Excalibur

						 Screenplay by
						Rospo Pallenberg
							 and
						  John Boorman

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

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

FADE IN:

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

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

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

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

							MERLIN

			Lord Uther! Lord Uther!

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

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

							MERLIN

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

							UTHER
						  (disgusted)

			Talk. Lovers murmuring to each other...



EXT. RIVER, FOREST - DAY

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

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

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

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

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

							UTHER

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

							MERLIN

			Just show the sword.

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

							MERLIN
					    (waxing eloquent)

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

					(and in an aside to Uther)

			Speak the words.

							UTHER
						  (bellowing)

			One land, one king! That is my peace!

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

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

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

							UTHER

			Me, yield!?

Merlin urges Uther hard.

							MERLIN
						  (a whisper)

			He has given. Now you must.

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

							UTHER

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

The enemies lock eyes and Merlin watches anxiously.

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

			Done!

All men from both sides break out in wild cheers.

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

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

But Merlin is nowhere in sight.



INT. TINTAGEL CASTLE - HALL - NIGHT

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

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

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

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

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

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

The words escape his lips:

							UTHER

			I must have her.

Lot spins to face him.

							 LOT

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

							UTHER
						  (oblivious)

			I must have her.

							 LOT

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

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

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



INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

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

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

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

							UTHER

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

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

						    IGRAYNE

					    (a fierce whisper)

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

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

Uther trembles with unreleased passion.



INT. PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE CHAPEL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

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



EXT. WAR CAMP - BEFORE TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAY

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

							UTHER

				   (bellowing in all directions)

			Merlin! Where are you!?

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

							UTHER

			Have you found him?

							ULFIUS

			No ---

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

							 HAG

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

							ULFIUS

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

							 HAG

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

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

							MERLIN

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

							UTHER

						  (exploding)

			Dumb riddles, Merlin. I am your King.

Ulfius edges away.

							MERLIN

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

Uther grabs Merlin.

							UTHER

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

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							UTHER

			I swear it. By Excalibur and the holy -

							MERLIN

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

							UTHER

			I swear it.

Merlin looks down sorrowfully at the kneeling King.



EXT. BATTLEMENTS, TINTAGEL CASTLE - EVENING

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

						DUKE OF CORNWALL

					    (to a lieutenant)

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

His eyes are as cold and as pale as ice.



EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - TWILIGHT

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

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

							MERLIN

			Come.

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

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

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

And then, for all to understand:

							MERLIN

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



EXT. VISTA FROM THE CLIFF - TINTAGLE CASTLE - TWILIGHT

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



EXT. GATE, TINTAGLE CASTLE - TWILIGHT

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



EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - TWILIGHT

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

							MERLIN

			Mount your horse.

The King does.

							MERLIN

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

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

							UTHER

			But the cliff, the sea...

Merlin rages, crazed.

							MERLIN

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

He gives the horse a stinging blow with his staff.

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



EXT. MERLIN'S FOG

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



EXT. GATE, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

Horse and rider pull up at the gate.

							RIDER

						   (calling)

			Wake up in there. It is I.

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

After a moment the portal opens.



INT. INNER GATE, INTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

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

					    'DUKE' OF CORNWALL

			Have the horse ready. I ride out before
			sunrise.

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



EXT. UTHER'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

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

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



INT. CHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

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

						    MORGANA

			Papa... Papa...

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

						    MORGANA

			My father is dead...



INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT

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



INT. MORGANA'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

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

						    IGRAYNE

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

					    'DUKE' OF CORNWALL

			Come Igrayne.

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



INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT

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



EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - NIGHT

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

							MERLIN

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

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



INT. HALL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - DAWN

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

						    IGRAYNE

			When did it happen? Where?

						   LIEUTENANT

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

						    IGRAYNE

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

							 LADY

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

						    IGRAYNE

			His spirit?

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

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

						    IGRAYNE

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

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



EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE SEA - DAY

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

							UTHER

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

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



INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE- EVENING

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

Noisy crows alight on the windowsill. Only Morgana notices.



INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

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

							UTHER

						  (bellowing)

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



INT. IGRAYNE'S BEDCHAMBER, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

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

							UTHER

			Out!

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

							UTHER

			What is it, lady?

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

						    IGRAYNE

			A boy, sir. Rest yourself.

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

							UTHER

			Send the girl away.

						    IGRAYNE

			She is just a child -

							UTHER

			Out!

Igrayne draws the child to her and kisses her cheek.

						    IGRAYNE

						  (whispering)

			Go now. Come back later.

The child leaves silently, hatred in her eyes.

							UTHER

			She watches me with her father's eyes.

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

							UTHER

			Igrayne, is he mine, or -

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

						    IGRAYNE

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

Uther draws a dagger. He lifts it.

						    IGRAYNE

			No---

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

							UTHER

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

					(looking shyly at Igrayne)

			his mother's...

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

							UTHER

			Here. It's hungry.

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

Igrayne weeps and Uther watches proudly as the baby suckles.

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

							UTHER

			Merlin! Out of the sick sleep at last.

							MERLIN

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

Uther avoids looking at him.

							MERLIN

			Now you must pay me.

							UTHER

			I?

							MERLIN

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

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

							UTHER

			The oath. You didn't say -

							MERLIN

			You didn't ask!

						    IGRAYNE

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

							 UTHER

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

Igrayne suddenly understands. She glares at Uther.

						    IGRAYNE

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

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

							MERLIN

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

							 UTHER

			To kill and be king, is that all?

							MERLIN

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

							UTHER

			You strike me with words as hard as steel.

							MERLIN

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

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

							UTHER

						  (in torment)

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

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

						    IGRAYNE

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

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



INT. PASSAGEWAY, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

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



INT. HALL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT.

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

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

						    MORGANA

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

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



EXT. FOREST - DAY

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

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

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

							URYENS

						  (to his men)

			The King's sword. I must have it.

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

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



EXT. STONE IN THE FOREST - DAY

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

							UTHER

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

He hears his pursuers closing in.

							UTHER

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

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

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



EXT. FOREST - DAY

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



EXT. FIELDS, WOODS - DAY

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

							MERLIN

			Into the spine of the dragon!

					(and then he is saddened)

			Uther...I loved you, mighty child.

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



EXT. STONE IN THE FOREST - DAY

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

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

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

							 LOT

			Let me.

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



FADE OUT:

A legend appears :

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



FADE IN:



EXT. FIELDS - DAY

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

The peasants watch in mute anger.



EXT. FARMYARD - EVENING

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



EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT - MOONLIGHT

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

						   SIR ECTOR

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

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

						   SIR ECTOR

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

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

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

						   SIR ECTOR

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



EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - SUNRISE

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

							BISHOP

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

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



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND, SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

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



EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

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

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



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

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

						   SIR ECTOR

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

The fifteen year-old boy blushes.

							ARTHUR

			I left it in the tent, sir.

						   SIR ECTOR

			Well hurry then, and get it.

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



EXT. TENTS - DAY

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



INT. TENT - DAY

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

							ARTHUR

			It's been stolen....



EXT. TENTS - DAY

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



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

Sir Ector and Sir Kay are waiting.

						    SIR KAY

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



EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

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

							ARTHUR

			If only Kay could have it....

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



EXT. TENTS - DAY

He bumps into Kay.

							ARTHUR

						  (breathless)

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

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



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

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

						    SIR KAY

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

Sir Ector is dumbstruck.

						   SIR ECTOR

			Did you free the sword, boy?

						    SIR KAY

			I... did, Father.

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

						   SIR ECTOR

			We must go to the stone at once.

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

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



EXT. THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

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

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

						   SIR ECTOR

			Draw it, son!

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

						    SIR KAY

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

						   SIR ECTOR

			Arthur ?!

				   (spinning around to face him)

			How did you get the sword, child?

							ARTHUR

						  (frightened)

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

						    SIR ECTOR

			You freed it, son?

							ARTHUR

			I did, Father. I beg your forgiveness.

He starts to kneel but Ector pulls him up.

						   SIR ECTOR

			Try the sword, Arthur.

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

							URYENS

			Stand back, Sir Ector, and take your
			children.

							  LOT

			We will try again.

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

						   SIR ECTOR

			Let the boy try the sword.

							BISHOP

			Let the boy try...

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

						   SIR ECTOR

			Go ahead, boy. Don't be afraid.

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

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

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

							BISHOP

			We have our King, thanks be to God.

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

							ARTHUR

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

Sir Ector rises, tears streaming down his cheeks.

						   SIR ECTOR

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

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

							ARTHUR

			Who is, then?

						   SIR ECTOR

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

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

							ARTHUR

			Who is Merlin?

							MERLIN

			Speak of the devil! ...

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

							MERLIN

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

						 (he drops it)

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

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

							ARTHUR

			Whose son am I?

