Original subtitles

Bring him here.

- Is it true? - I've learned that

powerful men are more useful alive than dead.

King Gorfydd, I'm glad you came.

I'm sorry you won't shake my hand.

Well, you're a bastard. You must be used to that.

You will pledge to the Edling King,

or I will take everything from you.

You're with child from Gundleus.

I cannot bear his child.

That's for the Gods to decide.

- Nimue! - Cadwys has

a dispute with some local miners.

We're going to help him resolve it.

We'll be in and out, Derfel.

No fuss, no bloodshed.

Shh! Shh! Nice and quiet for me.

Derfel...

Oi!

Derfel.

Look...

we should have never gone to that mine, all right?

It was a mistake,

and no one's sorrier that it happened than I am.

But only the weak live in the shadow of regret, son.

Of what might have been.

Yes, my Lord.

It's a pity that dog started barking, and...

People had to die.

A great pity.

But it's a burden our death oaths compel us

to bear together, is it not?

And there's honor in that, no?

Honor... and advancement,

for one who would be a warlord in the fullness of time.

Go on.

Thank you, my Lord.

Good.

What of Merlin?

Will he conduct Mordred's Naming ceremony?

- Read the augur? - Well, I sent word to Avalon.

He hasn't answered?

I'll press him.

The man to be sacrificed is a thief and a murderer,

but he has made his peace with the Gods.

We could just read the blood of a dead man

rather than a dying one.

Well, where is the sacrifice in cutting open a corpse?

The spectacle, you mean.

It's the way of things, Arthur.

It was once the way of things

to put babes to the sword who cried past midnight.

Eh up, lad.

Is that the sound

of Dumnonia's coffers being replenished?

Clerks say we need it.

All I can say is we took five-score the gold from Cadwys

than Uther ever managed. Five-score.

- Five-score? - Why not?

Bastard was five years late.

Derfel.

Listen, no word of a lie,

every town, every single tribe,

our haul was boosted by this warlord in waiting,

- weren't it, Raince? - He helped us

double our haul, Arthur.

Are these tales true?

I learned from a master.

There you go.

I hope he paid you to say that.

Aye.

How are you, Derfel?

Very good, my Lord.

Aye, he's good, he's good.

Speaking of tales, I hear your plan worked after all that.

Gorfydd walks among us, even if no one can tell me why.

For now.

- We should-- - I hear he had

some choice words for you and all.

Very fruity.

And yet somehow

you silenced him, in front of everyone.

Hm.

Between now and the Naming ceremony,

we must keep our guests busy.

Oh, aye? Entertained and out of trouble, is it?

We banish all thought of politics.

Leave it to me. I know just the thing.

Bit of fishing in the Menis River, I think.

Bring out the boys and the men.

No frills, no horses,

just shafts and spears

and... the smack of cold water.

How's that sound?

It's good to have you back.

Right then.

Come on then, boys.

This humiliation of my nephew

serves no purpose

and breaches your pact.

It serves a great purpose...

justice.

He is a rapist and a murderer.

And our pact was clear.

I would spare his life, nothing more.

But I will see him reunited with Ladwys.

Nice of you to join us.

Brushes and brooms inside.

Can we expect you at Mordred's Naming?

Will you preside?

No, you cannot expect me at the Naming.

The Tribe Kings will be there.

Your absence, it...

- it sends a message. - It can't be helped.

Where's Nimue?

Following her own path.

What does that mean?

Where is she, Merlin?

I hope my absence does send a message.

You will preside over Mordred's Naming ceremony

and perform the sacrifice.

You are a druid in all but name.

I suggest you go and get ready.

Tell me she's not in any danger.

Go. Make your preparations.

I will worry about Nimue.

Your father took me hunting once.

I was a younger man, and he was in his prime.

- Where was your father? - Oh, he stayed behind

with the others. It was after the first Saxon incursion.

The kings gathered and talked for days.

