"In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name... Merlin."
[SCENE_BREAK]
Plains of Denaria (day) A cloaked figure struggles to pull a horse cart along a dusty road. Four nights approach on horseback.
Sir Leon: Halt! The cloaked woman stops.
Sir Leon: Stay where you are. The woman sets down the cart handles a as the knights dismount, Sir Elyan among them.
Sir Leon: Where are you headed?...
Morgana: The Seas of Meredor.
Sir Leon: What's in the cart?... Morgana says nothing. Sir Leon motions for the spare knights to search it and Morgana turns around.
Sir Leon: Lady Morgana. Morgana uses magic to throw each of the knights to the ground. She looks around, pulls off her hood and pulls back a blanket in the cart.
Morgana: You're all right?
Morgause: Yes, thank you, Sister. But we must hurry. Night is nearly upon us... Morgause turns her face towards Morgana, revealing a hideous deformity to the right side of her face.
Morgause: ... And we still have far to go. --- New Opening Credits --- Castle Square Merlin runs through knights and servants and into the Castle. Servants are decorating the castle with vines and Merlin ducks under one of them as he bolts up the Griffin Stairway.
Merlin: Sorry.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Castle Kitchens Merlin bumps into more servants and nicks some food off a passing plate. The head cook accosts him with a ladle.
Head Cook: What are you doing in my kitchen?
Merlin: Uh, the prince's shirt. The cook motions to the line above the stove where the pots are hanging.
Head Cook: Keep your dirty fingers off my food, d'you understand? Merlin grabs the shirt and a hook on a string drops down in front of his face. He looks up, confused. Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are peering down at him with eager and mischievous grins. Gwaine puts a finger to his lips and Merlin laughs. Merlin attaches the hook to one of the roasting chickens and pulls on the string. The knights pull it up to them as Merlin exits hastily.
Head Cook: Oi!
[SCENE_BREAK]
Castle corridors Merlin weaves through bustling servants. A servant with wine pitchers bumps into him and spills it all over Arthur's newly washed shirt. Merlin picks up the stained shirt and stares at it.
Sir Lancelot: You could try a bit of salt.
Merlin: Arthur is going to kill me.
Sir Lancelot: Let's see... Sir Lancelot looks at the shirt.
Sir Lancelot: ...You've faced far worse, Merlin.
Merlin: He needs it for tonight.
Sir Lancelot: I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something. Lancelot lifts his eyebrows knowingly. Lancelot keeps walking and Merlin checks to see no one's looking.
Merlin: *spell*Fordwin wamm! Lancelot stops and turns around. Merlin shows him the clean shirt and Lancelot opens his arms as if to say "See, that was easy." The both continue on their way.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Arthur's chambers Arthur's leaning against his desk and writing, as Merlin enters with his clean white shirt.
Merlin: You're dressed.
Arthur: Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot. Arthur turns around to walk behind his desk. He didn't manage to pull his shirt all the way through his belt in the back and his skin is showing. Merlin sniggers.
Merlin: Are you sure about that?
Arthur: I beg your pardon?
Merlin: It's just that...
Arthur: Merlin!
Merlin: But you...
Arthur: I am trying to write a speech.
Merlin: D' you want help?
Arthur: No.
Merlin: You won't want this, then? Merlin holds up a scroll and Arthur looks up from his desk.
Merlin: ... I spent all night working on it. Arthur takes the scroll and looks over it with exaggerated scepticism.
Merlin: ... What do you think? Arthur hands it back to Merlin.
Arthur: It needs a polish.
Merlin: I'll add it to the list. Arthur tosses the speech he was working on.
Arthur: Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech. Obviously it would be too much for you to say, "Thank you." Merlin stares at Arthur for a moment and walks out with his laundry without deigning reply. Arthur smiles.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Seas of Meredor Morgana helps Morgause limp out of the cart in the foggy wood.
Morgause: The Isle of the Blessed. Morgana helps Morgause to the dock. A ferryman waits for them by a longboat. He holds out his hand. Morgause places a coin in it.
Morgause: You know where we wish to go. The sisters huddle in the boat, the ferryman at the helm, as it glides across the sea.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Uther's chambers Uther's hand shakes badly as he lowers his goblet to the table in front of his chair. Gwen enters and watches him with a pitying expression before she approaches him.
Gwen: You've not eaten, Sire. Sire? Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his own misery. Gwen takes the tray of untouched food and meets Gaius on her way out. She looks at the potion in Gaius's hand.
Gwen: It doesn't seem to make any difference.
Gaius: I'm not sure it ever will but at least it gives him peace.
Gwen: It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.
Gaius: (nods) His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. Are you joining us for the feast tonight?
Gwen: I don't think so. I need to stay with the King.
Gaius: You're very good to him, Gwen.
Gwen: I don't do it for him; I do it for Arthur.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Seas of Meredor Morgause and Morgana continue across the sea with the ferryman.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Council Chamber Sir Leon and Sir Elyan ride into the square and report to Arthur and the Council.
Sir Leon: The reports are true, Sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria.
Arthur: Was she alone?
Sir Elyan: (shakes head) There was someone else.
Arthur: Morgause?
Sir Elyan: I couldn't be sure.
Agravaine: Where was Morgana heading?
Sir Leon: The Seas of Meredor.
Gaius: Isle of the Blessed. Agravaine steps into the light.
Agravaine: I will send out patrols at first light.
Arthur: Thank you, Agravaine.
Sir Leon: Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Wontague are both dead.
Arthur: Keep me informed of any developments. The councilmen exit. Agravaine remains.
Arthur: For months, nothing. Why now?
Agravaine: We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, does it matter? We mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.
Arthur: You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you. Thank you, Uncle.
Agravaine: I made a promise to your mother. I'll always be there for you. Arthur nods with a smile and exits
[SCENE_BREAK]
Isle of the Blessed (night)
[SCREECHING]
Wyvern shriek as they fly around the fortress as Morgana's boat continues to the isle.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Banquet Hall Arthur and Agravaine sit on either side of the king's chair at the feast. Arthur stands and the laughter dies down.
Arthur: Samhain... It is the time of the year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost, and to celebrate their passing.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Isle of the Blessed - Altar
Morgause: Samhain is almost upon us. We must hurry.
Morgana: I can't do this.
Morgause: Sister... Remember what I've told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong, remember that. Morgause presents Morgana with a dagger.
Morgause: ... Do not be scared. Morgana takes the dagger.
Morgause: I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now. Morgause weakly climbs onto the altar stone and takes Morgana's hand.
Morgause: Please, sister, let my parting be my final gift to you. Morgause lies down on the altar.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Banquet Hall Arthur raises his glass in a toast.
Arthur: To the king. Everyone stands to toast.
[GONG CHIMES]
[SCENE_BREAK]
Isle of the Blessed - Altar
Morgana: *spell*Eala leofu sweoster, paem gastum befaeste ic pe. Alys pa peoster pe inne onwunap. Morgana poises the dagger to strike, her eyes glow and she plunges it into Morgause's chest. Morgause gasps.
[METAL STRIKES STONE]
Morgause: Uh!