							MERLIN

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

The suspicion and confusion and envy of the lords erupts.

							 LOT

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

							 URYENS

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

							  LOT

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

						   LEONDEGRANCE

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

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



EXT. CHAPEL, JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

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



EXT. SITE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE - DAY

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

It flies over the heads of the crowd, unseen.

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

The arrow flies toward Arthur.

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

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

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



EXT. FOREST - DAY

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

							ARTHUR

			...Merlin...Merlin...

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

							ARTHUR

			Merlin!

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

							MERLIN

			You called, sir?

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

							ARTHUR

			You saved me from the arrow...

							MERLIN

					 (a flicker of mischief)

			But not from your destiny.

							ARTHUR

			I want to thank you.

							MERLIN

			That's not why you came.

Arthur blurts it out:

							ARTHUR

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

							MERLIN

						  (irritated)

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

Arthur helps Merlin up and the wizard stands unsteadily.

							MERLIN

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

		 (he makes flying movements with his arms and grimaces)

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

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

							MERLIN

			It is whispered in the forest that...

				(he cups his ear with exaggeration)

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

							 ARTHUR

						   (pressing)

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

							MERLIN

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

							ARTHUR

						 (exasperated)

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

							MERLIN

			Thank you.

Silence. Arthur tries again.

							ARTHUR

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

							MERLIN

					    (suddenly fierce)

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

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

							MERLIN

			Besides, it will be a good lesson.

						   (giggling)

			The best, if it's not the last.

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

							MERLIN

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

He enjoys being cryptic.

							ARTHUR

			How? Where?

							MERLIN

			In the great book.

							ARTHUR

			What book is that?

							MERLIN

						 (melodramatic)

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

							ARTHUR

			What?!



EXT. FOREST AND ELSEWHERE - DAY AND NIGHT

							MERLIN

			The dragon! There...

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

							MERLIN

			Coiled in the unfathomed depths, it
			emerges...

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							MERLIN

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

Arthur is awestruck.



EXT. FOREST - DAY

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							ARTHUR

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



EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CASTLE OF CAMELYARDE - NIGHT

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



EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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



EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

						   GUENEVERE

			Father, it's the boy King.

						  LEONDEGRANCE

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



EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

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

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

							URYENS

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

							 LOT

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

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

							ARTHUR

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

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



EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

Guenevere watches...

						   GUENEVERE

			No...



EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

						   SIR ECTOR

			No.....Arthur---

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



EXT. BATTLEMENTS AND BATTLEFIELD BELOW - NIGHT

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



EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

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

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

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

							ARTHUR

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

							URYENS

			Noble knights swear faith to a mere squire?

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

							ARTHUR

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

					    (gaining strength)

			You, Uryens, will knight me.

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

							ARTHUR

			Then as knight to knight I can offer you
			mercy.

							MERLIN

						  (to himself)

			What's this, what's this?!

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



EXT. BATTLEMENTS, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - NIGHT

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



EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE - NIGHT

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

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

							MERLIN

			I never saw this...

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

							URYENS

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

Arthur looks up.

							ARTHUR

			That duty I will solemnly obey as knight and
			King.

Uryens is deeply moved.

							URYENS

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

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



EXT. WOOD BY CAMELYARDE CASTLE - DAY

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

							ARTHUR

			Owww......

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

						   GUENEVERE

			It didn't hurt too much, did it?

							ARTHUR

			Ye....

						   GUENEVERE

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

He starts to get up.

						   GUENEVERE

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

Arthur shivers at the thought.

							ARTHUR

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

						   GUENEVERE

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

							ARTHUR

			I didn't know Leondegrance had a daughter.

						   GUENEVERE

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

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

						   GUENEVERE

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

							ARTHUR

			I'm going.

						   GUENEVERE

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

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

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

						   GUENEVERE

			Would you rescue me from a fiery dragon, sir?

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

						   GUENEVERE

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

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

						   GUENEVERE

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



INT. BANQUET HALL, CAMELYARDE CASTLE - EVENING

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

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

Merlin leans close.

							MERLIN

			A king must marry, after all.

							ARTHUR

			....of course...

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

							ARTHUR

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

							MERLIN

						 (mischievous)

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

A shadow of doubt crosses Arthur's brow.

							ARTHUR

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

							MERLIN

			Guenevere. And a beloved friend who will
			betray you.

							ARTHUR

						   (smiling)

			Guenevere...

							MERLIN

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

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

						   GUENEVERE

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

She smiles at Arthur's embarrassment and confusion.

							ARTHUR

			What's in them?

She takes a cake and bites into it.

						   GUENEVERE

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

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

							MERLIN

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

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

							MERLIN

			Too late.......



FADE OUT:

A legend appears:

"...but for years war kept Arthur from thoughts of marriage."



FADE IN:



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.

Arthur runs to meet the horse, followed by squires and some of the knights.
He eases the rider to the ground, unlaces his helmet. It is Sir Ector, and
his hauberk is badly dented. Tears burn in Arthur's eyes.

						   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.

							ARTHUR

			Where is Merlin?

The squires are silent.

Arthur gallops off in the direction Sir Ector came from. His knights are
afraid for him.



EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

His countenance grim, Arthur gallops along a trail bordering a plowed field
when in it a scarecrow moves. It starts to run as stick-wielding farmers
pursue it. It is Merlin. Arthur turns off into the field, and at the sight
of an armored knight on a war horse, the farmers turn and flee. Merlin
stops to catch his breath.

							ARTHUR

						    (angry)

			I should have left you to fend for yourself.

							MERLIN

			I had to weave a little enchantment on the
			bees so I could get some honey, and I didn't
			feel up to using any more magic just yet.
			Anyway, I was in less danger than you'll be
			in today.

Arthur's hand is clenched tight around Excalibur's hilt.

							ARTHUR

			So you were stealing their honey. They should
			have killed you.

							MERLIN

			Come now. So much anger for such a little
			crime? Are you sure there is nothing else
			troubling you?

							ARTHUR

			You know full well there is, and I go to meet
			it now. Come witness my revenge.

He offers his arm and Merlin hoists himself up behind the King.



EXT. GORGE THROUGH THE HILLS - DAY

A waterfall cascades into a pool. The spray casts a rainbow. Beneath it is
a colorful confusion of flowers and budding trees, a place dreamlike in its
beauty.

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.

						    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!

Merlin approaches, pale, gripped by dread.

							MERLIN

			The sword is broken. Hope is broken...

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.

Merlin stands there, drawn, defeated, his hopes dead.

							ARTHUR

			I have lost for all time the ancient sword of
			my fathers whose power was meant to unite all
			men, to serve the vanity of a single man.

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!

Arthur dips his hand under the water and grasps the hilt and the moment he
does the vision in the blue-green water fades. He rises with Excalibur in
hand, and Merlin speaks before Arthur can ask the question.

							MERLIN

			There are infinite worlds within the infinite
			coils of the Dragon. In one of them, which I
			have not traveled, the sword was forged. I
			only know that the King is returned to us
			through the instrument of his power. The game
			continues!

And he laughs.

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.

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 is brutally jostled. He draws a fistful of powder from his cape and
he tosses it into the air above him. He raises his staff into the cloud,
cracking it like a whip. The tip of the staff catches fire, and the fire
spreads through the powder in the air, stunning all into silence. Merlin
shouts and snarls.

							MERLIN

			Chaos...confusion...brutes...
			savages...troglodytes...Stand back...make
			space.

Merlin swings his burning staff into a wide arc. The knights back away,
amused at first, then a bit afraid.

							MERLIN

			The moon...the sun...the stars... they
			spin...they turn...they circle...around
			us...us...

The knights have fallen back. Merlin stalks past each man, and Arthur too,
holding the flaming tip of his staff before each pair of eyes, and staring
into them with his gimlet gaze.

							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
			every- where, 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.



INT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

Terrified women, a screaming child, cowering men, old or made old by the
hard labor of the fields. Armored men are ransacking a farm, looking for
grain, and gold which they find among the votive objects of a little house
altar. A woman is dragged away to be raped.

Through a window, a knight in shining armor is seen emerging from the
adjoining woods. The plunderers are all of a sudden apprehensive, and fall
silent. One of them grabs the crying child and covers her mouth with his
iron hand.



EXT. FARMYARD - DAY

The knight is Lancelot, in his mirror-like armor. He rides into the cluster
of houses and barns that make up the farm. There are other armored men
there, around a cart half-loaded with loot. They smile nervously at
Lancelot. The farmers are blank with fear.

Lancelot stops in the middle of the yard. A knight among the armored men
comes forward.

							KNIGHT

			Good day, sir.

						    LANCELOT

			Good day to you.

And he also acknowledges with a nod the ashen-faced patriarch of the
community.

Lancelot spurs his horse on, and the knight sighs with relief. But then he
reins his horse to a stop. He has sensed something. He turns his head, his
hooded eyes on the knight and his men, and they squirm inwardly.



