Question: By the time he or she is finished reading, do the authors (Palenberg, Boorman and Malory) intend for readers to judge Arthur as a good and admirable king, whose strengths outweigh his weaknesses?
Janjo
KingArthurExcaliburFall2022.docx
King Arthur & EXCALIBUR
Adapted by Rospo Pallenberg & John Boorman
From Thomas Malory
A battle field, night. Somewhere in England
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.
Uther is a glorious and mighty knight, but it is quickly clear that once the
Fighting stops he has little talent in decision making. He is brave but not
Wise.
At the same time, Merlin, follows him, stays close at all times, watching,
Judging, and trying to coach this warrior’s every move. Uther usually
Listens to him.
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 band of soldiers.
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!?
Once again, as usual, Uther is hopeless in politics.
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.
Uther Betrays the Pact with Igrayne
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.
Cornwall has had much to drink, in the comfort of his own castle
And he speaks carelessly. He has ordered his wife to dance before
The men, and her gyrations and her body are a tempting sight.
He laughs savagely, not realizing that he is provoking his rivals.
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. It becomes obvious to Cornwall’s men
what is on Uther’s mind --- and in his eyes.
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.
INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN
A short time later the great feast is finishing, and the hall slowly
Empties as men and women look for places to sleep.
Uther slips into a dark corridor that he knows leads toward the master’s spaces.
And he waits, against a wall in the dark, as people file by him, weary, drunk.
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 monk’s
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.
So now Cornwall know -- Uther molested his own wife in his own house.
The truce is over.
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!?
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. It was just as the child suspected.
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.
Nine months pass.
Merlin has been away, in the sleep of wizards who have used their powers
To an extreme, and must become completely still to recover them.
Merlin has been unavailable to advise the impatient Uther.
Uther has married Igrayne, the woman he lusted for, the woman he tricked.
For nine months he has watched as her belly grew.
He does not know if the child is his or is of Cornwall, long dead.
The daughter, Morgana, hovers nearby always, watching.
Uther does not like the girl – who reminds him of Cornwall.
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 knows the story she tells. He knows that he is that man who came to her.
So he knows that he is the father of the baby.
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 distrust of her 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! You come when not wanted!
But stay away when I called.
MERLIN
It took nine moons to get back my
Strength from what I did for you.
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--
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.
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?
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.
It is a battle Uther should never have needed to be in.
But the others have lost their awe of him. Their fear.
His image is tarnished by his unpredictability.
So they lust to take the magical sword from him.
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.
Excalibur is more than a sword. It is a conduit for energy of a very
Special kind. Excalibur is like a cable that runs through the man who
Holds it and then to the earth itself – to England.
Excalibur came of English soil and now Uther, wisely, has plunged it back in.
When the sword enters the stone it is entering the ground of England itself.
It is entering the Dragon.
The power of the Dragon would be, should be, channeled up through the sword
And out through the Right man, a King, who wields the sword.
Merlin, being a wizard, counting for his powers on his connection
With the supernatural forces, feels the sword stabbed into the stone
As Uther had plunged it into his own heart.
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.
Merlin knows that Uther turned out not to be the right King.
He was done in by his ego. Uther has done the right thing:
He has put Excalibur out of reach, but in reach, for the next King.
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.
LEGEND APPEARS:
"Fifteen years passed and the land was without a king."
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.
They are English.
They have knights, but no King.
They have rough armed men who swagger through their humble villages.
They bully, and they steal. But in exchange, there is no leadership, no
Plenty. There is just the spectacle of a people who need a king
But get only the servants, the soldiers of a king.
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.
That is how it works.
The knights meet to joust in a tournament. Jousting is an old, obsolete
Sport, but it reminds them all of romantic and gallant days.
The winners of the jousts are given the ‘privilege’ of taking a chance
At pulling the sword from the stone – as if this is the reward reserved
For a jousting victor.
This has gone on for years, with nobody able to move the sword.
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.
Arthur.
But young Arthur does not yet know WHO HE IS.
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.
Arthur is a good and humble son. He has never complained and never
Shown any disposition of pridefulness or arrogance. His older brother
Is groomed to be knight, although this is a matter still in doubt.
Arthur does not compete with his brother for glory or for his
Father’s attention. He is not that kind of boy.
EXT. TENTS - DAY
Arthur runs in search of their tent. He finds it.
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.
ARTHUR PULLS THE SWORD FROM THE STONE
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.
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.
SIR ECTOR
You must put it back at once!
Arthur obediently takes the sword and plunges it back into the stone.
There is a glowing whooshing sound.
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, since... Well, 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.
What Merlin has introduced to Arthur is simply England –
In all it’s physical attributes. England as trees, valleys, shorelines
Hilltops. England as underground caves, and the animals and
Creatures that thrive throughout the woods and grasses.
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
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 shores...
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.
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.
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...
FADE
OUT:
A LEGEND APPEARS:
"...but for years war kept Arthur from thoughts of
marriage."
Arthur Meets Lancelot
Who is Lancelot?
Lancelot du Lac, of southern France.
Lancelot is the son of a French King, King Ban of Benoic [or Benwick] and Queen Elaine.
King Ban was in a great war with the knights of the north who did not accept the philosophy of his kingdom. He was killed in battle and so was the Queen, and the child Lancelot was rescued from certain death by The Lady of the Lake, who stole him away to safety. This is why he is later called Lancelot of the Lake, du Lac.
The Lady of the Lake is a supernatural being, female in form, who is said to be a descendant of Mary Magdalene. In her realm it is normal, a woodland oasis, but because of her powers, it always appears to others as a pool of water, a lake, affording her protection.
She is known by the Wizard Merlin, but their paths rarely cross.
She raises Lancelot and instills in him the proper values. In particular, the right way to lead,
The right way to be a Knight.
For Lancelot’s family came out of a very special tradition of southern France, the Cathars.
The word Cathar is from the Greek word katharoi for ‘pure ones.’
The knights of this tradition lived simply, kept no, or few possessions, and saw their duty as doing right.
The Cathars attracted enemies, as did Lancelot’s father, because of their criticism of French Catholicism.
In this tradition, the French Church was hypocritical for its greed in collecting great wealth, and accumulating large land holdings. And too many of its clergymen were lecherous and drinkers.
None of the conduct of the French Catholic Church, the Cathars believed, was consistent with the life of Jesus, or the teachings of Jesus.
Thus the minority Cathars were the enemies of most Catholic French kingdoms, and this resulted in many battles.
EXT. OAK FOREST - DAY
War tents have been pitched beneath the majestic trees.
Near the banner of the Dragon a doe grazes. Arthur is older,
in battle-scarred plate armor, pacing and angry. He is
watched by his wounded and bruised knights--Kay, Uryens, Lot,
Leondegrance, Caradoc, and some new young faces among
The ranks. No one talks.
The harsh clank of its battle trappings announces the
arrival of a horse. All eyes watch it walk into the camp. A
knight is slouched in the saddle.
SIR ECTOR
He is the mightiest and fairest of
knights.
ARTHUR
We fought and won battles, and now
one man defeats all my knights? I will go.
He pushes past the knights and goes to his horse. Kay
steps in front of him.
SIR KAY
A king must not engage in single
contest. I'll go again.
Arthur rises into the saddle and takes a jousting spear
from the rack.
EXT. GORGE THROUGH THE HILLS - DAY
Arthur, with Merlin behind, gallops along the edge of
The pool. The trail widens into a field of grass. Arthur
Reins beside a pile of broken lances and twisted shields.
Across the field, pitched upon the trail is a war tent made of
diaphanous white silk, a sky blue banner above it.
Merlin slides off and Arthur continues.
From the tent, a knight with jousting lance rides
forward to meet him. His armor is so shiny it is a mirror. His
eyes, seen through the open visor, seem to laugh. His speech
is foreign, from across the sea. He is Lancelot of the
Lake.
LANCELOT
Good day to you, sir.
ARTHUR
Move aside. This is the King's road,
and the knights you joined arms
against were his very own.
LANCELOT
I await the King himself. His knights
are in need of training.
ARTHUR
I am King, and this is Excalibur,
sword of kings from the dawn of time.
Who are you, and why do you block
the way?
