BBC Merlin: 2x01 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
<<< SERIES 1 │ EPISODE 2x02 >>>
KILGHARRAH
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
Merlin. Merlin!
MERLIN
Yes, Sire?
ARTHUR
Are you deaf?
MERLIN
I wish.
ARTHUR
I want you to go down there and tell them to stop.
MERLIN
But they're working under the King's orders.
ARTHUR
Yeah. And you're working under mine.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Hello?
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB - NIGHT]
MERLIN
How do you think he died? Gaius?
GAIUS
Hmm?
MERLIN
Do you know whose tomb it is?
GAIUS
Not sure.
MERLIN
Do you think it might be cursed?
GAIUS
You just saved my life. Thank you.
UTHER
...guarded at all times. Idiot.
ARTHUR
Were you born clumsy or do you work at it?
MERLIN
It's just one of my many gifts.
UTHER
Well this is quite a find. You see, Gaius, I was right. There is treasure to be found under Camelot. Which of my predecessors do I have to thank for all this? Gaius?
GAIUS
Uh, I'd have to look into it, Sire.
UTHER
How did he die?
GAIUS
He seems to have unwittingly triggered a trap here.
ARTHUR
To deter grave robbers
UTHER
Well there's plenty in here people would want to steal. Have them secure the tomb. Guarding it is your responsibility, Arthur.
ARTHUR
Yes, Father.
--
[INT. LOWER TOWN, TAVERN - NIGHT]
CEDRIC
So this jewel, what size would you say it was?
TOM
About that size.
CEDRIC
My word, really? About that size, you say? Well, I never. Here you are. Drink up. And, uh, this
tomb. I bet they got that locked up nice and safe, haven't they?
TOM
Tighter than the King's coffers.
CEDRIC
Yeah. Must be a way in, though.
TOM
Only with the keys.
CEDRIC
Right, right, right. And who's got the keys?
TOM
You must think I'm stupid. I'm not telling you that.
CEDRIC
Course not. No, a bright lad like you knows what that sort of information's worth. No, we don't want everyone to see. Believe me, this place is full of thieves and finger-smiths. Put it inside your tunic. And, uh, careful of that fellow over there.
TOM
Which one?
CEDRIC
Far end of the bar. See him? He keeps on watching you.
TOM
Yeah, yeah, yeah. With, with the beard.
CEDRIC
No, no. That one.
TOM
Ah, I got my eye on him. Thank you.
CEDRIC
So who's got the keys?
TOM
Only the Prince. But don't get your hopes up. He keeps them in his private chambers, and there's only one person allowed in there: his servant.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]
ARTHUR
Hurry up, Merlin.
MERLIN
Sorry.
ARTHUR
Merlin!
MERLIN
I don't understand.
ARTHUR
Well, there's a surprise.
MERLIN
I did that girth up myself.
ARTHUR
Well, I think that might have been the problem!
MERLIN
It wasn't my fault.
CEDRIC
Would you like me to fit the girth properly for you, Sire.
ARTHUR
Thank you.
CEDRIC
It's an honour to be of service to the Prince.
ARTHUR
An honour. Do you hear that Merlin?
CEDRIC
Allow me the honour of brushing your clothes down.
ARTHUR (whispers)
The honour.
CEDRIC
Anything else I can do for you, sir.
ARTHUR
Well, you can give Merlin here a kick up the backside.
CEDRIC (chuckles)
I wouldn't wish to deprive you of the pleasure, sir.
ARTHUR Ha! What's your name?
CEDRIC
Cedric. I've come to Camelot in search of work.
ARTHUR
Good. You can be a beater on the hunt. We're short of a man or two.
CEDRIC
You're too kind, Sire.
MERLIN
Here. You'll need a beater. Oh, sorry.
--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
MERLIN
Flíe 'fǽgð.
ARTHUR
Who threw that?
CEDRIC
*ahem*
ARTHUR
Was it you? You just saved my life.
CEDRIC
Honestly, Sire, it was nothing.
ARTHUR
I shall be forever indebted to you. You must be rewarded.
CEDRIC
No, I couldn't possibly.
ARTHUR
Come on. What do you wish for?
CEDRIC
I desire only one thing, Sire.
ARTHUR
Anything.
CEDRIC
A position in the royal household.
ARTHUR
Good. Consider it done. Ha-ha!
CEDRIC
You can have that back.
MERLIN
Oof!
CEDRIC
Oh, sorry.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]
GAIUS
What's wrong?
MERLIN
I saved Arthur's life, someone else got the credit. Just the usual. What are you doing?
GAIUS
I found this inscription on the sceptre.
MERLIN
What language is that?
GAIUS
I don't know. Sigan would have known many languages.
MERLIN
Sigan?
GAIUS
It's his tomb.
MERLIN
Who's he?