INT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

The child, her mouth covered by the armored hand.



EXT. FARMYARD - DAY

Lancelot, listening, watching.



INT. BARN - DAY

The woman, a blade flashing next to her eye.



EXT. FARMYARD - DAY

Lancelot, immobile. Behind him, the knight, his face shiny with sweat. His
minions inch forward, hands moving slowly toward sword hilts.

Lancelot wheels his horse around.

						    LANCELOT

			I hear the stifled cry for help, I smell the
			reek of fear...

With a shout the knight and his men draw their swords and rush Lancelot. He
reins in his horse, causing it to rear and break their attack. He slides
off, falling on his feet with sword drawn, already fighting. In an
extraordinary show of sword play he cuts down six men.



INT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

Hearing Lancelot storm in, the man holding the child hands her to a woman
and kneels before the altar, just as Lancelot bursts into the room, sword
high and already swooping down on the man's neck. Lancelot brings the sword
to a halt mid-air, his fury held in check. The repent man is spared. The
woman kneels to kiss Lancelot's hand.



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.

						    LANCELOT

			These men repented before God for their evil
			deeds. Those who would not, met their fate at
			the end of my sword.

						  (he kneels)

			Accept the fruit of my first quest as my
			wedding gift.

							ARTHUR

			I do. Rise, Lancelot, come with me.

He rises and follows Arthur and Guenevere into the central pavilion. Pages
draw its curtains closed as they pass inside.



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.

							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.

						   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.



INT. CHAPEL - DAY

A chorus of children sings. The Bishop waits at the altar with his friars
and altar boys. Cornucopias overflowing with vegetables and wildflowers
adorn the church, which glows with the light of a thousand candles. Sir Kay
is satisfied. He comes back up the petal-strewn aisle.



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.

							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:



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.

Perceval rushes up to Lancelot and Kay.

						    PERCEVAL

			Who will give me my sword?

Kay is not at all pleased; nonetheless he takes the boy by the ear and
leads him across the drawbridge and into the castle.

							 KAY

			Kitchen knives and greasy spits will be your
			weapons, boy.

Lancelot smiles to himself, hesitation, lingering before the great gate of
Camelot.

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. The Queen sees Lancelot and hastens toward him.

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
puppy 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.

Sir Kay ushers the thin man and the fat man into the open space at the
center of the table for their audience with the king. They quarrel even as
Kay tries to present them, and the attention of the hall gradually focuses
on them.

The two men talk at once, interrupting, overlapping.

						FAT MAN THIN MAN

			I brew ale, sir --- From old shoes---

			How would you know I, sir, have the
			misfortune to you miser? live next to this
			criminal...

			I am an honest tradesman sir. I must sell
			what I produce. Not to me!

			He leans over the barrel and sucks in the
			vapors. What loss in that?

			He won't buy ale and he won't pay. Pay for
			what?

			The vapors are mine. They are floating on the
			wind.

			Pay up! Why?!

Arthur is both amused and exasperated.

						    ARTHUR

			Enough!...What is a fair price for the smell
			of your ale?

						    FAT MAN

			That's why we have come to you, sir There's
			no one else who can tell us.

							ARTHUR

			What does it cost to get drunk on your ale?

						    FAT MAN

			At least three shillings, sir.

Arthur addresses the Thin Man.

							ARTHUR

			Give me three shillings.

The Thin Man is crestfallen, the smile gone from his face. He reluctantly
hands the coins to Kay, who gives them to Arthur. Arthur tosses them in the
air and lets them fall on a metal plate. He hands them back to the Thin
Man, who is totally confused now, as is everybody else.

							ARTHUR

			For the smell of your ale, the jingle of his
			coins.

The knights roar with laughter and the Fat Man and the Thin Man look at
each other in astonishment. Perceval lets out a raucous laugh that wins him
a glance of disapproval from Kay.



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 stops beside Merlin.

						    MORGANA

			What did I see today in the wizard's eyes?
			Censure, because I enjoy a few words with a
			young handsome knight?

Merlin is in agony, a bug stuck on a pin.

							MERLIN

			No, no, of course not. You are youngó

							MERLIN

			I'm not jealous!

						    MORGANA

			It's clear you are, and it irks me.

							MERLIN

			No. Yes, I am. I am jealous. I want to write
			poems about you with moonbeams, make the sea
			sing your name...

						    MORGANA

			A lovestruck page!

							MERLIN

			Shh...yes, yes. Sit with me, please...Morgana

She does, laughing and in complete control. His hand immediately slides
onto her thigh. She removes it, but holds it in her hand, toying with his
fingers.

						    MORGANA

			A steamy, panting, lovestruck page. But what
			good are songs and poems to me? They are the
			barter of ordinary love. A gift that
			reflected your greatness is the only one
			worthy of your love.

Merlin looks at her, knowing already, sad yet eager.

							MERLIN

			I showed you all my conjuring tricks...

						    MORGANA

			The deepest secrets, the forbidden
			formulas...

							MERLIN

			Maybe...maybe...

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

			Never where you expect it, that's all I know.

He chuckles softly and Arthur is puzzled. A knight speaks out, the young
knight with whom Morgana was flirting. His manner is sarcastic.

						   SIR GAHALT

			If we have peace and justice, why is Lancelot
			never with us? Why is he always riding out on
			his quests? He must know where this evil is.

						   SIR GAWAIN

			Could there be evil within Lancelot himself?
			To live above human folly, as is his aim, is
			to be overly proud.

						   SIR GAHALT

			He pays no heed even to the Queens longing
			for his company.

The hall falls silent, all eyes upon the Queen.

						   GUENEVERE

						 (lashing out)

			What is it you would have your words mean,
			Sir Gahalt?

Frightened, Gahalt doesn't answer. Morgana has slipped to Guenevere's side.

						    MORGANA

			Don't listen to him. You are the Queen.

Arthur, ashen-faced, turns to Merlin for help, but he has escaped into
sleep..

							ARTHUR

			Sir Gahalt, answer the Queen.

						   GUENEVERE

			No. I meant not to be angry with you, Sir
			Gahalt. In the idleness that comes with peace
			gossip has bread its own evil. You merely
			repeat it. Please, sir, have one of those
			apples that Lancelot loves, and in that
			gesture partake of its goodness.

Morgana picks the bowl up and as she does so, unseen by any and with a
magician's dexterity, she thrusts her fingernails deep into the top apple.
She gives the bowl to Guenevere, who takes it and sweeps around to where
Sir Gahalt sits, followed by Morgana. The young knight jumps to his feet.

						   GUENEVERE

			Take one, Sir Gahalt.

						   SIR GAHALT

			I am most honored, my lady.

He is too shy to take the shiniest, most beautiful apple on top, and goes
for another one. Morgana giggles, and he looks at her. She looks at the
apple on top and then smiles encouragingly at him. Sir Gahalt takes it and
starts eating as the Queen returns to her seat.

With the third bite his is unable to breathe. His face goes red and he
rises to his feet, attempting to call out.

He falls, dying immediately. All leap to their feet, and Arthur rushes to
the young knight. Merlin is asleep and far from human affairs.

Arthur and Sir Gawain rise from the body of the young knight. Sir Gawain
backs away from Arthur and points at Guenevere, trembling with cold rage.

						   SIR GAWAIN

			Hear me, Lord Arthur, and knights and
			chieftains: I charge Guenevere with the
			murder of my brother.

Guenevere, white and with a broken voice, turns to Arthur.

						   GUENEVERE

			I didn't ... I am innocent.

She begins to swoon and Morgana keeps her steady on her feet. Arthur slumps
into his seat and Sir Gawain kneels before him.

						   SIR GAWAIN

			I champion this truth: That Queen Guenevere
			murdered Sir Gahalt with the aid of sorcery.

Enraged, Arthur reaches for Excalibur. But with effort he checks his
impulse.

							ARTHUR

			The Queen will be in my charge till a
			champion steps forward to fight on her
			behalf.

						   GUENEVERE

			Not you, my husband?

Arthur cannot look at her.

						   SIR GAWAIN

			She must be burnt at the stake. That is the
			sentence for murder done with magic.

							ARTHUR

			It is. Lords and knights of the Round Table,
			as her husband I say that this deed was not
			done by Guenevere. Who among you will
			champion this truth?

No one responds. Guenevere falls into her seat. Arthur searches the eyes of
his knights and they evade him.

							ARTHUR

			Sir Caradoc! You!

The knight looks up.

						    CARADOC

			I am torn.

Sir Ector, old and feeble, weeps for Arthur. Someone speaks up. It is
Perceval, who kneels before the Queen. His voice is unnaturally loud, and
his eyes shine with held-back tears; he stutters.

						    PERCEVAL

			I will champion you, my lady.

