters, he is warmly welcomed by the crowd.

The crowd: Here he is.

Everybody applauses and shakes Gilli’s hand. The innkeeper buys him a drink.

The innkeeper (to everyone): The drinks are on the House!

ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS

Merlin sharps Arthur’s sword. The prince is slouched on his table.

Arthur: What do I do Merlin? If I fight my father tomorrow, the way I can … I’ll show him up, I’ll humiliate him. In front of his people. Or worse! I could wound him, even k*ll him!

Merlin: He does not gonna back down, isn’t it? (Arthur gives him a look that means “no”) He’s determined to prove himself … You have to let him win.

Arthur: You don’t have to put it up with the gloating! Do you have any idea what it’s like to live with a man who constantly thinks he’s the best!

Merlin: Hum, must be irritating …!

THE FOLLOWING DAY, IN THE ARENA

Uther is about to fight against Arthur.

Arthur: Good luck.

Uther: And you … you’ll need it.

Arthur: Don’t be so sure, Father.

Uther : When I was your age, I conquered Camelot. I didn’t inherit this Kingdom I won it. One day you’ll be strong enough to take my crown. But not yet.

They both put their helmets.

Uther: Ready?

Arthur (without looking): Ready.

Uther instantly att*cks his son whom succeeds to ward off Uther’s blow.

Uther: I thought you said you were ready.

Then the fight began. Arthur and Uther gives back to back to one another.

Arthur (sarcastic): Need a breather Father?

All in all, Arthur is stronger than Uther and he succeeds to make Uther fall. Uther seems to have issues to get up.

Arthur: Footwork always was your weakness!

Uther finally stand up. He looks very weak so as Arthur noticed. The prince decided to let his father win and felt intentionally. Uther gives a hand to Arthur to gets up and takes a bow in front of his people. In the royal stand, Morgana seems frustrated.

THE FIGHTER’S CAMP

Merlin (to Arthur): Well done. It can’t have been easy.

Arthur: If he wasn’t my father …! (He leaves)

Gaius (to Merlin): The king’s reachs the final. You need to worry about who he might be facing next.

Merlin looks in the arena and sees Gilli fighting. Once again, Gilli’s opponent is about to win but the young man uses his magic to defeat him.

GAIUS’S CHAMBERS

Merlin is thoughtful when Gaius comes in.

Gaius: I thought you said the boy was going to withdraw.

Merlin: That’s what I thought.

Gaius: We have to warn the King

Merlin: No!

Gaius: Why are you protecting him?

Merlin: You know what Uther would do!

Gaius: Gilli is using magic for his own gain. It’s corrupting him. Poisoning him.

Merlin: Just let me talk to him.

Gaius: I fear it’s too late.

Merlin: Gaius, please! You taught me what magic was for. You gave me the opportunity to be the person that I am today. I’ve had you to help me. Give me one more chance to talk to him.

Gaius: We’ll have to put an end to this. If he fights tomorrow, either his magic will be found out or worse, the King would die.

Merlin leaves.

THE RISING SUN TAVERN

As Merlin comes in, Gilli is in the middle of the crowd, explaining his fight.

Gilli: Now, lot of people asks me how did he fell on his back. I just tripped him like that. I’m strong, you don’t realize it.

Seeing Merlin, Gilli meets him in Gilli’s empty room.

Gilli: What’s this is about?

Merlin: Your opponent? ‘Thought you might like to know how he is?

Gilli: Is he alright?

Merlin: Gaius thinks he’ll pull through but he might not have been so lucky.

Gilli: It could’ve been me that got injured.

Merlin: I thought you weren’t going to fight!

Gilli: You’ve seen the way people are now. They’re showed me respect. You don’t know what that’s like for me.

Merlin: I do.

Gilli: No. No, no one does.

Merlin seems thoughtful for a moment then shuts the door. He faces Gilli, whispers an incantation and present his closed fist. When he openes it, there is a flame burning on his palm. Gilli looks at Merlin, as if he sees him for the first time.

Merlin: It’s lonely … to … be more powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow. To be special and have to pretend you’re a fool. I know how it feels … I understand.

Gilli: Then you understand why I have to fight. If Uther is k*lled, so what? How many of our kind have died at his hands?! How many more will?! It’s time those with magic fought back!

Merlin: Gilli …

 Gilli: You can’t tell me what to do!

Merlin: You need to learn to use your magic for good! That is the true purpose! It’s not meant to your own vanity!

Gilli (shouting): I’m not gonna apologize for who I am!! You can be a servant, and, and pretend you’re less than them, but I’m not gonna …

Merlin (interrupting): No! That’s not what I do!

Gilli: No?! You’re defending the King! Protecting a man that would have you d*ad!

Merlin: I’m protecting you!

Gilli: You’ve been pretending for so long now, that you’ve actually forgotten who you are.

Merlin: No. That’s not true.

Gilli: Isn’t it?!

Merlin: No …

Gilli: It’s time someone struck a blow for the likes of you and me. And if you’re too weak, then I will.

Gilli leaves the room, letting Merlin on his own.

