Screenplay by
Rospo Pallenberg
and
John Boorman


Adapted from "Le Morte D'Arthur"
by
Rospo Pallenberg

FADE IN:

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Darkness. The sound of battle cries and the clang of metal upon metal. The forest lights up with huge sparks flying from sword and ax as armored knights hack and swing at each other. Mounted knights collide head-on at full gallop, their armor made incandescent in the clash. Sparks eddy in their wakes and float to the ground. The forest catches fire.

MAIN TITLES on the flames. Out of the sounds of ancient battle grows music, heroic and barbaric, shot through with melancholy.

Two crazed eyes reflect the fire. The eyes belong to a man without age, at once ancient and boyish, female and male; his eyes are pained from the burden of too much knowledge. So close is he to the flames that a lock of his wild hair sizzles alight. He slaps at the fire as if it were an annoying insect. He wears a cloak of black trimmed with silver. It is Merlin. The wizard weaves a path through the burning forest, dodging the combatants, searching.

MERLIN

Lord Uther! Lord Uther!

The forest around him weeps softly with the sounds that follow slaughter. Patches of undergrowth are smoldering. Small flames lick bark and branches. Smoke floats through the trees and hovers over the bodies of the dying and the dead.

A huge knight reins up beside Merlin on a lathered horse. His armor is blood spattered. He is weary from battle. He looks down at Merlin, his countenance fierce. The blade of his sword glows with an unnatural aura.

MERLIN

It's done. A truce. We meet at the river.

UTHER
(disgusted)

Talk. Lovers murmuring to each other...

EXT. RIVER, FOREST - DAY

Waiting on one bank of a small river that flows through the forest is a warlord, the Duke of Cornwall. He is flanked by his armored warriors. Lot of Lowthean prominent among them. They are battle-weary and bloodied, but they look ready to fight. Behind them is an army of lesser knights.

To the opposite bank come Uther and Merlin, a much smaller force of knights, including Uryens, Lord of Gore, surrounding them.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

I spit on your truce, Uther. If you want peace, throw down your swords.

Uther and the Duke of Cornwall glare at each other in silence across the river. Uther strains forward, burning with anger; but Merlin restrains him.

UTHER

I should butcher all and every one of them. Merlin, what is this wagging of tongues?

MERLIN

Just show the sword.

Uther unsheathes his mighty sword, and brandishes it in the air high over his head. The blade hums disquietingly and leaves a lingering electric hue upon the air. The marvel instills dread in all present.

MERLIN
(waxing eloquent)

Behold the sword of power, Excalibur. Before Uther, it belonged to Lud, before Lud, to Beowulf, before Beowulf to Baldur the Good, before Baldur to Thor himself and that was when the world was young and there were more than seven colors in the rainbow.

(and in an aside to Uther)

Speak the words.

UTHER
(bellowing)

One land, one king! That is my peace!

The Duke of Cornwall looks around nervously as some of his knights fall to their knees in awe.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

Lord Uther, if I yield to the sword of power, what will you yield?

UTHER

Me, yield!?

Merlin urges Uther hard.

MERLIN
(a whisper)

He has given. Now you must.

The two knights glare at each other, rage contending with anger.

UTHER

The land from here to the sea is yours if you will enforce the King's will.

The enemies lock eyes and Merlin watches anxiously.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

Done!

All men from both sides break out in wild cheers.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

My Lord King Uther, let us feast together. To my castle. Lord Merlin, you must join -

But Merlin is nowhere in sight.

INT. TINTAGEL CASTLE - HALL - NIGHT

Drums and wailing flutes fill the banquet hall with a lusty rhythm. Armored warriors watch a lone woman dancing. She is very beautiful, both sensuous and innocent.

Uther sits at the long table beside the Duke of Cornwall with the barons and dukes of the land, and the lesser knights. The table is stained with wine and littered with bones and half-eaten fruit.

Uther's eyes burn with lust as he watches the dancer.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

I would wish you such a wife, Lord Uther, as my Igrayne. So innocent, but in bed, a furnace...

The Duke rises and goes to his wife, be-striding the center of the hall and Igrayne weaves circles of dance around him. He gloats with pride.

The words escape his lips:

UTHER

I must have her.

Lot spins to face him.

LOT

What? You're mad! What about the alliance?

UTHER
(oblivious)

I must have her.

LOT

And risk all you've won? This castle commands the sea gate to the kingdom.

Uther is not one for politics, and Lot's words sail past him. The King lusts for Igrayne.

A bell is struck not far away. The music ceases and the hall falls silent. The great door creaks open, revealing the dawn light, and a monk steps into the hall and waits by it. Muffled by corridors of stone, a choir of monks can now be heard singing the high, ecstatic harmonies of the Te Deum. Those who have fallen asleep at the table are roused, those drunk, helped up.

INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

The monk leads the party down the hallway of the castle. Thin shafts of dawnlight filter through archers' slits in the thick walls onto stone floors. Otherwise, it is dark. Each person, lady and knight, proceeds alone, head bent, some crossing themselves.

Uther is among them. He stops in a dark alcove, breathing heavily, waiting. As the lovely Igrayne drifts past him, he pulls her out of sight of the others.

In a shaft of pale light Uther clasps Igrayne to his breastplate, his iron arm wrapped around her frail body. So violent is his embrace that she cannot breathe, her mouth is wide with fear, and her feet do not touch the ground; an impaled butterfly.

UTHER

You will be mine. Wife and queen, bed and crown.

His face is close to hers, looking as though he would devour her tender whiteness with his kiss. She doesn't answer; she can't. Even Uther understands this and lets her go.

IGRAYNE

(a fierce whisper)

I want no other crown and no other bed than those I have.

Her gown and her fragile skin torn on the spikes of his armor, Igrayne backs away and joins the procession.

Uther trembles with unreleased passion.