[SCENE_BREAK]
Banquet Hall Merlin senses the magic and everything goes into slow-mo. Image becomes fuzzy and voices are distorted.
Gaius: To the King!
Agravaine: To the King! The knights toast their glasses as Merlin freaks out.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Isle of the Blessed - Altar Morgana is blown off her feet.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Banquet Hall Merlin sees a dead-looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the banquet hall.
The Cailleach (whisper): Emrys. Emrys. Emrys.
[JUG CLATTERS]
Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher and the whole hall goes quiet and stares at him. He swoons. Lancelot rushes to his side. Arthur rolls his eyes. Merlin shivers on the floor.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Isle of the Blessed - Altar The Cailleach strokes Morgana's cheek and Morgana wakes. She sits up and sees the cloaked woman standing in front of the rift.
Morgana: Who are you?
The Cailleach: I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the Spirit World. You have torn the veil between the worlds.
[SCREAMING]
The Cailleach: The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child, and, like the dead, they are numberless.
Morgana looks around in fear.
The Cailleach: You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must be aware... Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world... and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny... and he is your doom... Emrys.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Merlin's room Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed.
Sir Lancelot: What happened?
Gaius: I don't know. I've never felt anyone so cold before.
Sir Lancelot: Will he be all right?
Gaius: I'll need Hawthorne to improve the blood flow... and blankets... lots of blankets.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Gaius's chambers Gaius is grinding something as Merlin steps out of his chamber wearing a blanket. They sit together.
Merlin: When she spoke, her voice...it was as though it came from the depths of the Earth, and her eyes...they were so sad. So much pain in them. (He's shivering) Who is she?
Gaius: The Cailleach... the gatekeeper to the Spirit World.
Merlin: Why is she there?
Gaius: It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's eve. The moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence.
Merlin: Why was I the only one to see her?
Gaius: You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.
Merlin: But you don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys. Gaius ponders.
Merlin: What is it? What does it mean?
Gaius: I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Arthur's chambers (morning) Merlin brings in a breakfast tray and sets it noisily on the table while Arthur's still in bed.
Arthur: Merlin! Merlin opens the curtains, making a lot of noise.
Arthur: Merlin!
Merlin: What?
[KNOCK AT THE DOOR]
Arthur puts a pillow over his face. Someone knocks at the door.
Arthur: (muffled) Merlin!
Merlin: That's not me. Arthur takes off the pillow and Sir Leon enters.
Sir Leon: Excuse me, Sire. You're needed in the Council Chambers as a matter of urgency.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Council Chamber
[GIRL CRIES]
The Council is gathered around her.
Arthur: What's happened to her?
Agravaine: Her village was attacked.
Arthur: By who?
Agravaine: It's not entirely clear, Sire.
[SOBBING CONTINUES]
Arthur: What's your name?
Drea: Drea.
Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and speaks tenderly.
Arthur: Drea. She uncertainly makes eye contact.
Arthur: I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened.
Drea: My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're... She starts weeping again.
Arthur: It's all right. It's all right... Someone attacked them. Drea nods.
Arthur: Who?
Drea: There was no one... just...shapes.
Arthur: You didn't see their faces?
Drea: They had no faces. Arthur looks uncertainly at a few councilmen. Merlin turns at the sound of something behind him. He seems to hear some kind of screeching.
Drea: I... I keep telling you. They were there, but...they weren't there. They moved so quickly... It was as if they weren't real, but...they must've been. I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead.
[SHE SOBS]
Arthur: Hey. Thank you.
Arthur turns her to cry on Gaius's shoulder.
Arthur: Where is this village?
Agravaine: Hawden. to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride.
Arthur: Ready the men.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Forest The Round Table Knights ride out of Camelot. Merlin is startled by the sound of a woodpecker.
Arthur: Merlin... you need your comfort blanket?
Merlin: What do you mean?
Arthur: You're making ME edgy. [HORSE WHINNIES] Merlin jumps.
Arthur: That's a horse.
Merlin: Maybe it sensed something.
Arthur: Yes, that you're a clot pole.
Merlin: That's my word.
Arthur: Yeah, and it suits you perfectly. The knights look at a deserted village from the top of a hill.
Arthur: It's too quiet.
[SCENE_BREAK]
In the village (night) They enter the village on foot, night has fallen. All is silent. A door creaks loudly and they freeze until a goat bleats and wanders out. They split up in pairs to search. [CRUNCHING] They all jump.
Sir Gwaine: Sorry.
Sir Elyan: Here! Gwaine drops the apple and they all run to Elyan. Inside one of the houses, they stare at frosted corpses. They all turn as something whips past behind them.
Arthur: You saw it?
Sir Gwaine: We are literally chasing shadows.
Arthur: Come on. They exit the house and search the village at night, bearing torches.
[DISTANT WAILS]
Merlin splits off from Lancelot when he hears a door shut in a barn. [RUSTLING] He walks around cautiously [SQUAWKING], a chicken jumps out at him. He sighs in relief. Something shrieks quietly behind him and he sees a wisp of it as it exits the barn. Merlin chases the shrieking wisp and loses it. [DISTANT SCREECHING] [GROWLING] Screaming is getting louder.
Merlin: *spell* Leoht! Merlin shines a light from his hand. The light fades.
Merlin: *spell* Leoht! Leoht The light shines briefly and disappears.
Merlin: Leoht Nothing happens. Screams echo around him. A wisp shoots straight for him.
Merlin: *spell* Fleoh nu on moras! Merlin's eyes glow, but nothing happens.
Sir Lancelot: Merlin! Lancelot uses his torch to repel the wisp.
Sir Lancelot: What happened?
Merlin: (tears in the eyes) My magic...I couldn't use it. The others come running.
Sir Lancelot: There's something out there!
Arthur: You saw it?
Sir Lancelot: When it saw the light, it fled.
Sir Gwaine: It scared the horses.
Merlin: It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.
Arthur: We need to get out of here.
[DISTANT WAILING]
[SCENE_BREAK]
Castle Square (night)
[BELL RINGS]
People are screaming and running into the Castle. Gwen rushes down a hallway with blankets and a torch.
Agravaine: Gwen! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate. Agravaine continues down another hallway and Gwen rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a knight. The skull wisp rushes in and the knight screams. Gwen takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the knight. He's frozen solid.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Morgue Guards exit with a stretcher and Gaius pulls a cloth over the face of one of many victims.
Merlin: Gaius.
Gaius: Merlin...You saw them. Merlin nods.
Gaius: Here, help me. Give me some more sheets. Merlin's still acting strangely.
Gaius: Merlin?
Merlin: My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside... When it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe... I'm scared.
Gaius: Merlin, it's all right. It's not your fault.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Agravaine's chambers (morning)
Agravaine: We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town.
Arthur: And there's no way of fighting them?
Agravaine: No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.
Arthur: What are they?
Gaius: The Dorocha, Sire. The Spirits of the dead. On Samhain's eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them.
Agravaine: But who would do such a thing now?
Gaius: Morgana.
Arthur: You see her hand in this?
