ACT II: THE SEARCH FOR ELORA DANAN
CUT TO:
INT. BROWNIE VILLAGE - MORNING
Madmartigan, Willow, Sorsha and Liam have mount their horses and
pony, and are heading towards the main forest, away from the village.
Rool and Franjean stand atop a tree branch as they watch the riders
pass by.
FRANJEAN
Farewell! We would go with you if
we could, but Cherlindrea needs us
for her eyes!
ROOL
Try not to get yourselves killed!
I know it will be difficult without
us there to help you, but try to
manage anyway!
FRANJEAN
Yes! Go on and leave us to our boring
lives here in the forest!
As the riders wave at them and ride out of sight, Rool and Franjean
sigh and look at each other. They talk quieter.
ROOL
They are going to have so much fun.
FRANJEAN
I know. We may as well be knitting
quilts for Daikini babies.
They slowly trudge back to the village.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The riders ride on. Willow rides up to Madmartigan.
WILLOW
We have no idea where to start
looking.
SORSHA
Cherlindrea said that friends would
help us. We could use them.
WILLOW
But who? I know no one with that
much skill.
SORSHA
I don't think anyone does.
MADMARTIGAN
I do.
They look at him.
SORSHA
Why shouldn't that suprise me. As
usual, my dear husband proves there's
more to him than meets the eye. How
come you've never told me of this friend.
MADMARTIGAN
I haven't seen him in many years. I'd
almost forgotten about him, but when she
said that thing about friends who could
help, he immediately popped into mind.
He was one who helped train me in the
tracker ways, but I could never match
his skill. No one living can.
SORSHA
How can you be sure to find him?
MADMARTIGAN
He wouldn't move. He has one of the best,
if not the best hiding place in the land.
I'm only one of three other people who know
about it. The other two are dead.
SORSHA
The hiding place is that good?
Madmartigan smiles, for it is time for him to boast. A favorite
past time with him.
MADMARTIGAN
Let me put it to you this way. He is to
tracking and stealth what I am to skill
with the sword.
SORSHA
Then perhaps we should find someone better.
Madmartigan frowns as Willow and Liam laugh.
MADMARTIGAN
Sometimes I don't know why I keep you
around, woman.
SORSHA
Because I am the sun to your dark world,
the woman you love.
MADMARTIGAN
I guess that could be it.
SORSHA
Or because I keep your head below the
clouds so you can see when someone tries
to lop it off.
MADMARTIGAN
And as you just proved, you are good at
that.
Willow brings them back on subject.
WILLOW
Where can we find him?
MADMARTIGAN
Near the Lake Shire.
WILLOW
That is a long ways off. We could lose
a lot of time and Elora Danan could lose
a lot more than that.
MADMARTIGAN
Don't underestimate that girl, Willow.
She can take care of herself for a time.
But I guarantee you when we find Ginner,
all of our lost time will be made up for
when he tracks her down.
LIAM
How can one man be so good?
MADMARTIGAN
More than just looking for tracks and
marks, which he is unparalleled at, no
doubt, he can almost sense where someone
has been, which way they've gone. It's
as if he's got a bit of magic guiding him.
Which may be true. Or he may just have
a heightened sixth sense about things. No
one really knows, least of all him. I
have a personal item of Elora's. That is
all he will need. We will find her
quickly after that.
WILLOW
I guess we really have no choice in
the matter, do we. If we mean to find
her, we have to find this tracker friend
of yours.
MADMARTIGAN
Way to see reason, Willow.
SORSHA
Don't worry, Willow. We want to find her
as much as you do, if not more. She was
like a daughter to us.
MADMARTIGAN
There were many who thought Sorsha was
her real mom, thanks to that fiery red
hair of hers.
He reaches over and runs a hand through Sorsha's ungraying red hair.
They head in the direction that Madmartigan leads them.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAINS - DAY
The group travel down the road through the plains. They start to grow
weary.
WILLOW
How much farther does this man
live?
MADMARTIGAN
The Lake Shire isn't that far now.
We should be there soon. Then we
can start looking for Elora.
A loud SQUAWK is heard far off.
LIAM
What was that?
SORSHA
Sounds like a bird.
LIAM
I've never heard a bird like that.
The SQUAWK again.
MADMARTIGAN
Neither have I.
The look around, but don't see anything.
MADMARTIGAN
Let's just keep going.
They ride on in silence, each listening carefully. They don't
hear anything more.
Liam looks behind him and notices a speck in the background.
LIAM
Maybe that's it.
They all look back. The squawk sounds out again.
WILLOW
That is it.
The bird gets larger and larger as it draws closer.
WILLOW
Have you ever seen a bird that
big?
MADMARTIGAN
I haven't.
SORSHA
Remember what Cherlindrea said about
other Dark Creatures?
Madmartigan draws his sword.
MADMARTIGAN
Yes. Let's keep going and act as
if nothing is out of the ordinary.
They ride on, occasionally throwing a look over their shoulders.
LIAM
That speck is getting bigger faster...
Before they know it a GIANT DARK HAWK is upon them. It swoops down,
very quickly, and snatches Liam at the shoulders with it's talons.
It swoops up, taking Liam with it before any of the group can do
anything. It flies off over the plains to the right of where they
were headed.
They quickly take off after the bird.
MADMARTIGAN
Willow, can't you cast a spell?!
WILLOW
They're too far off! I can't risk
getting Liam!
They ride on after the bird until it disappears into the distance.
Madmartigan draws to a stop.
MADMARTIGAN
We'll never catch up with that thing.
WILLOW
We have to try! We might as well kill
him ourselves if we let that thing have
him!
MADMARTIGAN
But we must also find Elora, or everyone
will pay the price.
WILLOW
We can't just leave him to that bird!
MADMARTIGAN
Calm down, Willow. I know we can't.
You and Sorsha ride after him in the
direction where we lost sight. I'll
go find Ginner.
SORSHA
Where will we meet?
MADMARTIGAN
Don't worry about that. If I can get
Ginner, we'll find you before this day
is out.
He rides next to Sorsha's horse and leans over to give her a kiss.
She
returns it aplenty. They break it off.
MADMARTIGAN
I will see you guys tonight, if not
sooner.
SORSHA
I'm holding you too it.
Madmartigan flashes his rogue smile.
MADMARTIGAN
When have I ever let you down?
Sorsha smiles back.
SORSHA
Let me count the ways.
That illicits a grin from her husband.
MADMARTIGAN
I love you. You know that, right?
SORSHA
More than you can guess.
MADMARTIGAN
Take care of her, Willow.
With that, Madmartigan turns back on the rode and rides off at a
gallop. Willow and Sorsha continue on into the fields of the plains
in the direction of the Hawk.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE OF TIR ASLEEN - DAY
Establishing shot of the castle, the former castle of Elora Danan.
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
Two guards stand on either side of the door to the Throne Room. They
stand at rigid attention, their faces covered by helmets.
Upon the Throne sits a figure clad in a BLACK CLOAK. His dark hair
sweeps back and hangs to his shoulders. His face is ageless, but he
is older than the ages.
This is the URWAINEAN, the DARK SORCERER KING.
The door comes open and a figure walks in and steps in front of the
King.
URWAINEAN
You have urgent news for me, Advisor?
ADVISOR
Yes, M'Lord, but first...
He cast a hand towards the guards and chants under his breath.
ADVISOR
...sleep...
The guards crumple down, put to sleep by the Advisor Scorcerer's spell.
The Sorcerer King looks amused.
URWAINEAN
What was the meaning of that?
The advisor doesn't answer. He draws power through both of his hands
as they stretch out to either side of him. Then he CLAPS THEM
TOGETHER, sending an enormous WASH OF POWER over the Dark Sorcerer
King, who makes no move to defend himself.
The King melts under the power of his so called advisor.
The Advisor stops when there is nothing left of the Sorcerer King.
ADVISOR
Now, Princess Elora Danan may take
her rightful throne.
A guard behind him straightens up, apparently still awake. He removes
his helmet and is revealed as the True Dark Sorcerer King.
URWAINEAN
I'm afraid you've made a mistake.