INT. PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE CHAPEL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

Igrayne enters the candlelit chapel from which issues the chant, calling the castle to worship. She rushes to her husband's side, kneeling next to him and whispering. The Duke of Cornwall looks back at Uther, hatred in his eyes.

EXT. WAR CAMP - BEFORE TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAY

Uther is in a towering rage. Sword drawn, he stalks among the biers of fallen knights. Squires and clerics keep a healthy distance. The sky is lowering, pregnant with rolling thunder. Beyond his encampment, high on a cliff rising out of the sea stands the impregnable Tintagel Castle, seat of the Duke of Cornwall, now under siege.

UTHER

(bellowing in all directions)

Merlin! Where are you!?

Just then a knight rides up and dismounts. It is Ulfius, a lieutenant.

UTHER

Have you found him?

ULFIUS

No ---

But he cannot finish. He is taken aback by the sudden appearance of a hideous hag who approaches, rattling a beggar's pan.

HAG

What a hurry you were in this morning, good sir. You forgot to give this old woman a coin.

ULFIUS

I saw you half a day's gallop from here. I asked you if you had seen Merlin. I returned here straight away. How did -

HAG

-- I heard. I have come. I am also Merlin.

The figure straightens, the filthy rags become a flowing cape, and the hair is swept back by the wind, andóit is Merlin, laughing.

MERLIN

I have walked my way since the beginning of time. Sometimes I give, sometimes I take. It is mine to know which, and when.

UTHER

(exploding)

Dumb riddles, Merlin. I am your King.

Ulfius edges away.

MERLIN

I know the storm inside you, and what it has wrought. The alliance I forged is wrecked. The Duke of Cornwall under siege. All this for lust. Selfish lust.

Uther grabs Merlin.

UTHER

For Igrayne. One night with her. Do it. Use the magic.

Merlin frowns pensively, his gaze searching strange distances and wandering; then focusing, blazing straight at Uther.

MERLIN

You will swear by your true kingship to grant me what I wish. Then you shall have it.

Uther kneels and draws his sword and holds it up by the blade, a cross.

UTHER

I swear it. By Excalibur and the holy -

MERLIN

--What issues from your lust will be mine. Swear it again.

UTHER

I swear it.

Merlin looks down sorrowfully at the kneeling King.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS, TINTAGEL CASTLE - EVENING

The Duke of Cornwall watches a force of armored knights riding forth from Uther's war camp, with banners flying. It passes beneath the castle and on toward a distant cliff.

DUKE OF CORNWALL

(to a lieutenant)

It's Uther and all his best knights. He leaves behind little more than fledglings to guard his camp.

His eyes are as cold and as pale as ice.

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - TWILIGHT

Uther and his knights, and Merlin on a mule, ride to the high promontory and dismount. Here, overlooking the sea, is a circle of ancient stones, carved with strange runes and hieroglyphics, and as the wind moves through them it moans and sighs.

The knights watch as Merlin and Uther, leading his horse, walk toward the stones. Merlin strides into the circle, turning to look at Uther, who hesitates.

MERLIN

Come.

Uther starts to make the sign of the cross, but Merlin halts him with a gesture. Uther's hand drops, and he enters the circle with his horse.

Merlin and Uther look out across the sea, to Tintagel Castle high upon the cliff.

Merlin solemnly raises his arms toward that distant castle, and chants in an ancient language, the sounds of which he marries to the roaring and whining of the wind. The wind becomes stronger, and Merlin's incantations become more intense, and the wind in turn becomes wilder still. Until Merlin is charged with a fierce, nonhuman power, as the wind buffets his slight frame.

And then, for all to understand:

MERLIN

I hold the balance of all things in my summoning. Arise mists. Come fog.

EXT. VISTA FROM THE CLIFF - TINTAGLE CASTLE - TWILIGHT

From the horizon a front of fog advances toward the castle to envelop it, and continues across the gulf to the circle of stones.

EXT. GATE, TINTAGLE CASTLE - TWILIGHT

The portal opens and a small force of armored men, led by the Duke of Cornwall, exits. A fog is thickening all around them.

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - TWILIGHT

The advancing front envelops Merlin and Uther, eddying around the stones. All else is obliterated.

MERLIN

Mount your horse.

The King does.

MERLIN

Ride straight to the castle, across the sea of fog.

Uther spurs straight for the edge of the cliff, then reins in his horse abruptly.

UTHER

But the cliff, the sea...

Merlin rages, crazed.

MERLIN

Ride across! Across the bridges of desire. Your lust will hold you up. For I have just woven it into the fabric of the world. This is magic - making solid what is in the mind, and unsolid, that which is already solid.

He gives the horse a stinging blow with his staff.

The horse and Uther charge forward into a gallop and stepping off where the hidden edge of the cliff would be, hoofbeats ceasing and the horse dropping for the blink of an eye, they gallop across the fog.

EXT. MERLIN'S FOG

Galloping on no visible terrain, Uther and his horse advance through the restless fog, and as they recede rider and animal become a wavering, changeable form within the cloud.

EXT. GATE, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

Horse and rider pull up at the gate.

RIDER

(calling)

Wake up in there. It is I.

If it was not for the electric blue hue burning in the eyes of the man entering the castle, the same magic hue that Excalibur left upon the air when wielded, the resemblance to the Duke if Cornwall would be perfect.

After a moment the portal opens.

INT. INNER GATE, INTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

He passes into an inner court, the portal closing behind. Armed men emerge cautiously. Thinking that it is their Duke they help him dismount.

'DUKE' OF CORNWALL

Have the horse ready. I ride out before sunrise.

An inner gate opens and the 'Duke' goes through it.

EXT. UTHER'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

The real Duke and his men ride through the fogbound camp, cutting the ropes of the tents, stabbing the men trapped beneath the canvas. When a frightened crow flies squawking into the face of the Duke's horse, which rears. He is unhorsed and falls, and impales himself on a tent stake.

