Fade in on HOOK, CELINE, and the MAYOR running through eroded stone hallways. Dancing fire lights the scene behind them with purple highlights from a light off-screen . A stream of dingy water runs down the middle of the tunnel.
Cut to...
EXT. CITY STREET. NIGHT.
There is a manhole in the center of the street. Brick buildings rise on either side. The manhole jiggles, and slides off. CELINE climbs out, covered in dirt and grime, followed by HOOK. CELINE exits. HOOK brushes off his torn clothing, and walks after Celine. There are two people in suits walking by when MAYOR comes out as well. He brushes off his clothes, nods to the people, and walks OS with the others.
Truck with CELINE as she leads other the other two behind the building through a rusty iron door that appears ready to tear loose.
INT. APARTMENT. NIGHT
Start in Darkness. CELINE pulls a cord and cold, aluminum walls are lighted in an overexposed bluish-white. There is some torn furniture and boxes scattered everywhere.
She looks at HOOK.
Cut to...
VALENTINE AND CHLOE’S CAMPSITE. NIGHT.
ERBY is cutting at the ropes binding him to a tree. Closeup of the ground as the ropes fall off. ERBY stands and rubs his wrists, stretching his muscles. He collects the ropes and kneels beside CHLOE ISIS.
Closeup of VALENTINE, asleep. His nose wrinkles and his blanket is pulled OS. VALENTINE moves as if he is being gently shaken. VALENTINE opens his eyes. Zoom out to reveal ERBY tying a cord around Valentine’s hand. VALENTINE blinks twice and looks to see what is happening. VALENTINE punches at ERBY, who dodges but can’t keep hold of VALENTINE. VALENTINE crawls away and gets to his feet. ERBY chases.
VALENTINE scrambles for a branch to use as a weapon.
Cut to...
HOOK is sitting on a torn couch.
Slow zoom on Celine as she looks over at HOOK, and then to the Mayor.
He turns proudly to HOOK.
HOOK waves his hands.
HOOK is skeptical.
Cut to...
VALENTINE charges ERBY with a branch longer than either of them, but clubs the ground instead. ERBY tries to avoid when VALENTINE sweeps up with the branch, but is struck in the side of the head. ERBY falls on his back. VALENTINE stands over Erby and raises the branch over his head.
VALENTINE looks over his shoulder. STEFAN is perched over CHLOE, who is now awake, eyes wide. STEFAN holds a jagged knife next to Chloe’s face. From OS, ERBY punches VALENTINE out of the frame. VALENTINE falls, clutching his face.
STEFAN shouts back in his own language.
STEFAN points behind him. ERBY looks back, but not in time to avoid VALENTINE kicking Erby in the side and hitting him in the back with a rock he holds in both hands.
Cut to...
TEPPINS, TREMONT, and LOKIA are walking through the dark.
Cut to...
Exterior shot. The top of the building they were on before. It is still day. There is a helicopter shot of HOOK, MAYOR, and CELINE at the edge, looking down. The camera spirals around twice, zooming into HOOK’s sad face. He squeezes his eyes closed, and we cut to a closeup of Celine’s profile.
Cut to...
CHLOE ISIS is bound and gagged on ground. ERBY is keeping VALENTINE away. STEFAN is on top of her.
CHLOE ISIS screams through her gag. STEFAN raises his knife. VALENTINE tries to charge, but ERBY blocks him. A dagger flies from the forest and strikes Erby in the shoulder, knocking him face-first into VALENTINE.
STEFAN jumps up, ready to defend, but is not prepared when a tall, wiry man with sandy hair steps from the darkness and cuts Stefan’s throat from behind. STEFAN is shocked a moment and falls dead. The man is CELL.
ERBY has dropped his sword and is trying to pull the dagger out of his shoulder while keeping watch on Valentine and Cell. CELL draws another dagger. ERBY backs away, then runs into the darkness wailing.
CELL cuts CHLOE’s binding.
CELL unties CHLOE’s gag.
Cut to...
EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP. NIGHT
TREMONT, TEPPINS, and LOKIA are at the rocky crest of a mountain overlooking a lush valley.
TEPPINS pushes Tremont. TREMONT rolls down the mountain and catches himself, skidding to a halt in a billowing cloud of dust. He is back on his feet in a moment with his sword drawn. LOKIA draws his sword and steps between Tremont and Teppins.