GAIUS
Merlin, he was the most powerful sorcerer to have lived.
MERLIN
Really?
GAIUS
You didn't grow up in Camelot, but for those of us that did, Cornelius Sigan was a figure of nightmare.
MERLIN
Why?
GAIUS
Sigan's powers. He could change day into night, turn the tides, and legend has it, his spells helped build Camelot itself.
MERLIN
What happened?
GAIUS
In the end he grew to powerful and the king at that time ordered his execution.
MERLIN
If he's dead, why are you so worried?
GAIUS
Sigan couldn't bear the thought that his wealth and power would die with him, so he became obsessed with finding a way to defeat death itself.
MERLIN
You think he might have succeeded?
GAIUS
Let's hope not, for all our sakes.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
UTHER
Gaius. What is it you want?
GAIUS
To seal up the burial chamber and all its contents.
UTHER
Don't be ridiculous.
GAIUS
The insignia on this ring belongs to Cornelius Sigan. I believe it to be hid tomb. In the Old Religion, the name Sigan means raven.
UTHER
No wonder the riches are so great.
GAIUS
Then you are aware of the legends, Sire?
UTHER
Yes. I have always enjoyed the tale of the arrogant sorcerer who came to an untimely end.
GAIUS
According to the story, Sigan cursed Camelot. He said he would return and raze the city to the ground.
UTHER
Gaius, you have long been my ally in the war against sorcery. You, more than anyone, should not give in to these irrational fears.
GAIUS
Thank you, Sire.
UTHER
And Gaius. Do not spread panic amongst my people. This is foolish superstition, nothing more.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
MORGANA
Ah! Gwen? Gwen!
GWEN
My Lady? My Lady, what's the matter? It's alright, it's alright. I'm here. I'm here. There's nothing to be frightened of. Shh, shh, shh.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - DAY]
ARTHUR
Is that lunch?
MERLIN
No, it's breakfas...
ARTHUR
This is lovely, Cedric.
MERLIN
Is there anything else that you need doing, Sire?
ARTHUR
No, I think Cedric's got it all covered
CEDRIC
Oh, I regret, Sire, there is one thing I failed to do. Uh, muck out your horses.
ARTHUR
Off you go.
CEDRIC
I'll get the door for you.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS - DAY]
GAIUS
What was this dream about?
MORGANA
A bird.
GAIUS
What kind of bird?
MORGANA
A raven.
GAIUS
A raven?
MORGANA
It was terrifying, Gaius. What do you think it means?
GAIUS
Probably nothing.
MORGANA
It's happening again, isn't it?
GAIUS
Morgana, one raven doesn't mean that your nightmares are returning. Are you taking the sleeping draughts I prepared for you? I'll get Gwen to give you something stronger.
MORGANA
Like a blow to the head? I'm sure she wants to.
--
[INT. ROYAL STABLES - DAY]
CEDRIC
Go on. Go and have some fun. Go on. Go and have some fun.
GUARD
Sire!
MERLIN
Sire!
ARTHUR
What are you doing?
MERLIN
Nothing.
ARTHUR
I can see that.
MERLIN
I wasn't sleeping. I was, I was just bending down.
ARTHUR
Looking for something.
MERLIN
Yes.
ARTHUR
Perhaps we're looking for the same thing.
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
Oh, I don't know, the horses!
MERLIN
The hor-ses. Oh!
ARTHUR
One mistake I can understand. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but this is one thing after another!
MERLIN
I--I don't know what happened!
CEDRIC
Sire. Please, Sire, don't be too hard on him. He's a good servant, he just...he's tired.
MERLIN
I am not
CEDRIC
Maybe...maybe if he had the evening off...
MERLIN
I don't want the evening off.
CEDRIC
A good night's rest...
MERLIN
I did not fall asleep!
CEDRIC
I'm more than willing to take over his duties tonight.
ARTHUR
Perhaps you're right.
MERLIN
No.
ARTHUR
Shut up, Merlin.
MERLIN
Can't you see what he's trying to do? He's trying to get rid of me, and if you weren't such a clotpole. you'd see that!
ARTHUR
A what?
CEDRIC
Clotpole. He, he said clotpole.
ARTHUR
Cedric's right. He can look after me tonight. You can go home and think about whether you want to be my servant or not.
MERLIN
But...
ARTHUR
Go.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]
GAIUS
What's that on your face?
MERLIN
Nothing.
GAIUS
What's wrong?
MERLIN
Nothing.
GAIUS
Here.
MERLIN
I'm not an idiot.
GAIUS
What happened?
MERLIN
I just want Arthur to trust me. And to see me for who I really am.
GAIUS
One day he will.
MERLIN
When? Everything I do is for him and he just thinks I'm an idiot.