King Cerdic sought a truce, but only if the Saxons

could keep the land they'd taken.

No one wanted war...

and everyone had a plan to avert it.

My father grew restless.

Violently impatient would be nearer the mark.

We rowed all day, just the two of us,

past Avalon, up the Wydren Hills.

And we talked. Well, he talked, I listened.

He said my father didn't understand the Saxon.

Nor did the Tribe Kings.

He seized my shoulder, and he...

looked me dead in the eye, and he said...

"They don't want our gold.

"They don't want peace."

"They don't want our princesses."

"They want our land."

"And they'll never stop,"

till we drive them into the sea."

That knowledge was his burden.

Now it's yours.

The Saxons are massing in earnest.

They're coming for us.

For all his talk, Uther did more

to help that enemy than any man alive.

No one made the case for union

more passionately or persuasively,

but then he went out of his way

to demean the isle's other great power.

A strange way to unite the tribes.

That might explain my...

intemperance on my arrival.

Was that an apology?

A warning.

If you want to build trust between Dumnonia and Powys,

it requires deeds, not words.

Releasing my nephew Gundleus

would be a first step on that path.

You gave yourself away the other night.

Gundleus is a wild dog...

but you hold his leash.

Do you think I told him to kill Norwenna

and burn down Avalon?

Do you deny it?

I told him to burn down Caer Cadarn.

He's a Saxon spy.

He's been watching us since we arrived.

Derfel.

Ask him his name and his business.

He says he's not permitted

to tell us.

Not permitted?

Let me have a go.

What are you doing here?

You tell me, or so help me, I'll beat the living--

oh, hello. What's this?

Don't smile at me. Don't smile at me.

What is this? Oh, does that sting a bit?

Bit sore, is it? Yeah? So...

It's a map.

It charts the southern regions,

- in great detail. - This is arable land.

- What's he doing with this? - What is your interest

in our farms and produce?

Did King Cerdic send you?

What about King Aelle?

Oh, yeah.

That name meant something, didn't it?

You're one of Aelle's men.

Aelle! Aelle!

What did he say?

He said, "Aelle, Aelle...

"He will kill you all..."

"eat you alive..."

raze your crops, burn your young."

This is a new stripe of Saxon, this...

this Aelle.

Leader of men.

Guess they weren't joking.

What do you know of this King Aelle?

Ah, not much. Only that he's new to these isles

and he's eager to make his mark.

By the looks of it, that work's begun.

I wonder what King Cerdic will say to that.

Every army needs new blood.

The Saxons are no different.

But they are different, aren't they?

Patient...

meticulous...

formidable.

Just like Uther said.

I spoke to Anna. Her brother can build us a home.

He needs materials, Derfel.

All I have is Owain's gold.

One piece will be enough for him to make a start.

Buy the wood.

I don't know that I want to.

Innocent people died that night, Lunete.

And every time I walk through the door,

I'll think of them.

Yes, for a time.

And then you'll forget.

I don't want to just forget them.

You don't get it.

There's blood on these.

If you don't keep them,

Owain will be slighted.

And I'll no longer be his man.

What Owain said is true.

You can't change the past.

Only learn from it.

Down there, my lord.

Can I help you, sir?

I am Prince Tristan of Kernow

and seek an audience

with representatives of Dumnonia.

Very good.

Of Kernow?

Of Kernow.

You stay here. Stay here.

Prince Tristan.

You've come for Mordred's Naming tomorrow

and were doubtless delayed.

Welcome...

Who speaks for Dumnonia, Bishop?

As a sworn protector, I may speak as well

as any on behalf of King Mordred.

Then hear this: there will be blood

between my kingdom and yours

unless I receive justice.

Well, forgive me, Lord Prince,

but this justice you...

Spit it out, boy.

Say what you have to say.

A group of my father's people

came to Dumnonia, at Uther's request,

to work in the mines and live in peace

with their neighbors.

