TEXT: "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". LONGSTEAD, THE HOWDENS' HOUSE - NIGHT John stirs the fire while Mary folds a blanket. John Howden: There's a chill in the air tonight. Mary chuckles. John Howden: What? Mary Howden: You say that every night. John Howden: Do I now? Mary Howden: Only for the last thirty years. Stop your fussing and come to bed. There is a scream outside. John lights a torch and gets up. Mary grabs his arm. Mary Howden: John...don't go outside, I'm begging you. John Howden: It's my duty. I'm the elder of this village. Mary Howden: John, please! John Howden: Lock the door behind me. Let no one in. No one, do you hear? John searches outside. He enters a common building and sees a door opening and closing with the wind. He steps through the doorway and a man falls on him. John supports him and looks at his pale, staring face. John Howden: Aldref? Aldref is limp on his feet, eyes wide. John looks around him. John Howden: Hello? Is there anybody there? Nearby a figure slithers out of sight. [SCENE_BREAK] OPENING TITLES [SCENE_BREAK] LOWER TOWN, GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY Gwen is at home. Someone knocks at the door. She opens it. Mary Howden: Gwen? Gwen: Mary? Mary Howden: I was told I might find you here. Gwen: Mary! (pulls Mary into her house). What a wonderful surprise! Mary Howden: I hope I'm not interrupting anything. Gwen: No, no, not at all. What brings you to Camelot? Mary Howden: I don't want to trouble you, Gwen. John and I, I...I know we haven't seen you for
SUMMARY:
When the menfolk of Guinevere's home village fall victim to a mysterious illness, Gaius sends Merlin, along with Guinevere and the Knights, to cure them, but they are side-tracked by a waif-like girl, Lamia. Only Merlin and Guinevere suspect, rightly, that she is responsible, and soon the Knights fall under her spell, fighting each other. As Arthur rides out with Gaius, who has realised the girl's secret, the Knights succumb, one by one, to the same sickness. Merlin's magic protects him while he and Gwen fight her, but it is Arthur's timely arrival which kills the creature and prevents Merlin from revealing his powers. Gaius heals the knights as well as the villagers.