Gaius: We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed.
Arthur: How do we defeat these creatures?
Gaius: I don't know, Sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Arthur's chambers (night) Merlin lights candles.
[CREAKING]
He drops his basket of candles; one rolls near the curtains. Arthur looks up.
Merlin: I thought I saw something.
Arthur: What was it, a spider? Merlin sees the curtain move and stares at the candle on the floor. Arthur watches Merlin's hesitation. They both look at the candle on the floor.
Arthur: Just pick it up. Merlin doesn't move, they both stare at the curtain.
Arthur: Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?
Merlin: It's not a joke.
Arthur: Yeah. Arthur approaches the curtain, uses his sword to whip it open. Nothing's there. Merlin sighs in relief.
Arthur: You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. I could never let myself look so spineless.
Merlin: Oh, you see I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.
Arthur: What?
Merlin: All right. Thoughtless.
Arthur: Never.
Merlin: Definitely humourless.
Arthur: That's because you're not funny. Arthur hands Merlin the candle.
[SCREAMING]
Merlin: You're not scared?
Arthur: Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Camelot (night) The guards light fires in grates all over the city. The Dorocha sweeps past some candles in the Gaius's Chambers and blows out some of them. Gaius snaps up from his work.
[SCENE_BREAK]
In the lower town. Knights patrol the streets with torches. Sir Percival lags behind when he sees/hears something. He walks over to some barrels and finds three small children huddling behind them.
Sir Percival: Hey, hey, hey. It's all right. It's all right, you're safe now. Percival hears the Dorocha and checks to see the knights walking in the distance. Percival leaves the torch and runs through the street with the children in his arms. The Dorocha streaks right for them and Elyan jumps in with a torch just in time. Elyan takes one of the kids and they bring them to their parents in a house.
Sir Percival: Thanks.
Sir Elyan: Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I? They grin at each other.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Castle square (morning) The square is packed with refugees carrying their belongings. There is a huge line of people waiting to get some help.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Council Chamber
Gaius: They're coming from across the kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection.
Arthur: And we will give it to them.
Agravaine: We cannot house them all.
Arthur: We have to try.
Agravaine: How? We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.
Arthur: Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.
Gaius: I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, Sire. If I am right, and the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us... To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.
Arthur: And how do I do that?
Gaius: I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created it would have required a blood sacrifice. To seal it... will require another.
Arthur: We ride before nightfall.
Gaius: And who will be the sacrifice?
Arthur: If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Forest Agravaine rides through the woods.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Morgana's cave Agravaine enters without knocking. She puts a dagger to his back.
Agravaine: My lady?
Morgana: My lord... I trust you bring me good news. She lowers the dagger and walks further into her home.
Morgana: Tell me.
Agravaine: The kingdom is on its knees.
Morgana: How terrible.
Agravaine: (chuckles) Indeed.
Morgana: What of the poor people?
Agravaine: More fall every night.
Morgana: Such a shame.
Agravaine: You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.
Morgana: (scoffs) Impossible.
Agravaine: He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. And if the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil. Morgana thinks it over and turns away.
Agravaine: Something's troubling you... Morgana!
Morgana: Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom.
Agravaine: Your doom? What did she mean?
Morgana: I don't know.
Agravaine: Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir. Morgana smirks.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Uther's chambers Arthur sits by his father.
Arthur: There are many things I have to thank you for. You've taught me so much. Most of all, you have taught me what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time you'll be proud of me. Arthur cries as Gwen walks in the doorway. Arthur stands up, cups his father's chin and kisses his forehead. Arthur turns to leave and Uther grabs his arm.
Uther: Don't leave me.
Arthur: I have to, Father.
Uther: Please. Arthur squeezes his father's hand, then wipes his tears and leaves. He sees Gwen and goes to her.
Arthur: Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.
Gwen: What is it? Arthur doesn't respond.
Gwen: ... You don't have to go.
Arthur: I do.
Gwen: Please, Arthur, take care. You are precious, not just the kingdom.
Arthur: Smile.
Gwen: I can't.
Arthur: D'you remember...the first time I kissed you? She smiles.
Arthur: There. That's the memory I want to take with me. They embrace. Gwen holds him tight.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Outside, the Knights are getting ready to leave. They walk their horses out of the castle in slow-mo.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Agravaine's chambers Arthur hands Agravaine a ring bearing the Pendragon seal.
Arthur: You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the kingdom rests with you.
Agravain: What about your father?
Arthur: Should he die, you are to assume the throne.
Agravaine: Arthur...
Arthur: You're the only person I trust, Uncle.
Agravaine: I beg you, for the sake of the kingdom, there must be another way. Agravaine presses the ring back into Arthur's hand.
Arthur: My mind is made up. I'm just grateful you're here. Arthur leaves Agravaine with the ring.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Merlin's room Gaius enters while Merlin is packing.
Gaius: Merlin. What're you doing?
Merlin: It's my destiny to protect Arthur.
Gaius: How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.
Merlin: Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.
Gaius: No.
Merlin: My life has always been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be...I'm not afraid. I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...Albion will live. Gaius hugs Merlin.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Outside the castle Lancelot watches Gwen walking to him. He smiles.
Sir Lancelot: Gwen.
Gwen: Will you grant me a favour?
Sir Lancelot: Anything. Gwen looks over at Arthur exiting the city gate with Merlin.
Gwen: Look after him. Bring him home. Lancelot looks disappointed.
Sir Lancelot: I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.
Gwen: Thank you.
[SCENE_BREAK]
The forest The knights ride out. After dismounting, they prepare to make camp.
Arthur: Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering. I need someone to volunteer to get wood.
Merlin: I'll do that. Lancelot watches Merlin go and follows.
Sir Lancelot: You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.
Merlin: Doesn't matter.
Sir Lancelot: You're not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt. If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.
Merlin: It's your duty to protect Camelot no matter what the cost... Well, it's my duty to protect Arthur. Surely you can understand that.
Sir Lancelot: I can understand that very well.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Morgana's cave Morgana is dreaming. Red and black banners lie strewn on a battlefield with knights' corpses. A raven sitting on a helmet takes flight. Excalibur is stuck in the ground (or in a knight's chest) Emrys walks on the field with a white cane.
Morgana: Help me, Emrys. Please. Morgana's wrinkled hand reaches up to Old Merlin from her position on the ground.
Merlin: Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?
Morgana: Please... Morgana wakes in her bed. At first she seems afraid, then angry.
Morgana: Emrys.
[SCENE_BREAK]
The knights ride by a field littered with peasants corpses.
Arthur: We need to reach Daelbeth by nightfall. The knights pick up the pace.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Ruined fortress (dusk)
Arthur: Pair off. Find any wood you can. Get the fires burning. The knights collect firewood while carrying torches. Gwaine hears a man's scream and drops his firewood. The nights gather together as screams start to surround them. The Dorocha launches at them and Arthur wards it off with a torch.
Arthur: Let's go!
Sir Percival: We haven't got enough!
Arthur: Go! The knights are back at the fire pit with Merlin and Lancelot. Merlin pretends to use the flint.