Dying, the true Lord of Tintagel Castle rises and staggers forward, blood pumping from him.

INT. CHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

A little girl of four awakens from a nightmare, a small lone figure in her canopied bed. Her eyes are ice, like her father's.

MORGANA

Papa... Papa...

Igrayne is soon at her side, lifting the child from the bed, holding her tight.

MORGANA

My father is dead...

INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT

The 'Duke' enters. The room is empty, but the door to Morgana's room is open.

INT. MORGANA'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

The 'Duke' stands in the doorway. Igrayne herself is surprised.

IGRAYNE

Look, here is your father. It was just a dream, little one.

'DUKE' OF CORNWALL

Come Igrayne.

Igrayne kisses Morgana, tucks her in and returns to her own room, closing the door. The child doesn't know whether to believe the truth of the dream or the waking truth.

INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT

In full armor, the 'Duke' bears down on the naked Igrayne on her marriage bed. She stares at him, wondering. But his eyes are closed, and finally he carries her in his wild passion, her white limbs tangling around the lustre of his armor.

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - NIGHT

And Merlin is jolted awake from deep within himself, coming out of a trance.

MERLIN

It is done. The future has found root in the present.

He lifts himself up on his staff. He stands in the midst of the ancient stones, bristling with excitement. Uther's mighty knights are asleep, a deep unnatural sleep, huddled together and surrounded by their horses. And then Merlin swoons, collapsing to the ground.

INT. HALL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

His lieutenants deposit the Duke of Cornwall's bloodless body upon the long table. His eyes are wide open, icy and cunning even in death. The ladies of the castle support and comfort the grief-stricken Igrayne as she approaches the body of her husband. Morgana hangs onto her mother's gown.

IGRAYNE

When did it happen? Where?

LIEUTENANT

In the camp of Uther, my lady, just after nightfall.

IGRAYNE

It can't be. He came to me, to his bed, last night.

LADY

It was his spirit, yearning for you in his hour of death, that visited you.

IGRAYNE

His spirit?

Pale with grief, Igrayne stares at her dead husband in silence.

Then her hand drifts to her stomach. When she talks again, undone and resolved, it is to all and herself:

IGRAYNE

Tintagel Castle falls to Uther. But what shall become of me, and the child I bear?

Morgana shows no distress. She runs her baby hands across her father's face and closes his eyes. The intensity that was frozen in them is now added to her own pale and cunning eyes.

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - DAY

Merlin has been propped up against one of the stones. He is in a deep trance and Uther is attempting to shake him awake.

UTHER

I want her, Merlin. I cannot be without her. Tintagel is mine. Can I take her now? Tell me!

Merlin's eyes open but he sees nothing, and only a puzzling squeal issues from him.

INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE- EVENING

Morgana watches from a corner. The ladies of the castle surround Igrayne who is giving birth.

Noisy crows alight on the windowsill. Only Morgana notices.

INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

Uther strides to Igrayne's bedchamber, his warrior knights following. He is dirty and his iron dress is blood-spattered.

UTHER

(bellowing)

Three horses died under me, so hard did I spur them here. Is it born? Is it alive?

INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

At his approach and entrance the ladies shrink back, and Morgana edges closer to her mother, and seats herself on the bed beside her. Ingrain holds her newborn baby in her arms, the blood of birth still wet upon it.

UTHER

Out!

The ladies slip past him to the door, and he goes up to Igrayne.

UTHER

What is it, lady?

Terrified of him, Igrayne faces him the best she can.

IGRAYNE

A boy, sir. Rest yourself.

Uther waves away her words but does sit down on the bed, exhausted. He notices Morgana, who stares at him.

UTHER

Send the girl away.

IGRAYNE

She is just a child -

UTHER

Out!

Igrayne draws the child to her and kisses her cheek.

IGRAYNE

(whispering)

Go now. Come back later.

The child leaves silently, hatred in her eyes.

UTHER

She watches me with her father's eyes.

He grasps the newborn baby with his iron hand, and pulls it to himself. He looks upon it with wonder, with a gentleness that is unexpected.

UTHER

Igrayne, is he mine, or -

He can't bring himself to say his name. She hesitates on the edge of tears, worried for the infant lying in its iron cradle.

IGRAYNE

The night he died, a man loved me with great fierceness. He looked like my husband, spoke like, smelled like, felt like my own husband. But it was not he, for he was already dead. It wasn't his spirit, for this child, who was conceived that night, is flesh and blood. I know nothing more.

Uther draws a dagger. He lifts it.

IGRAYNE

No---

But he uses it before Igrayne can move. He severs the leather thongs that bind the iron breastplate to his chest. He casts it to the floor. His chest is smooth and milk-white in striking contrast to his creased, weathered face. And beaming, he holds the baby to it.

UTHER

Through him, I will learn to love them, for I am tired of battle. I will stay by his side and

(looking shyly at Igrayne)

his mother's...

Igrayne's hatred for the man is at the very edge of becoming love. The baby starts to cry.

UTHER

Here. It's hungry.

And his free hand opens her shift, and he holds a swollen breast in his gloved hand, squeezing gently. Milk bubbles from it and he thrusts the baby's mouth onto it.

Igrayne weeps and Uther watches proudly as the baby suckles.

Merlin advances from the window, his cape the same iridescent green-black as the feathers of the crows that were perched by the window.

UTHER

Merlin! Out of the sick sleep at last.

MERLIN

Doing what I did for you, it wasn't easy, you know. It takes it's toll. It took nine moons to get back my strength.

Uther avoids looking at him.

MERLIN

Now you must pay me.

UTHER

I?

MERLIN

The child is mine, Uther. I have come for him.

Uther is shaken to his roots. Igrayne watches, trying to understand.

UTHER

The oath. You didn't say -

MERLIN

You didn't ask!

IGRAYNE

Uther, is it true? Don't let him take the child.