He nods his head at his former advisor and the man starts turning
purple. He looks down at himself, horrified.
URWAINEAN
You are now a part of the past. No
longer a part of the present, and
surely never will be a part of the
future. Like all things, you shall
turn to ash.
Turn to ash he does. His entire body, head to toe. Then a supernatural
GUST OF WIND blows through the chamber blowing the ash away. Nothing
is left of the former advisor.
Urwainean sighs as he cast his hands towards the sleeping guards.
They all stand straight up, awake. The doors open again as another
ADVISOR, GABRIEL walks in.
GABRIEL
It seems as though you were right
about him, Sire.
URWAINEAN
Perhaps all will now see that I can
see through any deceit. Any plan to
take me down. Do they not understand
that thousands of years ago, I ruled
supreme when my foes were ten times
more powerful than anything living in
these days.
GABRIEL
These who fight for the cause of the
so called Good are little more than
zealots. They can never refrain from
trying. They will always attempt to
end your life.
The Dark King laughs at this.
URWAINEAN
That is an amusing thought. Do they
not realize I am neither Good nor Evil.
I am simply King. The rightful King of
this entire Land.
GABRIEL
Like I said, Sire, zealots. Nothing
more.
URWAINEAN
What of this Elora Danan? That is not
the first time I've heard that name.
The zealots have her name on their tongues
like some talisman.
Gabriel hesitates. Urwainean spins on him.
URWAINEAN
Well, speak up. You, of all that
I know, have always something to
say. Why the silence now? Is it
this Elora Danan?
GABRIEL
No one knows her whereabouts, M'Lord.
No one in our forces, and none of
the zealots. But she is one to keep
a watch for. She, of all in the
entire land, could be your most deadly
enemy. She was the one that our
prophesy said would destroy the Queen.
And destroy our Queen she did. When
she was but an infant. And our Queen
was the most powerful Sorceress in
the entire land. I would be wary of
this Elora Danan, Sire.
Urainean looks deep into Gabriel's eyes.
URWAINEAN
Your "queen" was nothing. If this
Elora Danan wishes to challenge me,
let her. When I cast her down, perhaps
all will see that NOTHING will
take me from my rightful place. Ever.
Gabriel looks down. He believes the King.
GABRIEL
If you destroy Elora Danan, My Lord,
there will be no one who would be
able to challenge you.
Urwainean nods.
URWAINEAN
If she is brave enough to come
forward, then that will be the
outcome.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDSCAPE - DAY
We get a view of the surrounding landscape from the air. Far off in
front of the camera stands a small city.
With a loud squawk, the DARK HAWK swoops down in front of the camera
in the general direction of the city.
Liam still hangs in it's clutches. His hair blows from the wind as
the bird carries him at high speeds through the air.
He notices the city that they are fast approaching. He can see the
people gathered in the streets as they stop and look up at the approaching
beast.
Liam grits his teeth as he lifts his knees to his chest. The bird's
grip is strong, it will not let go of him.
Strapped on a sheath on his boot is a LONG KNIFE.
With an effort, Liam is able to grab the knife. He relaxes his body
again as the bird swoops over the city. Liam looks down and sees they
are over the main square. People stare up at him.
Liam grabs the handle with both hands and THRUSTS UP.
The blade imbeds the bird's chest and it lets out a thunderous SCREECH!
It starts to fly low and is almost buzzing the heads of the people in
the street. Liam TWISTS the knife and the bird's talons relax and Liam
goes CRASHING into a group of people.
He regains his feet in the midst of the people he knocked down. He
grabs his shoulder and grimaces in pain as he watches the bird fly
past the town and slowly start to turn around.
A YOUNG WOMAN standing nearby by a door leading into a boarding room
reaches out and grabs him. She pulls him into the room and shuts
the door before anyone can really tell what's going on.
INT. BOARDING ROOM
Liam gasps in pain and looks up into the face of a young woman, about
his age, with shoulder length black hair. She holds him against the
wall and shoves a hand over his mouth before he can say anything.
She motions with her other hand that he should "Shhh".
He nods and she moves her hand away. They hear a squawk outside as
the bird comes back, looking for him.
The crowd outside screams and one scream in particular is heard over
the others. The scream gets louder and then quieter as the bird
lifts another victim out of the square.
Liam closes his eyes in anger and disbelief.
LIAM
My God. I should have stayed
out there. I had a better chance
surviving that thing than those
people did.
The girl cast her eyes down and nods.
GIRL
I didn't think about it taking
another. But there is nothing we
can do about that now and you
are hurt. Come on and I'll give
you something to drink and treat
your wounds.
The girl walks off into another room and Liam takes a seat on
the bed. He finally looks around and sees that there is just
the bed, a table, some cabinets and not much else. The room
she went to must have been the bathing room.
A couple of minutes later, she walks back out with a mug in
one hand and some bandages and ointment in another.
GIRL
Take off your shirt.
Liam, too exhausted to really realize the ludicrousness of a pretty
young girl ordering him to take off his shirt, complies.
There are marks where the bird's claws dug into his flesh just below
where his shoulders are on the front and back.
GIRL
Drink this. It'll help with the
pain and your thirst. I'll apply
some ointment and bandages.
He takes the cup and sips from it. His eyes widen in approval.
LIAM
This is good.
GIRL
I made it.
LIAM
What's in it?
The girl smiles.
GIRL
I'd rather not give that
away.
LIAM
Which means I'm probably better
off not knowing what's in it.
GIRL
You could take it like that.
Liam's face relaxes in pleasure she puts the ointment on his wounds.
He looks at her.
LIAM
Why are you being so kind?
GIRL
Because you need the help.
LIAM
But why? Would you help out just
anybody?
GIRL
You are just anybody, aren't you?
LIAM
Why?
GIRL
It's just how I am. I can't turn
my back on someone who needs help.
It's not my way. I was raised better
than that.
LIAM
Well, I, for one, am grateful for
that. And for you.
GIRL
It's always a pleasure to help those
who need it.
She bandages him up.
LIAM
My name is Liam, by the way.
GIRL
I am Tara.
LIAM
I'm glad you were where you were
when I landed, Tara. But I'm still
sorrowful that someone else had to
pay the price.
TARA
It's not your fault or mine. We
can't see the future. We make the
choices we feel are best at the time.
There's no need in regretting them.
I don't regret pulling you in to safety.
Liam pulls his tunic back over his head and stands up.
LIAM
I have to get back to my friends.
They'll be looking for me. I'm glad
to have met you, Tara, and I wish I
could stay longer and talk, but I have
to go.
TARA
Who are your friends?
LIAM
They are some very important people.
We were looking for someone when that
bird attacked us. The sooner I can
find them, the sooner we can be back
to our business. I know this sounds
silly, but the future of all life could
depend on our finding this one person.
And if I know Madmartigan and his friends,
they will be looking for me instead of
her.
TARA
I must come with you.
LIAM
What about your life here?
Tara snorts.
TARA
I have no life here. I help in the
market when I can, but it's not ful-
filling. I have no roots here. If
your quest is important as you say it
is, then you can use all the help you
can get. Besides, this town is growing
dangerous. That wound you inflicted
on that beast would have killed a normal
creature. But it kept coming. If
something like that can come close here,
then there's no telling what will come
next. Thing's just aren't getting any
better here.
LIAM
Do you know how we can get horses?
TARA
I have some horses myself. We can
use those. I have nothing to take,
save myself. We can be off in no time.
LIAM
Then I would be honored to have you
join me, Tara. But I have to warn
you that this is serious business we
are getting into. The type where
people die or much worse.
TARA
I understand that, and if you understood
my life til now, you would know that
that holds no fear over me.
LIAM
Then we'd best leave while the sun is
still in the sky.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE SHIRE - DAY
Madmartigan rows a boat over the calm surface of LAKE SHIRE. He
pulls
out near the center of the lake.
In the distance, we see a very small piece of land. An island that
is merely a pile of dirt and nothing more.
Madmartigan rows toward it.
Before he can reach it, however, his boat comes to a forceful stop.
He looks around warily. He brings the oars into the boat and his
hand goes instinctively to the hilt of his sword.
