The Beginning of the End

S1 E8: The arrival of a young druid boy forces Merlin to choose between the child's life and his own destiny. When a druid and his young boy apprentice are caught in Camelot, the terrified pair make a desperate bid for freedom, with guards in hot pursuit. Throughout the chase, Merlin hears the boy's telepathic cries for help. Unsure what is happening, he is increasingly concerned and feels compelled to help the terrified child. Merlin ushers the child inside the nearest door, only to find Morgana and Gwen hiding there. To his surprise, when the guards knock on the door, Morgana covers for the boy and the guards pass. Though the boy is saved, his druid master is caught and executed in the main square. Before the axe falls, Uther makes a strong speech, declaring that whoever is hiding the boy will be severely punished. The distraught boy refuses to speak, but continues to communicate telepathically with Merlin. Merlin goes to the Great Dragon to ask him about the boy. The Dragon tells Merlin that the druids predicted the boy's arrival and that the boy is dangerous. The next morning, the boy is unwell. Morgana begs Merlin to ask Gaius for help. Merlin is torn but, seeing how ill the child is, makes the decision to do as Morgana bids. Gaius reluctantly treats the boy. Later that night, Morgana attempts to free the boy but they are both caught and the boy is sentenced to death. Merlin returns to the Dragon. He wants to know why the Dragon warned him against the young boy. The Dragon is angry that Merlin defied his earlier advice and tells him that this boy is Arthur's nemesis, Mordred.