GAIUS
Not everyone thinks you're an idiot. Although, looking at you now...Now is not the time to be questioning these things, Merlin. I believe that you and Arthur are destined for greatness, and that your calling is to serve and protect him.
MERLIN
It's hard.
GAIUS
I know it's hard. But Camelot is in grave peril. I've translated the inscription. "He who breaks my heart completes my work."
MERLIN
What does it mean?
GAIUS
Do you remember the stone in the tomb, how it glowed?
MERLIN
Yeah. I've never seen a jewel like it.
GAIUS
That's because it's not a jewel, it's the soul of Cornelius Sigan.
MERLIN
You think he's alive?
GAIUS
His soul is. But in order to truly live, a soul needs a body.
MERLIN
So, if the stone is removed from its setting, then the heart is broken and the soul released?
GAIUS
That's what I fear.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
CEDRIC
I'll be right outside in the anteroom should you need anything.
ARTHUR
That'll be all, Cedric.
CEDRIC
Sleep well, Sire.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB - NIGHT]
CEDRIC
Oh, yes. Oh, yes! Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Ha. Hello ladies.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB - DAY]
ARTHUR
Sound the warning bell.
GAIUS
Merlin. Whoever did this got more than they bargained for.
MERLIN
I don't understand how they got in. The gate's not even damaged.
GAIUS
They must've used a key.
MERLIN
Arthur's got the only key.
GAIUS
Where does he keep it?
MERLIN
On his belt with the others.
GAIUS
Does he ever take it off?
MERLIN
Only when he's asleep. He keeps it next to his bed.
GAIUS
Who had access to his chambers last night?
MERLIN
Just me. And...Cedric.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - DAY]
MERLIN
Cedric is possessed by an evil spirit.
ARTHUR
What?
MERLIN
He tried to steal the jewel, but it wasn't a jewel, it was a soul of an ancient sorcerer, Sigan.
ARTHUR
Merlin, have you been on the cider?
MERLIN
Please, listen to me. Camelot is in mortal danger. Sigan is using Cedric's body to take his revenge.
ARTHUR
This nonsense isn't helping you keep your job.
MERLIN
You are not listening to me!
ARTHUR
You're going to shout anyway? Cedric! Will you escort Merlin from the palace?
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
Ah!
ARTHUR
Merlin.
MERLIN
Ah!
ARTHUR
You've gone too far this time, Merlin! You can spend a few days cooling off in the cells! Guards!
MERLIN
He's going to destroy Camelot!
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS/DRAWBRIDGE - NIGHT]
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
I am returned. Ic cume eft to Camelot. swá þæt ic mæg min fæhþ awrecan! Nu 'ic lybbe ece and ic mæg rædan min burh!
GWEN
Ahhh!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
UTHER
I don't know what this creature is, where it's come from.
ARTHUR
There's more than one, Father. We've had several reports. There's panic in the lower town. People are fleeing the city.
UTHER
Then you must hunt these creatures down and kill them.
ARTHUR
Yes, Sire.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
UTHER
Have you seen what's happening?
GAIUS
It is as I warned you, Sire.
UTHER
This cannot be Sigan.
GAIUS
It is his revenge, he has come back from the dead.
UTHER
Then he will die again.
GAIUS
You do not understand, sir. You cannot kill a man who has conquered mortality.
UTHER
Don't tell me what cannot be done. Camelot will not fall to a sorcerer while I'm King.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Hello?!
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
Regroup! Low fight!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Tóspringe!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
GAIUS
We need more bandages, Gwen. You shouldn't be doing this.
MORGANA
It's exactly what I should be doing.
GAIUS
You need rest, Morgana.
MORGANA
And I'm likely to get it with all this going on.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
Guinevere?
GWEN
Sire.
ARTHUR
That thing could've killed you.
GWEN
And it still might! Sorry, Sire.
ARTHUR
No. My pleasure.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
GWEN
I'll get you something to stop the bleeding.
ARTHUR
Guinevere. I wanted to say...just, uh...you always surprise me.
GWEN
Is that it, Sire?
ARTHUR
That's it. Oh, and uh...thank you.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
UTHER
Arthur.
ARTHUR
It's nothing.
UTHER
Have we driven the creatures out?
ARTHUR
They have control of the lower town. The market has been all but destroyed.
UTHER
How many dead?
ARTHUR
Too many to number.
UTHER
I'm sealing the citadel.
ARTHUR
You can't.
UTHER
I have no choice. I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we will all fall. Where are you going?
ARTHUR
There are people trapped on the drawbridge.
UTHER
I forbid you.
ARTHUR
I'm not leaving them to die.
UTHER
It's suicide!
ARTHUR
It's my duty to Camelot! And to myself!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Gaius.
GAIUS
What are you doing here?
MERLIN
I have to help Arthur.