But last week...

some of those neighbors came into their mine

and gave them sword and slaughter.

A family dead.

Their sarhaed will be the value of their lives...

plus the life of the man who ordered them killed.

Or else?

Or else we will come with our own swords and shields

to take the price ourselves.

Please show our guest some courtesy, please--

Alright, alright, you heard the Bishop.

Enough, enough. Shut up.

See, now, I heard it were the Blackshield Irish

who attacked the moor.

Well, then they flew across country to do it...

no man saw them pass, and they stole

not so much as an egg in Dumnonia.

That's 'cause they fear Dumnonia, see,

but not... ...alas, Kernow.

Do you know of any tribe

other than the Blackshield...

who might've attacked your people?

- Ask him. - One more word out of you, boy,

and I'll beat you into your grave.

Or better still, ask the witness I have outside.

Into you grave, your lying son of a bitch!

If any man draws blood,

he is my enemy.

Bring your witness.

A child!

He's brought a little girl with him.

- That's a young... - This is embarrassing, Arthur.

Sarlinna ferch Edain.

Speak.

My father was killed, my mother was killed,

my brothers were killed,

my uncles were killed,

and I saw it done.

Wasn't the raid at night-time, Sarlinna?

How could you see?

Moon was almost full.

How did you survive the night?

I hid, Lord, under a pelt.

You did well.

But did you see the man who killed your family?

I saw him, Lord.

He wore a string of warrior rings.

I see what this is.

This is... you know what,

you should be ashamed of yourself, you should.

Coming in here, bringing a child in.

You should be ashamed. On my oath, she lies.

Where I come from, children who don't

tell the truth are usually thrashed soundly.

- I'm sorry. - A child's word

carries no weight in law. A child is not among

the tongued ones but Lord Owain is.

I believe this child.

You let your priest prattle, but it's you, they say...

who is making Dumnonia anew.

They exaggerate.

Well, on this showing...

I prefer the old one.

Your father was ruthless...

but he was fair. Honest.

The day after tomorrow, I will come for Dumnonia's answer.

You can have it now, son.

If that answer denies Kernow justice,

I will challenge you myself, Lord Owain.

You're on.

Them dirty little Kernow miners are as greedy

as they are dishonest! Do not pay them sarhaed,

- Arthur, do you understand me? - You think this is about money?

Of course it is. They're trying their luck!

They haven't asked for settlement.

Well, that comes next, don't it? They can't exactly go

and ask the Blackshield Irish for it, can they?

They do well enough from the mine.

Oh, aye, they bloody do.

Quite why Uther ever granted such a pact,

- that I will never know. - Because he valued

their skill, and he saw an opportunity.

Oh, yeah, to give away our tin?!

For mutual benefit.

- Uther never gave anything away. - Let me tell you.

When you was gone all them years...

You were the only advocate with my father.

Advocate? I was the only one who'd speak your name.

You think Bedwin pled your case?

Your sister? No, mm-mm.

Just me.

Oh yeah, Uther would scream like a scolded dog.

"Say that bastard's name again,

and you'll join him in banishment!"

I didn't care.

'Cause you were my friend,

and he wronged you, Pendragon or no.

I owe you a debt.

Your loyalty and your trust is enough.

I did not set foot in that mine.

You have my word.

I had to do it.

You could've killed yourself.

I've defied the Gods.

Mandrake, for the fever.

Belladonna for the pain.

Now we've both defied them.

Coltsfoot steeped in mead.

To calm your cough.

You would cure me and kill me?

I would see you healthy, to greet the Gods.

And in full voice when you slit me open.

You won't die in vain.

Your blood will reveal the path of the Edling King.

Will it be quick?

No.

But you have done it before?

The sacrifice?

A hunt, a feast... another feast.

Can't recall the last time I had so much fun.

I'm glad.

So, Owain denies the charge?

Lays the blame with Oengus Mac Airem

and the Blackshield Irish?

