Merlin Season 3 Episode 8

Uther: What is the quest you have chosen?
Arthur: I can see but one path, sire. I am to enter the realm of the Fisher King and find the golden trident, spoken of in the legends of the Fallen Kings.
Uther: You do understand that if you are to prove yourself worthy of the throne, you must complete this task alone and unaided?
Arthur: I do.

Merlin: Who is the Fisher King?
Gaius: He was a sorcerer who lived many hundreds of years ago.
Merlin: And?
Gaius: Legend has it he was wounded in battle. The wound festered and the infection spread not just through his body, but through his lands as well. His mighty kingdom was reduced to a wasteland and has remained that way till this very day.
Merlin: I don't understand, why is Uther so worried?
Gaius: Some believe the Fisher King is still alive... kept from death by his magic.
Merlin: Do you?
Gaius: Perhaps, perhaps not. But the people of the north call the area the Perilous Lands. Few who have ever ventured there have lived to tell the tale.

Merlin: Couldn't you have chosen something a bit easier?
Arthur: I'm meant to be proving my worth to the people. A quick trip to the Lower Town to collect a bundle of herbs probably won't cut it.
Merlin: But the Perilous Lands are... perilous. Maybe I should come with you.
Arthur: What for?
Merlin: To... help out.
Arthur: You really don't get it, do you? The task must be completed alone and unaided. That's the way it's been for hundreds of years and it's not about to change for you.

Morgause: Tell me, what has Arthur chosen as his quest?
Morgana: He sets out tomorrow for the Perilous Lands.
Morgause: How perfect. Present this to the prince as a token of your good wishes. When the time is right, you must make a likeness of the prince and bind it to the gift using the skills that I taught you. When he does not return, you, sister, will take your rightful place as sole heir to the throne of Camelot.

(After seeing the old woman Morgana is talking to reflected in a mirror as Morgause)
Gwen: My lady? Are you all right?
Morgana: Why wouldn't I be?
Gwen: I... I thought...
Morgana: The poor woman didn't have a penny to feed her family. I felt duty bound to help her, Gwen.

Gwen: I know you have to go, but...
Arthur: I'll be careful.
Gwen: For me.
(Arthur nods, kisses her and leaves)

(Upon Arthur's departure to the Perilous Lands)
Morgana: You look troubled, sire.
Uther: He is sole heir to the throne, Morgana.
Morgana: Don't worry. I'm certain a Pendragon will rule over Camelot for a long time to come (She smirks)

Gaius: You're sure it wasn't a jewel?
Merlin: No. Brighter than that.
Gaius: And you think it was enchanted?
Merlin: There was magic there, I could feel it.
Gaius: You're sure?
Merlin: And if it came from Morgana, it can only mean one thing: Arthur's in danger.

(About Arthur's bracelet)
Gaius: It's an eye of the Phoenix.
Merlin: The Phoenix?
Gaius: Some call it the firebird. Its eye burns with a fire that consumes the life force of anybody it comes in contact with.
Merlin: Arthur.
Gaius: The eye will draw energy from him. If it is worn for too long, Arthur will die.
Merlin: I have to go after him.
Gaius: This is not a task to be undertaken lightly, Merlin. You'll need help.

Merlin: Arthur's in trouble, I need your help.
Gwaine: What kind of trouble?
Merlin: He's gone to the Perilous Lands.
Gwaine: You serious?
Merlin: Yeah.
(Gwaine realizes that the men they are running from are close)
Gwaine: Just now, that sounds pretty attractive.

Grettir: Who is it that wishes to cross my bridge?
Arthur: A knight... on a quest to find the trident of the Fisher King.
Grettir: Then you must be Courage.
Arthur: No, I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot.
Grettir: I'm Grettir. I have to say, you're not as short as I thought you'd be. Before I let you pass, I'll give you a little advice. As Courage, there are two more things you will need to complete your quest: Strength and Magic.
Arthur: I don't condone the use of magic.
Grettir: You'd be wise not to dismiss it so freely. The rules in the land that you are heading to are quite different to those in the world that you know.

Grettir: That's a very beautiful bracelet.
Arthur: It was a gift from someone very dear to me. She hoped it would bring me good fortune.
Grettir: Did she now? How very thoughtful of her (He chuckles and vanishes into thin air)

Gwaine: How did you find me?
Merlin: It wasn't easy, I've been in almost every tavern in Engred.
Gwaine: So have I.
(Both laugh)

Gwaine: This is it. On the other side of the forest lie the Perilous Lands.
Merlin: Doesn't look too friendly.
Gwaine: That's because it's not. Believe me, it's wretched.
Merlin: How do you know? You've never been there.
Gwaine: I've travelled to many places, Merlin.
Merlin: But not to the Perilous Lands. I know that.
Gwaine: Why?
Merlin: There aren't any taverns.
(Gwaine laughs)

Grettir: So, Magic has arrived.
Merlin: What?
Grettir: There is nothing to be afraid of. Your presence is essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest.
Merlin: How do you know about Arthur? Who are you?
Grettir: I'm the keeper of the bridge. I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prosperity reign again. Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen.
Merlin: It is not my mission, it is Arthur's.
Grettir: If that's what you choose to believe. It is no accident that Arthur chose this path or you chose to follow him.