He looks out into the water. The surface is calm. Nothing seems
to be amiss anywhere. That's when a TENTACLE come splashing past the
surface and wraps around the boat.
Madmartigan stands in the boat and draws his sword. He HACKS into
the tentacle, but it doesn't sever it. He hits it again a couple
of more times and the tentacle lets go.
Madmartigan looks at the blade of his sword in disbelief.
MADMARTIGAN
Nothing of this world is that strong.
This time TWO TENTACLES splash past the surface. They don't wrap
around the boat, either, they come straight for Madmartigan. He
knocks one away with his sword, but the other wraps around his feet
and he falls over.
He keeps ahold of his sword as he feels himself being lifted out of
the boat. He jabs his sword back into the tentacle holding him and
it lets him go. He must have hit it in a soft spot.
Madmartigan falls back into the boat.
An ENORMOUS SPLASH from behind causes Madmartigan to turn around and
his eyes to go wide. The creature that has come from the depths has
the head of a gator, but five times as large. One eye is mounted over
the wide jaws. It's stout tail propels it to the boat and crashes into
it.
The Creature raises it's head over the boat and two tentacles wrap
around Madmartigan's body and starts to drag him toward that head.
Madmartigan tries to keep from going, but the thing is too strong.
Before he gets to the mouth, however, Madmartigan raises his sword and
HEAVES it into the creature's one eye.
It strikes and the blade BURIES into the eye up to the hilt. A loud
SCREAM shakes the waters as the tentacles let go of Madmartigan. The
creature starts to sink, but Madmartigan rushes to the bow of the boat
and grabs the hilt of his sword.
He yanks it free and another ROAR fills the air. The creature sinks
below the surface and doesn't threaten to rise anymore.
Shaken, Madmartigan takes the oars and starts to row toward the
island. He pulls up beside the piece of land barely big enough for
three people to stand on comfortably together and throws his anchor.
He steps off the boat onto the land and reaches down to a certain rock
in a small pile of them. He pulls the right rock and a TRAP DOOR like
opening opens. Madmartigan looks down.
We see a wooden ladder leading down a long shaft into a natural chamber
that sits underneath the lake. Madmartigan smiles and starts his climb
down, pulling the door closed before he gets to far.
INT. GINNER'S HIDEOUT - DAY
Madmartigan makes it to the bottom of the ladder and looks around.
He is in a hallway. One opening looks into a kitchen area, the
other to a living chamber. Madmartigan goes through this one.
INT. GINNER'S HIDEOUT - LIVING CHAMBER
Swords, shields and weapons of all kinds adorn the walls. Fishing
equipment is everywhere. Earthen pots litter the floor and laying
on an old cot is and OLD MAN.
Madmartigan clears his throat loudly and steps on an already cracked
pot, making a huge racket. The old man stirs and sits up quickly.
MADMARTIGAN
It's not often someone can sneak
up on the great Ginner unawares.
The old man's eyes focus and his shock disappears.
GINNER
Madmartigan! You remembered where
I lived after all these years?
MADMARTIGAN
How would I forget. It's the most
ingenious hiding place I have ever
come across.
Ginner smiles at the compliment.
GINNER
Indeed it is! Come and sit down!
I'd offer you some food, but I
ain't been a'fishin' yet.
MADMARTIGAN
That's okay. I'm kind of in a rush.
I've come to ask you a favor.
Ginner's smile fades, replaced by a frown.
GINNER
I shoulda known. 'Specially with the
likes a you. Haven't seen a friend in
north a twenty years and ya seek 'im
out to ask a *favor*.
MADMARTIGAN
I wouldn't have come if it wasn't
important.
GINNER
You shoulda come any other time before
now, too. As a guest, a friend, but
I guess ya ain't got time for old friends,
have ya, ya old rogue.
MADMARTIGAN
Ginner, I'm sure you've noticed the
darkness falling over the land. There
is only one hope in dispelling it, and
that is the Princess, Elora Danan. She
has disappeared and we haven't seen her
in months. If we don't find her, the
Dark Sorcerer King will rule over this
land for the next thousand years with
no one to stop him. I need you to help
me find Elora Danan.
Ginner huffs.
GINNER
I could care less who rules the land.
I can get by, no matter whichn' rules.
MADMARTIGAN
Sooner or later, you'll be drawn in,
you old fool. Dark Creatures roam
the land. Even the waters. I was
attacked by one on my way to see you
in this very lake. The likes of which
I've never seen before. It almost took
my life and my boat. If not for my
skill as a warrior, a skill YOU helped
instill in me, I would be lobster
food on the bottom of this lake.
GINNER
A monster attacked you right here'n
this lake?
MADMARTIGAN
Yes, a hideous creature.
GINNER
Tweren't no dark creature! That was
Warwick! He was my pet!
Madmartigan is momentarily shocked speechless.
MADMARTIGAN
P...pet?
GINNER
Yeah! And you killed 'em! He
was only guardin' my home!
MADMARTIGAN
Huge teeth?
GINNER
Yes!
MADMARTIGAN
Indestructible tentacles?
GINNER
That was Warwick! And you killed
'im, you heartless whore monger!
Madmartigan gets up, starting to anger.
MADMARTIGAN
Of course I killed him, he was
trying to eat me! What would you
expect me to do?!
GINNER
He wouldn't eat ya! He hates the
taste of human flesh. Mighta tore
ya up, though, can't argue with that.
Madmartigan is standing with his mouth gaping open, in disbelief.
Ginner sighs.
GINNER
I guess I can't blame you too
much.
MADMARTIGAN
Too much! It was me or him!
I had no choice!
GINNER
It still breaks th' heart, though.
He was my only companion.
Madmartigan sits down, too shocked over the whole ordeal to say much
anything.
Ginner has calmed down a whole lot.
GINNER
I don't 'spect I can help you
too much, Madmartigan. I ain't
kept in practice too much here'n
the past few years.
Madmartigan looks at him, tries to come up with a better sale's pitch.
MADMARTIGAN
Must get pretty boring down here,
huh. Living under the lake, a
hideous lake creature as your
only friend.
Ginner sighs.
GINNER
Yeah, I guess 'tain't too exciting
down here.
A gleam comes to his eyes.
GINNER
Not like in the old days.
Madmartigan notices that gleam.
MADMARTIGAN
Ginner, this is BETTER than
the old days. The odds are
stacked against us like never
before. It's looks as though
we won't win.
GINNER
Lookin' grim, eh?
MADMARTIGAN
Never Grimmer. An evil all
powerful sorcerer taken over the
land, a fair maiden to find against
all odds, I'd say we've never seen
anything like this before. And I'm
stuck right in the middle of it.
GINNER
Are ya, now?
MADMARTIGAN
Yes, I am. You could be stuck in
it with me, Ginner. The old days'll
look like playing cards with the old
ladies back in Brakendorn compared with
the adventures we'll go through on this
one.
Ginner slowly smiles.
GINNER
You always had a way of makin' things
look a lot more tempting than they
really are, Madmartigan.
MADMARTIGAN
But this time, I don't have to exag-
gerate.
GINNER
I got a feelin' you ain't lyin',
friend. This actually sounds like
it could be a bit a fun after all.
Madmartigan smiles slyly.
MADMARTIGAN
Oh, it will be. I can guarantee
that.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROADWAY - DAY
Willow and Sorsha ride at a fast pace down the roadway. A ways in
front of them is a WALLED CITY. Behind the city, the forest begins.
WILLOW
Finally! A city! Maybe someone
has seen the bird.
SORSHA
It's definitely worth a look.
We're getting nowhere just riding
along. I had hoped we would have
seen him by now.
They ride up to the gates of the city. Two guards stand outside
the doorway and allow the two visitors to pass.
EXT. ZUTTON - DAY
The city is a massive almost metropolis. Dwellings and Markets
line the streets. Wagons and horses are everywhere.
WILLOW
There seems to be no shortage of
people who might have seen something.
Sorsha looks around warily.
SORSHA
Yes. Let's hope they aren't the
evil type.
Willow looks around in wonder.
WILLOW
This is the biggest daikini village
I've ever seen.