He is overwhelmed by his own boldness. He looks around. All eyes are upon
him. Guenevere smiles at him, sadly.

						   GUENEVERE

			I thank you, but you are not yet a knight.

						    PERCEVAL

			I will find Lancelot! He will come!

Perceval hurries from the hall. Arthur looks away, ashamed, and his eyes
fall on Merlin, twitching and mumbling in his sleep.

							MERLIN

			Boys!.....boys will be boys...



EXT. HOVEL - COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

In full armor but for his helmet, Lancelot is seated at a small table in
the shadow of a tree, eating an apple.

A young girl is turning a chicken on a spit, and her mother is removing
freshly-baked bread from an oven. It is very peaceful and silent until,
galloping all out, Perceval arrives. Frantic, out of breath, he leaps from
his lathered horse.

						    PERCEVAL

			I have found you. The Queen. An apple.
			Tomorrow. Sir Gawainó

						    LANCELOT

			--It must wait, child. These good ladies, for
			whom I intervened once, will honor me with a
			meal. I am beholden to them now as I was when
			they begged my protection.

The two women set the chicken and the bread before the great knight, and
stand back to watch him eat, flushed with excitement. Perceval falls silent
, in awe of Lancelot.



INT. BEDCHAMBER, CAMELOT - NIGHT

Arthur stands hunched over the fireplace, staring into the flames.
Guenevere paces back and forth to a window.

						   GUENEVERE

			Why can't you be my champion?

							ARTHUR

			If I am your judge, I cannot be your
			champion. When I act as your King, I cannot
			be your husband.

						   GUENEVERE

			And you cannot love me...

							ARTHUR

			The laws, my laws, must bind everyone, high
			and low, or they are not laws at all.
			Lancelot will come...

						   GUENEVERE

			And if he cannot be found, no other knight
			will champion me, though you beseeched each
			and every one of them. Why be king if there
			is no one you can call loyal subject but an
			eager boy?

He hides his anguish from her. Numb with hurt, she goes to a tall curtained
window, and draws it open, and stands there looking out upon the
surrounding forest, silent and still beneath the moon.



EXT. WINDOW - NIGHT

She cries softly, and she whispers the name of the great knight.



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.



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.

A knight appears silently hovering over him. Lancelot looks up, and his
eyes go wide with fear. The knight towering above him wears armor identical
to his, and he raises his sword, and the blade is descending upon Lancelot.
Lancelot draws his sword from the ground and rolls away, but the knight's
sword slices through his shoulder joint. Lancelot attempts to rise but
already the knight, Lancelot's mirror image, is upon him. From the ground,
Lancelot parries the blow and slashes at the opponent's knee, cutting
through the joint in the armor and severing the leg.

The knight doesn't fall, doesn't bleed, doesn't cry out. On one leg he
comes forward, a horror. Lancelot is paralyzed by fear. As the knight leaps
upon Lancelot, Lancelot rises to meet him, impaling himself on the knight's
sword below the hauberk. He throws the knight to the ground, and comes down
upon him. He rips off the helmet and the breastplate. The armor is empty
and Lancelot rolls over on his back, awakening from the nightmare with his
own sword deep in his stomach, and in his hand his own helmet and
breastplate, while other parts of his armor lie strewn around him.

Only then does he become conscious of the terrible pain and the shock of
the truth. He grabs the hilt of his sword and draws it from his stomach. He
curls up in agony, clutching a fistful of leaves to the wound.

						    LANCELOT

			Guenevere, I fight against myself....

He loses consciousness.



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND OUTSIDE CAMELOT - DAWN

The Bishop blesses the field. Guenevere, numb and disbelieving, is being
led to the stake, which rises from a bed of straw and wood. Arthur watches,
in shock. Other knights and ladies keep their distance, watching darkly,
stealing glances at Arthur, mumbling disapproval of his refusing to defend
Guenevere. In battle dress, Sir Gawain rides up and down the jousting run
on a snorting and powerful horse, practicing. Perceval, in a mail doublet,
waits beside a mangy roan, his face burning with anxiety.

Guenevere is tied to the stake. All eyes watch for the approach of her
champion. Arthur goes to Perceval.

							ARTHUR

			Is he coming?

						    PERCEVAL

			He heard Lady Guenevere's request and he said
			nothing. That is all.

Arthur hides his pain behind a rigid mask.



EXT. JOUSTING GROUND - DAY

The sun has risen shining cruelly into Guenevere's eyes; the queen is alone
at the stake. Sir Gawain rides up to King Arthur, who waits alone,
separated from the others.

						   SIR GAWAIN

			My Lord, the sun is upon the field. The Queen
			has no champion. I demand justice, as is my
			right.

							 ARTHUR

			So it is.

Perceval leaps onto his horse.

						    PERCEVAL

			Let me champion the Queen!

Sir Gawain looks at the squire with contempt.

						   SIR GAWAIN

						  (to Arthur)

			Since no knight comes forward, I demand
			justice ----

Arthur is in anguish. He searches the tree line for a sign of Lancelot. He
looks from Guenevere at the stake to his own knights watching him. He draws
Excalibur. A gasp goes through the crowd of onlookers.

							ARTHUR

			Boy, kneel.

Perceval leaps from his horse and bends his knee before the King. Arthur
brings the sword down on the boy's shoulder, giving him the three strokes.

							ARTHUR

			In the name of God, of St. Michael, and St.
			George, I make you a knight. Rise, Sir...

						    PERCEVAL

			...Perceval!

Gawain shakes his head disdainfully as Perceval mounts back into the
saddle, his eyes burning with fervor.

Sir Gawain and Perceval ride to opposite ends of the field. The spectators
fall silent, all staring blankly, their senses dulled by the tragedy, at
the uneven combatants.

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.
Lancelot bows toward Guenevere and rides on to where Perceval waits.

Lancelot reaches out to touch Perceval's cheek.

						    LANCELOT

			It's my task to prove the Queen's innocence.

Perceval cannot reply, his eyes affixed on the blood that trickles from
Lancelot's hauberk. Lancelot raises his lance in salute to Gawain across
the field. Gawain salutes in answer.

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.
He is bleeding below the hauberk from his self-inflicted wound.

In the first onslaught Lancelot fights defensively, falling back. He has to
toss aside his shield and hold his stomach with his shield hand.

Morgana watches with Merlin. Every terrible blow of sword on sword
reverberates through her body pleasurable. Merlin is captivated by her
cruel sensuality.



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

			The Queen is innocent. I yield to your mercy,
			Sir Lancelot.

Lancelot collapses in a dead faint.



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, and Merlin is kneading the huge
gash in his stomach, working the severed flesh together. Guenevere stands
on one side of the bed, Arthur on the other, both looking down upon
Lancelot, relieved and not daring to look at each other.

							MERLIN

			Flesh on flesh. You must press n 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.

							ARTHUR

			Merlin, tell me. Now that Guenevere is
			returned to me...

							MERLIN

			What is it my child?

Merlin appears moved by the predicaments that Arthur has to face.

							ARTHUR

			Will I 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.



INT. CELL - EVENING

Lancelot is staring into Guenevere's eyes. She opens her shift, baring a
breast with the innocence of a mother preparing to suckle a child. She
presses her breast to his wound, her face to his chest, her arms enfolding
him. 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.



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:

							ARTHUR

			I am alone and betrayed. By my wife, by my
			beloved friend, by my knights. And by you.
			Perhaps most of all by you. For you made me,
			you forged this wretched life. And like a
			child tired of a toy, you toss me aside, a
			babbling lecher trotting after my sister...

							MERLIN

			That is my destiny. 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.

						    MORGANA

			Crazy old fool. You think yourself a
			kingmaker. Ha! A meddler, more likely. Look
			what a mess you've made of things.

Merlin smiles knowingly at her.

							MERLIN

			I? Perhaps, perhaps. I'm losing interest,
			Morgana...I have helped men - or meddled in
			their affairs, if you would have it that way
			- since the dawn of time. Now let them live
			by their own laws. Let them stand on their
			own feet. The gods of once are gone forever,
			it is time for men...Morgana, make a man out
			of me. Kiss me.

He reaches to touch her lips. She cradles his hand in hers and doesn't
allow Merlin to kiss her. She kisses his knuckles and stares into his eyes,
stoking his desire.

						    MORGANA

			You know what I want. I want the secret of
			true magic, how to thicken the stuff of
			dreams and wishes with the flesh of the
			world.

							MERLIN

			That I cannot.

She breaks away, provocative, alluring.

						    MORGANA

			Then I will not.



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
strikes the sword home, letting go of it.

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.



INT. DUNGEONS OF CAMELOT

Merlin and Morgana descend winding steps cut out of rock. The only light
comes from the glow of Merlin's staff.

							MERLIN

			When Arthur built the castle, I carved out a
			place for myself, where I could laugh or
			sleep, and no one would bother me.