LANCELOT
I am Sir Lancelot of the Lake, from
across the sea. I am the best knight
in the whole of Christiandom, and I
look for the king who is worthy of
my sword's service.
ARTHUR
--That is a wild boast. You lack a
knight's humility.
LANCELOT
Not a boast, sir, but a curse.
(a cloud passes over
his innocent face)
Never have I met my match in joust
or duel.
ARTHUR
Move aside!
LANCELOT
I will not. You must retreat or prove
your kingship in the test of arms,
under the eyes of God.
He crosses himself.
ARTHUR
Then may He give me the strength to
unhorse you and send you with one
blow back across the sea.
Arthur wheels away, trembling with anger, and gallops
to his edge of the field. He sees that Lancelot has already
positioned himself and is waiting, lance down.
Merlin watches, a spectator, as the two charge at each
other. They collide with great force, their spears shattering.
Arthur is jolted but stays in the saddle. Lancelot's jousting
is impeccable. Arthur draws Excalibur.
LANCELOT
Hold! I offer you another lance.
Pages come forward with new lances for Arthur and
Lancelot. A rare one, this Lancelot. He tries to win, and yet he
Arms his opponent. This man wants no advantage.
LANCELOT
You joust well, sir. Battle learnt,
but tournament fancy. You should
ride more forward in the saddle,
though.
Arthur grabs the spear from the page's hands, and
Circles back to work the horse up into an all-out gallop.
Lancelot spurs forward to meet him. Arthur is neatly unhorsed.
He picks himself up from the ground in a rage, drawing
Excalibur.
Lancelot on his horse weaves circles around him.
LANCELOT
Yield. I have the advantage.
ARTHUR
I will not.
Arthur charges Lancelot, a raging bull, but cuts and
Slashes only at the air as Lancelot stays clear of him.
ARTHUR
Fight me from your horse or on foot,
but fight me. Your avoidance mocks
me.
LANCELOT
I sought only not to harm you, sir.
He dismounts and draws his sword, and they clash.
Shield and sword and armor against shield and sword and armor. The
swordplay is furious, Arthur attacking, slashing,
hacking, Lancelot parrying effortlessly, elegantly defensive.
Arthur breaks the onslaught to catch his breath. Lancelot
lifts his visor. His eyes are calm, laughing.
LANCELOT
Sir, your rage has unbalanced you.
It seems you would fight to the death
against a knight who is not your
enemy, for a length of road you can
ride around.
ARTHUR
So be it, to the death.
LANCELOT
It is you, sir, who knows not the
virtue of humility, as a true king
must.
Arthur goes forward attacking with terrible blows upon
Lancelot's shield, and Lancelot holds his ground,
shield high. And in its mirror-like metal Arthur can see his
own reflection, a face distorted by uncontrolled passion.
Arthur discards his own shield, grabs Excalibur with
both hands, and with a frightening shout that speaks of all
his rage, he swings a terrific blow upon the shield,
cutting through his own reflection and the metal. And Excalibur
snaps in two.
A blinding blue-green light explodes from the broken
sword. Lancelot, knocked back by the force of the blow, is
stunned by the blast and falls to the ground unconscious.
Arthur backs away, horrified, half of Excalibur in his hand.
ARTHUR
What horror is this?
(calling)
Merlin!
Arthur picks up the broken blade, utterly undone.
ARTHUR
My pride broke it, my rage broke
it... Humiliation and defeat lie in
ambush even for a king.
(looking at Lancelot)
This excellent knight who fought
with fairness and grace was meant to
win. With Excalibur, I tried to change
that verdict.
Despairing, he flings the two parts of Excalibur into
the pool. He kneels at the waters edge, and he cries.
ARTHUR
I am nothing.
Then Arthur sees something that startles him. Beneath
the surface, suspended in the blue-green water amid the
dancing weeds, he sees Excalibur, intact.
It is held by a maiden in flowing gown the color of
water, her long hair rippling across her face, obscuring it.
ARTHUR
Excalibur! Is it true?
MERLIN
The Lady of the Lake. Take it. Take
it, quickly!
Just then Lancelot stirs. Arthur rushes to his side. He
loosens his helmet and removes it, uncovering damp
curls.
The young knight's eyes open, and his laughing charm
once more animates his face.
ARTHUR
Thanks to God, you are alive.
LANCELOT
(sitting up)
I, the best knight in the world,
bested! This is a great day, for my
search is over. I love you, my King.
He embraces Arthur, who is overwhelmed by his childlike
directness. The King helps him to his feet.
ARTHUR
You are still the best knight in
Christiandom. You gained a hundred
advantages over me. It is I who must
love you, for through your courage
and patience you taught me a bitter
lesson.
LANCELOT
Then make me your champion and I
will always fight in your place.
ARTHUR
But your life and lands are far from
here.
LANCELOT
I gave up my castles and my lands!
He thumps his breastplate.
LANCELOT
My domain is here, inside this metal
skin. And I would pledge to you all
that I still own: muscle, bone, blood
and the heart that pumps it.
ARTHUR
And a great heart it is. Sir Lancelot,
you will be my champion.
Lancelot draws his sword, holding it by the blade, a
crucifix.
LANCELOT
In the name of Jesus Christ and His
holy blood, I swear eternal faith to
Arthur, King.
They embrace, and Merlin watches.
EXT. ARTHUR'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT
Converging from different directions parties of mounted
knights enter the war camp. Lancelot among them. They
dismount, battle-weary and burning with the excitement
of victory. They quench their huge thirst from buckets
carried by squires. They rip off hunks of meat from carcasses
sizzling on spits over a roaring fire. And they join the throng
of knights, where stories of deeds of arms of the day are
enthusiastically exchanged.
A great number of knights are packed tightly around
King Arthur, each man anxious to tell of his victories. One
of them has the King's attention.
KNIGHT
...We killed every one of them. Burnt
their ship...
Arthur sees Lancelot in the throng and moves toward
him.
Merlin follows Arthur and is pushed and knocked around
in the crush of spikes and iron. The only unarmored man in
the crowd, he glares at the excited knights irritably.
ARTHUR
Lancelot, how did you fare in the
North?
LANCELOT
We spared the lives of a few, so
they could sail home and tell their
fellows what fate they met at the
hands of King Arthur's knights...
Arthur turns toward Uryens.
ARTHUR
And you, Uryens?
URYENS
Victory!
ARTHUR
Lot, and you?
LOT
We drove the invaders into the sea.
ARTHUR
You, Gawain, the East?
GAWAIN
The East is ours again.
Cheers greet each declaration.
ARTHUR
The war is over. One land, one King.
Peace.
The Creation of The Round Table
Amidst the celebration, a fracas is heard. A knight
Pushing forward to talk to Arthur has entered a shoving match
With those in front of him.
KNIGHT
Let me through. I fought the King's
battle too. He must know my story.
MERLIN
You, and you, and you, take up your
place. Be wedded to the world. Respect
its perfection. All of you, together,
be one.
The knights have formed a circle. They realize this.
Awestruck, they whisper in astonishment, looking up at
the sky burning with stars. Merlin brims with pride as he
waits for Arthur to recognize his handiwork.
ARTHUR
Your ancient wisdom and infinite
sight have forged this circle, Merlin.
Hereafter we shall come together in
a circle, to tell and hear of deeds
good and brave. I will build a table
where this fellowship shall meet.
And a hall around the table. And a
castle about the hall.
A cheer rises. Arthur strides into the ring of knights.
ARTHUR
And I will marry.
Another bout of cheers goes up, and Arthur stops before
Leondegrance, resting his hand on the old knight's
shoulder.
ARTHUR
And the land will have an heir to
wield Excalibur.
Leondegrance's eyes fill with tears of joy. A roar of
cheers. Arthur draws the sword of power.
ARTHUR
Knights of the Round Table, good
friends, brothers in arms. I send
you on a quest harder by far than
the battles we have fought together,
a quest to uphold always, and
everywhere, justice, honor, and truth.
Each day shall bring forth a cause,
and may each cause bring forth a
knight.
Lancelot is drawn in by the King's enthusiasm. He
unsheathes his sword and swoops it low in salute.
LANCELOT
I swear never to rest twice on the
same pillow till all men live at
peace.