TREMONT sheathes his sword.
TEPPINS hops down the rock face, red cape billowing out behind him. He sends a shower of chips down before him as he descends. TREMONT and LOKIA follow.
TEPPINS looks up as GRENT crests the pinnacle. TEPPINS draws his sword. GRENT jumps in the air and waves his hand, knocking the dirt below him down in an avalanche on TEPPINS, TREMONT, and LOKIA.
LOKIA is knocked on his back by a headsized rock and rolls down the mountain, but TEPPINS and TREMONT hold their footing. GRENT lands in the hole as the dust settles. TEPPINS charges. LOKIA climbs to join Teppins. TREMONT remains behind. Before TEPPINS reaches GRENT, his sword is wrenched from his hand and bounces down the mountain. LOKIA attacks, but GRENT boots LOKIA in the stomach, grabs Lokia by the arm and hurls him into Teppins.
TEPPINS bats Lokia to the side and holds out his hand to his sword, 100 feet away. The sword lifts in the air, spins, and flies at Grent. GRENT dodges and backhands through the air, knocking TEPPINS over with the force of the blow.
TREMONT holds out his hand, which glows read and crackles, sending three red orbs at GRENT, who dodges two, but is struck in the leg by the third.
GRENT cries out and falls on his stomach. Teppins’s SWORD returns to his hand, and TEPPINS leaps to impale Grent. GRENT rolls to the side and the blade buries in the rock. GRENT kicks Teppins and sweeps out with his legs, knocking TEPPINS down. As GRENT stands, TREMONT hits him in the back with three bolts of energy. TEPPINS has recovered, and has been joined by LOKIA. TEPPINS pulls his sword from the ground with an explosion of rock, and lunges at Grent. LOKIA attacks as well, and both plunge their swords into Grent’s body. GRENT cries out and arches his back, then dissipates to dust and dirt.
Cut to...
EXT. CAMP. NIGHT
CORTHD enters. When he sees Cell, CORTHD draws his scimitar. CELL draws two daggers.
Insert of CELL. He recognizes the name.
CELL hesitates a moment and smiles. Ominous music.
CELL puts away his daggers.
CHLOE ISIS, VALENTINE, and CORTHD look at each other nervously.
CORTHD steps in front of Chloe and puts away his scimitar.
Closeup of CORTHD, slow zoom out to include CHLOE and VALENTINE behind him. CORTHD looks over his shoulders to them in turn and back to CELL.
FADE TO BLACK
Cut to...
EXT. CITY STREET. NIGHT.
There is a manhole in the center of the street. Brick buildings rise on either side. The manhole jiggles, and slides off. CELINE climbs out, covered in dirt and grime, followed by HOOK. CELINE exits. HOOK brushes off his torn clothing, and walks after Celine. There are two people in suits walking by when MAYOR comes out as well. He brushes off his clothes, nods to the people, and walks OS with the others.
Truck with CELINE as she leads other the other two behind the building through a rusty iron door that appears ready to tear loose.
MAYOR
We’ve lost that place.
We’ve lost that place.
INT. APARTMENT. NIGHT
Start in Darkness. CELINE pulls a cord and cold, aluminum walls are lighted in an overexposed bluish-white. There is some torn furniture and boxes scattered everywhere.
CELINE
Damn! Damn!
MAYOR
It’s probably crawling with Shoggoths by now.
HOOK
Those were Shogotta?
MAYOR
(shakes his head) Those were the Malkooth, the Children of Doom City. We theorize they are the result of prolonged exposure to the Illithred technology. We will probably all look like those creatures one day, if we live long enough. Shoggoths are something different... something worse.
Damn! Damn!
MAYOR
It’s probably crawling with Shoggoths by now.
HOOK
Those were Shogotta?
MAYOR
(shakes his head) Those were the Malkooth, the Children of Doom City. We theorize they are the result of prolonged exposure to the Illithred technology. We will probably all look like those creatures one day, if we live long enough. Shoggoths are something different... something worse.
HOOK
I've seen one.
CELINE
Tonight?
HOOK
It followed us from Triangle, the town I live in.
CELINE
(to MAYOR) You told me the Shoggoths couldn't leave the city.