Owain and others.

I know Oengus of old.

Please, share your thoughts.

The Blackshield Irish...

are worse than they say and as bad as they come.

They'll kill you for the teeth in your head

and the breath in your lungs.

And your nephew Gundleus wouldn't?

They have much in common,

I agree, their land is small and arid,

compelling them to... roam abroad.

I've never heard plunder described so poetically.

Ah, says the scion of the isle's bountiful state.

We have a long-held pact with the Blackshield Irish

not to raid our borders and our towns.

Right now, Oengus is on the Hibernian Coast.

Why would he risk life and limb crossing Dumnonia

in the dead of night,

to raid a tin mine?

When was the last time you saw Oengus?

Two, three years ago.

Mm. Long time.

Perhaps he's changed his routine.

Sulis will punish me.

If not Sulis,

Rosmerta, the goddess of fertility.

I can't say, Nimue.

The Gods will not be denied, much less defied.

How many times have you told me that?

I don't care.

I'm free.

I would not see them vent their anger on you.

The Gods are not without mercy.

And I have one small cause for hope.

They led me here.

Come.

When you wear the crown or affect to,

it's your friends who truly test you,

not your enemies.

If your pride allows,

I can instruct you here and there.

A very kind offer,

but I have no desire to wear the crown.

I am doing what must be done.

No more.

Guarding the throne for Mordred.

The question is, what are you going to do about it?

Will you put all that fine talk of truth and justice

into practice, or was that just poetry?

The Naming ceremony.

Gundleus has a right to be there.

A right?

Without him, there'd be no ceremony.

Mercy is the midwife of progress,

but invite him to the Naming ceremony

of the child he tried to kill?

Never.

He is my nephew.

To disrespect him... is to disrespect me.

If Gundleus causes you to feel the taint of association,

don't blame me.

I suggest a shorter leash.

Lohilt.

- My Lord. - Derfel says

you're a clever bastard. Clever and meticulous.

The collection to end all collections.

We did well.

Better than well at Cadwys' hall.

May I see that tally stick?

Yes, my Lord.

Ahh... Cadwys, Cadwys...

Coin and gold only account for half your haul.

How did the old rascal pay for the rest?

Hides?

Gems?

Tin?

The total was adjusted down.

See?

Mm... so it was.

Made quite a mess of this one, didn't you?

Anyone can make a mistake,

but making it over and over...

seems neither clever nor meticulous.

Cadwys promised more than he delivered.

- And you fell for that? - Only a close inventory

of the hall revealed his true deception in the light,

and so I adjusted the tally accordingly.

That explains it.

Very good.

By the alignment of the Royal Chapel...

where Belenus anointed his human child Beli Mawr,

ancestor of all Dumnonia's kings...

the Naming may proceed.

Blessings upon this good isle.

May all who dream be punished for it.

Bishop.

King Mordred,

may the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord turn his face toward you...

and give you peace.

Amen.

- Amen. - Amen.

There is one last ritual to perform.

Thus I invoke you that you may aid me.

Thus I invoke you

that you may aid me.

Thus I invoke you

that you may aid me.

This man is a thief,

a killer...

and a friend to no one.

But the Gods will mark his sacrifice

with their mercy.

You have made your peace with the Gods, have you not?

Dumnonia and the Gods

will bless you for your sacrifice.

This pattern of blood shows

King Mordred...

will have a long life.

He will be a leader of battle,

and he will know victory!

What did you see?

If I told you, would you believe me?

Of course.

You believe in my gifts, then?

The mark of augury?

The tenets of prophecy?

Do you believe?

King Mordred will have a long life.

He'll be a leader of battle, and he will know great victory.

The Saxon will fear and dread his name.

Arthur... Tristan's refused our settlement.

He's coming to fight Owain.

What shall we do, double it?

Tristan cannot be bought.

Then Owain will kill him.

Yes.