  UTHER

I swore an oath, Igrayne. I made a pact with Merlin.

Igrayne suddenly understands. She glares at Uther.

IGRAYNE

It was you? You came to me that night. You are the father.

Uther is caught, and turns to Merlin who is harsh and unswaying.

MERLIN

It's not for you, Uther, hearth and home, wife and child.

  UTHER

To kill and be king, is that all?

MERLIN

Maybe not even that, Uther. I thought once that you were the one to unite the land under one sword. But it'll take another, a greater king...

UTHER

You strike me with words as hard as steel.

MERLIN

They are not weapons, my friend, but truths. You betrayed the Duke, stole his wife and took his castle, now no one trusts you. Lot, Uryens, your allies will turn against you. Give me the child, Uther, I will protect him. Go back to your war tent.

Uther wrenches the baby from it's mother's breast and hands him to Merlin.

UTHER

(in torment)

By the oath, take the devil child. Take him!

With the bawling baby under his cape, Merlin exits. Igrayne pulls herself out of the bed, weak, her legs giving under her. She starts after Merlin.

IGRAYNE

WHY?...Why must he have the baby?

Uther stops her with his bulk and she claws savagely at his chest to get past him. He weeps as he folds his arms around her.

INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

As Merlin walks through the castle, the baby crying in his arms, the knights and ladies step back, afraid to intervene in royal matters.

INT. HALL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT.

Merlin comes across the empty banquet hall, cooing to the baby, strangely pacifying him. Morgana steps out of the shadows in his path, and Merlin stops at the sight of the little girl, her pale eyes glaring at him.

She speaks haltingly and clearly while far-off Igrayne cries out her distress.

MORGANA

Merlin, are you now the father, and the mother, of the baby?

Staring at her, Merlin shudders and without answering he continues away, faster now, and into an unlit passageway, disappearing from sight a bit sooner than an ordinary mortal would have.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

The forest is dark and shiny with rain. An unseen battle rages.

The first combatant in sight is Uther, who swings the mighty Excalibur, cutting an attacker in half at the waist. Uther and a small force of knights, Ulfius among them, are retreating through the slippery wet forest, completely outnumbered.

Lord Lot of Lowthean and Lord Uryens of Gore are the leaders of the attack.

URYENS

(to his men)

The King's sword. I must have it.

Ulfius and his men stand their ground so the King may escape the onslaught. They are hacked down.

Uther flees alone, severing the limbs of any man and tree that stands in his way.

EXT. STONE IN THE FOREST - DAY

Uther has gained on his pursuers. He comes to a small clearing where the spine of a buried boulder rises through the forest floor. He stops upon it, breathing hard, dripping blood. He rages aloud, but his throat is raw and cracked and only a whisper comes out.

UTHER

Merlin, where are you? To weave a mist, to hide us...

He hears his pursuers closing in.

UTHER

No one shall have the sword. No one shall wield Excalibur but me.

He holds it by the hilt with both hands, the blade pointing to the ground of stone. He flexes his knees. He lifts up his hands above his head. And with all the strength that rage and pain can muster, and more, he drives the blade of Excalibur into the stone, nearly to the hilt. His mouth widens in an awful silent scream, and then the foam of saliva pink with blood issues from deep within him, so violent was his effort.

As the sword cuts into the rock, the earth shudders.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

The forest quakes. The knights searching for Uther halt in fear.

EXT. FIELDS, WOODS - DAY

And far away, a caped figure is crossing a field toward a wood, when the earth shakes, stirring animals and birds. The man turns. He is Merlin, the two day-old baby peeking from his cape. Merlin is amazed at the phenomenon, he puts his ear to a rock protruding from the earth.

MERLIN

Into the spine of the dragon!

(and then he is saddened)

Uther...I loved you, mighty child.

And tears welling, and giggling at the same time, he whisks away into the woods.

EXT. STONE IN THE FOREST - DAY

Uther staggers away, colliding with trees, staggering, crashing to the ground. Until the only life left in him is the coursing of his blood, flowing from his gaping mouth onto the leaves on the forest floor.

The enemy knights advance through the trees. They prod at the fallen leviathan, they roll him over to get at his scabbard. Only then do they see the sword in the stone, and they stop, amazed and afraid. Their captains appear. Uryens sees what they are staring at, and races to the sword and attempts to pull it out.

He strains with all his might, but it is immovable.

LOT

Let me.

He shoves Uryens aside, but he can't loosen the sword either, and he rages with frustration.

FADE OUT:

A legend appears :

"Fifteen years passed and the land was without a king."

FADE IN:

EXT. FIELDS - DAY

Peasants spill over the crest of a hill. They are fleeing a force of armored knights, their plumed helmets forged in the semblance of predatory animals. The knights thunder past the peasants, trampling the ripening crops. Sir Uryens is their leader, his hard face indifferent to the havoc he leaves in his wake.

The peasants watch in mute anger.

EXT. FARMYARD - EVENING

Sir Lot leading another group of mounted knights comes galloping into a small hamlet, panicked chickens and pigs scattering at their approach. The farmers run for their lives as the steel men dismount, leading their horses to water and hay, and searching for vittles. A knight spots a woman who stands frozen with fear, and he drags her into the barn as her crying child watches.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT - MOONLIGHT

A farmhouse is burning nearby, and three mounted figures make their way along a trail at a walking pace - an old knight in leather and mail, a young knight proud in gleaming new armor; and on a farm horse, a squire with baggage and jousting lance. The old knight, Sir Ector, is troubled by what he sees.

SIR ECTOR

It is a dark hour...everywhere lawlessness and destruction, and no one to lead us out of it.

Just then, ten crazed peasants emerge from the darkness, hurling stones and armed with clubs and pronged sticks. They surround the three riders. Sir Ector wheels around and slices the air with his sword to ward off the ambushers.