SORSHA
If I'm right, this is probably Zutton.
One of the biggest trade posts in the
land. We must be very cautious. A
place like this is probably already
under the rule of the Dark Sorcerer
King.
Willow nods his head in understanding.
WILLOW
Then it probably wouldn't be best to
just start asking obvious questions.
SORSHA
Two strangers chasing a giant bird
could cause suspicion, yes. On the
other hand, however, we haven't much
time.
As they ride by a shop where a woman is cutting a man's hair on the
outer porch, Willow looks over to them and smiles, and tries his
hand at being casual about it.
WILLOW
Boy, did we see a sight on the way
over here! A bird the likes of which
I've never seen headed in this very
direction. Don't suppose you happened
to see it, huh? It was quite a sight.
The man getting his hair cut looks up at the two.
MAN
Get of here, Peck! No one wants
to hear your wild imaginings here!
We have our own problems, and if
I were you, I'd be off before they
became your problems as well.
He looks over at Sorsha with an appreciative eye.
MAN
And you. Riding around with a peck.
For shame. Surely you could have use
of a bit bigger... companion?
Sorsha rides up to the porch, whips out her jagged edged sword and
has it at the man's neck before he can flinch.
The barber backs off in suprise.
SORSHA
And I don't need the likes of you
telling me what sort of companions
I should be riding with.
She casts a glance at the barber.
SORSHA
You missed a spot, dear.
With that, she flicks the sword and cuts the man's sideburn off.
She then withdraws and continues down the street with Willow. Several
onlookers stare at the two.
Willow leans over and speaks to Sorsha in a low voice.
WILLOW
What was that about not arising
people's suspicions?
Sorsha waves his worry away.
SORSHA
If I'm the first to have pulled a sword
on that filth, then this world IS coming
to a bad end.
WILLOW
Still, I can live through a mere
insult. Don't go getting us killed!
SORSHA
Relax. I know these types. For some
reason I have the feeling that we are
the least of their concerns. They
seem anxious about something.
WILLOW
Of course he did! You had a sword at
his neck. I'd wager that I'd be anxious,
too!
SORSHA
Not just him.
She motions about her as they ride on.
SORSHA
The entire populous seems jittery
to me.
Willow looks around.
WILLOW
They seem normal to me.
SORSHA
I was a soldier once, trained to
notice the moods of people. And
as a sorcerer, I'd think you would
as well.
Willow shrugs.
WILLOW
Maybe if they were of my own people,
but Daikinis are different all together.
But the way that man shrugged me off,
I'd gather that no one has seen a giant
bird around.
SORSHA
We must pick up the trail somehow.
Willow looks down.
WILLOW
It's been so long, now. Maybe he's
dead.
SORSHA
I hope not, but we can't discount that
possibility. The birds live for flight.
With one of that size, there's no telling
how fast it can fly.
WILLOW
Perhaps when Madmartigan gets back with
his friend, we'll have better luck. At
least we can make sure.
Sorsha doesn't answer. She looks down the street and notices people
getting off the road.
A CONTINGENT OF CITY SOLDIERS trot down the street on their horses in
Willow and Sorsha's direction. Willow tenses up, thinking they've been
found out.
Sorsha shoots him a glance.
SORSHA
We don't know this is about us.
Let's get off the road.
She rides her horse to the side of the road, and Willow follows her
lead.
The soldiers make it to them, then pass. People start following the
soldiers.
SORSHA
Something's up. Let's go see.
They ride off, following the crowd.
EXT. VILLAGE HALL - DAY
The soldiers ride up to a raised podium in the front of a building
signed as "ZUTTON HALL".
Sorsha and Willow keep to the outskirts of the crowd. The crowd
forms a circle around the soldiers as they wait by the podium.
One soldier pulls out in front and approaches the podium.
SORSHA
This must be the building where
they hold city council. They probably
make announcements to the village on
that podium. I wonder who they're
waiting for.
Willow tenses up.
WILLOW
I'm feeling a concentration of magic
around here.
SORSHA
I feel something too.
WILLOW
It is powerful if a non sorcerer can
feel it. It's almost a presence by
itself.
As he says this, dust and particles start swirling atop the podium.
Eventually it becomes a virtual lightshow. As the magics calm down,
the FORM OF A MAN becomes visible on the podium.
The man is normal to look at, except he has FOUR ARMS. He looks over
the crowd, his features menacing.
This is apparently the person these people have been waiting for.
JUJGIM
Jujgim returns to hear of your
decision. Will you willingly
turn over complete control of
your precious Zutton to Urwainean,
or do you continue to refuse to
acknowledge him as your one, true
King? He has given you these five
months to decide and now Jujgim
must hear what you have to say.
The leader of the soldiers dismounts and walks directly to the
podium. He turns out and speaks to the crowd.
MARIK
Zutton will NEVER acknowledge one
such as Urwainean as our true ruler!
We REFUSE to go back to the barbaric
days such as we lived in under the
rule of the Queen and we will fight
to the END to keep this from happening!
The crowd cheers.
SORSHA
This must be their "own problems"
the man at the barber was speaking
of.
Willow doesn't answer, only nods as he looks on at the spectacle.
JUJGIM
This is what both Urwainean and
Jujgim feared. Jujgim now decrees
that he will be the new ruler of
Zutton and bring it under the true
rule of Urwainean, our King!
MARIK
NOW!!!
The group of soldiers suddenly hold aloft BOWS AND ARROWS and let them
fling at Jujgim. The arrows all come to a STOP inches from Jujgim's
body. Then they explode in tiny bursts, throwing small pieces of wood
everywhere.
JUJGIM
If this is the type of resistance one
can expect, then Jujgim will have no
problems with this village.
He grabs Marik with one of his hands and lifts him far into the air in
front of him. He closes his eyes and clouds form above the two. He
holds Marik aloft and lightening strikes all around the podium.
One STRIKES Marik on the head and FLOWS all the way through his body.
Then it stops. Marik slumps down, still alive, but barely. We
can't really see his features. Jujgim tosses him at the group of soldiers.
His body knocks one soldier off of his horse and they land in a heap.
The soldier gets up, rolls Marik around to see how he is.
Marik is no longer a recognizable human. His features are distorted.
Another small eye is growing by his ear. His mouth is halfway fused
shut. His hair is only in patches on his skull. The soldier looks on
in horror.
Marik manages to utter a sentence out of the side of his mouth.
MARIK
K...kill me...please...
The soldier stutters, but can't get any words out.
JUJGIM
If Marik's own soldiers cannot grant
him mercy, then Jujgim shall.
He holds a hand up and a sword floats from the soldiers sheath. It
flies through the air and impales Marik through the heart.
JUJGIM
Perhaps from now on, Jujgim shall be
known as Jujgim the Merciful!
Willow's anger is about to get the best of him. He leans over and
speaks low to Sorsha.
WILLOW
I shall go challenge him!
Sorsha lays a hand on his shoulder.
SORSHA
Don't rush into this, Willow.
You don't know the extent of his
power.
WILLOW
It doesn't matter. I can't let
him do this to these people. I'm
the only hope they have!
SORSHA
No. Your purpose in this whole
dark affair is far greater. You
can't risk yourself on this.
Willow is able to hold himself back, but just barely.
SORSHA
I understand your anger, believe
me, I feel it, too. But we must
hold our cards close to our chest
for now.
Back at the podium, the troops are riled up. Almost as one they
charge the podium where Jujgim stands.
Jujgim raises two hands and the soldiers freeze. They can't move
anywhere. The crowd is scared witless.
Then Jujgim holds his other two arms high into the air. Power flows
from them. A LOUD NOISE fills the sky. Everyone looks around
in
absolute horror.
The walls that surround Zutton are RISING.
EXT. ZUTTON - DAY
We have a bird's eye view of the city and indeed, the walls are RISING
high above the city.
EXT. ZUTTON HALL - DAY
Willow and Sorsha look up as the Walls start to turn inward, as if to
cover the entire city.
EXT. ZUTTON - DAY
We watch from the bird's eye view as the walls start to curve over the
city. They continue to stretch out until they all MEET, forming a
GIANT DOME over the city.