In quick succession all knights draw their swords,
following Lancelot's example.
Merlin struggles to put out the flame on his staff. He
finally does it by smothering it with earth. When he looks up
again, he sees the knights galloping off in all directions.
EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY
The field is pitched with war tents and pavilions
decked for holiday. Nobles and knights flank the King and
Guenevere, a beautiful vision in white samite, a wreath of flowers
around her head. Lancelot leads a long file of prisoners to
the King. They fall to their knees, begging forgiveness;
among them is the man whom Lancelot had spared before the
altar.
INT. PAVILION - DAY
Guenevere is surrounded by a group of ladies and maids
who fuss over her dress and her hair. They eye the great
knight and whisper about him, Guenevere laughing with them.
Arthur sits, excited and happy.
LANCELOT enters at first normally, relaxed, devoted to the King as always.
And then his face suddenly goes cold. He has seen something, and he can
Think freely no more.
What Lancelot has seen is Guenevere down near the front.
At that moment he is not thinking ‘she is the bride’ or ‘she is my master’s bride’
He is only thinking --- this woman. This woman.
He has never felt this way before.
It is a paralyzing feeling.
He has laid eyes now on the woman who changes him like none ever before.
As he gathers his mind again, he realizes he must go.
He can’t stay and cause any harm to the harmony of this day.
ARTHUR
Sit beside me, Lancelot.
Lancelot sits, stiff and upright.
ARTHUR
Your deeds set an example for all
other knights. For your gift, ask a
gift of me.
LANCELOT
Only give me leave to ride out again,
to do what I am most able to do, and
happiest doing.
Guenevere overhears. She approaches and Lancelot jumps
to his feet.
GUENEVERE
(to Arthur)
He must stay for the feasting days
of our wedding, and tell his deeds
himself.
ARTHUR
(to Lancelot, smiling)
I grant you your wish if you grant
Lady Guenevere hers.
LANCELOT
I will stay Madame.
Merlin leans close to Arthur.
MERLIN
The knights of Galys approach the
camp. It would be politic...
ARTHUR
...to ride out and meet them.
He rises. Lancelot, who was about to sit again,
straightens.
ARTHUR
I will ride with Sir Kay. Lancelot,
rest here.
GUENEVERE
Don't start a war on my wedding day!
ARTHUR
Without Lancelot?!
Arthur and Merlin exit, leaving Guenevere and Lancelot.
She looks at him, lively and amused, and he can't help smiling.
GUENEVERE
Look Lancelot. The maids and ladies
whisper about you. They all dream of
winning you, young and old, fair and
ugly.
Lancelot blushes.
GUENEVERE
But surely that's no secret to you,
dear Lancelot. You're the bravest
and strongest knight they've ever
seen, and beauty has kissed your
brow.
He can't look at her.
GUENEVERE
The well-kept secret is whether any
of them has won your heart.
LANCELOT
No.
GUENEVERE
Why?
LANCELOT
I am a fighting man and I am married
to the quest. That is enough.
GUENEVERE
And there is no maiden in the whole
world who inspires you?
LANCELOT
There is one.
GUENEVERE
Who?!
LANCELOT
You, my queen.
GUENEVERE
Me?
LANCELOT
Yes. I would swear my love to you.
GUENEVERE
To me? But why?
LANCELOT
I cannot love as a woman the lady
who will be wife to my King and my
friend. And, in pledging my love to
you, I cannot love any other woman.
Guenevere smiles, moved by his blunt innocence.
LANCELOT
I will see you in all women, and I
will defend them as I would defend
you.
He kneels, kisses her thigh, rises and leaves.
Guenevere does not know what to think.
At first, he was just a fine knight. Then, he was more than that.
But she never thought of him that way before.
Whatever she thought before – it was suddenly impossible
For her to think of Lancelot in any other way than as a man
A partner. A lover.
That was beyond consideration. It was out. It was forbidden.
But Lancelot had distracted her so all at once that she could
No longer think normally.
It was a cruel irony of Lancelot’s ways which were in some cases unique from those
Of other men’s ways.
Lancelot was of the tradition of southern France, the ways of the Cathars.
And one of the values that went to the core was courtly love.
Lancelot could love his Queen, and should love his Queen.
And to prove that love he should do heroic service for her without hesitation.
He should be prepared to offer his life to protect her at all times.
But according to the code of courtly love that love must be chaste.
It must not be acted upon.
He had already violated that code because he had confessed
His feelings, which could create discomfort in his Queen.
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
A chorus of children sings.
EXT. CHAPEL, SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY
Arthur and Guenevere are ushered in by Kay. They are
flanked by Leondegrance and Sir Ector. Lancelot and Merlin
follow, leading the cortege of knights and ladies.
Merlin is incapable of entering the chapel, as if at
The threshold there is an unseen force that repels him.
LANCELOT
Lord Merlin, are you ill?
MERLIN
No, no, I need air.
Strangling a laugh he wrenches himself away. Just then
Uryens and a small party of knights rides up through the tents
And dismounts in front of the church. Uryens helps a lady
Off her horse and joins the cortege on foot.
URYENS
Merlin, don't you join the
celebration?
Merlin, who was slinking away through the throng of
bystanders, looks up. What he sees sends a chill
through his body.
At Uryens' side stands a young woman of sinister
beauty, with bewitching eyes of ice. Merlin just stares at her,
and she smiles back at him faintly.
Morgana.
When Uther wanted to sleep with Igrayne, Merlin put the spell on the
Wife of Cornwall, and she saw her husband enter her room.
But the child felt it, the child saw.
It was a trick, for Cornwall at that moment was killed.
And that child who saw it was Morgana.
A bewitched child.
And when Merlin returned in nine months to claim the baby who
Would grow into the King, Arthur, Morgana was there again.
And now she was herself grown. Beautiful but dangerous.
URYENS
My wife, Merlin. Lady Morgana of
Cornwall.
MORGANA
I remember you, Merlin. I was a child.
You took my brother away.
Merlin laughs. Uryens shrugs and continues into the
chapel with Morgana. As she enters she glances back, and just
then Merlin steals a look, their eyes meet.
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Uryens and Morgana take their places near the altar.
Arthur and Guenevere kneel before the Bishop, and Arthur takes
her hand. The clatter of armor mingles with the
enthusiastic, happy singing of the children, and seems to strengthen
their song.
EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - EVENING
The chorus carries across the field to the dark wall of
trees from which issues another chorus, of hoots and squawks
and howls. Merlin advances along the edge of the forest. He
stops by the stone that once held the sword, his eyes wild.
He forgets his inner torment when he sees a plant at the
base of the stone. He kneels beside it and plucks it. He
admires its strange flowers; he smells them.
Two feet appear at his side. He rises to be face to
Face with Morgana. They look deep into each other. Then
Merlin breaks the silence.
MERLIN
You left your husband's side? You
left your brother's wedding?
MORGANA
Is that Mandrake, Lord Merlin?
MERLIN
It is.
MORGANA
Can it truly be used for magic?
Merlin smiles at last, and Morgana does, her eyes
piercing, cruel and lovely.
MERLIN
Yes... sometimes...
His gaze drifts toward the chapel.
MERLIN
...There are many powers in this
world.
INT. CHAPEL - EVENING
Arthur and Guenevere are radiant with joy, and Lancelot
behind them mirrors the ceremony of their joining in his
armor; and the sweet voices of the children fill the chapel as the
Bishop pours the wine into the chalice, and lifts it up before
him, blessing it.
He turns to the royal couple.
BISHOP
Drink this the blood of Jesus Christ
our Lord.
The chalice seems to burn with a mystical light; and as
The chorus soars:
FADE
OUT:
A LEGEND APPEARS:
"And Arthur built his castle, Camelot. And one day, in
the far reaches of the Kingdom..."
FADE IN:
The Arrival of Perceval to King Arthur’s Court
Perceval begins as a teenage boy, penniless, uneducated, a rough wood dweller. Innocent.
A nobody.
But he is destined to sit at the Round Table as one of King Arthur’s Knights. And soon.
Perceval was born of a brave Lord who was killed. At that time his mother took him away
To live in a remote cottage in the woods. He was just a child, and he grew up with no
Knowledge of his regal pedigree.