MAYOR
They can't, Mr. Hook. You must have been mistaken. There are a great many monsters loose in the world these days. I'm sure you misidentified another creature. It could have been a bear...
HOOK
It was a lizard, actually. Then it turned into a scorpion, and those were the only two shapes I could identify. Shogotta take the shape that best suits the task. I'm a wizard, I know these things.
I've seen one.
CELINE
Tonight?
HOOK
It followed us from Triangle, the town I live in.
CELINE
(to MAYOR) You told me the Shoggoths couldn't leave the city.
MAYOR
They can't, Mr. Hook. You must have been mistaken. There are a great many monsters loose in the world these days. I'm sure you misidentified another creature. It could have been a bear...
HOOK
It was a lizard, actually. Then it turned into a scorpion, and those were the only two shapes I could identify. Shogotta take the shape that best suits the task. I'm a wizard, I know these things.
CELINE
They are going to come down on us harder than ever.
They are going to come down on us harder than ever.
She looks at HOOK.
MAYOR
Mallik will know Hook has arrived.
HOOK
Tentacle Mallik? He's dead. (MAYOR and CELINE do not believe) Yeah, gone. He's a big guy, right? Made entirely of a head and tentacles? He was killed by the Shogotta.
MAYOR
And now we know why a Shoggoth left the city.
Mallik will know Hook has arrived.
HOOK
Tentacle Mallik? He's dead. (MAYOR and CELINE do not believe) Yeah, gone. He's a big guy, right? Made entirely of a head and tentacles? He was killed by the Shogotta.
MAYOR
And now we know why a Shoggoth left the city.
Cut to...
VALENTINE AND CHLOE’S CAMPSITE. NIGHT.
ERBY is cutting at the ropes binding him to a tree. Closeup of the ground as the ropes fall off. ERBY stands and rubs his wrists, stretching his muscles. He collects the ropes and kneels beside CHLOE ISIS.
Closeup of VALENTINE, asleep. His nose wrinkles and his blanket is pulled OS. VALENTINE moves as if he is being gently shaken. VALENTINE opens his eyes. Zoom out to reveal ERBY tying a cord around Valentine’s hand. VALENTINE blinks twice and looks to see what is happening. VALENTINE punches at ERBY, who dodges but can’t keep hold of VALENTINE. VALENTINE crawls away and gets to his feet. ERBY chases.
VALENTINE
Chloe! Chloe wake up!
ERBY
(laughs) How do you expect her to save you?
Chloe! Chloe wake up!
ERBY
(laughs) How do you expect her to save you?
VALENTINE scrambles for a branch to use as a weapon.
Cut to...
HOOK is sitting on a torn couch.
HOOK
I was chased from Triangle by one of those things. It came out of the ground and changed its shape. I've never seen anything like it. You say it was looking for Mallik?
CELINE
Mallik can't be dead?
HOOK
I saw it. They were fighting inside a burning building. Nothing came out alive.
CELINE
(to the MAYOR)
Can we believe this? What if this man works for the Malkooth?
MAYOR
Relax. He is who I claim.
I was chased from Triangle by one of those things. It came out of the ground and changed its shape. I've never seen anything like it. You say it was looking for Mallik?
CELINE
Mallik can't be dead?
HOOK
I saw it. They were fighting inside a burning building. Nothing came out alive.
CELINE
(to the MAYOR)
Can we believe this? What if this man works for the Malkooth?
MAYOR
Relax. He is who I claim.
Slow zoom on Celine as she looks over at HOOK, and then to the Mayor.
CELINE
They know. It has to be a sign.
They know. It has to be a sign.
He turns proudly to HOOK.
MAYOR
With him, even the Shoggoths won’t be able to stop us!
With him, even the Shoggoths won’t be able to stop us!
HOOK waves his hands.
HOOK
I'm only here to tell you the Dark Man is coming for the Witch King’s Sword.
CELINE
(gasps)
We don't talk about him.
HOOK
That's my message. I told you, Tremont the Butcher sent me to find the Mayor.
MAYOR
(nodding) If the Butcher came anywhere close to this city, the Shoggoths would be searching.
HOOK
He abducted me and forced to walk for days before he finally sent me to find you. Coming to Doom City was the first respite I’ve gotten from him.
CELINE
Glithvals cannot come to this place. (to MAYOR) Do you think Bandyboo wants to make more?
