In flashbacks to Camelot, a chance encounter with our heroes gives Merida new hope in her quest to save her brothers from the usurping clans of DunBroch. Unwilling to leave anything up to fate, she brings Belle along on a dangerous journey that culminates in an invaluable lesson in bravery. Meanwhile, in Storybrooke, Regina and the Charmings discover a spell that allows one of Merlin's chosen few to communicate with him; they grow suspicious, however, when Arthur fails to reach the missing Sorcerer. As this goes on, Emma commands Merida to kill Belle in hopes of forcing Mr. Gold's heroic transformation, and with Merida unable to disobey the Dark Swan's orders, Gold must find the courage to fight for his true love's life or risk losing her forever.