Perceval brings a unique innocence and devotion to duty.
He will never be the warrior that Lancelot is.
He is not meant to be King.
But he will prove his deep devotion when all others fail
And his untarnished morality.
When it is time to go on a quest for a sacred relic
According to Arthur’s instructions, as many brave knights go
But only Perceval will outwit death on this quest
And only Perceval is able to succeed and recover
The precious sacred relic.
EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY
It is shadowy and dark; ancient trees creak, unseen
Animals cry out. A rabbit hops into view and a boy leaps
forward, grabbing the animal by the ears before it can move. He-
-
Perceval--is a wild boy of seventeen, dressed in skins
with an endearing and childlike smile.
PERCEVAL
(to the rabbit)
Sorry. Hungry.
A din is heard to the forest, and it grows. Perceval
glances around, panicked. The sound is the rubbing of leather
upon leather, of metal on metal, for now a mounted figure in
armor hovers over the terrified boy.
PERCEVAL
(stuttering)
Have I taken too much?
He lets the rabbit go free. The threatening figure
dismounts.
And Perceval, cartwheels backward, landing in the
stream and scooping a fish out.
PERCEVAL
(desperately trying to ingratiate)
I had rabbit yesterday. Today I'll
eat fish... No?
He returns the fish to the water. The figure steps into
a pool of sunlight and a glorious halo streaks from the
armor.
It is Lancelot.
LANCELOT
Don't be afraid.
Perceval is overcome with astonishment, and he kneels.
PERCEVAL
You're an angel! Not a devil...
Lancelot laughs and pulls the boy to his feet.
LANCELOT
Just a man. A knight in the King's service.
PERCEVAL
You're a man?!
(he reaches out to touch Lancelot)
...with metal skin!
Perceval is beside himself with enthusiasm.
PERCEVAL
Can I grow metal skin?
Lancelot rolls his eyes, amused.
LANCELOT
You've got a lot to learn.
EXT. SPARSE FOREST - DAY
Lancelot is cantering and Perceval is running
alongside, shouting in gasps.
PERCEVAL
I'll learn... take me... to the
King... What's a... King?
Lancelot shakes his head and spurs the horse into a
gallop. Perceval lengthens his stride, and keeps up! Lancelot
reins to a halt.
LANCELOT
Very well. Climb up.
PERCEVAL
I will run.
LANCELOT
Listen, boy, it's more than twenty
days from here.
PERCEVAL
Twenty days!? The world is that big?
EXT. OUTSIDE CAMELOT, FOREST - DAY
Perceval cannot believe his eyes. As Lancelot and Kay
talk about him out of earshot, he sees things that he's
never seen before; and he gapes like the country bumpkin that
he is.
Dragon-like kites sweep low, maneuvered by children. In
a meadow among the trees, knights hone their skills with
lance and sword, and ladies watch and their "bright eyes rain
influence and judge the prize." And then, there is
Camelot itself; the great gate and the drawbridge; the massive
walls, and the soaring towers and spires above.
At Camelot Perceval sees a kingdom that works.
In one chamber, scientists and wizards are working on great experiments
As they try to reach discoveries that will benefit all mankind.
In another room musicians perform impressively before an appreciative
Gathering.
Art, agriculture, great speakers lecturing small crowds
Camelot is a becoming the most advanced realm in England
And a beacon to the world.
This is what can come when brave men come together
Leaving their egos aside.
Lancelot smiles to himself, hesitation, lingering
before the great gate of Camelot.
From nearby voices cry out warmly ‘Lancelot! Lancelot’
There is a walkway suspended in the trees above, that
also leads to the castle, and promenading on it is a group
of women, Guenevere and her ladies-in-waiting, and with
Morgana. The Queen sees Lancelot and hastens toward him.
That is, her face beams, and she waves like a schoolgirl.
Morgana studies Lancelot’s face, his actions, and then
Looks at the Queen.
And Guenevere looks disappointed.
Why should she care if Lancelot does not stay?
Lancelot sees her, and mounts his horse and heads back
into the forest. She stops, somewhat ahead of the ladies,
and watches wistfully.
Lancelot turns back and seeing her one last time, draws
down his visor and spurs his horse into a canter.
He passes two commoners who are heading for the castle,
one fat and the other thin, and they are locked in hot
dispute.
Their wives keep them from coming to blows and their
children spur them on, enjoying the excitement.
Lancelot is swallowed by the forest.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE, CAMELOT - DAY
Guenevere, bearing a bowl of perfect, deep red apples,
approaches the Round Table, where Arthur sits and
Merlin at his side, attending to the affairs of the kingdom.
Quite a few of the knights occupy their seats, talking with
each other, drinking and laughing, attended by ladies and
pages.
Guenevere places the apples at Lancelot's empty place
and takes her seat next to Arthur.
In the archways that lead into the hall, petitioners
wait, eating, drinking, talking among themselves. In the din,
no one pays attention to the vehement arguing of the fat
man and the thin man, which continues even here. The hall
is the burgeoning, happy center of the kingdom.
But Merlin is oblivious to the lively clamor. He gazes
like a lovesick youth across the table at Morgana, who bends
over whispering to a knight at the table, the young Sir
Gahalt, while his older brother Sir Gawain listens. Morgana
notices Merlin's stare and smiles at him, and then resumes her
flirtation with Sir Gahalt, much to Merlin's annoyance.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE - NIGHT
The din of the petitioners is replaced by music. It is
the hour of the evening feast, and all knights are present,
except Lancelot. Whole tree trunks burn in the great
fireplace, and lambs roast on spits in the flames. Pages run to and
fro with trays of food and wine, Perceval among them.
Morgana sits beside her husband, Uryen. They seem an unlikely pair:
The noble and courage knight, and the cunning and mysterious wife.
How easy for her to seduce this hunk.
If Uryen only knew – but then even Arthur, her brother, has no idea
That his sister is a sorceress. And that she is a schemer.
And that she is evil.
Morgana whispers to Uyren, who ignores her, drinking.
She leans the other way, to Gawain. Gawain is an emotional sort.
The Night that Lancelot and Guenevere are Accused
MORGANA (nodding toward Guenevere)
Watch how she looks at Lancelot’s place. Remember what I told you.
Gawain looks at Morgana, puzzled, and then looks across at the Queen.
And it is so. The Queen looks at Lancelot’s place – beside her –
As if the Great Knight is seated there. As if she can see him.
What an odd affair that is.
Morgana smiles wickedly at her husband, hoping that he picks up her message.
Guenevere can hardly think of anything but Lancelot.
Morgana rises and strolls the room, and stops beside Merlin.
MORGANA
What did I see today in the wizard's
eyes? Your eyes never leave me.
Perhaps you lust for what you have never had.
Merlin is uncomfortable.
MERLIN
Perhaps you lust for what you cannot have.
Merlin's thoughts have carried him far away, when he
realizes that Arthur is addressing him.
ARTHUR
Merlin, are you counselor to the King, or to my sister?
Some knights laugh.
MERLIN
At your service, sir.
ARTHUR
Then answer me this. For years peace
has reigned in the land. Crops grow
in abundance, there is no want. Every
one of my subjects enjoys his portion
of happiness and justice, even those
whose tiresome misunderstandings we
must resolve here each day. Tell me,
Merlin: have we defeated evil, as it
seems?
MERLIN
Good and evil; there is never one
without the other.
Arthur is taken aback.
ARTHUR
Where hides evil, then, in my kingdom?
MERLIN
Always where you least expect it.
He chuckles softly and Arthur is puzzled. A knight
speaks out, the young knight with whom Morgana was flirting.
His manner is sarcastic.
SIR GAWAIN
I know where.
ARTHUR
Where, sir Knight?
SIR GAWAIN
I cannot say.
ARTHUR
You must speak your heart. You sit at the round table.
SIR GAWAIN
He’s our best. And our bravest. Why then is he never here?
Without Lancelot this table is nothing! IS there anyone here
Who does not think him a God?
Some gasps go up in the room. Some whispers.
And now to be driven from us --- by a woman’s desire!
And with that he points his finger across the table at Guenevere.
The room erupts in commotion. Arthur leaps from his seat, angry.
GUENEVERE
I see that gossip has spread its own evil. But I forgive your hasty words.