Merlin: (whisper)*spell* Bel onbryne. The fire lights instantly. Lancelot looks at him. Merlin makes a cute shrug face. Lancelot grins in amusement. The knights stand around the fire with torches. Percival looks at the fire, then at Arthur.
Sir Percival: It won't get us through the night.
Arthur: It'll keep the area safe for a while. Later, Gwaine throws a log on the fire.
Sir Gwaine: The last one. Maybe we should draw lots, see who gets some more.
Arthur: I'll go.
Sir Lancelot: You'll need help.
Merlin: I'll go with him.
Arthur: You sure you're the right person?
Merlin: Well, since when have you known how to collect firewood? The knights chuckle. Lancelot watches as they walk off. Merlin collects firewood while Arthur stands guard with a torch. The Dorocha charges them from behind.
Arthur: Merlin! Arthur drops the torch to tackle Merlin out of the way. They fall off the wall.
Arthur: Let's go! They rush through some passages and close a door behind them. The Dorocha seems to lose them. The knights back at the fire pit shuffle around anxiously.
Sir Lancelot: They should have been back by now.
Sir Elyan: Someone needs to go and look for them.
Sir Percival: We've only one torch between us. Lancelot grabs the torch and starts walking off.
Sir Lancelot: Who's coming? Elyan follows, then the other knights. Gwaine grabs his sword belt and puts it on as he follows. Arthur and Merlin hide behind a corner in one of the fortress rooms. Merlin ties a cloth around Arthur's injured arm. They are shivering.
Arthur: It's cold.
Merlin: Right.
Arthur: You're not feeling it?
Merlin: I... Merlin shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.
Arthur: You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.
Merlin: Really? Was that a compliment?
Arthur: Don't be stupid. Merlin chuckles and then Arthur does, too. Back in the passages, Lancelot leads the knights through the fortress, warding off the Dorocha with the torch. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur listen to the screaming spirits.
Arthur: Of all the things I've faced...I never worried about dying.
Merlin: I don't think you should now.
Arthur: Sometimes you puzzle me.
Merlin: You never fathomed me out.
Arthur: No.
Merlin: I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends.
Arthur: Yeah.
Merlin: That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollop head. Arthur chuckles.
Merlin: We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together.
Arthur: Well, I appreciate that. You know, you're a brave man, Merlin... between battles. Merlin chuckles.
Merlin: You don't know how many times I've saved your life.
Arthur: If I ever become king, I'm going to have you made court jester! They chuckle. Then they hear the Dorocha. In the passages, Lancelot and the knights continue the search. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur wait.
Arthur: They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
Merlin: Feels pretty dark now.
Arthur: It can't be long.
[SCREECHING]
The Dorocha finds them and sweeps through the door. Arthur starts to rush out from around the corner, but Merlin pulls him back and stands up himself, running straight for the Dorocha.
Arthur: Merlin, no!
[SCREECHING]
Merlin jumps at the Dorocha. It catches him in the chest, stops him mid-air and throws him back against the stone wall. Lancelot enters and wards off the Dorocha with the torch, then hands it to Percival and turns to Arthur.
Sir Lancelot: What happened? Arthur and Lancelot go to Merlin. They turn him over, his face is covered with frost.


Still not far from Pentos, Your Grace. You'd be more comfortable there. I have no interest in hospitality or comfort. I'll stay with Drogo until he fulfills his end of the bargain and I have my crown. I have something for you.
First lesson: Stick them with the pointy end. 17 years ago you rode off with Robert Baratheon.
And now you're leaving again.
I have no choice.
There's great honor serving in the Night's Watch. The Starks have manned the Wall for thousands of years.
And you are a Stark.
Daenerys Targaryen has wed some Dothraki horselord. What of it? Tell me we're not speaking of this. I'll kill every Targaryen I get my hands on. Rapers. Not impressed by your new brothers?
Lovely thing about the watch ...
You discard your old family and get a whole new one. Welcome. I don't think Bran fell from that tower. I think he was thrown. No! Someone tried to kill him twice. I would stake my life the Lannisters are involved. Lord Stark must be told of this.
I will go myself.
What is the meaning of this?
Joff told us what happened.
You and that boy beat him with clubs while you set your wolf on him.
That's not what happened!
Ahh! We found no trace of the direwolf, Your Grace. We have another wolf. As you will. He doesn't mean Lady, does he? Lady didn't bite anyone! She's good!
King's Landing Page : Welcome, Lord Stark. Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council. The honor of your presence is requested.
Eddard Stark : Get the girls settled in. I'll be back in time for supper. And, Jory, you go with them.
Jory Cassel : Yes, my Lord.
King's Landing Page : If you'd like to change into something more appropriate...
Jaime Lannister : Thank the gods you're here, Stark. About time we had some stern northern leadership.
Eddard Stark : Glad to see you're protecting the throne.
Jaime Lannister : Sturdy old thing. How many kings' asses have polished it, I wonder ? What's the line ? The King sh1ts and the Hand wipes.
Eddard Stark : Very handsome armor. Not a scratch on it.
Jaime Lannister : I know. People have been swinging at me for years, but they always seem to miss.
Eddard Stark : You've chosen your opponents wisely then.
Jaime Lannister : I have a knack for it. It must be strange for you coming into this room. I was standing right here when it happened. He was very brave, your brother. Your father too. They didn't deserve to die like that. Nobody deserves to die like that.
Eddard Stark : But you just stood there and watched.
Jaime Lannister : 500 men just stood there and watched. All the great knights of the Seven Kingdoms. You think anyone said a word, lifted a finger ? No, Lord Stark. 500 men and this room was silent as a crypt. Except for the screams, of course, and the Mad King laughing. And later... When I watched the Mad King die, I remembered him laughing as your father burned... It felt like justice.
Eddard Stark : Is that what you tell yourself at night ? You're a servant of justice ? That you were avenging my father when you shoved your sword in Aerys Targaryen's back ?
Jaime Lannister : Tell me... If I'd stabbed the Mad King in the belly instead of the back, would you admire me more ?
Eddard Stark : You served him well when serving was safe.
Varys : Lord Stark.
Eddard Stark : Lord Varys.
Varys : I was grievously sorry to hear of your troubles on the Kingsroad. We are all praying for Prince Joffrey's full recovery.
Eddard Stark : A shame you didn't say a prayer for the butcher's son. Renly ! You're looking well.
Renly Baratheon : And you look tired from the road. I told them this meeting could wait another day, but...
Petyr Baelish : But we have a Kingdom to look after. I've hoped to meet you for some time, Lord Stark. No doubt Lady Catelyn has mentioned me.
Eddard Stark : She has, Lord Baelish. I understand you knew my brother Brandon as well.
Petyr Baelish : All too well. I still carry a token of his esteem from navel to collarbone.
Eddard Stark : Perhaps you chose the wrong man to duel with.
Petyr Baelish : It wasn't the man that I chose, my Lord. It was Catelyn Tully. A woman worth fighting for, I'm sure you'll agree.
Grand Maester Pycelle : I humbly beg your pardon, my Lord Stark.