EXT. ZUTTON HALL - DAY
The sun has been blocked out. Panic ensues in the forced darkness.
EXT. ZUTTON - DAY
The entrances to the city fill in until there is nothing but a solid
stone dome encompassing the entire village of Zutton.
The ground at four different places around the great city starts to
stir. At all four points where the city begins to curve around (the
"corners", so to speak), GIANT GUARDS MADE OF THE DIRT rise from the ground
and take positions at each point, standing as sentries guarding the city
from everything that would pass.
EXT. ZUTTON HALL - DAY
As the crowd panics, Jujgim speaks again.
JUJGIM
As your punishment for defying
Urwainean, King of all the world,
you have all been banished to the
village of Zutton with Jujgim as
your direct ruler until you are
ready to declare Urwainean as your
rightful King and Ruler!
Sorsha looks at Willow.
SORSHA
This is a delay we do not need.
WILLOW
Perhaps there is someway we can
get out.
SORSHA
Maybe. For now, I believe we should
try to stay out of sight, and away
from this Jujgim character.
She directs her horse away from the village hall and rides into the
darkness with Willow right behind her.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROADWAY - DAY
Liam and Tara tear down the wooded path on their horses. They keep
looking over their shoulders as if something is pursuing them.
LIAM
Is he gone!?
Tara looks back.
TARA
He's still back there somewhere!
Liam curses under his breath.
LIAM
We would run into trouble as soon
as we left that town.
TARA
We're pretty far ahead!
She spies a good spot a bit in front of them.
TARA
When I tell you, ride off on your
side of the road!
LIAM
Wha...
TARA
Just do it!
Liam nods. They ride a bit more.
TARA
Now!
Liam veers off on his side of the rode. Tara does the same on the
opposite side.
Tara dismounts and quickly pulls some rope out of her saddle bag.
She ties it to a tree close to the road. Liam watches her, catching
the idea.
She tosses it to him across the road.
Liam grabs it and ties the other end to a tree near his side of the
road. The rope is tied taut across the road.
TARA
Now hide!
They both duck into the woods, hiding their horses.
Soon, hoof beats are heard in the distance. Quickly, we see a BLUE
HORSE with a BLUE KNIGHT mounted on it come riding from the distance
at a fast pace.
He gets closer and closer to the rope until...
WHAP!
The horse hits the rope and the Blue Knight goes FLYING through the
air.
Liam quickly runs from his hiding place, sword drawn. He WHACKS the
Blue Knight a mighty blow across his back and is sent almost vibrating
for his efforts.
As the Blue Knight rises, Liam looks at his sword in astonishment.
That blow would have cut an ordinary man in half! It at least should
have dented armor!
The Knight draws a BLUE SWORD and advances slowly to Liam. Liam holds
up his sword in a defensive stance.
The Blue Knight swings his sword at Liam's midsection. Liam dodges
out
of the way.
The Knight, quick, swings back towards Liam. Liam brings his sword
to
bear the attack.
The Blue Knight's blue blade passes through Liam's steel, SHATTERING
it. Liam is left holding little more than a handle.
The Knight goes for the decapitating blow, but Liam is quick to dodge
out of the way. Swing swing, miss miss. Liam is quicker than
normal
people. He's able to dodge everyone of the Knight's blows.
But just barely. One blow draws a cut on Liam's shoulder, but not too
deep. Another takes a couple of hairs off the top of his head as he
ducks another blow.
The Knight, silent as ever, has about had enough of this game of cat
and mouse. He walks towards Liam, swinging as he advances. Liam
is
getting lucky, backing away from every blow so far, backing back into
the wooded area off the road.
As he backs away from another blow, his feet catch on a fallen limb.
He goes crashing back. The Knight, sensing a quick defeat LEAPS
forth and brings his sword crashing down.
Liam rolls out of the way and scrambles to his feet. As he makes it
to his feet, he turns around and finds the Blue Knight's blade cruising
through the air toward his neck.
He has no time to dodge. He tightly closes his eyes, waiting to feel
the steel slice through his neck.
The blow freezes mere inches from his neck. Liam continues to keep
his eyes shut.
A few moments and no killing blow, Liam risk's a glance through one
eye. Seeing the Knight frozen where he stands, Liam's eyes open as
wide as they can go.
He slowly steps away from the blade and looks at the Knight, frozen in
mid swing.
Tara runs out of her hiding space right up to the Blue Knight. She
grabs the sword, finds a weak spot in the Knight's armor and RUNS HIM
THROUGH.
Then the Knight crumples to the ground. Somewhere, a ways off, the
Blue Horse bays in sorrow and runs off.
Tara looks at the shocked Liam and smiles.
TARA
I have a few unknown tricks of
my own.
She winks and walks back to where her horse is hidden. She mounts it
and rides to the road. Liam looks at her in admiration, then goes to
mount his horse.
He rides up beside her.
LIAM
I didn't know you had the magic.
TARA
There's some things about myself
I like to keep to myself until
absolutely necessary to divulge.
I'm sorry, but I don't feel safe
otherwise.
LIAM
I completely understand. Don't worry,
I'll keep my mouth shut about your
hidden skills.
He looks at the slain Blue Knight.
LIAM
This must have been one of the Dark
Creatures released when the Dark
Sorcerer King was let free. I'd
hoped to avoid things like this, but
I fear they're becoming more and more
frequent. First the bird, now this
guy. I fear what will come next for
us. We must hurry and reach my friends.
Tara rides over and cuts the rope from the tree. And with that, they
ride off.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAINS - DAY
Madmartigan and Ginner ride on Madmartigan's horse, as Ginner hasn't
one at the moment.
GINNER
We're gettin' close. Zutton's
out this a ways, may perhaps they've
found somethin' there.
MADMARTIGAN
We can hope.
GINNER
Sometimes it's a simple as that.
No reason everything's gotta be
so dadgumed complicated.
Madmartigan smiles to himself.
MADMARTIGAN
It has been awhile since you've been
around me, hasn't it? My life is not
my life without complications.
GINNER
Anyways that may be, we're about ta
find out fer sure. Zutton's just over
yonder hill.
Madmartigan gives his horse a kick and they speed up to the top of the
hill.
At the crest of the hill, Madmartigan brings his horse to a stop.
MADMARTIGAN
I must admit, that I've never been to
Zutton before, but...
He lets the sentence hang.
GINNER
It's been a few years, but I'm inclined
to think it'd change little and not...
this.
We pan around to their view of the city. From the distance, we see
the
entire city, walled and domed. Four SENTRIES at each corner, standing
diligently.
MADMARTIGAN
Somehow I don't think it would be a
good idea to just ride on up and ask if
they would let us in.
GINNER
That would be unwise, indeed.
MADMARTIGAN
Are you absolutely positive this is where
Willow and Sorsha have gone?
GINNER
I've never one been less'n a hunnerd
percent sure of m'self when it comes
to this sort of thing.
MADMARTIGAN
Then we have to get in there someway
and get them out.
GINNER
Like ya said. We can't just ride up
an' mosey on in.
MADMARTIGAN
We have to come up with something.
GINNER
Be my guest. Yer the great warrior,
I'm just an' old tracker.
He eyes the forest behind the great city.
MADMARTIGAN
Looks like we're going the long way.
We'll go into the forest behind the
city go around. Maybe we can find
something there.
GINNER
Like what?
MADMARTIGAN
I dunno. Don't worry, I'll think of
something when we get there.
GINNER
The sign of a great warrior. Always
thinkin' ahead.
Madmartigan pulls the reigns on his horse and they ride off to the
side.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Madmartigan dismounts his horse, followed by Ginner. They walk
up to
the edge of the forest and look to the city, which is close enough that
they only see one Sentry.
GINNER
Well, what's th' plan. Figgered out
a way in yet, have ya?
MADMARTIGAN
Do you think if you could get to that
wall, you could find a way in?
GINNER
Maybe. But that big fella ain't even
'bout to let me try, I can tell ya that.
MADMARTIGAN
If I can distract him...