Come. Drink from Lancelot’s cup and partake of his goodness.
She holds up the cup, looking at Gawain. Gawain looks confused, angry
Tormented. He believes what he believes, but he does not want to be
The cause of trouble.
Arthur reluctantly sits back down. He is not sure what to do.
The cup is sent down to Gawain – passed from hand to hand by those
At the table. When it reaches Gawain he is panting.
Arthur’s eyes are fixed on him. If Gawain drinks, it is like saying
That he accepts Lancelot, and was mistaken. The issue is closed.
Gawain takes the cup. Holds it. He contorts like he will cry.
And then he slams down the cup.
ARTHUR
You dare to accuse the Queen.
SIR GAWAIN
I do!
Arthur leaps from his chair and grabs up Excalibur.
.
GUENEVERE
I do protest my innocence!
ARTHUR
If I were not king I would make you pay with your life for what you said!
Guenevre suddenly gets offended by her husband.
GUENEVERE
Will you not champion me?
Arthur cannot look at her. He shakes with rage.
ARTHUR
I cannot! I’m your king and I must be your judge.
Lancelot must do it. He also stands accused.
I decree that two days from now the champions will meet
And the truth shall be known. For by the Lord of God
No Knight who is false can win in combat with one who is true.
The room goes silent. The spirit of the occasion is gone.
The meal breaks up.
Arthur sweeps out of the room, leaving his Queen behind.
She looks at Gawain, pleadingly.
Gawain’s face is contorted. He does not want this, but he
Believes what he believes. And he does not trust the Queen.
Later that night.
INT. BEDCHAMBER, CAMELOT - NIGHT
Arthur stands hunched over the fireplace, staring into
The flames. Guenevere paces back and forth to a window.
ARTHUR
You are the two people I love most in all the world.
GUENEVERE
Then Why can't you be my champion and defend me?
ARTHUR
The law! My law must bind everyone, high and low
Or they are not laws at all.
GUENEVERE
You are my husband.
ARTHUR
I must be king first.
GUENEVERE
Before husband?
Arthur embraces her – but it is in no way a romantic embrace. It is almost
Brotherly.
And for her part, Guenevere is changed. Arthur does not allow himself to
See it, but things are not the same. She is outraged over the accusations
And gossip against her --- since she knows she has obeyed the LETTER of the
Law. She is innocent of the letter of the law.
But inside, she is entirely guilty in the spirit of the law.
She aches for Lancelot.
So she performs before all, husband too, as the wronged Queen.
But her face shows otherwise.
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST, WALLS OF CAMELOT - NIGHT.
A mounted knight stands motionless at the edge of the
forest, his armor gleaming with dark lustre. It is Lancelot.
His eyes are raised to the high window, where he sees
Guenevere.
He watches her in silence. In the high window Guenevere
draws the curtain and Lancelot reins back into the forest.
LANCELOT
We are innocent …. But not in our hearts.
To hold her once in my arms I would sacrifice everything.
Oh God – save me from myself. Purge me of this love.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Lancelot has unsaddled and tethered his horse in a
small clearing. He sits, resting back against a tree. He
removes his helmet; he plants his sword before him, like a
cross. He loosens the ties of his breastplate. He waits for day,
yawning, tired. But his eyes burn, and he closes them
and nods off to sleep.
EXT. JOUSTING GROUND OUTSIDE CAMELOT - DAWN
The Bishop blesses the field.
In battle dress, Sir Gawain rides up and down the jousting run
on a snorting and powerful horse, practicing.
A crowd is gathered, for the spectacle. Not for the joy. There is no joy.
Gawain is in an impossible position, although he has no heart in what he is doing.
He has been charged to fight Lancelot, if Lancelot shows up.
But Lancelot Gawain respects more than any knight.
Gawain assigns the guilt on the Queen, not on the Knight
Although this too might be unfair.
If Gawain fights poorly, in order to not harm his beloved Knight
And friend, if he puts no effort into the struggle
The conclusion will be that Gawain was wrong and Guenevere was
And Lancelot are innocent of the charge Gawain already made.
Gawain will be tarnished forever.
And if Gawain fights hard in order to prove to all that he does not lie
And that the guilt is where he says it is
And his ‘victory’ proves it
He will wind up beating, perhaps killing a man he loves.
And more than that.
If Gawain beat Lancelot in combat then as was accepted at the
Court of Camelot, and even expressed by the King
Then Lancelot and Guenevere were guilty.
Gawain had charged Guenevere.
If Gawain won, the Queen would be punished too.
And the punishment for adultery would mean that
She was put to death.
He would not miss Guenevere, for he always thought her
A flirt. Too friendly with the men, and a temptress of
Lancelot – who was needed in Court, but couldn’t come
Because of her.
But Gawain hated what her death, after Lancelot’s death
Or defeat, would mean to the unity of the Round Table.
So it is a day with no glory for Gawain.
All stood on the viewing stands or on the grounds along the edges of the
Jousting field. Waiting.
Arthur was in turmoil because his wife was accused, and the man who was
Supposed to defend her honor had not shown himself. A great humiliation.
GAWAIN
My Lord. The sun is on the field. The queen has no champion.
I demand justice, as is my right.
ARTHUR
So it is.
Arthur looks across the viewing stand at the faces of his other knights.
And they all look down to the ground. They do not want to fight for the Queen.
Sir Gawain looks at the squire with contempt.
SIR GAWAIN
(to Arthur)
Since no knight comes forward, I
demand justice--
Just then --
A cry goes up. Lancelot rides out of the forest. He
rides up to the King and salutes him. Arthur smiles at his old
friend, tears of joy in his eyes.
The two huge knights charge at each other, each man's
spear tip making contact with the other's armor, and in the
violent collision both are unhorsed. Lancelot is slower at
getting to his feet and drawing his sword.
EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - LATE DAY
They swing and thrust at each other with slower but
bone- crushing force, both unsteady now. Blood seeps from
Lancelot's feet, leaving awful footprints on the earth. Finally,
with a daring thrust, Lancelot lifts Gawain's visor and the
sword tip is before his eyes. Gawain drops his sword and
shield, kneels and speaks in a voice hoarse with weariness.
SIR GAWAIN
I yield to your mercy, Sir Lancelot. (shouts)
The Queen is Innocent!
Lancelot collapses in a dead faint.
A wave of relief crosses Arthur and Guenevere.
Maybe now they can put this all behind them.
INT. CELL, CAMELOT - EVENING
Eyes closed, Lancelot lies on a bed, naked but for a
cloth across his loins. His minor wounds have been dressed,
Guenevere stands on one side of the bed, Arthur on the other,
both looking down upon Lancelot.
ARTHUR
Bring him back Merlin!
MERLIN
HE has no will to live.
ARTHUR
Whatever the cost. Whatever the cost – do it!
Merlin sighs. He takes Guenevre’s hand and presses it against
Lancelot’s wound.
Arthur watches but does not object.
MERLIN
Flesh on flesh. You must press on
the wound, Guenevere, hold it, and
it will begin to bind.
Guenevere kneels, and at her touch Lancelot's eyes
flicker open. Merlin exits, and draws Arthur away with him.
Arthur is deeply tormented. But Merlin too. Merlin
Senses that the worst is yet to come.
ARTHUR
Merlin! Will he live?
MERLIN
Oh yes.
ARTHUR
Will I ever have a son?
Merlin stares off into the evening sky, where a lark
sings high up.
MERLIN
Yes.
ARTHUR
Just yes? No mad laughter, no riddles,
nothing but a simple yes? That
frightens me.
MERLIN
A king should be afraid, always. The
enemy is everywhere. Waiting in ambush
in the dark corridors of his castle,
on the deer paths of his forest, or
in the gray and winding paths of a
more tangled forest, in here.
He taps his skull and smiles.
Arthur thinks this hilarious and laughs along with Merlin.
They walk together, but Arthur has not understood Merlin
Because as usual he does not wish to.
Arthur is not even concerned that Merlin has put Guenevere to
Minister to the wounds of Lancelot.
INT. CELL - EVENING
Lancelot is staring into Guenevere's eyes.
She whispers.
GUENEVERE
Flesh on flesh. I will heal you.
