What's more Arthur takes Mordred (Alexander Vlahos) with him to prove himself much to Merlin's chagrin and well he does try to make sure Arthur's making the right decision. Seems like Arthur has a new found friend in Mordred which is perhaps something Merlin may also take objection to, especially since they were all pally during swordfight training. This gives the other knights a chance to tease Mordred as well as initiating the new knight, by making sure he has all his weapons, and equipment and then making him ride backwards on the horse. Arthur also joining in the fun asking if he's wearing his trousers backwards.
It's not long before a man is spotted in the woods and he is identified as Osgar, like they knew what he looked like. Gwaine (Eion Macken) and Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun) are the first to approach him and he tells them to basically "take me to your king," which they refuse and after a fight Gwanin stabs him. He reacts with magic and throws them against the trees. Finding Arthur for himself he tells him he has something for him and gives him the 'talisman'. It's a wonder none of these magical people can heal themselves, so what's the good of magic.
He has a message from the Disir: trio of goddesses who have cursed Arthur for treating the old religion with disrespect. Camelot will lay waste, to ruin and after that he dies. Merlin buries Osgar and Mordred remarks it should be an unmarked grave. He sympathizes with Merlin, both of them having to keep their magic underwraps but he also states "until then we go unmarked in death as in life." Couldn't tell whether Mordred was in a purely evil stance there as he watched Merlin and then smiled at him. He does that to rile him, no doubt. Merlin believes one day they will be free to practise magic.
Gaius (Richard Wilson) is approached regarding the 'talisman' which is a rune mark and he is weary of it predicting Arthur's death. Arthur's death having being predicted since the start of season 5. Arthur is meant to redeem himself by no longer outlawing magic and he has a difficult decision to make, so he asks for counsel from Gaius and even Merlin. Gwen once again telling Arthur that he is a good king and has nothing to fear. His good works at Camelot speak for themselves.
Merlin in desperation calls to the Dragon (John Hurt) and he is glad Merlin decided to call him with this dilemma. The Dragon advises he had the chance to kill Mordred and didn't take it an now he should do exactly that next time the opportunity presents itself. No sooner had he spoken that very same opportunity arrives, as Arthur makes up his mind to go after the Disir for himself. Not heeding Merlin's words that when they arrive at the cave, they should leave their weapons outside as the place is sacred.
Arthur confronting his accusers, which was not the thing to do since they are of the old religion, they don't see justice or the right to be judged by one's peers. How was he hoping to reason with them without the magic card rearing its head. They attack Arthur and Merlin deflects their weapons. Mordred once again saves Arthur, almost sacrificing his own life in the process. Didn't it look like Merlin purposely deflected the spear towards Mordred? Anyway Merlin tells Arthur he can't help Mordred, only Gaius can.
Gaius however can't do much as he's dealing with old religion magic. When alone, he tells Merlin only his magic can save Mordred but Merlin, having the courage of his convictions refuses to help. Also heeding the Dragon's warning. Gaius reminds him of the boy that turned up at Camelot and Merlin tells him he grew up. So instead of healing Mordred and saving Arthur from a guilt trip and lots of moral indignation. Merlin would rather ride out with Arthur once more and confront the Disir and how would that have changed things? A chance for the two to have another talk. With Merlin once more repeating what a good king Arthur is and will be, he is destined to be such. Arthur talks of fate and Merlin says destiny and fate are two different things. Which they are.
Merlin is becoming increasingly dark and Arthur asks him what he would do, would he let magic into Camelot. Merlin, all teary eyed replies he should not let his hard work in improving Camelot be wasted. He wouldn't introduce magic. Well that's a contradiction and a touching thing for Merlin to say. He is behind magic being allowed one day and here he says the very thing that he will eventually root for. Merlin's dilemma is to either let Arthur die if Mordred is healed, or to let magic die if Arthur is killed by Mordred. It was no contest really. It pains Merlin to go against all he believes.
When they arrive at Camelot, they find Mordred is better and Merlin finds Mordred's survival and recovery is Arthur's punishment for turning his back on magic and the old ways. Thus leaving open the question of whether Arthur will meet his destiny and doom at the hands of Mordred. Before Merlin explained this was Arthur's punishment, it was almost as if Mordred had used his own magic to heal himself, which of course was impossible, those with magic don't save themselves in this show.
What was surprising was Gaius allowing Merlin to get his way in not wanting to heal Mordred, instead he would let him die to save a king and kingdom. Merlin is meant to be there for Arthur so surely there will be other ways in which he could look out for him. His stance was short lived anyway as Mordred is saved without his help in the end.
Osgar tells Arthur the same thing that Lochru said to Merlin did in Arthur's Bane Part 1: ""even as Camelot flowers, the seeds of her destruction are being sown." The Dragon used to say something similar too.
Arthur is once again referred to as "the once and future king" by Osgard.
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