GINNER
If ya can get 'im away from there where
he won't bother me none, then that would
be honkey dorey. But I don't see how yer
gonna do that. That fella's the size of
that wall he's guardin', he'd swat you like
a gnat tryin' to get into his food.
Madmartigan looks around. He hears the rush of running water.
He
hurries back into the woods a bit and comes up to a small pond.
Quite a few feet away from it is a big hole in the ground. Madmartigan
examines it with Ginner.
GINNER
Looks ta be what used to be the entrance
of a mine. Caved in for who knows how
long. If yer thinkin' of tryin' to dig
into the mine and maybe find a way into
the city... Well, that would take a mighty
bit o' time, I'd imagine. It goes down
purty deep, but after that, no tellin' how
hard that earth is blockin' the rest of it.
Take up too much time.
MADMARTIGAN
Yes it would. Which is why that's not
what we're going to do. But you're right
about digging. Hope your up to the task,
this could take some time itself.
GINNER
What else have I got ta do?
CUT TO:
EXT. ZUTTON OUTER WALL - EVENING
The sun is going down far out west when Madmartigan walks boldly up to
the giant Sentry made of the earth.
MADMARTIGAN
Excuse me?
The sentry looks down at the annoying Daikini.
MADMARTIGAN
Mind if I pass through? See, I
kinda need in that city.
The creature holds out it's hand as if to say STOP.
MADMARTIGAN
What's that supposed to mean? I
suppose you can't talk? Well, I'm
not to good with sign language myself,
so this could be a bit of a difficult
communication.
He points to himself.
MADMARTIGAN
Me.
He points to the city.
MADMARTIGAN
Go there.
He waits.
MADMARTIGAN
Oh, come on! I don't want to have
to forcibly remove you, so don't
make me.
The creature takes a warning step towards him.
MADMARTIGAN
Okay, but I did warn you, I just
want you to know that, all right?
He draws his sword.
MADMARTIGAN
Come on with it, worms for brains.
He flips his sword and catches it again at the handle, showing out
a bit. He slowly backs away and the creature begins to follow him.
MADMARTIGAN
(to himself)
Not too bright are ya, friend. Probably
DO have worms in that soiled head of
yours.
(louder)
Now you've made me angry. We're just gonna
have to finish this. The winner gets to
go in the city. Deal?
The creature leaps at him as if to do a belly flop on his body. Madmartigan
wasn't expecting this. He hits the ground and rolls
out of the way.
The creature hits the ground and it's dirt body COMES APART, flying
in all different directions.
Then it forms up again behind Madmartigan. Madmartigan swings his
sword right through the Sentry's leg, but it comes out the other end
without doing permanent damage to the leg. The leg just reforms before
anything can happen.
Madmartigan RUNS into the forest. The creature LUMBERS after him.
As the creature enters the forest, we follow Ginner as he comes out of
a place of hiding and runs up to the city wall. He closes his eyes
and
begins to feel around it.
EXT. FOREST - EVENING
Madmartigan is coming to the pond. He LEAPS over a wide piece of
ground where the hole was earlier.
The creature follows, but takes a step into the area of the hole and
CRASHES through the limbs and leaves that were concealing it. It falls
and we hear a mighty SPLASH.
Madmartigan comes running back up to the hole and we notice by his feet
a small stream of water running from the pond that is nearby into the
deep, sealed off mine shaft.
Madmartigan and Ginner had dug a ditch to the hole and covered it up.
Madmartigan smiles down into the hole as the creature of dirt becomes
a clump of MUD in the water.
He flips his sword in the air, catches it, then sheathes it. Smiling,
he walks away to the edge of the forest, intent on joining Ginner.
MADMARTIGAN
If I ever hear anyone groaning
about how warriors have no brains
again...
He walks out of the forest.
EXT. ZUTTON OUTER WALL - LATE EVENING
The dark of night is almost upon the land when Madmartigan joins Ginner
at the wall.
MADMARTIGAN
Did you find anything?
GINNER
Indeed. A place where the entrance
used ta be. Anyone with less than m'skill
woulda never found it. I believe it can
be punched through with the right equipment.
And I reckon that foolhardy plan with th'
ditch an' mine entrance worked.
MADMARTIGAN
Was there any doubt?
GINNER
With you, there's always doubt, m'boy.
Madmartigan ignores him.
MADMARTIGAN
I have a hammer of stone in my supplies.
That should work to make a hole big enough
to crawl through.
EXT. ZUTTON - STREETS
The area around that certain part of the wall on the inside of the
city is deserted. There are no buildings nearby, just an open space.
A CLANGING is heard and stone falls away from the wall. Soon, a hole
big enough for a Daikini to crawl through is made. Madmartigan comes
through first, followed by Ginner.
They are quick to cover up they're hole.
MADMARTIGAN
Quick, see if you can pick up the
trace of Willow and Sorsha.
Ginner closes his eyes.
GINNER
They are close, this much I can
gather. I'll have to do some
searchin' around a bit afore I can
get an idea of where they're stayin'.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY
Willow leads Sorsha down an alley in between two pubs with his lamp
wand. The darkness is everywhere.
SORSHA
There must be someway out of this
place. Some exit.
Willow shakes is head.
WILLOW
I don't think there is. If that
Jujgim character can seal off the
whole city, I imagine there's no one
who can get in or out. That's powerful
magic.
They ride on until they come to the end of the alley. Fires and lamps
can be seen dotting houses down the street, but they do little to dispel
the ever casting shadow of the stone dome.
Sorsha comes to a stop and looks over at Willow.
SORSHA
What of Raziel's wand? If there is
any magic powerful enough to penetrate
this dark power, it should be contained
there.
WILLOW
I suppose I could try it, but I would
rather be about where no one can see
us.
Sorsha looks around.
SORSHA
That shouldn't be too hard. Everyone's
locked themselves in their homes, and
even if they didn't, they would have a
hard time seeing anyone here.
WILLOW
Still, better safe than sorry. We need
to find a place that isn't populated that
much even when things are running normally.
CUT TO:
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE
Willow and Sorsha ride up to an old warehouse in a run down part of town.
Some of the buildings around here are boarded up and some have
already started their slow crumble to the ground.
SORSHA
This place should be adequate.
Willow looks at all the buildings in uneasiness.
WILLOW
It looks deserted. But I have a
feeling that if anything's about,
they are things I'd rather not know
about.
SORSHA
We have no choice. We have to get
out of here.
WILLOW
You're right, of course.
He pulls Fin Raziel's wand out of his saddle bag and holds it as if it
is something sacred. He closes his eyes and holds the wand close to
his body. Words come to him instinctively.
WILLOW
Encharta...fallora. Episoda...
unoch...fantome...minece...
He holds the wand up, pointing it toward the dome.
WILLOW
Undone!
Power seems to well in him, but dies before it can exit the wand.
Willow looks at the wand in disbelief.
WILLOW
It won't work for me! I felt the
power welling in me, felt it ready to
burst forth, but... it simply died
away.
SORSHA
Perhaps the spell you chanted...
WILLOW
It would have worked. I could try
it without the wand, but I don't think
it would be powerful enough. It needs
the strength of Raziel's wand. Without
it, all we would do is draw attention to
ourselves.
SORSHA
That's the last thing we need.
WILLOW
Who can use the wand?
SORSHA
You can, Willow. Raziel said to find
you. She meant it for you. Perhaps it's
power can only be unleashed against the
Dark Sorcerer King himself.
Willow looks doubtful.
WILLOW
Perhaps. But I don't want to go up
against him and have it fail on me there
as well.
SORSHA
You must have faith in Raziel, Willow.
And in yourself.
WILLOW
Well, I'll never get the chance to find
out if we're stuck in here for all eternity,
will I?
SORSHA
You are right about that. We need to search
for a way out. Even if it seems that there
can not be, we must find one.
Suddenly, they hear a noise, like someone walking, behind the building.
Sorsha draws her sword and motions for Willow to keep quiet. Willow
puts away Raziel's wand and gets back his own.
They hide in the shadows behind another building and watch as two shadowy
forms come from behind the warehouse.
They stop and look toward where Willow and Sorsha are hiding.
MADMARTIGAN
No need hiding, guys, it's only us.