SIR ECTOR

Listen all. I am Sir Ector of Morven and these are my sons. You would wrong me, for I have never stolen from others, or destroyed the fruit of the land.

The peasants edge closer, working up the nerve to rush the horsemen. The sound of thundering hooves cuts through the clamor.

A cavalcade of riders, armor gleaming in the moonlight, advances across the fields at a gallop. Immediately the peasants scatter. The old knight is on the verge of tears.

SIR ECTOR

The people's anger is just. It is sad that for our own safety, we will have to ride to the tournament with these robber knights.

EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - SUNRISE

Red with the first light of day, Excalibur rests in the stone as King Uther left it. The field is itched with tents, each flying its heraldic banner. Knights and squires are everywhere, preparing horses and armor for the joust. A burly man in religious robes harangues the crowd, vying for attention.

BISHOP

This is Easter day, when Christ rose again. Who will find strength in victory of arms? Who will draw the sword?

The Bishop goes among the tents, through the teeming throng, solemnly casting holy water upon man and horse, armor and banner. The knights kneel at the Bishop's transit, but ceremony does not lift the air of grimness that lies over the event.

EXT. JOUSTING GROUND, SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

Their armor ablaze with sunlight, two mounted knights thunder toward each other at full gallop, lowering their long jousting lances. As they meet, the lance of each knight is deflected by the shield of the other. A gasp goes through the crowd, and the two knights charge past each other. They wheel around at the end of the jousting ground and go at each other again from the other direction. Again lances strike, and this time one of the men is hit in the chest and violently unhorsed. The crowd cheers.

EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

The victor, Leondegrance, rides up to the stone and dismounts. Each great knight with his coterie of lesser knights comes to watch. A charge of expectation is in the air, although most knights are glowering with envy.

Leondegrance of Camelyarde ascends to the sword, grabs it by the hilt, and begins to tug with all his might. Excalibur is immovable. The moment of tension passes. Leondegrance staggers toward his waiting squires, who lead him away. All the others return to the battle sport.

EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

At the edge of the jousting ground Sir Ector's son Sir Kay is getting ready for a bout. His brother Arthur is buckling the new armor while his father fusses about him, making small adjustments when he notices that Kay's scabbard is empty. He turns to Arthur and grab's him by the ear.

SIR ECTOR

Arthur, where is Kay's sword? A good squire doesn't forget his knight's sword.

The fifteen year-old boy blushes.

ARTHUR

I left it in the tent, sir.

SIR ECTOR

Well hurry then, and get it.

The boy dashes off as Sir Ector shakes his head, not without affection beneath the sternness.

EXT. TENTS - DAY

Arthur runs in search of their tent. He finds it.

INT. TENT - DAY

He enters. The saddle trunk has been emptied on the floor, equipment is scattered all over. Arthur is shocked, nonetheless he rummages madly. Finally he stops, on the verge of tears.

ARTHUR

It's been stolen....

EXT. TENTS - DAY

He comes out, utterly defeated, and frantic. He stops by two knights who are arguing angrily; and one of them has left his sword in the grass. Arthur looks at it. He is tempted to steal it, but he can't. Head down, he wanders off.

EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

Sir Ector and Sir Kay are waiting.

SIR KAY

Father, I'll go and see what's keeping him.

EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

Arthur stops at the edge of the dark forest, totally dejected, when he sees the sword in the stone. He walks up to it, his face lighting up, brimming with innocence. He is alone, as everyone has returned to the jousting ground.

ARTHUR

If only Kay could have it....

He smiles, forgetting his troubles, a boy again living in a fairy tale. He grasps the sword by the hilt and it comes away easily from its stone lock. Not expecting it to, he nearly falls. He stares at it, terribly excited and surprised: he tucks it under his arm and rushes back.

EXT. TENTS - DAY

He bumps into Kay.

ARTHUR

(breathless)

Your sword was stolen, Kay, but here is Excalibur. Is it too late? I hurried ---

Kay takes it. He cannot believe what he's holding in his hands. He starts to talk but he is so agitated he can only stutter.

EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

Kay, with Arthur in tow, rushes to Sir Ector and shows him the sword; he trembles with excitement.

SIR KAY

Look, Father. Excalibur. Does that mean that I am to be king?

Sir Ector is dumbstruck.

SIR ECTOR

Did you free the sword, boy?

SIR KAY

I... did, Father.

Ector looks at his son amazed, wanting to believe but not able to.

SIR ECTOR

We must go to the stone at once.

With Excalibur in hand Ector of Morven heads for the stone, Kay following, and Arthur too, the boy flushed with excitement but a little worried, not understanding what is happening.

The exchange between Sir Ector and Sir Kay has been overheard. Some have seen the sword in Sir Ector's hand. Rumor spreads like wildfire.

EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

As Sir Ector ascends the stone, from all parts of the jousting ground knights and squires, the Bishop and the clerics, and peasants too, press around.

Ector lowers the blade into the tight cleft and Excalibur sinks to its original position.

SIR ECTOR

Draw it, son!

Sir Kay grabs the hilt and pulls without conviction, and the sword doesn't give. Eyes downcast, he lets go.

SIR KAY

Sir, I didn't draw the sword. Arthur gave it to me.

SIR ECTOR

Arthur ?!

(spinning around to face him)

How did you get the sword, child?

ARTHUR

(frightened)

Sir...Kay needed a sword. His was stolen. I saw Excalibur, and ... I took it.

  SIR ECTOR

You freed it, son?

ARTHUR

I did, Father. I beg your forgiveness.

He starts to kneel but Ector pulls him up.

SIR ECTOR

Try the sword, Arthur.

Arthur is about to grasp the hilt when Uryens and Lot, and other nobles, Leondegrance of Camelyarde, and Sir Caradoc and Sir Turquine among the younger, stride up.

URYENS

Stand back, Sir Ector, and take your children.

  LOT

We will try again.

