[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

Arthur works diligently at his desk. The morning light glitters on his crown and the sword mounted on the mantle behind him.

COURTIER

Sire!

The courtier rushes in, pauses to bow, and pushes papers onto his desk.

COURTIER

Sire, there is a boat requesting entry to the port.

ARTHUR

Then let them in.

The Courtier jabs the papers.

COURTIER

We think—It’s a boat with a terrorist who has openly claimed he will kill you.

Arthur narrows his blue eyes.

ARTHUR

Get me Merlin.

It is midday in the office now, and Merlin stands before his desk.

MERLIN

Terrorist? Is there proof?

ARTHUR

The CTC says the proof is in the manifest.

He gives Merlin a paper. Merlin reads it and raises an eyebrow.

MERLIN

Mordred? This is the only name circled.

ARTHUR

I know. Can you look into the future for me? Maybe it will shed some light.

MERLIN

With pleasure.

Merlin’s eyes glow green, and a mantis-colored flame engulfs the manifest. In Merlin’s perspective, several afterimages flood his vision and stop only when he smothers the flame in his palm.

ARTHUR

Well? Did you see anything suspicious?

MERLIN

Yes. Mordred is a dangerous man.

He looks at Arthur, and the green leaves his eyes.

MERLIN

I saw him kill you.

Arthur’s face remains neutral, though his foot bounces.

ARTHUR

What do you suggest can be done? Have the CTC capture the boat and arrest him?

MERLIN

I do not know if he has magic or not. It would be too dangerous to bring him onto land. We have to dispose of him before he steps onto England.

ARTHUR

Then…

Merlin lifts a paper from Arthur’s desk, scans it, and sets it in front of him.

MERLIN

As your advisor, I suggest protocol seven.

ARTHUR

“Shoot the boat on sight.”

Arthur frowns.

ARTHUR

This goes against what I stand for.

MERLIN

This is about the security of the crown. Sometimes, things like this must be done.

ARTHUR

I would like to consult my brother on this.

Arthur stands and moves to the door, but Merlin gets in his way.

MERLIN

A decision must be made now before the boat attempts to come into port by force.

Arthur stares at the sword he pulled from the stone.

ARTHUR

Can you feel if there are people with magic onboard?

MERLIN

Yes, I can. But I cannot pinpoint how many, or who specifically.

ARTHUR

Did the manifest list any of them as magic users?

MERLIN

None were listed.

ARTHUR

That is suspicious.

MERLIN

And against international law. Magic users must be accounted for upon arrival or they face capital punishment.

Arthur pauses and turns to Merlin.

ARTHUR

Why do people fear magic? Because magic is dangerous?

MERLIN

So are people.

They stare into each other’s eyes for a moment before Arthur breaks his gaze away.

ARTHUR

This violates a peace treaty. This could be considered an open declaration of war against England.

MERLIN

Not could be, Your Majesty. It is.

ARTHUR

My people could be hurt if Mordred wreaks havoc. If they lose their king, England will be in a mess like it was three years ago. My country needs stability.

MERLIN

What are your orders?

ARTHUR

For the sake of England…

He pulls off his crown and looks at his distorted shadow.

ARTHUR

They broke international law and violated a treaty. They have given me no choice. Initiate protocol seven.

MERLIN

It will be done.

Around dinner time, a servant enters the room with a tray, carrying his meal, tea, and a newspaper. She places it on a nearby table. Arthur glances up from his work and smiles.

ARTHUR

Thank you very much.

SERVANT

Sire…

Arthur sits down his work. The servants brings over the paper.

SERVANT

The messenger…didn’t have time to warn you before it broke out in social media…

ARTHUR

It? Broke? What do you mean?

The servant places the paper in front of him. The headline read, “Boat full of children killed.”

ARTHUR

Get Merlin. Now.

The office is dark now. Arthur paces and Merlin stands solemnly beside his desk.

ARTHUR

You said Mordred was dangerous!

MERLIN

That is what the magic confirmed, yes.

Arthur slams his hand on the newspaper.

ARTHUR

He was a baby.

MERLIN

You asked me to look into the future. Not even I can tell how long I looked.

Arthur slumps in his chair.

ARTHUR

So you’re saying your magic is fallible.

MERLIN

All magic is.

ARTHUR

What am I to do…?

MERLIN

Secure public trust. Place blame on someone else before the blame is placed on you.

ARTHUR

Place blame on someone else?

MERLIN

The Crown must not collapse because of this incident.

ARTHUR

Don’t you think I wanted to avoid this scrutiny? I wanted to do what was right! I thought I was protecting England!

MERLIN

The Crown is on the edge of catastrophe, Your Majesty. The information might have been incorrect, but there are people openly plotting against you. If public opinion learns that this was your decision, the royal family is finished.

ARTHUR

I made a mistake…

MERLIN

Sometimes, there is no right.

ARTHUR

They were children, Merlin! You cannot talk about this like it’s just business!

Merlin looks to the sword mounted above him.

MERLIN

You were chosen first by a sword, then by a crown. You must rule with both to stay king.

ARTHUR

Then what do you suggest I do?

MERLIN

This will be your first and only mistake of your reign. Hide it. Let no one know what we’ve done.

ARTHUR

This…will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Merlin rests a hand on Arthur’s shoulder.

MERLIN

It will haunt us all.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]