Eddard Stark : Grand Maester.
Grand Maester Pycelle : How many years has it been ? You were a young man.
Eddard Stark : And you served another King.
Grand Maester Pycelle : How forgetful of me. This belongs to you, now. Should we begin ?
Eddard Stark : Without the King ?
Renly Baratheon : Winter may be coming, but I'm afraid the same cannot be said for my brother.
Varys : His Grace has many cares. He entrusts some small matters to us that we might lighten the load.
Petyr Baelish : We are the lords of small matters here.
Renly Baratheon : My brother instructs us to stage a tournament in honor of Lord Stark's appointment as Hand of the King.
Petyr Baelish : Mmm, how much ?
Eddard Stark : 40 000 gold dragons to the champion, 20 000 to the runner-up, 20 000 to the winning archer.
Grand Maester Pycelle : Can the treasury bear such expense ?
Petyr Baelish : I'll have to borrow it. The Lannisters will accommodate, I expect. We already owe Lord Tywin 3 million gold. What's another 80 000 ?
Eddard Stark : Are you telling me the Crown is three million in debt ?
Petyr Baelish : I'm telling you the Crown is six million in debt.
Eddard Stark : How could you let this happen ?
Petyr Baelish : The Master of Coin finds the money. The King and the Hand spend it.
Eddard Stark : I will not believe Jon Arryn allowed Robert to bankrupt the realm.
Grand Maester Pycelle : Lord Arryn gave wise and prudent advice, but I fear His Grace doesn't always listen.
Renly Baratheon : "Counting coppers," he calls it.
Eddard Stark : I'll speak to him tomorrow. This tournament is an extravagance we cannot afford.
Petyr Baelish : As you will. But still, we'd best make our plans.
Eddard Stark : There will be no plans until I speak to Robert. Forgive me, my Lords. I had a long ride.
Varys : You are the King's Hand, Lord Stark, we serve at your pleasure.
Cersei Baratheon : Please, it's nearly healed.
Joffrey Baratheon : It's ugly.
Cersei Baratheon : A King should have scars, you fought off a direwolf. You're a warrior like your father.
Joffrey Baratheon : I'm not like him. I didn't fight off anything. It bit me and all I did was scream. And the two Stark girls saw it, both of them.
Cersei Baratheon : That's not true. You killed the beast. You only spared the girl because of the love your father bears her father. When Aerys Targaryen sat on the Iron Throne, your father was a rebel and a traitor. Someday you'll sit on the throne and the truth will be what you make it.
Joffrey Baratheon : Do I have to marry her ?
Cersei Baratheon : Yes. She's very beautiful and young. If you don't like her, you only need to see her on formal occasions and when the time comes, to make little princes and princesses. And if you'd rather f*ck painted whores, you'll f*ck painted whores. And if you'd rather lie with noble virgins, so be it. You are my darling boy and the world will be exactly as you want it to be. Do something nice for the Stark girl.
Joffrey Baratheon : I don't want to.
Cersei Baratheon : No, but you will. The occasional kindness will spare you all sorts of trouble down the road.
Joffrey Baratheon : We allow the northerners too much power. They consider themselves our equals.
Cersei Baratheon : How would you handle them ?
Joffrey Baratheon : I'd double their taxes and command them to supply 10 000 men to the royal army.
Cersei Baratheon : A royal army ?
Joffrey Baratheon : Why should every lord command his own men ? It's primitive, no better than the hill tribes. We should have a standing army of men loyal to the Crown, trained by experienced soldiers... Instead of a mob of peasants who've never held pikes in their lives.
Cersei Baratheon : And if the northerners rebel ?
Joffrey Baratheon : I'd crush them. Seize Winterfell and install someone loyal to the realm as Warden of the North. Uncle Kevan, maybe.
Cersei Baratheon : And these 10 000 northern troops, would they fight for you or their lord ?
Joffrey Baratheon : For me. I'm their King.
Cersei Baratheon : But you've just invaded their homeland, asked them to kill their brothers.
Joffrey Baratheon : I'm not asking.
Cersei Baratheon : The North cannot be held... not by an outsider. It's too big and too wild. When the winter comes, the Seven gods together couldn't save you and your royal army. A good King knows when to save his strength... And when to destroy his enemies.
Joffrey Baratheon : So you agree... The Starks are enemies ?
Cersei Baratheon : Everyone who isn't us is an enemy.
Septa Mordane : Enough of that, young lady. Eat your food.
Arya Stark : I'm practicing.
Sansa Stark : Practicing for what ?
Arya Stark : The Prince.
Septa Mordane : Arya, stop !
Arya Stark : He's a liar and a coward and he killed my friend.
Sansa Stark : The Hound killed your friend.
Arya Stark : The Hound does whatever the Prince tells him to do.
Sansa Stark : You're an idiot.
Arya Stark : You're a liar. And if you told the truth, Mycah would be alive.
Septa Mordane : Enough !
Eddard Stark : What's happening here ?
Septa Mordane : Arya would rather act like a beast than a lady.
Eddard Stark : Go to your room. We'll speak later. That's for you, love. The same dollmaker makes all of Princess Myrcella's toys. Don't you like it ?
Sansa Stark : I haven't played with dolls since I was eight. May I be excused ?
Septa Mordane : You've barely eaten a thing.
Eddard Stark : It's all right. Go on. War was easier than daughters.
Arya Stark : Go away !
Eddard Stark : Arya, open the door. May I come in ? Whose sword is that ?
Arya Stark : Mine.
Eddard Stark : Give it to me. I know this maker's mark. This is Mikken's work. Where did you get this ? This is no toy. Little ladies shouldn't play with swords.
Arya Stark : I wasn't playing. And I don't want to be a lady.
Eddard Stark : Come here. Now what do you want with this ?
Arya Stark : It's called Needle.
Eddard Stark : A blade with a name. And who were you hoping to skewer with Needle ? Your sister ? Do you know the first thing about sword fighting ?
Arya Stark : Stick 'em with the pointy end.
Eddard Stark : That's the essence of it.
Arya Stark : I was trying to learn. I asked Mycah to practice with me. I asked him. It was my fault.
Eddard Stark : No, sweet girl. You didn't kill the butcher's boy.
Arya Stark : I hate them ! I hate all of them. The Hound, the Queen and the King and Joffrey and Sansa.
Eddard Stark : Sansa was dragged before the King and Queen... And asked to call the Prince a liar.
Arya Stark : So was I ! He is a liar.
Eddard Stark : Darling, listen to me. Sansa will be married to Joffrey someday. She cannot betray him. She must take his side even when he's wrong.
Arya Stark : But how you can let her marry someone like that ?
Eddard Stark : Look at me. You're a Stark of Winterfell. You know our words.
Arya Stark : Winter is coming.
Eddard Stark : You were born in the long summer. You've never known anything else. But now winter is truly coming. And in the winter, we must protect ourselves, look after one another. Sansa is your sister.
Arya Stark : I don't hate her. Not really.
Eddard Stark : I don't want to frighten you, but I won't lie to you either. We've come to a dangerous place. We cannot fight a war amongst ourselves. All right ? Go on. It's yours.