His body trembles and his eyes brim with tears. He is
lost.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE, CAMELOT - NIGHT
The court is assembled, for the evening feast. There is
music and heavy drinking. Some knights are slouched across
the table. Lancelot, still weak, takes his seat, looking at
the drunken and frivolous knights. Arthur catches it, and
they smile at each other.
ARTHUR
They miss the battlefield. I think
we do too.
LANCELOT
But one can still keep a sword sharp
riding out in the name of the King's
law.
Guenevere cannot tear her eyes from Lancelot. He avoids
her look. Arthur looks from Guenevere to Lancelot, and
speaks softly to him, across her, and with stabbing
directness.
ARTHUR
It is not easy for the young ones to
learn knightly virtues without the
hard teaching of war and quest. It
is only your example, Lancelot, that
binds them now.
Then, addressing the hall:
ARTHUR
Which is the greatest quality of
knighthood? Courage? Compassion?
Loyalty? Humility? What do you say,
Merlin?
He is bent close to Morgana, whispering. Only when the
hall rings with laughter does he look up.
MERLIN
What?
(then seeing he has an audience)
The greatest? They blend together
like the metals we mix to make a good sword.
ARTHUR
I didn't ask for poetry. Which is it?
Merlin looks from Arthur to Guenevere to Lancelot to
Arthur.
MERLIN
All right. Truth. It must be truth,
above all. When a man lies he murders
some part of the world.
An uneasy silence falls upon the feast. Guenevere and
Lancelot cannot look at each other, and Arthur feels it.
Lancelot jumps to his feet.
LANCELOT
Conversation and court life don't
suit me. I must take my rest in the
forest.
Guenevere stifles her dismay.
ARTHUR
Hasn't Merlin mended your wound?
LANCELOT
It is deep...
Arthur is about to rise to embrace him, but checks
himself.
ARTHUR
You will be sorely missed. Heal
yourself and come back.
The exchange has become closely intimate, even though
they stand apart and speak before everyone in the large
hall. Lancelot leaves. Only Guenevere cannot watch.
EXT. FOREST GLADE -DAY
Water gurgles from a rock that is captive in the roots
of an ancient oak. Lancelot, in armor, reclines against its
trunk, the roots cradling him. He is perfectly still, drawing
life from the vibrant, all-enfolding forest.
Flower petals drift on the breeze. Trees sigh. Fox and
rabbit, sparrow and hawk, at peace with each other, watch over
the knight.
EXT. FOREST -DAY
A horse and rider tear through the thick undergrowth.
It is Guenevere. The forest races past her as she gallops
Toward the glade, brambles tearing at her flesh and clothes.
How does she know where he is? She does.
EXT. FOREST GLADE - DAY
Lancelot gets to his feet, tense. Guenevere dismounts
and approaches. She is flushed and breathless from the wild
race. Her horse, left free, wanders over to his and grazes
beside it.
LANCELOT
Why? You will destroy Arthur, and
us...
She moves closer and he thrusts out his mailed fist to
keep her away. She clutches it and presses the metal to her
soft tear-streaked cheek.
LANCELOT
The law forbids it.
GUENEVERE
Love demands it.
Hungry with passion, she embraces the cold unmoving
armor, kissing it.
LANCELOT
There are things about love--
GUENEVERE
--Nothing!
He steps back, drawing his sword. He holds it up by the
blade between them.
LANCELOT
By my knight's sword, I swore faith--
And before he can finish she grabs the blade to push it
aside. He holds it fast. Blood streams from her bare hands. He
cannot prevail without cutting them deeply. He lets go of the
sword, and she lets it fall to the ground.
She embraces his still and defeated hulk. She kisses
the metal, and sensation shoots through him, dizzying him.
LANCELOT
Guenevere...
He folds her in his arm, and their bodies lock together
as though a trap had sprung. Their mouths meet, each
devouring the other...
EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELOT - DUSK
Arthur and Merlin, the King desperate, the Wizard
overwhelmed by compassion.
How does Arthur know she is out there, with Lancelot?
He knows.
ARTHUR
I am alone and betrayed. By my wife,
by my beloved friend, by my knights.
MERLIN
I have a destiny,
too...
ARTHUR
With all your powers, you are content
to be ridiculed, laughed at...
MERLIN
My powers fade, Arthur. I resort to
cheap tricks...
(with sudden enthusiasm)
Yes! I enjoy every moment of my
foolishness, I join in the making of
it, so no one can betray me. But
you! You betray yourself.
ARTHUR
Me? I have lived by the oath of king and knight.
MERLIN
You betray the boy who drew the sword,
the boy who saw the Dragon... the
Dragon who moves close by, coiling
and uncoiling, restless, looking
down, waiting for the King to be a king...
Arthur looks up and in the rolling clouds maybe, just
maybe, the form of a dragon is taking shape. Arthur draws
Excalibur, intensity animating his dead features.
ARTHUR
I must do it myself. I must kill
them both. Lancelot and Guenevere.
Will you ride with me, Merlin?
MERLIN
I cannot. I must not. Here I must stay.
They embrace. Merlin is on the verge of tears, his face
immediately sad and finally ancient. Arthur exits.
Morgana, who has been watching from the shadows,
watching from the shadows, slinks up to Merlin's side.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Arthur and Sir Kay gallop through the forest, silently.
It is not a dream. Their armor and the hooves of their
horses are muffled with pieces of cloth.
EXT. FOREST GLADE - NIGHT
Only Nature will ever see their love; the creatures of
the air, tree and ground witness the final reality of their
passion and sense its unfathomable depths, singing of
it in a hundred languages. Lancelot and Guenevere are naked
and interlocked, one being, suspended in the darkness in
the eye of the forest.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Arthur walks soundlessly through the trees, approaching
the glade. The forest falls suddenly silent.
EXT. FOREST GLADE - NIGHT
All passion spent, locked in each other's arms,
Lancelot and Guenevere drift off into sleep.
Arthur comes upon them. He stands over them. He draws
Excalibur. Checking all emotion, he holds it above his
head. The ancient steel glows darkly.
The lovers faces are serene and innocently beautiful.
He hesitates, tormented. His mask of anguish gives way to
determination and calm. He drives Excalibur into the ground
between them.
He backs away, turns and disappears into the forest.
EXT. FOREST GLADE - DAWN
The sky is red; so is the steel of Excalibur. Lancelot
awakens and starts at what he sees. His cry stirs Guenevere.
They are horrified to see Excalibur impaled in the ground
between their entwined bodies. It has pierced their union
without grazing their flesh. They leap up and back away, unable
to speak at first.
LANCELOT
Why didn't he kill us?
GUENEVERE
He has given up.
She kneels before the sword, embracing the hilt to her
breast.
LANCELOT
The King without his sword, the land
without a king...
GUENEVERE
We are to blame.
Lancelot stumbles into the forest, berserk with guilt.
He rages against a small tree, crying out, and he rips its
roots from the ground, the terrible tearing and renting the
symbol of his own inner torment.
Guenevere sinks to the ground next to Lancelot's empty
Armor and his abandoned sword.
EXT. FOREST - CAMELOT - DAY
Surrounded by forest, the spires and battlements of
Camelot rise under black storm clouds. Arthur and Kay ride back
to the castle.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE - DAY
The great hall is in gloom. Few knights are in
attendance at the table.
Some sleep off last night's wine. Arthur approaches,
haggard, searching.
ARTHUR
Has no one seen Merlin?
Knights look up; those who meet Arthur's reddened eyes
shake their heads.
Arthur leaves. A knight whispers to another.
KNIGHT
Did you see? The King was without Excalibur...
INT. PASSAGEWAYS, CAMELOT - DAY
Echoing in the vaulted corridors outside the hall, the
knight's whisper stabs Arthur.
The words now seem borne on the whistling wind and
follow the King wherever he goes in search of Merlin. He comes
upon a knight seducing a lady in a dark corner by the chapel
door, his hand under her gown. Arthur notes the sacrilege in
silence, and continues on his way.
There was a time, not long before, when no knight of Camelot
Would ever behave so improperly with a lady.
It’s coming apart, Arthur thought to himself.