MAYOR
He cannot make more. He is forbidden.
CELINE
Who will stop him?
HOOK
Have you ever met the guy? He’s a goon, why is everyone so afraid of this Bandyboo?
CELINE
Because he could flatten this city if he chose. If he gets his hands on the Witch King’s Sword, he will make more Glithvals, and it will call back the Illithred.
HOOK
The Illithred are gone.
CELINE
Tell him! The Illithred will return some day.
MAYOR
Easy, my dear. That’s not what I said.
I'm only here to tell you the Dark Man is coming for the Witch King’s Sword.
CELINE
(gasps)
We don't talk about him.
HOOK
That's my message. I told you, Tremont the Butcher sent me to find the Mayor.
MAYOR
(nodding) If the Butcher came anywhere close to this city, the Shoggoths would be searching.
HOOK
He abducted me and forced to walk for days before he finally sent me to find you. Coming to Doom City was the first respite I’ve gotten from him.
CELINE
Glithvals cannot come to this place. (to MAYOR) Do you think Bandyboo wants to make more?
MAYOR
He cannot make more. He is forbidden.
CELINE
Who will stop him?
HOOK
Have you ever met the guy? He’s a goon, why is everyone so afraid of this Bandyboo?
CELINE
Because he could flatten this city if he chose. If he gets his hands on the Witch King’s Sword, he will make more Glithvals, and it will call back the Illithred.
HOOK
The Illithred are gone.
CELINE
Tell him! The Illithred will return some day.
MAYOR
Easy, my dear. That’s not what I said.
HOOK is skeptical.
MAYOR
Unfortunately, Mr. Hook, the Bandyboo is just as dangerous. The Emperor won the war with the hands of the Dark Man. Without that weapon, Konakarse is powerless. They say he is a Glithval, but the magick in his blood is much older.
HOOK
I’m told there’s no such thing as magick.
MAYOR
Call it what you will. If the Dark Man comes here for the Shogotta, we will all suffer.
Unfortunately, Mr. Hook, the Bandyboo is just as dangerous. The Emperor won the war with the hands of the Dark Man. Without that weapon, Konakarse is powerless. They say he is a Glithval, but the magick in his blood is much older.
HOOK
I’m told there’s no such thing as magick.
MAYOR
Call it what you will. If the Dark Man comes here for the Shogotta, we will all suffer.
Cut to...
VALENTINE charges ERBY with a branch longer than either of them, but clubs the ground instead. ERBY tries to avoid when VALENTINE sweeps up with the branch, but is struck in the side of the head. ERBY falls on his back. VALENTINE stands over Erby and raises the branch over his head.
STEFAN (OS)
Hey!
Hey!
VALENTINE looks over his shoulder. STEFAN is perched over CHLOE, who is now awake, eyes wide. STEFAN holds a jagged knife next to Chloe’s face. From OS, ERBY punches VALENTINE out of the frame. VALENTINE falls, clutching his face.
ERBY
(to STEFAN) About time!
(to STEFAN) About time!
STEFAN shouts back in his own language.
ERBY
Thought I would have to kill the boy.
Thought I would have to kill the boy.
STEFAN points behind him. ERBY looks back, but not in time to avoid VALENTINE kicking Erby in the side and hitting him in the back with a rock he holds in both hands.
Cut to...
TEPPINS, TREMONT, and LOKIA are walking through the dark.
TEPPINS
What killed him, Lieutenant?
TREMONT
...Excuse me?
TEPPINS
The little wizard I told you to watch. You told me he died. How did that happen?
LOKIA
Didn’t you assume he was guilty?
TEPPINS
I assume nothing until I’ve seen it. How did the wizard die?
TREMONT
He was killed by trolls.
TEPPINS
Trolls attacked you?
TREMONT
Trolls attacked him. I could not save him in time.
TEPPINS
He must have been far away if trolls were able to kill him before you could respond.
TREMONT
It was dark.
TEPPINS
Of course.
What killed him, Lieutenant?
TREMONT
...Excuse me?
TEPPINS
The little wizard I told you to watch. You told me he died. How did that happen?
LOKIA
Didn’t you assume he was guilty?
TEPPINS
I assume nothing until I’ve seen it. How did the wizard die?
TREMONT
He was killed by trolls.
