Excalibur Page #4

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.

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