It’s all falling apart.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE - DAY
THE QUEST FOR THE HOLY GRAIL
The legend of the Holy Grail is one of the most enduring in Western European literature and art. The Grail was said to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper and at the Crucifixion to have received blood flowing from Christ's side. It was brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea, where it lay hidden for centuries.
Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin who quietly supported Jesus and opposed the action against him. He was aware of the last meal that Jesus shared with his apostles. After Jesus’ death, Joseph asked Pontius Pilate if he could take the body of Jesus and provide a proper burial. Pilate knew Joseph as a prominent Jew who never caused any trouble. He gave his permission. Joseph put the body in a tomb and sealed it with a huge stone. Joseph recovered Jesus’s cup, and then took it with him and hid it among his things.
When Joseph was arrested and imprisoned, having been mistakenly associated with the killing of Jesus, he had the cup with him. Each night a bird would come and deposit a fragment of food into the cup to sustain him. As Joseph had thought, the cup had magical properties.
Joseph went on to become a missionary for Christianity and he was sent from Judea to England to preach the Gospel and convert the English, who had many pagan religions.
When he journeyed to England, it was said that Joseph brought with him the cup that Jesus drank from at the last supper. In England Joseph had a powerful ability to win converts to Christianity, both north and south. He became nationally admired.
The grail was apparently lost with Joseph’s death but talk of it became widespread in the country, and in France too. The grail was said to be in this place, or in that place, and that by answering a special question posed by an angel or spirit, the grail, or the power of the grail, could be transferred to one who was righteous.
Arthur was not the first king to believe that if he could recover the grail, his kingdom would be the better for it. But a compelling legend went around about Arthur having applied a number of his finest knights on a nationwide quest to locate the grail.
Sun streams in. Many of the knights are in attendance,
in full armor.
Ladies and pages watch from dark corners. Arthur
addresses the fellowship.
ARTHUR
Who will ride the labyrinths of the
forest, to the very root of his soul,
to the very ends of the earth, to
find the secret that will redeem us
from the evil that has fallen upon
us, and make us whole again?
The men look at him. They want to believe.
SIR GAWAIN
Tell us, my Lord. What secret? What should we seek?
ARTHUR
Why, the grail. The Holy Grail of Jesus Christ.
The very cup from which Christ drank.
That precious relic can redeem us from what we are now.
That is what we need, my Knights.
We need to put our hands on the Grail
And to learn its secret.
Gawain rises and draws his sword in salute.
SIR GAWAIN
I will ride forth in the name of
that quest, and commit my strength
and my soul to it.
Perceval, Kay and a few others draw their swords and
touch their lips to the blades in oath. Sunbeams splash off
their armor.
PERCEVAL
I will go.
Perceval arrived at court as just a scruffy boy, a page, a worker.
But he was always more than that in his heart. And once given
The opportunity, Perceval grew from boy into Knight.
No longer did anybody question his right to sit among them.
The rest of the fellowship draw their swords in
imitation, but the resolution within them is not strong. Arthur
comes forward to Gawain.
ARTHUR
Gawain, a dreadful fear is upon me,
that we may never meet again, that
the fellowship will be no more...
He embraces Gawain, tears in his eyes. He turns to
Perceval, and Perceval kneels.
PERCEVAL
We will find the secret or die.
Arthur kisses the young knight's brow. Then he turns to
Kay.
ARTHUR
Kay, I know your heart yearns to go,
but I am prisoner to my duties, and
you must be to yours, at my side.
Arthur and Kay watch the knights file out till the hall
is empty, the harsh song of their armor growing distant.
A LEGEND APPEARS:
"For nine years they searched for the Grail.
Morgana's power grew in the land."
FADE IN:
EXT. SNOWSCAPE - DAY
Under a leaden sky, Gawain drives his horse through
swirling snow. He comes upon a mounted knight who is frozen in
his tracks. He brushes the snow from the man's face. The
frozen features belong to Caradoc. He slowly continues on his
way.
EXT. DEAD FOREST - DAY
Dangling from the branches of a dead tree are a dozen
dead knights of the Round Table, crows pecking at the
rotting flesh in the chinks of armor. Perceval rides up, cries
out in horror, and spurs his horse away.
EXT. MOORS - DAY
The rotting carcasses of sheep. The crops blackened and
withered on the stalk. Hungry peasants head for a
distant hill.
EXT. DEAD FOREST - DAY
Perceval gallops down a trail. The black-armored
knights of Morgana chase him.
Perceval reins into deep cover alongside the trail. The
pursuers thunder past and the sound of hooves recedes.
Perceval checks his newly found sword, slashes the air
to feel the weapon's balance. He re-sheathes it. He pats
the horse.
PERCEVAL
We'll become good friends.
He starts off again, into the patchless forest of dead
trees. He is suddenly set upon by a wildman who, swinging a
small uprooted tree, knocks him off his horse. Perceval
crashes to the ground and before he can use his sword the wildman
has knocked it out of his hand.
It is Lancelot, demented, who furiously rains battering
blows on Perceval's armor, bellowing with rage. All that
Perceval can do is attempt to avoid the blows. Lancelot
addresses Perceval as if the young knight were Lancelot himself.
Lancelot is joined by an angry mob of peasants. They are starving
And in rags, enduring pestilence and hardship for years.
Camelot has failed them, and Perceval is in front of them,
Someone they can blame.
LANCELOT
Where are you going, Lancelot, in
your iron tomb? Still trying to save
the world?
(He hammers blows
into Perceval's armor)
The best... the bravest... the
greatest... fool that ever lived.
Now the world rots. Death is king of
the earth. And it is you who make it
so, Lancelot.
Before Perceval can speak, Lancelot disappears again
into the forest, his eyes blank, as though his encounter
with the young knight had never happened.
A knot of pain, Perceval pulls himself up. He tries to
rise into the saddle. He is too hurt to do it. He starts off
on foot, losing his horse.
Perceval falls into the river and sinks under the weight of his armor.
Deep in the water he strips over the armor a piece at a time
Until every piece of metal or leather is gone, floated away,
And he is left in just his linen garb and bare feet.
He thrashes to rise to the surface of the water.
EXT. DEAD FOREST AND STREAM - NIGHT
It is very dark and Perceval has to feel his way.
Perceval rises up out of the water now.
He makes his way along the shore although he no longer
Knows where he is. He is no longer an armed knight.
He has no sword, no horse, no shield.
Just his linen Leggings and blouse.
But he does feel, in a sense, liberated from the weight of
All that metal. He feels free and connected to the land
Which he can feel with his bare feet in the moist soil.
Perceval did not know this, that he has passed a
Necessary step on the quest.
To understand the meaning of the Grail
Perceval must be cleansed of his ‘mask’ as a knight
And a warrior, one protected by metal and armed
To fight.
There can be no protections and no masks.
He must enter the challenge to acquire the Grail
With nothing more than his mind and his heart.
Before him in the water a long thin bar of light
appears. He looks at it amazed. Voices are heard singing very far
away.
He reaches out to touch the long strip of light but his
hand just disturbs the water. It is a reflection. The strip
grows wider and the ethereal music is closer.
Perceval looks up. The strip of light is before him,
suspended, thirty feet above. It continues to grow
wider. A drawbridge is being slowly lowered, allowing a powerful
light to escape from within.
Perceval is terrified. Fascinated, hypnotized
by the sight, he stays and watches.
The dim outline of a castle becomes visible as the
drawbridge is lowered across the water to the ground at his feet.
At the center of the blast of light coming from the
castle, Perceval can make out a burning chalice. The music
swells to a terrifying pitch, searing the forest.
EXT. ENTRANCE TO CASTLE - NIGHT
At the sight of the chalice, Perceval masters his fear.
Once he is on it, the bridge begins to rise.
Perceval hesitates, then advances down the sloping
Drawbridge into the castle courtyard. All details are bleached out
by the blinding light. The chalice appears suspended in
space, and now the figure of a man can be glimpsed standing
behind it.
Enchanting music from unseen singers grows and weaves.
Perceval looks back to see the drawbridge slowly
closing, trapping him inside.
He approaches the figure, his courage ebbing. Hands
cupping the chalice, the Holy Grail it speaks to him.
FIGURE
What is the secret of the chalice?
Who does it serve?
