Merlin – Episode 11 – The Hunter’s Heart
In a small village a short ways outside of Camelot, we find Gwen leading a humble life. When out of nowhere a groups of violent men comes riding in. They are killing villagers, taking food and money. When one of them attacks Gwen, whom is saved by a tall dark and handsome but mysteries man. Though he only saves her due to seeing there is some pleasure still to be had. Meanwhile back in Camelot King Arthur announces that he is going to marry the Princess of Nemeth, to unite their kingdoms and put an end to their ancient and bloody rivalry. Merlin however cannot believe he is going to marry this princess when Arthur is still in love with Gwen. Soon after the beautiful Princess Mithian arrives escorted by her valiant Knights of Nemeth. Arthur is overcome by her beauty and becomes a bit dumbfounded, before finally announcing a feast and welcoming his guest inside the palace.
Helios is our dark mysterious man a Southron Warlord, whom has spared Gwen. He states he was looking for new recruits, who are not always so will to do so. She is invited to dinner by Helios and reluctantly agrees. Gwen gives him a sad story to explain why she was there in that village, and he takes quite a liking to her. When suddenly a servant enters with news that the Lady Morgana has come to see him. Gwen quickly makes an excuse and leaves before Morgana can spot her. Helios and Morgana are plotting together the take over of Camelot, he provides the army and she provides the siege plans.
Next morning, Lord Agravaines disposed of body is found by Sir Leon. He placed the young man there, since the man failed to get him the siege plans he wanted. So this is his ploy to get a hold of them himself. He recommends to call for Gaius to examine the body. Upon looking over the body Gaius suspects a possible foul play and finds a note from a nearby kingdom that plots to get Camelots secrets. King Arthur and Lord Agravaine go into the map room, where Agravaine volunteers to look over everything to make sure all is as it should be. Thus giving him the perfect opportunity to steal the siege plans, which he does. Quickly he takes them to Morgana whom magically makes a copy of them. He then returns to the palace and informs Arthur all is well with the map room. Lord Agravaine gets back just in time for the royal feast. At which Arthur and the princess are getting along very well, you can definatly tell he is smitten with her. Later that eve he advises that there will be a traditional royal hunt and he will arrange a tour for her so she will not be bored while they are away hunting. She insists that she will not, she will attend the hunt for she loves it. This pleases Arthur even more, which turns him into a bumbling idiot. He invites her to breakfast then realizes what he has said and they decide a picnic the next day is better. While out on the picnic Merlin tries to use his magic to make Mithian displeased with Arthur. But still no success, Arthur and Mithian are still enjoying each other company.
Now that Morgana has the plans she takes them to Helios and further discusses the plans. Gwen overhears the attack on Camelot, and quickly leaves to inform Arthur. She was not stealthy enough for she is heard, and they are quickly after her. So far Gwen has eluded capture, they are forced to stop the search since darkness is upon them. But Morgana is not worried she knows where Gwen is going, and that is Camelot. Next morning the hunt is on, Morganas hunt for Gwen and Arthur and company for a stag. Morgana finds her prey first, Gwen cannot escape. Morgana uses her powers to knock Gwen out and transforms her into a stag. The hunting party of Arthur and company can be heard in the distance. So far they are not finding anything, Merlin whom has gone ahead a bit comes across a stag in the woods. As he looks into the stags eyes he see’s Gwen in them. She runs by a puddle and there is her reflection confirming again. It is to late the hunting party has caught up with the stag. Merlin uses magic to make sure Arthurs arrow didn’t hit her, but was unable to stop the arrow from Mithian whom he didn’t realize was going to fire. While looking to see if the deer was hit, Arthur finds the ring he gave Gwen on a chain in the woods. He is deeply affected by this and calls off the rest of the hunt. After dark Merlin goes back into the woods to look for the wounded Gwen. He finds her laying in the woods back in human form, though badly wounded. Merlin uses his magic to heal her wounds. He stays the rest of the night with her, keeping her safe. Gwen tells Merlin of Morganas enchantment, and of the plans that Agravaine gave to Morgana. Merlin wants Gwen to come with him and tell Arthur, she refuses to go with him though. Gwen will not return to Camelot and Arthur after she has betrayed him. So Merlin goes back to Camelot to warn Arthur of the impending attack and Agravaines part in it. They go to find the siege tunnel plans and they are there still under lock and key. Arthur is upset with Merlin and his story.
Everything seems to be taking a toll on Arthur, he is still distressed about Gwen. He doesn’t understand how he can love someone that has betrayed him, and how he can then make himself love another. Arthur asks for Merlin’s advice in the matter. Merlin tells him he needs to do what his heart tells him to do. Acting upon Merlin’s advice, he follows his heart. The next morning the Princess Mithian is now leaving being advised of Arthur’s change of heart. She is most displeased with this, in consolation Arthur offers Nemeth all the disputed lands between them and Camelot, he has drawn up a treaty for such. She accepts, and they exchange words. It is very apparent that Arthur is still very much in love with Gwen. In the evening Merlin and Arthur discuss the days events and ponder whether or not he will ever see Gwen again. Merlin says that he will find her again and they will be together.
What is your prediction on the impending attack by Lady Morgana and Helios? Will they fail or succeed taking control of Camelot? Will Arthur find Gwen with only two episodes left for this season? Do you think Merlin will tell Arthur of his magic by the end of the season?
Sci-Fi and Fantasy geek living in Florida. Have been a fan/geek of the genre since I was a young girl. Some of my favorites are Stargate SG-1, Farscape, Firefly, Lost Girl, Merlin, Sanctuary, Terra Nova, Once Upon A Time, Stargate Atlantis, Falling Skies, Grimm, Warehouse 13, Haven, Eureka, and the list goes on!! Am a chatter box when it comes to Sci-Fi & Fantasy!