WILLOW
Madmartigan!
He and Sorsha come out of hiding and trot up to Madmartigan and Ginner,
who are on foot. Willow and Sorsha dismount.
SORSHA
How on earth did you get in here!
Was it before that creature closed
the city in?
MADMARTIGAN
No. We got here after all that happened.
He indicates Ginner.
MADMARTIGAN
Told you going out of our way to find
this old coot would help. Willow and
Sorsha, meet Ginner, my old friend and
teacher.
Sorsha takes Ginner's hand.
GINNER
How in blazes someone like yerself got
in cahoots with th' likes of Madmartigan
is beyond even me.
MADMARTIGAN
Careful, old timer, she can be more than
a match for even me when she wants to be.
SORSHA
Only to those who deserve it, dear.
He shakes Willow's hand as well.
GINNER
Yer Willa, eh? Heard a lot about you,
I did.
Willow casts a withering stare at Madmartigan.
WILLOW
Don't believe a word of it.
GINNER
Ah, Madmartigan don't stretch the
truth fer me, so don't worry 'bout
it. An' even if he did, I can see
right through that manure he likes
ta spout from time ta time.
Willow grins. Ginner looks around, taking in the seeming eternal darkness.
GINNER
Now, if ya don't mind my askin', I'm
wonderin' what'n blazes went on here
ta cause such a sitch-i-ation.
SORSHA
The Dark Sorcerer King has sent some
one to convince the people to accept
his rule. They refused. This is the
result, and we were unlucky enough to
get ourselves stuck in the middle of
it.
MADMARTIGAN
Like usual, huh?
WILLOW
Now, if you don't mind ME asking, how
in blazes did you get in? As far as we
know, there is no way in or out.
MADMARTIGAN
Like I said, Ginner here did it. He
found a weak spot where an entrance used
to be and we were able to break through.
The city is surrounded by guards, too, and
not your typical ones. These stand as tall
as the walls and are basically made of dirt.
He smiles proudly.
MADMARTIGAN
We were able to outsmart one of 'em and
get through. Now we need to get out of
here. Follow us.
WILLOW
Wait! We can't just leave these people
here like this! We have to do something.
MADMARTIGAN
Like what?! We are no match for these
type of things. Didn't you hear me tell
about the sentries outside the walls! I'd
hate to see who brought those things about!
WILLOW
A creature called Jujgim. We have to destroy
him. We can't allow him to continue to
occupate this city!
MADMARTIGAN
It's a lost cause, Willow. We have to
leave and find Elora. Then we have to
seek out and destroy this King character.
When that is done, this city, and all other
cities in the land will be safe.
WILLOW
We have to at least give it a try.
Madmartigan groans disgustedly.
MADMARTIGAN
You are too damned selfless for your
own good, Willow.
WILLOW
It's called compassion. I thought
you would have learned some of it
by now.
MADMARTIGAN
Oh, I have oodles of compassion.
I also have a good, healthy dose
of self preservation, and your
little plan here doesn't go well
with it at all.
WILLOW
Are you suggesting we just leave
these helpless people to the mercy
of that monster?
MADMARTIGAN
You are such a Peck! No, not abandon.
I'm suggesting we go somewhere
where we can actually make a
difference.
WILLOW
If we can't defeat this Jujgim character,
that Dark King will make mincemeat of
us!
MADMARTIGAN
But we don't know yet what kind of
help we will find on our way to face
Urwainean. We know we're as helpless
here as the townsfolk. Except we have
a way out, and if we don't hurry, some-
one's gonna find that way out and block
it, then we'll be stuck here for good.
Sorsha steps in between the two feuding friends and her very presence
calms them somewhat.
SORSHA
Willow, as stubborn as my dear husband
can be, he does have a good point. It
was appointed to us to stop the Dark
Sorcerer King. If we don't do it...
She doesn't need to finish the sentence.
WILLOW
I know, Sorsha. But just abandoning
these people... It goes against every-
thing I've learned of the responsibility
of my powers since becoming the High
Aldwin's apprentice.
When Madmartigan speaks, there is an earnest seriousness to it that
is kind of rare in the man who usually puts on a boasting facade.
MADMARTIGAN
We do have a responsibility, Willow.
To this town and the land that it's
apart of. To Elora Danan. To all
mankind. We won't be able to fulfill
that responsibility if we get stuck
or even killed here.
Willow is struck by the earnestness of his words.
WILLOW
I guess you're right. Wouldn't do
us good at all if we go getting our-
selves killed. I'm sorry for attacking
you like that, Madmartigan.
Madmartigan scowls for a few moments more before his face breaks out
into that grin again.
MADMARTIGAN
You gotta admit it was fun, though.
Like the old days.
Willow smiles in agreement, then looks up at the newly domed roof of
the city.
He shakes his head.
WILLOW
Besides, I guess I've already proved
how effective I am against this magic
already tonight, haven't I?
SORSHA
It has to be the right time. Tonight
was not it. In the future, when we
face the Dark Sorcerer King, we will
truly find out.
CUT TO:
EXT. ZUTTON
They come up to the section of the wall that Ginner found earlier.
GINNER
Hole's only big enough fer us. We're
gonna have ta leave th' horses here
fer now.
Willow and Sorsha dismount.
MADMARTIGAN
Ginner and I'll share our horses.
Ginner and Willow on his.
He looks to his wife.
MADMARTIGAN
And me and beautiful on mine.
SORSHA
Just to be close to you, dear.
Ginner rolls his eyes and starts out.
GINNER
Let's just get on with it, awright.
With any luck, I can pick up th'
trail fer your girl.
WILLOW
I only wish there were something
we could do for Liam.
MADMARTIGAN
It's too late for us to help. We
just have to hope that he did all
right for himself. I have a feeling
it'll take more than a giant bird
to best that boy.
They go through the hole one by one.
CUT TO:
EXT. GLEN - MORNING
A HUGE WATERFALL gushes into down into a small pond. The sun shines
down on it. The area is surrounded by trees and shrubs. A very
nice
setting. And far enough away from the rest of the world to be a good
place to hide for the night.
We pan around and find Liam sitting with his back to a huge tree.
Behind him, the pond glistens in the morning light. Tara lays under
another tree, sleeping.
Soon, she stirs. She stretches her body, yawning. Her eyes open
and
come into focus on Liam.
LIAM
Good morning.
Tara sits up and rubs her eyes.
TARA
It looks like it's been light
for awhile. You should have
waken me up.
LIAM
No, you needed your rest. It
was a long day yesterday, and
promises to be another long one
today.
TARA
How long have you been up?
LIAM
Since dawn.
TARA
What have you been doing?
Liam is blunt.
LIAM
Watching you.
Tara almost blushes, but not quite.
TARA
Surely there are more exciting
things to do in such a place as
this than watching me sleep.
LIAM
I could watch you for hours. Have
been, as a matter of fact. There's
nothing around here that compares.
Tara slowly gets up and kind of smiles at the attention, wondering
where it suddenly came from.
LIAM
I guess I was too busy to notice
it before. Running around, avoiding
danger. But as I just sat here, watching
you now and remembering yesterday, I
realized that spark about you. That
sense of life, of adventure. It's very
hard to ignore.
TARA
Wow. That was...blunt.
LIAM
I'm sorry if it puts you off. But the
kind of life we lead, the dangers we'll
be facing in the coming days, it's just
that it would be a mistake to be with
you all that time, never knowing when
something will happen to us, and not letting
you know how I feel. And not knowing how
you might feel in return.
Tara glances off to the pond.
TARA
I think I'm going to go wash off
now. We can be on our way afterwards.
Tara gets up and walks off, casting a glance over her shoulder, that
almost smile still on her face.
She walks around to the side of the pond and sits on a rock at the edge.
She takes off her shirt, keeping her back to the camera.
She lays it to the side and leans down, splashing water on herself.
On her face, her body, her hair. She washes the grime off.
Liam gets up and grabs a cloth from his bags. He walks down aways from
her and puts it in the clear water of the pond, soaking it. He then
heads back to Tara and walks up behind her.
She gasps a bit and quickly grabs her shirt and covers her front side.