Uryens, Lot, Leondegrance, Caradoc, Turquine - each in turn grapples with the sword, only to be defeated by its immobility. The crowd around the stone is thickening with common folk.

SIR ECTOR

Let the boy try the sword.

BISHOP

Let the boy try...

The demand is echoed by peasants and serfs. The great knights remain silent and bitter in their defeat. Sir Ector pushes Arthur to the sword.

SIR ECTOR

Go ahead, boy. Don't be afraid.

The boy hesitates shyly, and then takes the hilt of Excalibur and pulls out the sword with a great sweep.

The throng is stunned. Silence falls. Some kneel, following the example of Sir Ector and Sir Kay, of the Bishop and Leondegrance. The other nobles stay back, confused, afraid, angered.

Arthur stands there, little more than a boy, his cheeks flushed, his soft hair ruffled by the wind, his eyes shining with exultation, awe, and fear. Then, as if gaining confidence from the sword itself, he turns it in arcs above his head.

BISHOP

We have our King, thanks be to God.

The commoners and some of the knights react with roaring enthusiasm. The others draw closer to Uryens and Lot and their supporters, closing ranks around them.

ARTHUR

Please, Father, rise up. I was your son before I became your King...if I am King.

Sir Ector rises, tears streaming down his cheeks.

SIR ECTOR

My Lord, you are King, all the more because you are not my son, and I am not your father.

This is quite a shock to the boy king, and to the onlookers.

ARTHUR

Who is, then?

SIR ECTOR

I don't know. Merlin brought you to me when you were newly born and charged me to raise you as my own. At first, I did so because I feared Merlin, later because I loved you.

Merlin's name is on the lips of all those close by.

ARTHUR

Who is Merlin?

MERLIN

Speak of the devil! ...

From out of the forest strides Merlin, dramatic, cape flowing, eyes crazed as ever, laughing at his own entrance. A crow is perched on his shoulder, and it squawks loudly. Annoyed with it, Merlin swooshes it away.

MERLIN

I am Merlin. Counselor to kings. Wizard and beggar. Prophet and...

(he drops it)

I have feasted on thunderbolts, I savored my death before I got myself born. I -

Merlin interrupts himself when his eyes fall on the boy, who is taking in his performance raptly, half awestruck, half amused.

ARTHUR

Whose son am I?

MERLIN

You are the son of King Uther, and the fair Igrayne...you are King Arthur.

The suspicion and confusion and envy of the lords erupts.

LOT

Merlin, we haven't forgotten you. This is more of your trickery.

  URYENS

You're trying to foist a boy of dubious birth upon us. You want to shame us?

 LOT

Lord Leondegrance, join us against the boy. Surely you can see he is only Merlin's tool.

  LEONDEGRANCE

No. I, Leondegrance, Lord of Camelyarde, saw the drawing of Uther's sword, and witnessed no trickery. If a boy has been chosen, a boy shall be king.

The crowd of serfs and peasants cheer wildly, and their long suppressed anger against the nobles comes to the fore. They dare to press up against them, fists hammering on their shields as the chant Arthur King over and over. Dark and scowling, full of rebellion, all the lords except Leondegrance begin to withdraw their iron men surrounding them.

EXT. CHAPEL, JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

Bells toll the good news. People stream by to see the new king and join the celebration.

EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

Uryens and Lot, and Caradoc, Turquine, and the other lords have mounted, and are moving out, when from the rear guard a bowman in Lot's service draws upon the unarmored figure of Arthur across the cheering crowd. The bowman lets the arrow fly.

It flies over the heads of the crowd, unseen.

Except by Merlin at Arthur's side. He extends his arms halfway up, his fists clenched tightly as if drawing urgently on the power within himself. The sound of wings is heard as he flaps his arms.

The arrow flies toward Arthur.

Arthur sees the arrow coming right at him, when a swooping crow plucks it out of the air.

Arthur watches the crow flapping its wings, climbing swiftly, the arrow in its beak, disappearing over the forest. Only he has noticed.

When he turns Merlin is no longer at his side; to the puzzlement of all. And Arthur is all of a sudden terribly alone and afraid, as people from all sides clamor for his attention and guidance.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Arthur charges through the shadowy forest. He is in armor, but it is only a light tunic of mail. Excalibur is sheathed in a leather scabbard by his side. He is frantic and he calls urgently.

ARTHUR

...Merlin...Merlin...

His face shines with sweat, the horse is lathered. He dismounts and continues on foot into denser, more tangled undergrowth.

ARTHUR

Merlin!

A huge eye opens in the foreground of what had appeared to be shadow, bark and tufts of weeds is really Merlin's head.

MERLIN

You called, sir?

His voice is thin as he is awakening from a deep, exhausted sleep. Arthur finds him lying within the large gnarled roots of a great tree. The boy kneels before Merlin and lifts his hands and kisses them.

ARTHUR

You saved me from the arrow...

MERLIN

(a flicker of mischief)

But not from your destiny.

ARTHUR

I want to thank you.

MERLIN

That's not why you came.

Arthur blurts it out:

ARTHUR

Merlin, help me. I need your help. I don't know how -

MERLIN

(irritated)

'Help me, Help me.' Help me get up.

Arthur helps Merlin up and the wizard stands unsteadily.

MERLIN

I'm tired. Doing magic takes its toll, you know. My arms ache terribly...

(he makes flying movements with his arms and grimaces)

Once - or is it yet to happen - I stood exposed to the Dragon's breath so that a man could lie one night with a woman. It took me ten moons to recover. I'm sure that story would interest you, sinceóWell, we'll have to talk about it another time. You're too busy now.

  The forest groans and creaks, alive with murmurs and shrill calls.

MERLIN

It is whispered in the forest that...

(he cups his ear with exaggeration)

...Leondegrance's castle is under siege by Lot and Uryens.