TEPPINS
Trolls attacked you?
TREMONT
Trolls attacked him. I could not save him in time.
TEPPINS
He must have been far away if trolls were able to kill him before you could respond.
TREMONT
It was dark.
TEPPINS
Of course.
Cut to...
Exterior shot. The top of the building they were on before. It is still day. There is a helicopter shot of HOOK, MAYOR, and CELINE at the edge, looking down. The camera spirals around twice, zooming into HOOK’s sad face. He squeezes his eyes closed, and we cut to a closeup of Celine’s profile.
HOOK
How do you know Tremont?
MAYOR
Everyone knows the Butcher. He’s a great hero.
HOOK
With a name like ‘the Butcher.’
MAYOR
These were tumultuous times.
HOOK
Prolonged exposure to what?
MAYOR
Excuse me?
HOOK
Prolonged exposure created those things that attacked us. Prolonged exposure to what?
MAYOR
We know the secrets, Mr. Hook. We have learned what gives them power, the source of the hum that warps everything.
HOOK
And what is that?
CELINE
The rivers.
HOOK
The rivers?
MAYOR
Specifically, the Confluence in the center of the city. A normal man will burn in a few hours if he comes too close, but the Malkooth are drawn to it.
HOOK
I don’t get it.
CELINE
Ancients believed you should never build a city where two rivers become one. They believed it created pools of negative energy that warps the land. Doom City has one of those very pools in the heart of the city.
HOOK
And it makes those monsters?
MAYOR
The hum has worked through the sewers, tainting the land and water. The Illithred called that energy ‘Shogotta.’ Those are shallow rivers out there, Mr. Hook, but the mud... The mud is very deep. This is where the Illithred found their wisdom.
HOOK
Well, if you think it has something to do with me, you're out of your noggin, buddy. I am heading home first thing tomorrow morning. This place is crazy.
MAYOR
There is something alive down there, and it has been there for a long, long time. It contacts these people in their dreams and warps their body. Worship will undoubtedly revive it. If the Bandyboo comes here, you will be the only one that can stop him.
How do you know Tremont?
MAYOR
Everyone knows the Butcher. He’s a great hero.
HOOK
With a name like ‘the Butcher.’
MAYOR
These were tumultuous times.
HOOK
Prolonged exposure to what?
MAYOR
Excuse me?
HOOK
Prolonged exposure created those things that attacked us. Prolonged exposure to what?
MAYOR
We know the secrets, Mr. Hook. We have learned what gives them power, the source of the hum that warps everything.
HOOK
And what is that?
CELINE
The rivers.
HOOK
The rivers?
MAYOR
Specifically, the Confluence in the center of the city. A normal man will burn in a few hours if he comes too close, but the Malkooth are drawn to it.
HOOK
I don’t get it.
CELINE
Ancients believed you should never build a city where two rivers become one. They believed it created pools of negative energy that warps the land. Doom City has one of those very pools in the heart of the city.
HOOK
And it makes those monsters?
MAYOR
The hum has worked through the sewers, tainting the land and water. The Illithred called that energy ‘Shogotta.’ Those are shallow rivers out there, Mr. Hook, but the mud... The mud is very deep. This is where the Illithred found their wisdom.
HOOK
Well, if you think it has something to do with me, you're out of your noggin, buddy. I am heading home first thing tomorrow morning. This place is crazy.
MAYOR
There is something alive down there, and it has been there for a long, long time. It contacts these people in their dreams and warps their body. Worship will undoubtedly revive it. If the Bandyboo comes here, you will be the only one that can stop him.
Cut to...
CHLOE ISIS is bound and gagged on ground. ERBY is keeping VALENTINE away. STEFAN is on top of her.
VALENTINE
If you hurt her...
NARRATOR
Erby laughed sharply.
ERBY
Hurt her? I think not. You, I will hurt very badly. Miss Chloe and the bird, they will be given to Mallik. He will decide what happens to them.
If you hurt her...
NARRATOR
Erby laughed sharply.
ERBY
Hurt her? I think not. You, I will hurt very badly. Miss Chloe and the bird, they will be given to Mallik. He will decide what happens to them.
CHLOE ISIS screams through her gag. STEFAN raises his knife. VALENTINE tries to charge, but ERBY blocks him. A dagger flies from the forest and strikes Erby in the shoulder, knocking him face-first into VALENTINE.