Arya Stark : I can keep it ?
Eddard Stark : Try not to stab your sister with it. If you're going to own a sword, you'd better know how to use it.
Old Nan : Don't listen to it. Crows are all liars. I know a story about a crow.
Bran Stark : I hate your stories.
Old Nan : I know a story about a boy who hated stories. I could tell you about Ser Duncan the Tall. Those were always your favorites.
Bran Stark : Those weren't my favorites. My favorites were the scary ones.
Old Nan : Oh, my sweet summer child. What do you know about fear ? Fear is for the winter, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep. Fear is for the long night, when the sun hides for years and children are born and live and die all in darkness. That is the time for fear, my little Lord, when the White Walkers move through the woods. Thousands of years ago there came a night that lasted a generation. Kings froze to death in their castles, same as the shepherds in their huts. And women smothered their babies rather than see them starve, and wept and felt the tears freeze on their cheeks. So is this the sort of story that you like ? In that darkness, the White Walkers came for the first time. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding their dead horses, hunting with their packs of pale spiders big as hounds...
Robb Stark : What are you telling him now ?
Old Nan : Only what the little Lord wants to hear.
Robb Stark : Get your supper. I want some time with him. One time she told me the sky is blue because we live inside the eye of a blue-eyed giant named Macomber.
Bran Stark : Maybe we do.
Robb Stark : How do you feel ? You still don't remember anything ? I've seen you climb a thousand times. In the wind, in the rain... A thousand times. You never fall.
Bran Stark : I did though. It's true, isn't it... what Maester Luwin says about my legs ? I'd rather be dead.
Robb Stark : Don't ever say that.
Bran Stark : I'd rather be dead.
Rodrick Cassel : Fewer eyes back here, my Lady. But still too many.
Catelyn Stark : It's nine years since I've set foot in the capital. And no one knew who I was the last time I came either.
Rodrick Cassel : My Lady.
Guard : Welcome to King's Landing, Lady Stark. Would you mind following us ?
Catelyn Stark : I would. We've done nothing wrong.
Guard : We've been instructed to escort you into the city.
Catelyn Stark : Instructed ? I don't know who's providing your instructions, but...
Guard : Follow me, Lady Stark.
Petyr Baelish : Cat ! Go on. Go upstairs.
Catelyn Stark : You little worm ! You take me for some back-alley Sally you can drag into a...
Petyr Baelish : I meant no disrespect to you of all people.
Catelyn Stark : How dare you bring me here ! Have you lost your mind ?
Petyr Baelish : No one will come looking for you here. Isn't that what like you wanted ? I'm truly sorry... about the locale.
Catelyn Stark : How did you know I was coming to King's Landing ?
Petyr Baelish : A dear friend told me.
Varys : Lady Stark.
Catelyn Stark : Lord Varys.
Varys : To see you again after so many years is a blessing. Your poor hands.
Catelyn Stark : How did you know I was coming ?
Varys : Knowledge is my trade, my Lady. Did you bring the dagger with you, by any chance ? My little birds are everywhere. Even in the north. They whisper to me the strangest stories. Valyrian steel.
Catelyn Stark : Do you know whose dagger this is ?
Varys : I must admit I do not.
Petyr Baelish : Well well, this is an historic day. Something you don't know that I do. There's only one dagger like this in all of the Seven Kingdoms. It's mine.
Catelyn Stark : Yours ?
Petyr Baelish : At least it was, until the tournament on Prince Joffrey's last nameday. I bet on Ser Jaime in the jousting, as any sane man would. When the Knight of the Flowers unseated him, I lost this dagger.
Catelyn Stark : To whom ?
Petyr Baelish : Tyrion Lannister. The Imp.
Alliser Thorne : Grenn, show him what you farm boys are made of. If that were a real sword, you'd be dead. Lord Snow here grew up in a castle spitting down on the likes of you. Pyp. Do you think Ned Stark's b*st*rd bleeds like the rest of us ? Next ! Next ! Lord Snow, it appears you're the least useless person here. Go clean yourselves up. There's only so much I can stomach in a day.
Tyrion Lannister : A charming man.
Jeor Mormont : I don't need him to be charming. I need him to turn this bunch of thieves and runaways into men of the Night's Watch.
Tyrion Lannister : And how's that going, Commander Mormont ?
Jeor Mormont : Slowly. A raven came for Ned Stark's son.
Tyrion Lannister : Good news or bad ?
Jeor Mormont : Both.
Grand Maester Pycelle : Lord Stark. I meant to give you this earlier. So forgetful these days. A raven from Winterfell this morning.
Petyr Baelish : Good news ? Perhaps you'd like to share it with your wife ?
Eddard Stark : My wife is in Winterfell.
Petyr Baelish : Is she ?
Petyr Baelish : I thought that she'd be safest in here. One of several such establishments I own.
Eddard Stark : You're a funny man. A very funny man.
Catelyn Stark : Ned !
Petyr Baelish : The Starks... Quick tempers, slow minds.
Grenn : You broke my nose, b*st*rd !
Jon Snow : It's an improvement.
Grenn : If we threw you over the Wall, wonder how long it'd take you to hit.
Pyp : I wonder if they'd find you before the wolves did.
Grenn : What're you looking at, Half Man ?
Tyrion Lannister : I'm looking at you. You've got an interesting face. Very distinctive faces. All of you.
Rast : What do you care about our faces ?
Tyrion Lannister : It's just I think they would look marvellous decorating spikes in King's Landing. Perhaps I'll write my sister, the Queen, about it.
Grenn : We'll talk later, Lord Snow.
Jon Snow : Everybody knew what this place was and no one told me. No one but you. My father knew and left me to rot here at the Wall all the same.
Tyrion Lannister : Grenn's father left him too... Outside a farmhouse when he was three. Pyp was caught stealing a wheel of cheese. His little sister hadn't eaten in three days. He was given a choice: his right hand or the Wall. I've been asking the Lord Commander about them. Fascinating stories.
Jon Snow : They hate me because I'm better than they are.
Tyrion Lannister : It's a lucky thing none of them were trained by a master-at-arms like your Ser Rodrik. I don't imagine any of them have ever held a real sword before they came here. Your brother Bran. He's woken up.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Petyr Baelish : The mere suggestion that the Queen's brother tried to kill your boy would be considered treason.
Catelyn Stark : We have proof. We have the blade.
Petyr Baelish : Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him. The only man who could say otherwise has no throat, thanks to your boy's wolf.
Catelyn Stark : Petyr has promised to help us find the truth. He's like a little brother to me. He would never betray my trust.
Petyr Baelish : I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake. A fool's task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife anything.
Catelyn Stark : I won't forget this. You're a true friend.
Petyr Baelish : Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.
Cersei Baratheon : How could you be so stupid ?
Jaime Lannister : Calm down.
Cersei Baratheon : He's a child... 10 years old. What were you thinking ?
Jaime Lannister : I was thinking of us. You're a bit late to start complaining about it now. What has the boy told them ?