Grettir: (To Gwaine) Finally. Strength has arrived, the trio is complete.

Grettir: (To Merlin) The Fisher King has waited many years for this day. Do not deny him what he wishes. And remember, nothing is as it seems.

(Wailing can be heard in the distance)
Merlin: What was that?
Gwaine: A pheasant.
Merlin: A pheasant?
Gwaine: A very big one.
Merlin: You can turn back if you want.
Gwaine: I'm not scared of pheasants.

Merlin: Why do you want to do this?
Gwaine: Same reason as you. Help a friend.
Merlin: Arthur's lucky to have us.
Gwaine: Not Arthur.
Merlin: I'd do the same for you.
Gwaine: I hope so. You're the only friend I've got.
Merlin: I'm not surprised.

Gwen: I'm not sure who else I can talk to.
Gaius: What is it, child?
Gwen: It's Morgana.
Gaius: What's happened?
Gwen: She had a box. And her eyes... it was like they were on fire. What do I do, Gaius? She's using magic.
Gaius: Everything may not be as it seems, Gwen.
Gwen: No, no. I know what I saw. I've known Morgana for so long. I didn't want to believe it. But she... isn't the person I knew. She's changed, Gaius. I don't think she means well to any of us any more.
Gaius: I wish I could say otherwise but I fear you are right.

Arthur: (Coming around) What the hell are you doing here?
Merlin: Why can you never just say thanks?
Arthur: Thanks? What, for completely ruining the quest?
Merlin: It's a good job I was here, otherwise you'd be wyvern fodder!
Arthur: How many times do I have to get it into your thick skull? I'm supposed to be doing this alone!
(A Wyvern enters the room squealing menacingly, startling both. Gwaine appears behind the creature's back and kills it)
Arthur: Great. This just gets better and better. Are Gwen and Morgana here too? Are we going to have a surprise party?

The Fisher King: So, Emrys, you are here at last.
Merlin: So you are still alive.
The Fisher King: For now.

Arthur: Now, I'm sure if we can just reach in here... (Arthur removes a stone and bugs start coming off) ... we'll be able to find something to release the door.
Gwaine: Go on, then. Don't be such a princess. This is your quest, after all.

Merlin: What is it you want?
The Fisher King: I want an end to my suffering.
Merlin: You want to die?
The Fisher King: I have been waiting all these years... for the arrival of a new time, the time of the once and future king.
Merlin: I've heard these words before.
The Fisher King: And you will hear them again for that time is dawning. And my time finally can come to an end. This is why you were brought here. For this is not Arthur's quest, it is yours. Arthur thinks the prize is the trident (He lets it fall to the ground) But the real prize... is something far greater.

The Fisher King: Water from the Lake of Avalon. I have kept it safe these years, waiting for the right person to claim it. And that is you. You are the one chosen.
Merlin: What are you talking about?
The Fisher King: Albion's time of need is near and in that dark hour you must be strong, for you alone can save her. Your powers are great, but you will need help. And that is what I'm giving you. When all seems lost, this will show you the way.
Merlin: Thank you.

The Fisher King: I have given you a gift. Now you must give me one in return.
Merlin: But I have nothing to give.
The Fisher King: (Groaning as he stands up) I think you do.
Merlin: (Retrieving the bracelet from his pocket) If I give you this, you will die.
(The Fisher King stretches out his arm and encourages Merlin with a nod. Merlin kneels down and places the bracelet on the king's wrist. The eye of the phoenix shines and the king vanishes)
Voice of The Fisher King: Thank you.

Gwaine: This is the border. By Uther's decree, I can go no further.
Arthur: I'm sorry, Gwaine. There's nothing I can do to change that.
Merlin: Maybe one day.
Gwaine: Yeah, when Camelot gets itself a half-decent king.
Arthur: Careful... he is my father.
Gwaine: Well, you can't have everything, huh?

Merlin: Where will you go this time?
Gwaine: Think I'll ride south.
Merlin: You can't keep living like that.
Gwaine: Yeah, but it's fun trying.
Merlin: Thanks, Gwaine.

Arthur: I'll remember this, Gwaine.

Merlin: Got to say, that was a good quest. Did you meet that man on the bridge? Then the wyverns, they were really scary. And the door to the throne room! That was so close.
Arthur: You do talk some nonsense sometimes, Merlin. What on earth would you even know about it? It's not like you were there.
Merlin: Of course I was.
Arthur: You were not there, you have not seen me for days. You've been on a little trip to... pick herbs, or whatever it is you do in your spare time.
Merlin: Ah, course, if your father was to find out you weren't alone...
Arthur: Yes, Merlin. So just keep your mouth shut!
Merlin: Absolutely, sire. Do anything you say. For a price.
Arthur: What kind of price?
Merlin: A day off.
Arthur: Mmm. I think you've had too many of those herbs you've been picking.

Uther: Arthur, I don't know what pleases me more: to be in possession of such a precious artefact or know that you have finally proved yourself to be the man I had always hoped you would be.
Arthur: Thank you, father.
Uther: I have no doubt that you will one day make a fine king.