GAIUS
Merlin, Sigan's power is far beyond yours.
MERLIN
I don't have a choice.
GAIUS
But Sigan is immortal and you are not. If you face him, he will destroy you.
MERLIN
But there must be a way.
GAIUS
There is only one alive who is old enough to give us the answers we need.
MERLIN
What do you mean?
GAIUS
The Great Dragon.
MERLIN
You knew that...that I used to visit him.
GAIUS
Yes, Merlin, of course I knew. You're a creature of magic, just as he is. I hoped that he could help you.
MERLIN
He helps no one but himself.
GAIUS
For Arthur's sake you must go to him now.
MERLIN
I can't.
GAIUS
We have no choice.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWBRIDGE - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
Check for survivors. On me! Charge!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON’S CAVE - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Hello?! Hello?! Please, I need your help!
KILGHARRAH
You told me I would not see you again.
MERLIN
I'm not here for myself, I'm here for Arthur.
KILGHARRAH
Arthur's path lies with yours. You have made it clear that you do not walk in step with me.
MERLIN
You cannot want Cornelius Sigan to win. You're not evil.
KILGHARRAH
At least Sigan knows where his loyalties lie. You have shown that you do not.
MERLIN
So you will let Camelot fall?
KILGHARRAH
I did not say that.
MERLIN
Then you will help me?
KILGHARRAH
To defeat Sigan, you will need a spell more powerful than anything you know.
MERLIN
Please, I have to try.
KILGHARRAH
Very well. But you must give me something in return.
MERLIN
What?
KILGHARRAH
A promise.
MERLIN
A promise?
KILGHARRAH
That one day you will free me.
MERLIN
If I release you, what will you do?
KILGHARRAH
That is not your concern.
MERLIN
I don't trust you!
KILGHARRAH
Nevertheless, you must promise, or Camelot will fall.
MERLIN
I promise. Now, please, give me the spell.
KILGHARRAH
Close your eyes and open your mind. Few men have ever been gifted such knowledge. Use it wisely.
MERLIN
I will.
KILGHARRAH
You made a promise, young warlock, and one day I shall keep you to it.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWDRIDGE/MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
SIR GERAINT
Arthur! Arthur! Retreat! Regroup in the square! Arthur? Arthur? Arthur?!
ARTHUR
Save yourselves! That's an order!
SIR GERAINT
Retreat! Retreat!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
SIR GERAINT
Seal the doors!
UTHER
Where's Arthur? Where is he? You can't leave him out there, he'll be torn apart!
SIR GERAINT
You can't go out there, Sire! If you open that door, you will die! We will all die!
UTHER
No!
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
MERLIN
Astrice!
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
Who would've believed it? You, a sorcerer, and a powerful one.
MERLIN
I won't let you hurt him
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
And you're going to stop me?
MERLIN
I'll stop you.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
He does not deserve your loyalty. He treats you like a slave.
MERLIN
That's not true.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
He cast you aside without a moment's thought.
MERLIN
That doesn't matter.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
But it must hurt so much to be so put upon, so overlooked, when all the while you have such power.
MERLIN
That's the way it has to be.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
Does it? You're young, Merlin. Look inside yourself. You have yet to discover your true power. I can help you. Think, Merlin. To have the world appreciate your greatness. To have Arthur know you for what you are.
MERLIN
That can never be.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
It can, if you join me. Together we can rule over this land. Arthur will tremble at your voice, he will kneel at your feet.
MERLIN
I don't want that.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
You'd rather be a servant?
MERLIN
Better to serve a good man that to rule with an evil one.
SIGAN (CEDRIC)
So be it. If you will not join me, I will become you and your power will be harnessed to my will.
MERLIN
Ic þín sáwol hér beléac, abide þæt ic þé álíese!
GAIUS
Merlin? Well done, my boy.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
UTHER
We must learn our lessons from these terrible events, Gaius.
GAIUS
Indeed, Sire.
UTHER
They prove beyond doubt that I was right. Magic is evil. It is our greatest threat. I have grown complacent, Gaius.
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.
GAIUS
Of course, Sire.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]
GAIUS
You know, you won't get any thanks, Merlin.
MERLIN
I'm not a complete idiot.
GAIUS
There you go. It's not much, but you deserve something.
ARTHUR
I've come to see Merlin. I've not forgotten about your lazy, insolent ways, or the fact that you called me a clotpole, but I do have to admit that there was some truth in your accusations against Cedric.
MERLIN
Does this mean you're admitting that in this occasion I was actually right?
ARTHUR
Not exactly, no. It means that I have a knighthood to bestow first thing tomorrow and no one to clean my armour.
MERLIN
All that?
ARTHUR
Yep.
GAIUS
Clotpole?
-----------------------------------------------
Note: incantations found at Merlin Wiki
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