Cersei Baratheon : Nothing. He's said nothing. He remembers nothing.
Jaime Lannister : Then what are you raving about ?
Cersei Baratheon : What if it comes back to him ? If he tells his father what he saw...
Jaime Lannister : We'll say he was lying. We'll say he was dreaming. We'll say whatever we like. I think we can outfox a 10-year-old.
Cersei Baratheon : And my husband ?
Jaime Lannister : I'll go to war with him if I have to. They can write a ballad about us : "The War for Cersei's c**t."
Cersei Baratheon : Let me go.
Jaime Lannister : Never.
Cersei Baratheon : Let me go.
Jaime Lannister : The boy won't talk. And if he does, I'll kill him. Him, Ned Stark, the King... the whole bloody lot of them, until you and I are the only people left in this world.
Catelyn Stark : I wish I could see the girls.
Eddard Stark : It's too dangerous.
Catelyn Stark : Just for a moment.
Eddard Stark : Until we know who our enemies are...
Catelyn Stark : I know they did it, Ned. The Lannisters. In my bones, I know it.
Eddard Stark : Littlefinger's right. I can't do anything without proof.
Cersei Baratheon : And if you find the proof ?
Eddard Stark : Then I bring it to Robert... And hope he's still the man I once knew. You watch yourself on the road, huh ? That temper of yours is a dangerous thing.
Catelyn Stark : My temper ? Gods be good, you nearly killed poor Littlefinger yesterday.
Eddard Stark : He still loves you.
Catelyn Stark : Does he ?
Eddard Stark : Off with you.
Robert Baratheon : It's been a long time. But I still remember every face. You remember your first ?
Barristan Selmy : Of course, your Grace.
Robert Baratheon : Who was it ?
Barristan Selmy : A Tyroshi. Never learned the name.
Robert Baratheon : How'd you do it ?
Barristan Selmy : Lance through the heart.
Robert Baratheon : Quick one. Lucky for you. Mine was some Tarly boy at the Battle of Summerhall. My horse took an arrow so I was on foot, slogging through the mud. He came running at me, this dumb high-born lad, thinking he could end the rebellion with the single swing of his sword. I knocked him down with the hammer. Gods, I was strong then. Caved in his breastplate. Probably shattered every rib he had. Stood over him, hammer in the air. Right before I brought it down he shouted, "Wait ! Wait." They never tell you how they all sh1t themselves. They don't put that part in the songs. Stupid boy. Now the Tarlys bend the knee like everyone else. He could have lingered on the edge of the battle with the smart boys and today his wife would be making him miserable, his sons would be ingrates, and he'd be waking three times in the night to piss into a bowl. Wine ! Lancel. Gods, what a stupid name. Lancel Lannister. Who named you ? Some halfwit with a stutter ? What are you doing ?
Lancel Lannister : It's empty, your Grace.
Robert Baratheon : What do you mean it's empty ?
Lancel Lannister : There's no more wine.
Robert Baratheon : Is that what empty means ? So get more. Tell your cousin to get in here. Kingslayer ! Get in here. Surrounded by Lannisters. Every time I close my eyes I see their blond hair and their smug, satisfied faces. It must wound your pride, huh ? Standing out there like a glorified sentry. Jaime Lannister, son of the mighty Tywin... Forced to mind the door while your King eats and drinks and sh1ts and f*cks. So come on. We're telling war stories. Who was your first kill, not counting old men ?
Jaime Lannister : One of the outlaws in the Brotherhood.
Barristan Selmy : I was there that day. You were only a squire, 16 years old.
Jaime Lannister : You killed Simon Toyne with a counter riposte. Best move I ever saw.
Barristan Selmy : A good fighter, Toyne, but he lacked stamina.
Robert Baratheon : Your outlaw... Any last words ?
Jaime Lannister : I cut his head off, so no.
Robert Baratheon : What about Aerys Targaryen ? What did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the back ? I never asked. Did he call you a traitor ? Did he plead for a reprieve ?
Jaime Lannister : He said the same thing he'd been saying for hours... "Burn them all." If that's all, your Grace...
Daenerys Targaryen : Do the Dothrakis buy their slaves ?
Jorah Mormont : The Dothraki don't believe in money. Most of their slaves were given to them as gifts.
Daenerys Targaryen : From whom ?
Jorah Mormont : If you rule a city and you see the horde approaching, you have two choices : pay tribute or fight. An easy choice for most. Of course, sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes a Khal feels insulted by the number of slaves he's given. He might think the men too weak or the women too ugly. Sometimes a Khal decides his riders haven't had a good fight in months and need the practice.
Daenerys Targaryen : Tell them all to stop.
Jorah Mormont : You want the entire horde to stop ? For how long ?
Daenerys Targaryen : Until I command them otherwise.
Jorah Mormont : You're learning to talk like a Queen.
Daenerys Targaryen : Not a Queen. A Khaleesi.
Viserys Targaryen : You dare ! You give commands to me ? To me ? You do not command the dragon. I am Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. I don't take orders from savages or their sluts. Do you hear me ?
Irri : Rakharo ask if you want him dead, Khaleesi.
Daenerys Targaryen : No !
Irri : Rakharo say you should take ear, to teach respect.
Daenerys Targaryen : Please please, don't hurt him. Tell him I don't want my brother harmed.
Viserys Targaryen : Kill these Dothraki dogs ! I am your King !
Jorah Mormont : Shall we return to the Khalasar ?
Rakharo : You walk.
Benjen Stark : I wanted to be here when you saw it for the first time. I'm leaving this morning.
Jon Snow : You're leaving ?
Benjen Stark : I'm the First Ranger. My job is out there. There have been disturbing reports.
Jon Snow : What kind of reports ?
Benjen Stark : The kind I don't want to believe.
Jon Snow : I'm ready. I won't let you down.
Benjen Stark : You're not going. You're no ranger, Jon.
Jon Snow : But I'm better than every...
Benjen Stark : Better than no one ! Here... A man gets what he earns, when he earns it. We'll speak when I return.
Yoren : A bear's balls.
Tyrion Lannister : You're joking ?
Yoren : And his brains and his guts, his lungs and his heart all fried in his own fat. When you're a hundred miles north of the Wall and you ate your last meal a week ago, you leave nothing for the wolves.
Tyrion Lannister : And how do a bear's balls taste ?
Yoren : A bit chewy. And what about you, my Lord ? What's the strangest thing you've eaten ?
Tyrion Lannister : Do Dornish girls count ? So you roam the Seven Kingdoms, collaring pickpockets and horse thieves and bringing them here as eager recruits ?
Yoren : But it's not all of 'em's done bad things. Some of 'em's just poor lads looking for steady feed. Some of 'em's high-born lads looking for glory.
Tyrion Lannister : They have a better chance finding feed than glory.
Benjen Stark : The Night's Watch is a joke to you, is it ? Is that what we are, Lannister ? An army of jesters in black ?
Tyrion Lannister : You don't have enough men to be an army and aside from Yoren here, none of you are particularly funny.