						    MORGANA

			People make you laugh?

He laughs.

							MERLIN

			They do.

						    MORGANA

			Why?

He leans close to her ear, whispering into it.

							MERLIN

			They don't know how close they live to the
			edge of delight or disas.....

He is about to kiss her when he slips. He laughs.

							MERLIN

			Happiness or horror.



INT. CAVE BENEATH CAMELOT

They pass through jaws of stalactites and stalagmites. Merlin cracks his
staff whip-like and a ball of fire billows up from the tip and illuminates
a cave wildly veined and filigreed with minerals and crusted with growths
of crystals. The light goes out but the malachite and the gold, the quartz,
diamond and beryllium burn dully. He turns to her, suddenly tall and
unstooped, younger, sleek and evil.

							MERLIN

In the folds of the earth where the forces that hold the world together are
more alive, my power is strongest. Here I will possess you, as a man
possesses a woman. And the god, the eunuch, the mule that I was, will be no
more.

He sweeps her up into his arms.

						    MORGANA

			You are truly magnificent!

							MERLIN

			Flattery! Do you think I am ignorant of your
			stupid little games? Preying on you weakness
			of others. That's your power, a petty evil.
			Mine is great. Great plans. Impossible
			dreams. Laughable endings...

He deposits her on bare rock. He kisses her. She pushes him away.

						    MORGANA

			Merlin, the powers of Summoning, the true
			Name of the charms of Doing and Undoing. Show
			me!

							MERLIN

			I won't. You would misuse such power. I have
			paid enough for you, and I will have you.

She leans forward and kisses his ear and whispers.

						    MORGANA

			Make magic, my foolish wizard. For our love.
			Weave a marvelous room around us, a room
			worthy of our coupling.

She draws closer, kissing him deeply. He breathes heavily.

							MERLIN

			What do you want? You must desire it for me
			to weave it.

						    MORGANA

			Walls of shining crystals, burning with red
			fire, furnishings of metals and jewels never
			seen by man...

Morgana falls silent as Merlin raises a hand, majestically intoning a harsh
repetitive charm. The mineral veins of the cave begin to glow and fog seeps
out from them enveloping the couple.

							MERLIN

			Desire it and it will be as you desire.

Morgana burns with intensity. Merlin utters a formula and the fog coalesces
around them into the shimmering presence of crystal walls, fountains
raining jewels, flowers made of scented air, a bed of glass shot with light
and covered with skins of animals dead before the time of man, goblets of
ruby, tapestries woven of golden hair. She reaches out to touch the wall
and her hand plunges through the unmaterialized illusion.

						    MORGANA

			It's only a semblance. You disappoint me.

She begins lacing up her loosened gown.

							MERLIN

			Don't touch the walls. Come close to me.

She does, a mad hope in her eyes. She kisses his chest.

						    MORGANA

			Do it, Merlin, the deepest secret. Fix it
			with the charm of Making, for our endless
			pleasure.

He utters the ancient charm, Morgana listening closely, memorizing it. The
illusion is all of a sudden solid.

							MERLIN

			For you...

She runs her hand across the hard crystal surface, her eyes gleaming.

From outside the wondrous room they can be seen to embrace. He carries her
to the magical bed where he makes love to her, as they disappear from view
in its effulgent light.

She comes out through the crystal door, burning with evil intent. She turns
to watch him asleep in the bed.

She utters the charm of Summoning learnt from Merlin, and the room melts
into an eddying carmine fog. Within it, Merlin struggles to awaken from the
torpor of love, alarmed.

Outside, Morgana utters the charm of Making and the gaseous mass begins to
crystallize.

Inside, Merlin is rising to his feet, breathing the red fog, his movements
slowing to a standstill, his mouth opening in a scream of horror.

The cloud has metamorphosed into a magnificent cluster of red crystals.
Morgana peers into its facets and there she sees, in fragments, Merlin's
terroróan eye, the gaping mouth, a clawing hand - as he is entombed in the
stone. She laughs in triumph.



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.



INT. BEDCHAMBER - DAY

The wind keens. Thunder rolls overhead. Arthur enters his bedchamber. He
sits by the empty fireplace, a broken man. Feminine hands light on his
shoulders. He starts. He looks up. It is Morgana. He smiles and grasps her
hand.

						    MORGANA

			I'll weep for you, brother, for a King must
			not weep.

She comes around and she kneels in front of him. Before he can talk she
silences him with a tender caress.

						    MORGANA

			Do you know what Guenevere's maids have
			whispered?

He shakes his head.

						    MORGANA

			That when the King returned from battle...

She begins untying the laces of his metal thigh and shin guards.

						    MORGANA

			...Guenevere would unlace his armor and
			massage the burns where metal rubbed on
			flesh...

She is stripping his legs naked, gently touching the flesh with her
fingertips. He stares off, remembering.

						    MORGANA

			...She would prepare a bath for you, mixing
			special ointment in the water...

Arthur's eyes brim with tears. Morgana weeps, embracing his knees. He rests
his hand gently upon her head, choked with remembrance, soothing her. But
as she weeps, she incants a charm.

Arthur looks down upon her, and the woman who looks up at him is Guenevere,
a Guenevere with cold ice eyes. He is made weak by desire and weakened
further by magic. He holds her face adoringly.

							ARTHUR

			Guenevere! You are----

						  "GUENEVERE"

			---Don't speak. A thousand words, a hundred
			thousand words, would only be prologue to the
			truth that must be. That you, King, and I,
			your Queen, beget a son to bond our love and
			to strengthen our weak kingdom with a
			successor. Come, my lord...

She draws him to the floor and upon her body, holding him tightly to
himself. Arthur trembles with excitement, pathetic in his desperate
passion.

As he takes her, she shudders, losing control of the charm, and her
features change till once again "Guenevere" is Morgana. She holds him in a
tight embrace so that he may not see her. She whispers in his ear.

						    MORGANA

			The moon flows in my blood to meet your seed.
			And already I bear him who will be King.

Arthur wrenches himself away so he can see her, her arms still around his
neck. He looks down upon her, aghast, incredulous.

						    MORGANA

			I could easily kill you, brother. But I want
			you to live to see our son be King. In me,
			the blood of Cornwall will have its revenge;
			in me, the blood of Uther will show its dark
			side.

She presses her thumbs into his neck and he faints.



EXT. FOREST - CAMELOT - DAY

Morgana, with a small party, rides away from the castle through the lashing
storm, till they are taken from sight in the folds of the forest...



INT. CHAPEL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

Lightening forks across the sky, illuminating the interior. The chapel has
been transformed into a place of satanic worship. Held up and surrounded by
hooded figures, Morgana lies on the altar, her pregnant belly huge; and her
features are fierce with passionate intensity. She writhes in the pangs of
childbirth.

						    MORGANA

			Stand back, all of you. Through my own body I
			have nurtured him with my potions. I made
			him. I alone can give him life.



INT. CHAPEL, CAMELOT - NIGHT

Arthur enters, pale and haunted. Mass is being celebrated, and some knights
are present. Those not asleep whisper to each other about the King. The
sound of an approaching storm is heard.

As the priest raises the chalice to consecrate the wine. Arthur comes down
the aisle and steps onto the altar. He reaches out to grasp the chalice
from the priest's hands.



INT. CHAPEL, TINTAGEL CASTLE - NIGHT

Morgana holds aloft her beautiful newborn baby, his body glistening in a
flash of lightening. She is triumphant.



INT. CHAPEL, CAMELOT - NIGHT.

A bolt of lightening strikes the chalice, rocking the chapel, and Arthur is
knocked back violently.

Rain lashes in through the shattered window upon the terrified knights.
They and the priest back away. Arthur is left alone. He rises and goes to
the chalice, which is bent and cracked. He kneels before it. Steam hisses
up as rain falls on it.



INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE - DAY

Sun streams in. Many of the knights are in attendance, in full armor.
Ladies and pages watch from dark corners. Arthur addresses the fellowship.
He holds the cracked chalice in his hands. He burns with a new-found
fervor.

							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 this chalice, and
			ourselves, whole again?

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.

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.



FADE OUT

A legend appears:

"For nine years they searched. 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, HILLSIDE, MOORS - DAY

A giant head has been carved out of an outcrop of rock, its stone mouth
gaping toward the sky.

People are congregated around the mouth. Peasants and farmers, they are
wild with excitement, responding to drums throbbing and bagpipes wailing.
They watch Morgana, who is surrounded by knights in dark armor. At her side
is an angelic boy of eight, his eyes cold as his mother's. Morgana is more
beautiful than ever, in flowing druidic robes, the gossamer silk clinging
to her sweat-drenched body.