LIAM
Sorry. Just thought you might have
a hard time reaching back here.
He kneels down behind where she sits.
He takes his soaked cloth and starts washing her shoulders, down the side
of her arms to her elbows. She doesn't object. He runs the
cloth back up the arms to the shoulders and starts washing her back with
it.
All the while, he looks at her. She looks over her shoulders at him.
It just happens. Their lips meet for the briefest of seconds and she
breaks it off.
TARA
We really have to be going.
LIAM
Yeah.
Liam stands up and turns around, feeling rejected. Tara pulls her shirt
back on. She stands up and looks at Liam. He turns around.
She puts her hands on either side of his face.
TARA
And this is not a rejection.
Just a delay to when the time
will be right. We have too much
to worry about now.
She lets go and walks toward their supplies.
TARA
I think it would be a good idea
to ride cloaked, maybe that will help
hide us.
Liam follows her.
LIAM
It won't fool anybody for long if
we are stopped, but it could be useful.
Tara pulls on her cloak, looks at him and smiles.
TARA
Let's go.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROADWAY - DAY
Two horses run down the roadway. The figures on top of them, cloaked
to block out identification.
We swoop behind them and follow them for awhile. The path narrows and
soon they are in a heavily wooded area.
They ride on a bit through the woods, then both pull the reigns, bringing
the horses to a stop.
Liam looks around.
LIAM
Something's here.
Tara reaches in her cloak and pulls out a short sword.
TARA
I know.
At that moment, two GNOMES step out onto the path. Five feet tall.
Claws instead of hands. Wiry GRAY frames. Yellow eyes deep in
their
skulls, they glare at the riders.
Liam and Tara look at each other, then at two gnomes.
LIAM
Can we help you?
The first gnome points at them. It speaks in a deep, scratchy voice.
GNOME
Your supplies. And money.
We can put good use to them.
LIAM
I'm afraid *we* need those.
The gnomes pull out their weapons. Each of them armed the same, the
Gnomes have a short sword in one hand and a short pike in the other.
GNOME
You don't understand. WE need
them.
Liam looks over at Tara, unimpressed.
LIAM
We really can't afford the delay,
but it seems we have no choice.
TARA
Seems that way.
Liam looks back over at the gnomes and sighs.
LIAM
Fine. If this is how it's to
be.
Liam leaps from his horse, pulling his sword from his cloak. He's
on the first gnome before they know what's happening.
He swipes down, knocking the sword from the gnome's hand and the
gnome jabs with his pike. Liam spins out of the way, bringing his
sword around, cutting the gnome through the back.
The gnome goes down. The other tries to take him in the back, but
Tara's short blade is there to block the blow before it can do any
damage.
Liam finishes the gnome off as he spins around to face it and jabs
it through the chest.
He shakes his head.
LIAM
That was pointless.
That's when the gnomes come swarming out of the surrounding woods,
20 strong, and surrounds them.
LIAM
Well, well...
He twirls his sword in his hand as he eyes the gnomes blocking off
any escape.
LIAM
...this could prove more difficult.
TARA
Yeah, slightly.
The gnomes come charging in, swords and pikes swinging. In the middle
of the swarm, Liam and Tara fight them off, blocking, dodging and attacking.
Two or three gnomes go down.
The two cloaked figures stand back to back, blocking the advance the
best they can.
BOOM!!!
A loud noise sounds out and smoke gathers above them.
The gnomes stop short and look around, fearful.
Another BOOM!! And light flashes through the smoke.
They start to scatter.
We follow one gnome as he scurries away into the woods. Out from
behind a tree steps MADMARTIGAN.
MADMARTIGAN
Hey there, ugly.
He swings his sword, taking the suprised gnome down.
Then he charges into the midst of the battle. By the times he comes
to the road, Sorsha and Ginner have engaged the running gnomes. The
two cloaked figures continue to fight. Madmartigan plunges in, sword
swinging.
Chaos ensues and finally the gnomes are all dead or scattered.
The cloaked figures regard their saviors. Liam quickly pulls down his
hood, revealing his features.
LIAM
Heavens! That was some timing,
Madmartigan!
MADMARTIGAN
I see. And it's good to see you're
still alive.
LIAM
The bird didn't make it too far with
me before I gave it a reason to not
want me along.
Madmartigan smiles.
MADMARTIGAN
That's good to know. We would have
caught up with you earlier, but we've
had some problems. All solved now.
LIAM
Yeah, you're usually good at that.
Madmartigan regards the other, still cloaked figure.
LIAM
Oh. This lady here helped save my
life. She wants to join us. Believe
me, Madmartigan, she will be an asset.
She has proved herself in battle and
in loyalty. You have to let her join
up.
He smiles at the still hidden figure.
MADMARTIGAN
Well that all depends on what side
she's on.
TARA
Madmartigan, you of all people should
know the answer to that.
She pulls back her hood, revealing her features.
MADMARTIGAN
Elora, you've had us worried.
Madmartigan embraces the girl as Liam looks on in COMPLETE SHOCK.
LIAM
Elora...
Madmartigan releases Elora from his embrace and Sorsha takes her turn
hugging the now found Princess.
MADMARTIGAN
Yes. That's who we were tracking
when we came across you. Didn't
even know you were with her. But
I'm glad you are.
Liam is still in shock. He looks and sees Ginner standing off to the
side letting the reunion go on without his interference.
LIAM
This is your tracker friend?
MADMARTIGAN
Told you he was good.
A rustle from the woods on the other side. Liam tenses, sword ready.
Madmartigan simply looks in the direction as Willow walks out.
MADMARTIGAN
Nice lightshow. Sent them packing
without a second thought.
WILLOW
It's good to be of some use, I guess.
He looks at Liam.
WILLOW
Liam! We thought you were on the
other side of the world by now.
Liam shakes his head.
LIAM
Looks like Fate had other plans.
Elora steps over, leans down and hugs Willow.
ELORA
Willow, it has been years!
WILLOW
Since your sixteenth birthday.
I'm sorry for not coming around
more often, but I'm afraid my
duties in the village have been
keeping me very busy indeed.
ELORA
If anyone knows about duty keeping
one busy, it's me. I understand,
but I am glad to see you now. Your
powers continue to grow. I'm touched
you've risked so much to come after
me.
WILLOW
Have I ever done less for you?
ELORA
You've always been a great friend,
brother, mentor, whatever. Thank
you for being there.
She looks up to the sky where the smoke is still dissipating.
ELORA
Impressive as always.
WILLOW
You're not doing so bad, yourself.
Liam takes this moment to insert himself in the conversation.
LIAM
What do you mean?
Elora smiles and shakes her hair. It changes color from black to FIERY
RED. He features change up a bit, too. They soften, but not really
enough to detract from her overall appearance.
ELORA
When I became lost after the battle for
Tir Asleen, I knew I had to hide. I
changed my appearance a bit. A touch
of magic and viola. Elora Danan becomes
Tara, a drifter who doesn't really cause
much concern for anybody.
LIAM
Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.
MADMARTIGAN
We should be going. These gnomes
disturb me. Who knows what else
may be lurking about.
SORSHA
You can tell us of your adventures
as we ride.
ELORA
What has become of Fin Raziel?
Sorsha shakes her head sadly.
SORSHA
I'm sorry, Elora.
Elora bows her head in sorrow.
ELORA
I kind of already guessed that.
She was weak when last I saw her,
right before she begged me to make
a run for it. You and Madmartigan
where still fighting. I thought
I would go and hide and you would
prevail. When I came back, you would
be celebrating your victory. When I
did come back, a darkness had settled
over the castle and I knew that wasn't
so. I didn't know who lived and who
died, so I went off to maybe find some
answers. I've heard nothing of you
until now.
Her shoulders sag. Sorsha puts her hand on the girl's shoulder.
SORSHA
It's been a horrible time. But we
have finally been reunited. There
is yet hope for us. We can overcome
this evil, but we need you there when
we do. Are you up to this?
ELORA
Of course I will do what I can to
reclaim the land that is rightfully
mine. No matter the danger.
SORSHA
Then let us ride on.
END OF ACT II