What do you think a warrior's job is, Derfel?

To fight battles, Lord.

To fight battles on behalf to those

who cannot fight for themselves.

I learnt that in Brittany.

Our task is to leave Mordred

with a rich and a peaceful kingdom.

But to do that, we must first have

a good and a just kingdom.

We cannot have peace if we break our treaties,

and the treaty that let the men of Kernow

mine our tin was a good treaty.

- My Lord... - Let's assume...

Tristan's little girl...

was telling the truth.

What then?

If he could not be talked...

out of fighting Lord Owain...

he will lose.

Even the Gods would find it hard

to make him beat down Owain's sword.

But is that fair?

We would lose, too.

In order to have peace...

and all the good things that follow it...

I believe I must be Tristan's champion.

Arthur...

I'm not sure who else will do it.

But there is one thing that you can do for me.

A man going into battle must know that

his cause is right.

Perhaps... the Irish...

did carry their shields

across the land unseen.

Well?

The Gods will support you...

my Lord.

Thank you, Derfel.

Summer is a-comin' in

Loudly sing cuckoo...

Summer is a-comin' in

Loudly sing cuckoo...

Arthur!

Ah, there you are. I thought we lost you.

You... You should be singing this and all.

You know the words to this one better than I do.

Sing cuckoo... Sing cuckoo...

- What was her name? - Who?

The goldsmith's daughter, who taught us our songs?

Oh, yes, yes-- no, shut up.

I-- yeah, uh...

Aislinn.

She would scold you

for starting the chorus too early.

Scold me? She'd rap my knuckles

till they was red raw!

I liked her.

You're not even singing it!

My Lord, you are respected.

If you'll allow more time for a settlement.

You call this a settlement.

I call it a bribe.

Either way, I don't accept it.

Oh, this one.

You got something you wanna say to me, lad?

By my sword, I maintain that

you caused the people of Kernow harm

and must face me in a duel.

Do you accept my challenge?

I most certainly do, aye.

But Lord Owain has sworn his innocence!

His word is enough, my Lord!

In a court of words, yes.

But there is also the court of swords,

And by my sword,

I say...

Owain did our cousins of Kernow harm

and must pay the price.

This ain't your quarrel, Arthur, do you understand?

- This is not your quarrel. - He's right.

I appreciate the offer, but this is Kernow's.

I'm going to represent you, Tristan.

My mind is settled.

Now you listen to me, young man,

and you listen up good.

Tax collecting's a messy business, yeah?

Sometimes people cut up rough, they lose their heads,

and you have to show 'em who's in charge.

Uther understood that. The Saxons are at our gate,

and you want to waste time with this shit?

My sword maintains your guilt in the matter

between Kernow and Dumnonia.

All right, you know what?

I'm going to bed. And when I wake up...

I hope all this just proves a dream.

You are a coward.

A murderer.

And a liar.

Oh, dear.

Then it seems your death will grace my dream.

Was that strip of rust once a sword?

Take mine, my Lord.

You will follow him to the Otherworld, oath-breaker!

On my oath, you broke none!

Thank you, Derfel, but this blade is sufficient.

Arthur...

Owain, my Lords, I urge you both now to reconsider,

to reflect on your friendship,

your history...

your joint commitment to protect King Mordred!

Arthur, please!

Do you both submit judgment to the court of swords?

- Yes. - That's a yes, Bishop.

Then God bless you...

and God give truth the victory.

Summer is a-comin' in, Loudly sing cuckoo...

Come on, Owain!

Come on!

Back, Owain!

That's it, Owain!

Come on, Owain!

Ow!

It's not too late to change your mind!

Go on, Owain, kill him! Go on!

All right, too late!

Aah!

Owain!

Ha-ha!

Aah!

Hag take you!

Come on, Owain, come on!

This wasn't your quarrel!

This wasn't your quarrel!

It didn't have to be this way!

I loved you, boy!

Aah!