She is standing by the deep hole which forms the giant's open mouth. It is
covered by a tooth-like grating acting as a drain for the blood of human
sacrifices made there. Before her is Gawain, chained and struggling against
five strong men who hold him. Morgana lifts a dagger and plunges it into
Gawain's chest. The fountain of blood that gushes from the great knight's
body drives the crowd into a frenzy.

						    MORGANA

						   (intoning)

			The blood of this knight will feed the god in
			the earth, he is weak with hunger, and he
			will be made strong by this blood. Then he
			will plant his seed, and the land will be
			fertile once again.

Gawain, his blood flowing from him and into the giant's mouth, looks up in
anguish. His bellowing voice is echoed and amplified by the hollow beneath
the drain.

							GAWAIN

			Arthur, forgive me. I die without the secret.
			I have failed.



EXT. MOORS - DAY

Gawain's death cry and the din of the ritual carries to Perceval's ears as
he wanders through the wasteland. He draws down his visor and spurs his
horse forward.



EXT. HILLSIDE, MOORS - DAY

He gallops toward the giant's head. He checks his sword and lowers his
lance.

The knight charging forward on his war horse is an awesome sight, but the
crowd around the giant's mouth is strangely unfrightened. Morgana is
excited; she turns to the boy.

						    MORGANA

			Look, Mordred, a true prize for the giant.
			The lamb rides into our jaws.

Perceval is galloping toward them when the ground gives way beneath the
horse, and he and the animal plunge into a pit. The cheering crowd rushes
to the edge of the trap.

						    MORGANA

						  (to Mordred)

			You must kill him, for this knight is dear to
			your father. You must do it and learn to
			enjoy your father's pain.

Her knights drag Perceval, unarmed, into Morgana's presence.

						    MORGANA

			Have you found what you search for? Have you
			found what Arthur seeks?

Perceval doesn't answer, defiant and hiding his fear.

						    MORGANA

			You haven't, or you would be smiling now in
			the face of death. Your quest is an
			impossible one.

						    PERCEVAL

			That it might be impossible makes it all the
			more necessary.

						    MORGANA

			Fool!

				   (to the men holding Perceval)

			Uncover him. I'll show you the mystery of
			life. It's death. .

						  (to Mordred)

			Do it, Mordred!

Holding Perceval by his limbs and hair, the men force him down on the
bloody grating, drawing back his head, exposing his throat. Morgana kneels
by his head, and draws the boy beside her. She holds the tip of the dagger
to Perceval's neck and takes Mordred's hand and wraps it around the handle.
Perceval is choked with fear, his heart pounding in his throat.

						    MORGANA

			Feel the life through the dagger, child. It
			belongs to you.

The boy looks up at his mother. The vein in Perceval's neck pushes against
the dagger's point.

						    MORDRED

			I feel it, Mother. I will give his blood to
			the giant.

The boy raises the dagger, and hesitates just a bit. Perceval resigns
himself bravely. He looks the child calmly in the eye. Mordred brings down
the blade without strength, just piercing the skin with the tip. He lets go
of the dagger, afraid now of his mistake.

The dagger clatters to the grating and slips away down the drain, before
Morgana can retrieve it. She rages against Mordred. In the confusion,
Perceval tears loose, the men holding him slipping on the blood-wet stone.

Perceval runs through the crowd. Immediately, lance lowered, a knight is
upon him. Perceval leaps toward him, catching the lance in his hand, and
pulling down the rider with it. He jumps the rider and draws the knight's
sword. Whirling the lance and cutting the air with the sword, he keeps back
the other knights for a moment, giving him time to see his chance. He leaps
onto the riderless horse and charges off through the crowd. He reins in
abruptly, the horse rearing. He is wary of the ground before him; there
could be a hidden pit. But there is no time to think. Knights and men on
foot are rushing him. He spurs forward into a gallop, the horse striding
mightily And its hind leg sinks into a pit, the animal losing its gait. But
the momentum carries the horse forward, and it recovers from the stumble.
Perceval gallops away.

Morgana is enraged. She shakes Mordred by the hair.

						    MORGANA

			You didn't kill him! You didn't kill him!

But suddenly she begins kissing him tenderly.

						    MORGANA

			My dear, sweet boy...

He just stands there emotionless, the dead center of her turbulent
passions.



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

			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, slowly, leading the
horse.



EXT. DEAD FOREST AND STREAM - NIGHT

It is very dark and Perceval has to feel his way.

He comes to the edge of a stream. He kneels to drink, and the horse drinks
beside him. Then he rests back on his heels, brooding, too tired to rise.

He lowers his eyes, staring into the dark water, defeated, empty.

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. In pain, he slowly rises into the saddle, ready to
gallop off; but fascinated, hypnotized by the sight, he cannot, and 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. Bathed in light and
music, he spurs the horse forward onto the drawbridge.

Once he is on it, the bridge begins to rise. Unsure of its footing and
blinded by the light, the horse becomes skittish, and Perceval has to
struggle to control it. He dismounts to lead it, but the horse is
terrified, rears up and jumps off the bridge, which continues to rise,
drawn up by unseen hands.

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, 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. He claws his way up till his
hand grasps the top. He heaves himself through the narrow closing slit
which is about to crush him. He screams, and with a final effort he
wriggles free and topples over crashing into the water below.



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 is 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...



FADE OUT:

A legend appears:

"Nine years passed."

FADE IN:



INT. CAVE BENEATH CAMELOT.

Dripping water is steadily encrusting the crystal with limestone.



INT. HALL OF THE ROUND TABLE, CAMELOT -DAY

Dead knights lay on biers. The once glorious seat of power is falling into
decay. Few are in attendance around the table. Agitated, Kay enters and
goes to Arthur, who is worn and haggard, and aged.

							 KAY

			Your son Mordred is at the gate.

Arthur comes alive.

							ARTHUR

			At last...

							 KAY

			Don't recognize him. You were trapped by
			Morgana's sorcery.

							ARTHUR

						 (staring off)

			...Gawain and Perceval, Bors and Bohort,
			Caradoc and Ector, and all the others--- lost
			to me. Only the echo of their voices remains
			in this empty hall. All I have left is the
			memory of their fellowship. Echoes and
			memories. I am a ghost of the King that once
			was...

						(he turns to Kay

					and with sudden harshness)

			...Mordred is real, alive, my own flesh and
			blood. I will see him, I must.



EXT. GATE, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CAMELOT - DAY

The drawbridge lowers slowly, and Arthur moves away from Kay and the other
knights, and advances across it.

Rooks wheel over the dead trees of the forest that surrounds Camelot. A
group of armed men waits at the edge of the forest. One steps forward, a
huge knight in black armor, the metal defining and exaggerating the
powerful musculature of his body. He is Mordred, a young man of eighteen,
and of extraordinary beauty. A page follows ten steps behind him bearing an
enormous spear, its points hooded. Arthur stops at the edge of the
drawbridge, the huge knight a few steps from him. Kay, ready for anything,
moves halfway across the drawbridge.

Mordred kneels on one knee.

						    MORDRED

			Father...

							ARTHUR

			Rise, Mordred.

						    MORDRED

			I have come to claim what is mine, Father.

							ARTHUR

			I recognize you only as my son, no more.

						    MORDRED

					  (his tone is scathing)

			And you are the great King? The lords have
			rebelled. Invaders attack the coasts. Crops
			don't grow. There is nothing but plague and
			hunger in the land. Only I am feared. I will
			be king. You may have lost Excalibur, but I
			have found my own weapon of power. There.

He points to the huge lance. The page pulls a string and the hood drops,
revealing a diabolically sharp spear tip, its metal glinting menacingly.

						    MORDRED

			The very spear that pierced the side of
			Christ as he died on the cross.

							ARTHUR

			Your mother told you that?

Mordred is thrown off by the doubt Arthur has cast. Arthur looks upon his
son, desperately trying to read him.

							ARTHUR

			I cannot offer you the land, only my love...

						    MORDRED

			And I offer only this, Father. To commit with
			passion and pleasure all the evils that you
			failed to commit, as man and king.

Arthur goes forward to embrace his son, a desperate attempt. Mordred
recoils.

						    MORDRED

			We will embrace only in battle. Father, and I
			will touch you only with the blade of my
			spear.

Arthur is on the verge of tears.

						    MORDRED

			I will muster a great force of knights, and I
			will return to fight for what is mine.

							ARTHUR

		So be it.

He turns and re-enters the castle, the drawbridge pulled up immediately
behind him. He is hunched over, broken.



EXT. BARREN LAND - EVENING

Asleep in the saddle, Perceval rides across burnt and smoldering fields.
The horse walks aimlessly; it is the same animal, mangy and old. A hoard of
children in filthy rags closes in on him, begging, pulling at the horse''
trappings. He bolts awake and reins away. His eyes are red and feverish.

Wild hope grips him when he sees a glinting light by a farmhouse. He spurs
the horse forward into a gallop.