NARRATOR
Valentine took advantage of Erby’s face striking Valentine’s knee.
Valentine took advantage of Erby’s face striking Valentine’s knee.
STEFAN jumps up, ready to defend, but is not prepared when a tall, wiry man with sandy hair steps from the darkness and cuts Stefan’s throat from behind. STEFAN is shocked a moment and falls dead. The man is CELL.
ERBY has dropped his sword and is trying to pull the dagger out of his shoulder while keeping watch on Valentine and Cell. CELL draws another dagger. ERBY backs away, then runs into the darkness wailing.
VALENTINE
(sternly) Who are you?
CELL
Someone who wanders through the woods rescuing any children he finds about to be gutted by trolls.
(sternly) Who are you?
CELL
Someone who wanders through the woods rescuing any children he finds about to be gutted by trolls.
CELL cuts CHLOE’s binding.
VALENTINE
We’re not kids.
CELL
Either way, you didn’t look like all of you were friends. Don’t tell me I rescued the wrong people.
We’re not kids.
CELL
Either way, you didn’t look like all of you were friends. Don’t tell me I rescued the wrong people.
CELL unties CHLOE’s gag.
CHLOE ISIS
Rubin, leave him alone. Why do you mistrust every person trying to help us?
VALENTINE
Because they’ve all tried to kill us.
CHLOE ISIS
Corthd hasn’t yet.
VALENTINE
Not that we know of.
CELL
Who is Corthd?
VALENTINE
(suspiciously) Why?
CELL
Because you apparently find yourselves in a considerable amount of danger, and I need to know who you should and shouldn’t trust. A name don’t get more orc than ‘Corthd,’ so why don’t you tell me who he is.
Rubin, leave him alone. Why do you mistrust every person trying to help us?
VALENTINE
Because they’ve all tried to kill us.
CHLOE ISIS
Corthd hasn’t yet.
VALENTINE
Not that we know of.
CELL
Who is Corthd?
VALENTINE
(suspiciously) Why?
CELL
Because you apparently find yourselves in a considerable amount of danger, and I need to know who you should and shouldn’t trust. A name don’t get more orc than ‘Corthd,’ so why don’t you tell me who he is.
Cut to...
EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP. NIGHT
TREMONT, TEPPINS, and LOKIA are at the rocky crest of a mountain overlooking a lush valley.
TREMONT
I see them.
TEPPINS
The orc let them start a fire?
TREMONT
It looks like they have been fighting. I see a dead troll, and a man.
LOKIA
Is it the Bandyboo?
TREMONT
Just a troll.
LOKIA
I hate trolls.
TEPPINS
Quiet. (to TREMONT) Is she wearing the coat?
TREMONT
She’s wearing rags. I can’t tell what it’s supposed to be. It could be an improvement on your present fashion sense though.
I see them.
TEPPINS
The orc let them start a fire?
TREMONT
It looks like they have been fighting. I see a dead troll, and a man.
LOKIA
Is it the Bandyboo?
TREMONT
Just a troll.
LOKIA
I hate trolls.
TEPPINS
Quiet. (to TREMONT) Is she wearing the coat?
TREMONT
She’s wearing rags. I can’t tell what it’s supposed to be. It could be an improvement on your present fashion sense though.
TEPPINS pushes Tremont. TREMONT rolls down the mountain and catches himself, skidding to a halt in a billowing cloud of dust. He is back on his feet in a moment with his sword drawn. LOKIA draws his sword and steps between Tremont and Teppins.
TEPPINS
Stand down. If Lieutenant Ayers is ready to usurp me, I welcome his advances.
Stand down. If Lieutenant Ayers is ready to usurp me, I welcome his advances.
TREMONT sheathes his sword.
TREMONT
I have more pressing concerns.
LOKIA
Can either of you hear Bandyboo’s Song?
TEPPINS
Close. His Song slips occasionally. He’s following us.
TREMONT
Then we should hunt him down and wipe him out now. He’s still weak, we can overpower him.
TEPPINS
If I remember correctly, the Bandyboo has already ended your life once today.
TREMONT
Surely the Marshal does not think himself incapable, especially with the aid of the Sergeant and myself.
TEPPINS
We find the coat. Then we worry about Ophalius. Now move.