GAIUS' CHAMBERS

At night, Merlin is lying on his bed thinking. He suddenly gets up, run to the clearing next to Camelot and summon the Great Dragon.

Kilgharrah (as he landed): I was beginning to hope you’d forgotten me.

Merlin (smiling): I don’t think so

Kilgharrah: The problem is, young warlock, that you wish to talk, but you don’t wish to listen. The last time we met, you chose to ignore my advice and overrule me.

Merlin: I’m sorry.

Kilgharrah: A Dragonlord should never abuse their power. What reason do you have to summon me this time?

Merlin: You are a creature of magic … and only a creature of magic could hope to understand. Uther is to fight a young sorcerer in the tournament tomorrow. Gaius wants me to prevent him from using magic but if I do that there is every chance he would die.

Kilgharrah: Your choice is a hard one, young Warlock. Yet, you, like I, must hold hope that Arthur will bring about a new age. An age where the likes of you and I are respected once again. If he sees his father k*lled through the use of magic, it would harden his mind for ever.

Merlin: No … no, there must be some … other way.

Kilgharrah: To see one of your kin die is never an easy thing. But all great struggles demand sacrifices. I am sorry young warlock. I wish I had some words to help you.

Merlin: Some choices are easy … some stay with you forever …

CAMELOT, BY MORNING

Uther is in his apartment, preparing for his fight against Gilli. Arthur enters

Arthur: Come to whish you luck

Uther: Against a boy?

Arthur: He’s reached the final.

Uther: Arthur, even you could b*at him! (He leaves the room)

IN THE ARENA

Uther stands in the middle of the pitch. Merlin watches worryingly Gilli’s arrival. The two of them share a very expressive look.

In the pitch, the fight is about to begin. Uther put his helmet and raise his sword.

Uther: For glory

Gilli: For glory

Then the battle starts. As Uther is obviously better than Gilli, the young man starts to use his magic. But, from the crowd, Merlin fought him back with his own powers. Uther finally wins and is cheered by his people.

Gilli leaves the arena, depressed.

Merlin (to Gilli as the young man passes next to him): I’m sorry.

But Gilli doesn’t even respond and just walks away.

THE RISING SUN TAVERN, GILLI’S ROOM

Gilli is packing when Merlin enters.

Merlin: I didn’t have a choice.

Gilli: You did what you had to do. And you betrayed your kind.

Merlin: No that was you. You betrayed us. You’d won. But you were going to k*ll the king anyway. There’s no honor in that. Come one, look inside yourself, you’re better than this. Magic is not meant for fighting. It’s not meant to bring you glory.

Gilli: I never understood my father … I thought that he was afraid of magic. But he wasn’t. He was afraid of what it can do. How it can corrupt. I know now that he was … he was strong. Well … he was stronger than me. (He grabs his bag) I’m sorry.

Merlin: I know it doesn’t seem like it now but one day magic will be permitted once again. And when that day arrives, you’ll not longer have to hide who you are. Your gifts will be recognized and we … will be free! And who knows, maybe … maybe then our path will cross again.

Gilli: I hope so

Merlin: Oh, they will. We’re kin

Gilli (shaking Merlin’s hand): Kin.

Later, Gilli leaves Camelot and the lower Town as Merlin watches him from the round path.

THE DINNER ROOM

Uther (to Morgana as they reach the table where Arthur is already sitting at): I thought the boy was going to k*ll me.

Morgana: So did I!

Uther: Then, suddenly, the old fighting spirit kicked in. I dug deep, found my strength and whole thing just began to flow. I felt at one with the sword. My feet moved instinctively.

Morgana: And now, you’re champion once again. Maybe you can give Arthur some lessons!

Uther: It is I who learnt a great deal to our fight.

Morgana: I can’t see what.

Uther: He’s a far better warrior than you think. It is Arthur who should have claimed the prize.

Morgana: But sadly he wasn’t good enough.

Uther: Because he threw the fight (Arthur choke with his water) that I might save face.

Arthur: You knew?

Uther: I have followed your progress with a sword since you were boy. I know your abilities better than anyone. I’m eternally grateful. I hope that when you are king and have sons of your own, that they will afford you the same honour. Indeed, the most satisfying outcome of the tournament is that Arthur’s actions have shown me that he is now truly ready to be king.

Uther raise his glass. Arthur and Morgana raise theirs and the three of them choke their glasses.

GAISUS’ CHAMBERS

Gaius and Merlin are ready to eat; Gaius put a very well served plate in front of Merlin.

Gaius: I’m proud of you.

Merlin: Oh, I don’t deserve it.

Gaius: You’re being hard on yourself.

Merlin doesn’t respond sighs and seems ready to eat …

Gaius (taking Merlin’s plate for himself): All right!

Merlin: Hey, what are you doing?

Gaius: You said you didn’t deserve it.

Merlin: Gaius, I haven’t eaten.

Gaius: Pity it’s delicious

Merlin (trying to take back his plate): Gaius …

As Merlin’s getting ever more puzzled, Gaius starts giggled

Gaius (taking another very well served plate from behind their table): Alright …

Merlin: Thanks

They both laugh

*** THE END***
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