EXT. FARM - EVENING

He leaps from the saddle and a terrified woman backs away. Perceval plunges
his hand into the source of light. It is nothing but the reflection of the
dying sun in a bucketful of water. Perceval covers his face.

						    PERCEVAL

			Illusions. I will never find it again...I am
			sorry, woman, that I frightened you.

Peasants have emerged, surrounding him, and they hold axes and pitchforks.

						    PERCEVAL

			Good woman, do you have any food? Some
			water?...

						    PEASANT

			The little we had, we gave to Mordred's
			knights. He has taken this land. Tell the
			King that now we must look to Mordred.

						 SECOND PEASANT

			But we will give you some water...

At least ten peasants encircle Perceval and he is too exhausted to put up a
fight. They grab him and carry him away. Other peasants pull his horse to
the ground, and one raises and ax to kill it.



EXT. STREAM, BARREN LAND - EVENING

They throw Perceval down an escarpment and he rolls into the fast-moving
water. He is swept downstream and thrown ferociously against the rocks in
the stream bed, crying out in pain.



EXT. RIVER AND UNDERWATER - EVENING

The water is deeper and Perceval is dragged under by the weight of his
armor. He struggles desperately to shed it, half drowning.

Exhausted, he pulls himself up onto the muddy shore beside a rotting sheep
carcass, and around him, the daylight dies.



EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Ragged and bruised, lifeless, he stares into space.

						    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.

A light bursting through the trees shines on the mud, wordless, harmonies
sound somewhere in the forest. Perceval sets off toward the source.

The burning light blasts into his face but he doesn't flinch. The chorus
builds in power. Before him, a drawbridge lowers.



EXT. CASTLE GATE - NIGHT

He steps onto the bridge and walks in. He crosses the courtyard as the
drawbridge closes behind him. All details of the castle are bleached out by
the searing light.



EXT. CASTLE GATE - NIGHT

He steps onto the bridge and walks in. He crosses the courtyard as the
drawbridge closes behind him. All details of the castle are bleached out by
the searing light.



INT. CASTLE, VARIOUS

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'' 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

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

Excalibur gleams in the sunlight. Arthur holds it high, at the head of a
small force of knights under the banner of the Dragons. Kay and Perceval
ride at his side. Plumed helmets, shields blazing with armorial colors,
pennants flying in the clean wind from their lances; it is a brave sight.
The trees are in blossom and dandelion fluff billows up at their passage.



EXT. PIT, MOORS - DAY

Arthur's group comes to a halt. Two knights and a few squires galloping
from the opposite direction rein in before the King. The knights draw their
swords in homage, and the older one addresses Arthur.

							KNIGHT

			It is only me and my son. All other knights
			of the dukedom have rallied to Mordred.

Arthur smiles hiding the hurt. He points to an open pit, a huge
devastation.

							ARTHUR

			What horror is that?

							KNIGHT

			Mordred, sir. He digs for precious metals,
			with which he buys the loyalty of men at
			arms, binding them to his side.



EXT. THE MOORS - ARTHUR'S WAR CAMP - LATE EVENING

It is a clear night and the sky blazes with stars. A crescent moon casts
its silvery light upon Arthur, who wanders from his camp alone.



EXT. STONEHENGE, THE MOORS - LATE EVENING

He stops in the ancient circle of Druidic stones.

							ARTHUR

			I am outnumbered ten to one by Mordred's
			forces. Merlin, I need you at my side as you
			were once, my friend, to give me courage.
			There are no war tricks that will fool
			Mordred. He was weaned on blood.

He falls on his knees in front of the stone, tired, between thinking and
dreaming, and he bangs his mailed fist against it.

							ARTHUR

		More than I ever did, I need you now. Where are you,
		Merlin? Is it true that Morgana has trapped you?



INT. CAVE BELOW CAMELOT

The veins of crystal glow darkly, and the hammering of Arthur's fist upon
the stone is dimly echoed here. In the red crystal, fragments of Merlin can
be glimpsed, trapped, frozen.



EXT. STONEHENGE - LATE EVENING

Arthur slips off into sleep. The stones around him distort. He speaks
softly, but then though the words continue, his lips are closed.

							ARTHUR

			...If only you could be at my side, Merlin,
			to see me wield Excalibur once more...



INT. CAVE BELOW CAMELOT

The crystal is cracking, shards falling to the cave floor.



EXT. STONEHENGE - NIGHT

Arthur is still on his knees, and he sits back, looking up. But the
atmosphere is different, within a dream, and the stones of the henge loom
larger over him now.

							ARTHUR

			What is this place? It is rumored Merlin,
			that you drew your power from these
			circles...

A hand ruffles the King's hair. He turns, and is face to face with Merlin,
standing over him. Arthur looks at him without surprise, as though the
intervening years never were. Merlin begins to laugh his hideous giggle.
Arthur rises.

							ARTHUR

			Quiet. You'll wake the men, and they must
			fight tomorrow for their very lives.

							MERLIN

			I know. I have heard noises and echoes
			through the stones...

							ARTHUR

			What is this place, Merlin?

							MERLIN

			It is like a tree. The roots of the stones
			spread out across the land and they draw on
			the thoughts and actions of men. Like sap
			those human matters course through the stones
			feeding the stars that are the leaves of the
			tree. And the stars whisper back to men the
			future course of events.

					  (becoming passionate)

			But the earth is being torn apart, its metals
			stolen, and the balance is broken and the
			lines of power no longer converge. In fact, I
			nearly didn't make it in one piece.

He limps affectedly and stretches with exaggerated pain.

							MERLIN

			But, I'm here.

							ARTHUR

			Where have you been these many years? Is it
			true that Morgana ---

							MERLIN

			---Stories...You brought me back. Your love
			brought me back. Back to where you are now,
			in the land of dreams...

							ARTHUR

			Is this a dream? Tell me, Merlin!

Merlin smiles, turns and leaves, heading for Arthur's camp, giggling.
Arthur starts off after him and awakens from the dream when he walks into
one of the stones. It takes him a moment to realize that Merlin has
vanished.

							ARTHUR

			Merlin?!

He hurries away toward the camp.



INT. KAY'S TENT, ARTHUR'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

Arthur shakes Kay awake, and as the faithful knight comes out of a deep
sleep, he clutches Arthur's arm.

							 KAY

			Merlin, will I live...?

					(he shakes away the dream)

			...I was dreaming...

							ARTHUR

			Of Merlin?

							 KAY

			Yes. He spoke to me. He said I would fight
			bravely tomorrow. I have never dreamed of
			Merlin before.

							ARTHUR

			I dreamed of him too...Merlin lives! He lives
			in our dreams now, in that dark and shadowy
			place that is as strong and real as this more
			solid one. He speaks to us from there.



EXT. MORDRED'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

Cape flowing, Merlin sweeps between Mordred's war tents, and in the logic
of dreams, unseen by the guards. He passes a tent where the huge shadow of
Mordred is thrown on the canvas, as he sharpens the blade of a fearsome
spear.

He enters a tent.



INT. MORGANA'S TENT - NIGHT

She is stunningly beautiful in her sleep. Merlin leans over her lovely
body, kisses her softly on the lips, and waits for her to awaken.

							MERLIN

			I have returned, enchantress. You are
			beautiful, magnificent. Have you used up all
			the magic you stole from me to keep yourself
			young? Have you any magic left to do battle
			with Merlin?



INT. TENT - MORGANA'S DREAM

She rises from her sleeping body.

						    MORGANA

			You provoke me, Merlin.

							MERLIN

			What's behind that beauty? A wizened,
			cold-hearted snake.

  Merlin steps back, grandiose and melodramatic.

							MERLIN

			You are a snake about to strike! He raises
			his staff.

							MERLIN

			And I am the staff that drives the snake
			back.

He lowers the staff with dreamlike slowness and she slinks right up to him.

						    MORGANA

			Burning with the fire of desire, I am the
			flames that consume the staff to ashes.

She winds her fluttering hands around the staff, and the shadows they cast
upon the tent give the illusion of licking flames.

							MERLIN

			I am the cloudburst that quenches the flames.

						    MORGANA

			I am the desert, where water disappears---

							MERLIN

			---I am the sea, which covers the desert
			forever under its weight.

						    MORGANA

			---I am the fog and mists that rise up from
			the sea, escaping...

She laughs at her cleverness.

							MERLIN

			Fog and mist! You couldn't be that. You don't
			have enough magic.



INT. MORGANA'S TENT - NIGHT

Morgana tosses and mutters in her tormented dream.

						    MORGANA

			...I have the desire and I have the magic...



INT. TENT - MORGANA'S DREAM

Merlin, huge, magnetic, enfolds Morgana in his cape.

							MERLIN

			You are mine at last. I am the sea and you
			will never escape me. Fog and Mist...!?