  ARTHUR

(pressing)

Yes, yes, I know that. Everybody does. Lord Leondegrance is my only ally among the barons and the great knights. I can't lose him.

MERLIN

Well there. You don't need me half as much as you think you do. You already know what must not happen.

ARTHUR

(exasperated)

I must find the means to save him, then. I was hoping I could ask you for a little magic help, but if it makes you so tired...

MERLIN

Thank you.

Silence. Arthur tries again.

ARTHUR

It's just that I have no experience, and no men to speak of. How can I -

MERLIN

(suddenly fierce)

Because you must! You and only you. Have you forgotten that it was you who freed Excalibur?

Just as suddenly, he is his amused, ironic self again.

MERLIN

Besides, it will be a good lesson.

(giggling)

The best, if it's not the last.

Arthur bows his head, confused and almost defeated. Merlin steals a look at him, and puts his arm around the boy.

MERLIN

Maybe you'd like to meet the power that gave you the sword?

He enjoys being cryptic.

ARTHUR

How? Where?

MERLIN

In the great book.

ARTHUR

What book is that?

MERLIN

(melodramatic)

The book without pages. Open before you, all around us. You can see it in bits and pieces, for if mortal men were to see it whole and all complete in a single glance, why, it would burn him to cinders.

ARTHUR

What?!

EXT. FOREST AND ELSEWHERE - DAY AND NIGHT

MERLIN

The dragon! There...

A deep cleft at the edge of the forest, where far below lava boils with a phosphorescence that lights up a great cloud, billowing upward.

MERLIN

Coiled in the unfathomed depths, it emerges...

Merlin points to the sky where roiling clouds appear to be unfurling of immeasurable wings.

MERLIN

...It unfolds itself in the storm clouds...

A terrific wave batters a coastline, spray shooting up, and as the wave recedes it exposes dark rocks and deep crevices.

MERLIN

...it washes its mane sparkling white in the blackness of seething whirlpools...

Merlin spins Arthur around, and they are transported into a storm swept forest. Lightning strikes.

MERLIN

...its claws are the forks of lightning... its scales glisten in the bark of trees...

The trees shine with wetness, as a great wind tosses their crowns, the branches groaning against each other.

MERLIN

...its voice is heard in the hurricane...

Arthur is awestruck.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Arthur and Merlin are back in the same spot, having in fact never moved at all, but traveled on the spell of Merlin's words alone.

MERLIN

...it is so much more than a scaly monster. It is Everything!

Arthur's eyes shine with the brilliance of the vision.

ARTHUR

And if I am to be King of everything, lord and commoner, beast, leaf and rock, I must use its voice, its claws, its power.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CASTLE OF CAMELYARDE - NIGHT

Leondegrance, Lord of Camelyarde, is shocked by what he sees in the distance. His daughter Guenevere, a beautiful girl of sixteen, draws close to him, terrified. With his surviving knights, Leondegrance is making his last stand. The walls have been breached, parts of the castle are burning.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

A bellowing dragon advances. Its eyes burn, its scales gleam from light shining from within. It snorts fire from its nostrils.

Uryens and Lot, Caradoc and Turquine, the great knights in command of the siege of Leondegrance's castle, back away speechless as the monster descends upon their unprepared war camp. All around them, squires and lesser knights flee in panic and confusion.

Only a dozen or so remain with their leaders. The group backs up against the swampy moat that surrounds the castle, waiting with swords drawn.

The dragon moves closer, and now it becomes apparent that it is nothing more than a force of knights and footmen. Their shields glinting in the moonlight are the dragon's scales, torches its burning eyes. And the snorting flames from its nostrils are only Merlin doing a fire-eater's trick.

The dragon form dissolves, and a banner rises bearing the emblem of the Dragon, and under it, Arthur and Ector and Kay lead a charge of twenty knights.

In Arthur's hands, Excalibur leaves an electric glow upon the air.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

GUENEVERE

Father, it's the boy King.

LEONDEGRANCE

It is. I will fight my way to his side.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

Arthur and his men charge into the enemy ranks. Lot's and Uryens' people are pushed into the moat. Although the water is only waist-deep, the fallen, weighed down by their armor, drown. The horses of the attackers are brought down, Arthur's among them. He pulls out from under it, limping. Bleeding form wounds, cutting, slashing, thrusting, he falls back from the havoc of the charge.

A small distance exists now between the foes, a brief respite. Uryens and Lot, exhausted, bleeding, and fierce in their rage:

URYENS

War-wise fighters, grown gray in battle, checkmated by a boy.

LOT

It's Merlin's trickery, nothing more. I won't swear faith to that wizard's brat.

Arthur and his men have been joined by Leondegrance and his knights, few in number.

ARTHUR

Let's finish this with a show of force. We have no more tricks and no more advantages.

He rushes alone at the enemy, shouting at the top of his lungs, Excalibur flashing over his head, prepared to die.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

Guenevere watches...

GUENEVERE

No...

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

SIR ECTOR

No.....Arthur---

The old knight rushes after the boy, sword drawn, to defend his flank, and the others follow, a battle cry issuing from them that is terrifying in its fierceness.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS AND BATTLEFIELD BELOW - NIGHT

...and when she can't watch any longer, she buries her face in her hands.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

Arthur fights like a wounded lion at the center of the savage melee of sword and shield, and once again the two sides fall apart.

Uryens and Lot are standing in the moat among the bodies of their men, are reduced to eleven knights, all wounded.

Arthur is flanked by twenty men at arms, most of them wounded, and trembling now beyond exhaustion with blood lust. Arthur steps forward alone, and addresses his opponents.

ARTHUR

You are in my hands, to slay or spare. I need battle lords such as you. Swear faith to me and you shall have mercy.

URYENS

Noble knights swear faith to a mere squire?

Arthur turns, searching for Merlin. He spots him watching from a distance. They stare at each other, Merlin implacable, Arthur's eyes pleading. It's obvious that Merlin isn't going to help.