Perceval doesn't understand. He glances back again. The
drawbridge is nearly closed. Terror seizes him.
Panicked, puzzled, baffled, he backs away. He scrambles
up the drawbridge desperate to reach the top before it
closes.
EXT . DEAD FOREST AND STREAM - NIGHT
He looks up. The drawbridge thunders shut, the last
thin strip of light disappearing; and now he is surrounded
only by the silence of the forest.
Where there was a castle, now there is darkness.
Perceval wades through the water. He has crossed the stream and
all he can see and feel are tree trunks. The castle has
disappeared. He feels utterly defeated.
PERCEVAL
The chalice. The secret was in my
grasp. I let it slip, afraid for
myself. A question was asked. I didn't
understand. I didn't try. I failed...
PERCEVAL
I have lost my horse, my armor, my
sword. I have lost my way. I have
lost my strength. I have lost
everything... I will not lose hope.
Perceval vows to try again.
Heading for the source of the light he ascends what
seem to be a staircase. He enters a hall where the chalice
stands suspended, burning with light, and the mysterious music
swirls and grows.
Perceval approaches the diaphanous and featureless
Figure who stands over the chalice.
FIGURE
Who does it serve?
PERCEVAL
You, my lord.
FIGURE
I have waited long for you. Once you
almost saw, but fear blinded you.
Why am I served from the chalice?
PERCEVAL
Because you and the land are one.
FIGURE
I am wasting away and I cannot die.
And I cannot live.
PERCEVAL
You and the land are one. Drink from
the chalice. You will be reborn and
the land with you.
Perceval cups his hands around the chalice to lift it.
But they close on nothing, and he draws back. The Figure's
hands, although insubstantial, grasp Perceval's and appear to
hold his hands around the cup.
FIGURE
But who am I?
Perceval begins to kneel.
PERCEVAL
You are my lord and King. You are
Arthur.
The blinding light vanishes, the music drifts away.
INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE - NIGHT
Things are quiet there. And leaves are on the floor and dust
In the corners. The Hall looks unkept for a long time.
Arthur is in his chair, but he looks tired and beaten
And untidy.
Perceval falls to his knees before Arthur and he holds
the chalice, now whole again, up to the King. It fills with
blood from within and Arthur takes it from Perceval. He
drinks. And having done so, he seems to become younger and to
grow in strength.
ARTHUR
I didn't know how empty was my soul
until it was filled.
Sir Kay stands by the vast fireplace where a small fire
burns, and only now looks up and is aware of Perceval.
KAY
Perceval, you have returned!
ARTHUR
Ready my knights for battle; they
will ride with their King once more.
I have lived through others far too
long! Lancelot carried my honor and
Guenevere my guilt. My knights have
fought my causes. Mordred carries my
sins. Now, at last, I will rule.
EXT. WOODS AND FIELDS - NIGHT
Arthur at the head of a small force of knights, their
Armor shining beneath the moon, gallops through the land.
Where hooves thunder, the ground becomes alive with sprouts
and tendrils, and bare trees start to bud, and grasses to
blossom, the power of Nature exploding into life.
INT. CONVENT - DAWN
An old nun approaches the doors, upon which someone is
pounding loudly. She opens the peephole. It is Arthur.
NUN
Go away. No man is allowed beyond
these doors.
ARTHUR
I am Arthur.
The old nun is amazed and starts pushing open the many
bolts, mumbling and agitated.
INT. CONVENT COURTYARD - DAWN
She leads the King, his footsteps ringing in the silent
cloister, past the doors to the cells. His armor is wet
with dew and it shines with a dull and deep luster. Nuns
whisper at his transit. She opens the door to a cell and Arthur
steps inside.
INT. CELL - DAWN
Candles flicker on a small altar before which a nun is
praying. She turns to see who has entered. It is
Guenevere, older, thin with self-denial, all the more beautiful.
She looks up at the majestic figure who stands before her.
She nearly swoons. He helps her to her feet, and words rush
from deep within him.
ARTHUR
Guenevere, accept my forgiveness,
and put your heart to rest. We have
suffered to long. I have always loved
you, and I still love you.
She weeps.
GUENEVERE
I loved you much, as King, and
sometimes as husband, but one cannot
gaze too long at the sun in the sky.
ARTHUR
Forgive me, my wife, if you can. I
was not born to live a man's life,
but to be the stuff of future memory.
The fellowship was a brief beginning,
a fair time that cannot be forgotten;
and because it will not be forgotten,
that fair time may come again. Now
once more I must ride with my knights
to defend what was, and the dream of
what could be.
GUENEVERE
I have kept it.
She draws back the covers of her pallet, and there is
Excalibur. Arthur is overwhelmed by emotion; he can
barely speak
ARTHUR
I never dared to hope all these years
that it was in your keeping.
He kneels before her and kisses her thigh. She gazes
off, remembering the life of long ago. He rises and looks
off into her eyes, unable to find the words; he finally
does.
ARTHUR
I have often thought that in the
hereafter of our lives, when I owe
no more to the future and can be
just a man, that we may meet, and
you will come to me and claim me as
yours, and know that I am your
husband. It is a dream I have...
He takes Excalibur by the hilt and exits.
INT. CONVENT COURTYARD - DAWN
The nuns scatter before him in awe and terror. He
strides forward, Excalibur in hand. He stops and tests its
balance, and he draws force from it.
ARTHUR
Guenevere...
EXT. WOODS - DAY
King Arthur and his Knights, revived by the spirit of the Holy Grail
Charge off to do battle with Arthur’s evil son Mordred.
Mordred fights with the assistance of his mother’s magical powers.
But Arthur is then joined in the fight by Lancelot
Who has donned his armor once again, and has put old
Agonies behind him.
The war is great, and both Arthur, Lancelot, and Mordred are killed
On the battlefield.
It appears that the Knights of Camelot have won the day
But this is not clear.
A strong wind rises. Perceval kneels beside Arthur.
PERCEVAL
The fog is lifting. Only we remain
alive.
EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - EVENING
Perceval races to Arthur's
side, and supports the King who has fallen on his knees.
Arthur speaks through the pain:
ARTHUR
Draw the spear from me. Do it.
Perceval holds the King tight to himself with one arm,
while with the other he draws the shaft through and out of
Arthur's body. Arthur sags but doesn't fall. Perceval begins to
Remove his armor to get at the gaping wounds. The King speaks
slowly, softly, from outside his own pain-wracked body.
ARTHUR
There is one thing left to do...
Excalibur... And you must do it,
Perceval. Leave my wounds, I command
you.
PERCEVAL
I cannot--
ARTHUR
--Take Excalibur. Find a pool of
calm water and throw the sword into
it.
Perceval, stunned by the command, doesn't move.
ARTHUR
Obey me, Perceval. You must act for
me. It is my last order as your King.
Do it, and be back!
Perceval picks up the sword, mounts his horse and rides
inland. Arthur watches him go, struggling with the
pain, still kneeling, and then his head falls to his chest.
EXT. POOL, MOORS - EVENING
Perceval steps through tall reeds to the edge of a
pool. He cannot bring himself to throw Excalibur into the water.
He examines the blade, and it is haloed with a faint
iridescence.
PERCEVAL
It is too precious a thing. I can't...
He backs away from the water and hides the sword in the
reeds, and starts back.
EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - EVENING
Perceval dismounts, rushing to kneel at the King's
side. Arthur looks up, calm and intense.
ARTHUR
When you threw it in, what did you
see?
PERCEVAL
...I saw nothing.
The King looks at him with piercing power. Perceval
blurts it out.
PERCEVAL
My King, I couldn't do it. Excalibur
cannot be lost. Other men--
ARTHUR
--By itself it is only a piece of
steel. Its power comes from he who
wields it. For now there is no one.
Do as I have ordered!
Perceval leaves once more. The daylight is failing, the
Sun is near the horizon over the sea, bursting through
clouds.
EXT. POOL - EVENING
He picks up the sword and looks at it for a long time.
Finally, with great misgiving, he hurls it into the
Middle of the pool. As Excalibur is about to touch the water a
woman's hand reaches and grasps it by the hilt. It
holds the sword aloft for a moment and then draws it under.
Perceval backs away from the pool stunned by the
marvel.
THE END
2
