- We learn that Merlin's getting along pretty well at his cave.
- Uther has given Merlin the whole hill, and people from the town leave goodies like bread and wine to help out their local magician.
- Near Easter, a messenger arrives from Uther. Uther really wants to see Merlin in London for the coronation.
- But it's not just about a swanky party: the messenger says they have to leave RIGHT NOW.
- Merlin, however, can see that the messenger is injured, and he insists on treating him first.
- Merlin stares down at the town below him and has a vision. He sees a crystal globe in his hands, and in it, he sees all of Britain. And it seems that he holds the safety of Britain in his palms.
- Somehow, Merlin knows that this (whatever it is) is his destiny—and that the time has come to put things into play.
- When he comes to, Merlin sees that he's only holding some plants in his hands. He goes back to the messenger to fix his wrist.
- It turns out that the messenger is the same Ulfin who was Belasius' servant back in Brittany. Remember the one who was scared out of his mind when Merlin searched out the druids?
- Merlin learns that Belasius died of a fever and that Uther has taken Ulfin into his service. He still acts like a beaten dog, and no wonder: he tells Merlin that times are bad and scary.
- As they travel toward London, Merlin learns that Uther has girl trouble: he's after Gorlois' gorgeous—and much younger—wife, Ygraine.
- And Uther isn't keeping his lust on the down low: he's publicly hanging out with Ygraine, sending her the best dishes at banquets, etc. Not cool. Gorlois is his best ally.
- Ygraine also seems to be pretty uncomfortable with this situation. She does everything possible not to encourage Uther, especially in public.
- Merlin thinks that Uther's nutters. He can't afford to mess around with such a powerful man as Gorlois.
- Cadal thinks that's why Uther has summoned Merlin. Maybe Uther's under some kind of spell that needs breaking? Merlin tells Cadal that he's not in the business of breaking spells.