Benjen Stark : I hope we've provided you with some good stories to tell when you're back in King's Landing. But something to think about while you're drinking your wine down there, enjoying your brothels... Half the boys you've seen training will die north of the Wall. Might be a wilding's axe that gets them, might be sickness, might just be the cold. They die in pain. And they do it so plump little lords like you can enjoy their summer afternoons in peace and comfort.
Tyrion Lannister : Do you think I'm plump ? Listen, Benjen... May I call you Benjen ?
Benjen Stark : Call me what you like.
Tyrion Lannister : I'm not sure what I've done to offend you. I have great admiration for the Night's Watch. I've great admiration for you as First Ranger.
Benjen Stark : You know, my brother once told me that nothing someone says before the word "but" really counts.
Tyrion Lannister : But... I don't believe that giants and ghouls and White Walkers are lurking beyond the Wall. I believe that the only difference between us and the wildlings is that when the Wall went up, our ancestors happened to live on the right side of it.
Benjen Stark : You're right. The wildlings are no different from us. A little rougher maybe. But they're made of meat and bone. I know how to track them and I know how to kill them. It's not the wildlings giving me sleepless nights. You've never been north of the Wall, so don't tell me what's out there.
Yoren : Are you going below ? Keep well, keep warm.
Benjen Stark : Enjoy the capital, brother.
Yoren : I always do.
Tyrion Lannister : I think he's starting to like me. "Going below" ?
Yoren : Into the tunnel and out the other side. He'll be north of the Wall for a month or two.
Tyrion Lannister : So you're heading down to King's Landing too.
Yoren : Day after tomorrow. I get about half of my recruits from their dungeons.
Tyrion Lannister : Let's share the road. I could use some decent company.
Yoren : I travel a bit on the grubby side, my Lord.
Tyrion Lannister : Not this time. We'll be staying at the finest castles and inns. No one turns away a Lannister.
Irri : Yes, Khaleesi.
Daenerys Targaryen : What are you doing ?
Irri : When was last time you bleed, Khaleesi ? You change, Khaleesi. It's a blessing from the Great Stallion.
Jorah Mormont : For a man on horseback, the curved blade is a good thing, easier to handle. It's a good weapon for a Dothrakan. But a man in full plate... the arakh won't get through the steel. That's where the broadsword has the advantage. Designed for piercing plate.
Rakharo : Dothraki don't wear steel dresses.
Jorah Mormont : Armor.
Rakharo : Armor. Armor make a man... Vroz ?
Jorah Mormont : Slow.
Rakharo : Slow.
Jorah Mormont : It's true, but it also keeps a man alive.
Rakharo : My father taught me how to fight. He taught me that speed defeats size.
Jorah Mormont : I've heard that your father was a famous warrior.
Rakharo : He was bloodrider to Khal Bharbo. And your father, Jorah the Andal ? He was a warrior also ?
Jorah Mormont : He still is. A man of great honor. And I betrayed him.
Irri : The Khaleesi wants to eat something different tonight. Kill some rabbits.
Rakharo : There are no rabbits.
Irri : Find some ducks, she likes ducks.
Rakharo : Have you seen any ducks, woman ? No rabbits, no ducks. Do you have eyes in your head ? Do you ?
Irri : Dog then. I have seen many dogs.
Jorah Mormont : I don't think she wants to eat dog.
Irri : The Khaleesi have baby inside her. It is true. She does not bleed for two moons. Her belly start to swell.
Rakharo : A blessing from the Great Stallion.
Irri : She does not want to eat horse.
Jorah Mormont : I'll have the boys butcher a goat for supper. I need to ride to Qohor.
Rhakaro : We ride for Vaes Dothrak.
Jorah Mormont : Don't worry. I'll catch you. The horde's easy to find.
Jon Snow : Don't stand so still. It's harder to hit a moving target. Except for you. You move too much. I could just hold my sword out and let you do the work for me.
Maester Aemon : How many winters have you seen, Lord Tyrion ?
Tyrion Lannister : Eight... no, nine.
Maester Aemon : All of them brief ?
Tyrion Lannister : They say the winter of my birth was three years long, Maester Aemon.
Maester Aemon : This summer has lasted nine. But reports from the Citadel tell us the days grow shorter. The Starks are always right eventually : winter is coming. This one will be long and dark things will come with it.
Jeor Mormont : We've been capturing wildlings, more every month. They're fleeing south. The ones who flee... say they've seen the White Walkers.
Tyrion Lannister : Yes, and the fishermen of Lannisport say they see mermaids.
Jeor Mormont : One of our own rangers swore he saw them kill his companions. He swore it right up to the moment Ned Stark chopped his head off.
Maester Aemon : The Night's Watch is the only thing standing between the realm and what lies beyond. And it has become an army of undisciplined boys and tired old men. There are less than a thousand of us now. We can't man the other castles on the Wall. We can't properly patrol the wilderness. We've barely enough resources to keep our lads armed and fed.
Jeor Mormont : Your sister sits by the side the King. Tell her we need help.
Maester Aemon : When winter does come, gods help us all if we're not ready.
Daenerys Targaryen : It's a boy.
Khal Drogo : How do you know ?
Daenerys Targaryen : I know.
Jon Snow : I'm sorry to see you leave, Lannister.
Tyrion Lannister : It's either me or this cold. And it doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
Jon Snow : Will you stop at Winterfell on your way South ?
Tyrion Lannister : I expect I will. Gods know there aren't many feather beds between here and King's Landing.
Jon Snow : If you see my brother Bran, tell him I miss him. Tell him I'd visit if I could.
Tyrion Lannister : Of course.
Jon Snow : He'll never walk again.
Tyrion Lannister : If you're going to be a cripple, it's better to be a rich cripple. Take care, Snow.
Jon Snow : Farewell, My Lord.
Syrio Forel : You are late, boy. Tomorrow you will be here at midday.
Arya Stark : Who are you ?
Syrio Forel : Your dancing master, Syrio Forel. Tomorrow you will catch it. Now pick it up. That is not the way, boy. This is not a great sword that is needing two hands to swing it.
Arya Stark : It's too heavy.
Syrio Forel : It is heavy as it needs to be to make you strong. Just so. One hand is all that is needed. Now you are standing all wrong. Turn your body sideface. So. You are skinny. That is good. The target is smaller. Now the grip... Let me see. The grip must be delicate.
Arya Stark : What if I drop it ?
Syrio Forel : The steel must be part of your arm. Can you drop part of your arm ? No. Nine years Syrio Forel was first sword to the Sealord of Braavos. He knows these things. You must listen to me, boy.
Arya Stark : I'm a girl.
Syrio Forel : Boy, girl... You are a sword, that is all. That is the grip. You are not holding a battle-axe. You are holding...
Arya Stark : A needle.
Syrio Forel : Just so. Now we will begin the dance. Remember, child, this is not the dance of the Westeros we are learning... The knight's dance, hacking and hammering. This is the Bravo's dance... The water dance. It is swift and sudden. All men are made of water, do you know this ? If you pierce them, the water leaks out and they die. Now you will try to strike me. Up ! Dead. Dead. Very dead. Come. Again, faster.