And he laughs at her, suffocating her. Morgana begins chanting the charm of
Making, desperate -



INT. MORGANA'S TENT - NIGHT

-- and she finishes uttering it in her sleep. Her eyes spring open, and
vapors issue from her gaping mouth. She screams and the fog gushes out
filling the tent.



EXT. MORGANA'S TENT, MORDRED'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

Fog billows out of the tent, spreading through the camp.



INT. MORGANA'S TENT - NIGHT

						   LIEUTENANT

			A fog is rising, sir.

						    MORDRED

			That cannot be.

He rises and goes out with the lieutenant.



EXT. MORDRED'S WAR CAMP - NIGHT

It is fogbound, the campfires yellow smudges within it.

						    MORDRED

					   (to the lieutenant)

			My mother has a sense for such things. She
			said there would be no fog.

Mordred enters his mother's tent.



INT. MORGANA'S TENT - NIGHT

Mordred enters.

						    MORDRED

			...Mother?

Morgana, withered, old, lies dead in the bed, wisps of smoke rising from
within her ruptured body.



EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - FOG - DAWN

Arthur, with Kay and Perceval, canters through the white fog. They are
flanked by a phalanx of knights in silver armor.

							ARTHUR

			Kay, you will lead the attack. Perceval, you
			will stay with me.

Kay draws his sword in salute, elated.

							ARTHUR

			Be cautious, my brother.

He spurs forward, while Arthur reins to a halt, watching him disappear.
Perceval and a few knights stay behind and surround the King.

							ARTHUR

			In this battle there is one thing I must do,
			that no one else can. Find Mordred and kill
			him.

Ahead, the horrible din of joined battle.

In the swirling fog, clash of arms follows clash of arms. There is
confusion, for each knight is unable to see if he is fighting friend or foe
until they are upon each other.

The battle becomes a series of vicious duels, a knight in silver armor
against a knight in black-burnished armor, just glimpsed in the fog that is
alive with the clang of sword on shield, the pounding of hooves, the cries
of the dying.

Squires drag away their wounded knights, their young faces pale at the
sight of the carnage.

Kay is unhorsed but picks himself up and mounts a riderless horse,
rejoining the combat although he is bleeding.



EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - FOG - DAY

It is full day, and the fog blinds with its painful glare. Arthur with
Perceval at his side rides through the fog, searching. Perceval takes up a
challenge against the King. He unhorses this opponent, piercing him with
his lance. He returns to the King's side.

						    PERCEVAL

			There are too many on Mordred's side. We
			cannot hold out much longer.

Kay is glimpsed fighting on foot, hurt, barely holding his own, but then
the sight is hidden in the fog.

Kay overcomes his opponent and stops to catch his breath. He is amazed by
what he sees. A knight, in old, battle-scarred armor whose pieces don't
match, cuts down the knights in black in foray after foray, wheeling and
turning in a brilliant and ruthless spectacle of martial arts. He fights
without a shield, a lance in his left hand and sword in his right.

Kay moves away in search of Arthur.

Arthur and Perceval watch the lone knight meting out death with such
terrible beauty, weaving in and out of the fog.

							 KAY

			He can be no other.

							ARTHUR

			Lancelot?....It is Lancelot!

He spurs his horse forward to join him, but Perceval is quick to stop him.

						    PERCEVAL

			No, my lord. We seek Mordred.

							 KAY

			I will join him.

Kay rises onto a fresh horse and gallops away.



EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - FOG - LATE DAY

Arthur and Perceval ride alone, the accompanying knights gone, the dying
and the dead and the crazed horses all around them.

Squires are carrying Kay upon his shield. He is dead. Arthur leaps to the
ground and reaches out to touch his face, and closes his eyes. He stifles
his tears.

							ARTHUR

			Has anyone seen Lancelot?

							SQUIRE

			He lies over there, sir.

Arthur rushes off, Perceval following on horseback.

Lancelot is mortally wounded, blood flowing from his abdomen, his eyes open
but his gaze dead. Arthur falls to his side.

							ARTHUR

			Squire! Here!

But there is no one now except the dead and wounded, and Perceval, who
dismounts to watch over the King, sword drawn. Desperate, Arthur stops the
wound with his hand. Lancelot's eyes are sightless, but tears spill from
them.

						    LANCELOT

			Arthur.

							ARTHUR

			Lancelot, I will save you.. Don't die.

He tears off a piece of his tunic and staunches the wound with it.

						    LANCELOT

			My salvation is to die a Knight of the Round
			Table.

							ARTHUR

			You are that and much more. You are its
			greatest knight, you are what is best in men.
			Now we will be together---

						    LANCELOT

			---It is the old wound, that has been opened.
			I have always known it would be the gateway
			to my death, for it has never healed. Let my
			heart do its job, my King, and pump me
			empty...

Arthur takes Lancelot in his arms and rests his lips against the knight's
brow.

						    LANCELOT

					    (a death whisper)

			Guenevere, has she come to you, is she Queen
			again?

He lies, closing his eyes, unable to look at Lancelot.

							ARTHUR

			She is, Lancelot.

A boyish smile settles over the features of Lancelot's face, and he dies.
Arthur holds him to his breast, his eyes shut tight.

A strong wind rises. Perceval kneels beside Arthur.

						    PERCEVAL

			The fog is lifting. Only we remain alive.



EXT. MOORS BY THE SEA - EVENING

Arthur and Perceval rise, and as far as they can see across the green hills
that roll down to the sea lies the aftermath of the massacre. Hacked
bodies, abandoned armor, steaming horse carcasses, everything still. The
murmur of the dying is carried on the wind to the soft roar of the sea. The
squires have fled the scene of horror.

							ARTHUR

			But for Mordred. Where is Mordred?

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Mordred searches the dead, accompanied only
by his lieutenant, who turns over the bodies of Arthur's knights.

						    MORDRED

			Where is Arthur?

One of Arthur's knights reaches out blindly for help. Mordred crushes his
skull underfoot. The shaft of his huge lance is caked with blood, as are
his hands.

Arthur and Perceval see Mordred and his lieutenant, and the King restrains
Perceval from going forward.

							ARTHUR

			No, Perceval. Now it is time for me to raise
			my sword.

						(he bellows out)

			Mordred, prepare to meet your death.

Shield on his left arm, and Excalibur in his right, he starts toward
Mordred.

						    MORDRED

			I wait for you, Father.

Mordred advances forward, the huge spear in both hands and parallel to the
ground.

Arthur goes straight for him, shield ready to receive the blow. Mordred
keeps walking, his arms now tensed back and ready to strike.

Once they are within weapon's reach of each other, Mordred dashes forward
and thrusts the spear. It glances off Arthur's shield, slides under his
hauberk and penetrates the King's body, and so powerful was the blow that
the blade pierces him right through.

Mortally wounded, Arthur's scream of pain becomes a horrible war cry, and
he drives himself forward with all the strength he has along the spear
shaft almost to Mordred's hands. Mordred is knocked back and to the ground
and Arthur presses down on him, the butt of the spear pinning Mordred.
Arthur lifts Excalibur. Mordred attempts to free himself, as the blade of
Excalibur descends upon him and cuts through metal, flesh and bone.
Mordred's head falls to the ground, rolling away.

Mordred's lieutenant flees. 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.

EXT. MOORS BY THE SES - SUNSET

Perceval returns to the King, terribly excited, shouting from his horse:

						    PERCEVAL

			Arthur!

But Arthur isn't there. Perceval looks around him, he doesn't understand.
He sees a trail of blood. He spurs his horse and follows the trail down to
the sea.



EXT. BEACH - SUNSET THEN NIGHT

There is a trail of blood and prints upon the sand left by a man crawling.
Perceval follows them toward the sea. He looks around, searching, terribly
distraught.

Where the blood and prints cease, there are many footprints coming from and
returning into the sea. Perceval looks out across the waves.

He sees a sailing vessel rising on the swell. On its deck he can make out
the distant figure of Arthur, lying surrounded by women, their gossamer
robes rippling in the wind. The sun hovers on the horizon and the ship is
heading for it.

He gallops into the waves until his horse will go no further, calling out
with all his strength, a futile attempt:

						    PERCEVAL

			Arthur! Will you return?

The sun slips below the horizon. Night is falling, and the wind whips the
wavecrests.
He turns from the sea and wades back.

						    PERCEVAL

			All the knights of the Round Table are dead.
			Excalibur is returned. Arthur is gone. Maybe
			he lives, maybe he will return...

He stops at the edge of the water. In the uncertain light sky and sea
become one. He draws the chalice out of a pouch on his saddle, and he holds
it up before him.

						    PERCEVAL

			Only I remain, and this...

The wind swirls and whistles mysteriously in the hollow of the cup. Music
grand and melancholic grows from it. The chalice, etched in starlight, is
the last thing that is taken from sight in the enfolding darkness.

FADE OUT:

						    THE END

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