Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S02/E07 The Witchfinder: Difference between revisions

Uther and Arthur are discussing Aredian in the Council Chamber when they are interrupted by an ominous voice:

 

'''Aredian''': Well, let's hope I'm not too late, hmm? For every hour counts in the war against sorcery. Unchecked, it spreads like a disease. It seeks out the young and the old, the weak and the able, the fair and the foul of heart alike. You've grown lazy, Uther. You've grown idle. Your once noble Camelot is rotten to the core. You stand on the brink of dark oblivion. }}

 

Some time later, Aredian presents three women to the court. Uther listens in growing horror as they recount the terrible things they've seen: screaming faces in the well, a goblin dancing on the coals, and a sorcerer with toads jumping out of his mouth. All the women seem legitimately terrified, and Merlin whispers to Gaius that he's not responsible for any of it. Aredian announces that he has already found the guilty party. Morgana sits in her seat, almost frozen with terror. Aredian dramatically points to Merlin as the culprit. In the stunned silence that follows, a single incredulous voice speaks out:

 

 

In the crowd, Gwen pulls a confused face. Merlin replies that he has nothing to hide, and Aredian orders a search of his rooms.

Gaius is brought before the court and forced to kneel before Uther.

 

'''Aredian''': The sorcerer will be purged of his magic by means of fire! He shall be burnt at the stake tomorrow at dawn! Bear witness and heed this lesson! }}

 

Gaius is taken to the pyre in Aredian's horse-drawn cage. Uther watches guiltily from the balcony, whilst Arthur stands among the crowd surrounding the bonfire. As Aredian roughly drags Gaius from the cage to the pyre, Arthur demands that he show him some respect. Overcome, Uther has to leave. Meanwhile, Gwen is weaving her way through the crowd, apologising to every person that she pushes aside. Finally she reaches Arthur.

 

'''Gwen''': You did it once before to my father; are you really willing to let it happen again? And you can stop looking at me like that, I know I'm only a servant! I thought you were a prince, so start behaving like one! }}

 

Having gathered everyone together in the throne room, Merlin is sharing the evidence that Aredian's entire campaign has been based on lies. He presents the eyedrops, and the women confirm that they bought the product from the apothecary. In turn, the apothecary states that he was given the eyedrops to sell by Aredian, threatened with execution if he did not. Aredian denies everything, and when Uther gets agitated at Merlin stating that they should search Aredian's chambers, Arthur steps in. He points out to his father that there's no reason not to search Aredian's room.

 

 

The guards begin to tear apart Aredian's room as Aredian, Uther, Arthur, Merlin and Morgana watch from the door. One of the guards open the cupboard and an array of amulets tumble out, along with several bottles of belladonna tincture. Aredian denies all knowledge of them. He begins to cough as he accuses Merlin of planting them there. His coughs intensify, and without further warning, a toad falls out of his mouth. Uther is quick to label him a sorcerer, and Aredian grabs Morgana, holding a knife to her throat.

Much later, Uther joins Gaius in his quarters.

 

'''Gaius''': [[Just Following Orders|But I did not suffer at his hands, Uther. I suffered at yours. He worked for you, My Lord. He was merely following your orders]].<br />

'''Uther''': But I was deceived.<br />