ARTHUR

You are right. I'm not yet a knight.

(gaining strength)

You, Uryens, will knight me.

He unsheathes Excalibur and goes forward, kneeling before Uryens and offering him the sword.

ARTHUR

Then as knight to knight I can offer you mercy.

MERLIN

(to himself)

What's this, what's this?!

Arthur, kneeling, bows his head and Uryens steps up to him, his features set. He accepts the sword. Lot watches, a mad hope dancing in his eyes.

EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

Guenevere watches, frightened for Arthur, not daring to breathe.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

Uryens stands towering above the boy. He smiles enigmatically. He lifts Excalibur.

Merlin is attempting to push through the crowded ranks to get to Arthur. He's frantic and worried for once.

MERLIN

I never saw this...

Uryens swiftly lowers the sword on Arthur's neck; with the flat of the blade he gives Arthur the three strokes.

URYENS

In the name of God, of Saint Michael and Saint George, I give you the right to bear arms, the power to mete justice.

Arthur looks up.

ARTHUR

That duty I will solemnly obey as knight and King.

Uryens is deeply moved.

URYENS

Rise, my King. I am your humble knight, and I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins, for so strong it is, it's source must be Uther. I doubt you no more.

Arthur rises and Uryens kneels and kisses his hands. Sir Ector turns away to hide brimming tears. Merlin pushes through finally, out of breath. Uryens embraces Leondegrance while Lot and the other enemy knights kneel in turn and kiss Arthur's hands.

EXT. WOOD BY CAMELYARDE CASTLE - DAY

The castle can be glimpsed through the trees. A clear spring bubbles from the ground, and the sun splashes leaf, bird, squirrel, and bee with golden light, and Arthur and Guenevere too. Guenevere is serious and intent on her work.

ARTHUR

Owww......

With water from the spring, she is bathing a large cut on his chest that has been stitched closed. Wounds on his arms, and one on a calf also show evidence of her neat sewing. She's just finishing, and she dabs his chest with a dry cloth.

GUENEVERE

It didn't hurt too much, did it?

ARTHUR

Ye....

GUENEVERE

--I'm pretty good at stitchery. I've sewn my father's wounds more than once.

He starts to get up.

GUENEVERE

Careful! You'll have to stay still for a few days or you'll tear them open.

Arthur shivers at the thought.

ARTHUR

But I have to leave tomorrow. The forests are thick with rebels, invaders plunder our shoresó

GUENEVERE

--And damsels in besieged castles are waiting to be rescued?

ARTHUR

I didn't know Leondegrance had a daughter.

GUENEVERE

Well, then, I shall tell you which knights have maiden daughters, so you can avoid their castles.

Arthur smiles at her, enjoying her jealousy, and it irritates her a little.

GUENEVERE

No, I think it's better if you just stay here to heal. At least a week.

ARTHUR

I'm going.

GUENEVERE

Quiet, or I'll sew up your mouth too.

She touches his lips with hers, her eyelids fluttering shut. He stares at her young beauty, and draws her into a long, slow kiss.

A shrill almost human squeal pierces the air not far away. Arthur pulls away startled, half-rising. Guenevere giggles.

GUENEVERE

Would you rescue me from a fiery dragon, sir?

She puts her arms around him, drawing him close again, speaking in a half-whisper.

GUENEVERE

It's just a furry little rabbit that took the bait and sprung the trap.

They smile at each other, about to kiss. As they come closer:

GUENEVERE

You'll find him served up to you tonight, cooked in a most excellent sauce...

INT. BANQUET HALL, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - EVENING

The soft beat of psaltery and the liquid flow of lute. A serving platter bearing roast rabbit in rampant position is carried across the hall. It is laid on the long raised table before Arthur, who presides in the middle. He looks at it suspiciously and blushes, remembering the afternoon; and it looks back at him accusingly with its cherry eye.

Guenevere is dancing around her father, lovely, gliding, sensual. She sees Arthur and the rabbit and laughs out-right. He twists off a leg of the rabbit and sinks his teeth into it to hide his embarrassment. Guenevere passes to another partner, smiling at him, radiant. Arthur watches her, his heart breaking. He is in love.

Merlin leans close.

MERLIN

A king must marry, after all.

ARTHUR

....of course...

Only then does he realize that Merlin has understood everything. He is annoyed at being so transparent.

ARTHUR

I love her. If she would be my queen, my dreams would be answered.

MERLIN

(mischievous)

There are maidens as fair, and fairer than Guenevere. If I put my mind to it, I could see them now, many of them, weeping for love of you, watching the hills for you coming from the high towers of their castles. Offering you their every favor. Rich, clever - But if it is to be Guenevere, so be it.

A shadow of doubt crosses Arthur's brow.

ARTHUR

Who will it be? Put your mind to it, then.

MERLIN

Guenevere. And a beloved friend who will betray you.

ARTHUR

(smiling)

Guenevere...

MERLIN

You're not listening. Your heart is not. Love is deaf as well as blind.

Guenevere approaches, smiling and coquettish. She slaps her hands, and a servant sets down a tray of pastries before Arthur.

GUENEVERE

They are only for you, for in them I mixed things that heal, but not too quickly; and things that make limbs sleepy, preventing escape, but keep one's mind sharp.

She smiles at Arthur's embarrassment and confusion.

ARTHUR

What's in them?

She takes a cake and bites into it.

GUENEVERE

It is an ancient mixture, containing only soft, unborn grains, and flavored with roses. The rest is secret.

Guenevere offers one to Arthur, and he hesitates, looking at it.

MERLIN

Looking at the cake is like looking at the future. Until you have savored its bitterness and its sweetness, its texture and its perfume, what do you really know? And then, of course, it will he too late.

  Arthur bites into the cake, and Guenevere looks deep into his eyes.

MERLIN

Too late....