I have more pressing concerns.
LOKIA
Can either of you hear Bandyboo’s Song?
TEPPINS
Close. His Song slips occasionally. He’s following us.
TREMONT
Then we should hunt him down and wipe him out now. He’s still weak, we can overpower him.
TEPPINS
If I remember correctly, the Bandyboo has already ended your life once today.
TREMONT
Surely the Marshal does not think himself incapable, especially with the aid of the Sergeant and myself.
TEPPINS
We find the coat. Then we worry about Ophalius. Now move.
TEPPINS hops down the rock face, red cape billowing out behind him. He sends a shower of chips down before him as he descends. TREMONT and LOKIA follow.
GRENT (OS)
Adeal!
Adeal!
TEPPINS looks up as GRENT crests the pinnacle. TEPPINS draws his sword. GRENT jumps in the air and waves his hand, knocking the dirt below him down in an avalanche on TEPPINS, TREMONT, and LOKIA.
LOKIA is knocked on his back by a headsized rock and rolls down the mountain, but TEPPINS and TREMONT hold their footing. GRENT lands in the hole as the dust settles. TEPPINS charges. LOKIA climbs to join Teppins. TREMONT remains behind. Before TEPPINS reaches GRENT, his sword is wrenched from his hand and bounces down the mountain. LOKIA attacks, but GRENT boots LOKIA in the stomach, grabs Lokia by the arm and hurls him into Teppins.
TEPPINS bats Lokia to the side and holds out his hand to his sword, 100 feet away. The sword lifts in the air, spins, and flies at Grent. GRENT dodges and backhands through the air, knocking TEPPINS over with the force of the blow.
TREMONT holds out his hand, which glows read and crackles, sending three red orbs at GRENT, who dodges two, but is struck in the leg by the third.
GRENT cries out and falls on his stomach. Teppins’s SWORD returns to his hand, and TEPPINS leaps to impale Grent. GRENT rolls to the side and the blade buries in the rock. GRENT kicks Teppins and sweeps out with his legs, knocking TEPPINS down. As GRENT stands, TREMONT hits him in the back with three bolts of energy. TEPPINS has recovered, and has been joined by LOKIA. TEPPINS pulls his sword from the ground with an explosion of rock, and lunges at Grent. LOKIA attacks as well, and both plunge their swords into Grent’s body. GRENT cries out and arches his back, then dissipates to dust and dirt.
LOKIA
A golem!
TEPPINS
(looking around) He must be near, and he will be hurt after we killed it.
TREMONT
(chuckling) I could have told you from the beginning it wasn’t real. Still it was fun to see the Marshal put through his paces by some poorly packed clay.
A golem!
TEPPINS
(looking around) He must be near, and he will be hurt after we killed it.
TREMONT
(chuckling) I could have told you from the beginning it wasn’t real. Still it was fun to see the Marshal put through his paces by some poorly packed clay.
Cut to...
EXT. CAMP. NIGHT
CORTHD enters. When he sees Cell, CORTHD draws his scimitar. CELL draws two daggers.
CELL
Should I assume this is Corthd?
CHLOE ISIS
He’s our friend.
CELL
Your friend doesn’t seem so sure.
CHLOE ISIS
Where is Dahooty?
CORTHD
Fat one in shack through the woods, but no bird.
CHLOE ISIS
We need to find him then. Cell, we're going to need your knives. Come on!
CELL
Who is Dahooty?
VALENTINE
He's a talking ibis. He was stolen by the troll that was trying to kill us.
CELL
You’re friends with a troll and have a bird that talks? What are you doing here?
CHLOE ISIS
We’re looking for Master Talen.
Should I assume this is Corthd?
CHLOE ISIS
He’s our friend.
CELL
Your friend doesn’t seem so sure.
CHLOE ISIS
Where is Dahooty?
CORTHD
Fat one in shack through the woods, but no bird.
CHLOE ISIS
We need to find him then. Cell, we're going to need your knives. Come on!
CELL
Who is Dahooty?
VALENTINE
He's a talking ibis. He was stolen by the troll that was trying to kill us.
CELL
You’re friends with a troll and have a bird that talks? What are you doing here?
CHLOE ISIS
We’re looking for Master Talen.
Insert of CELL. He recognizes the name.
VALENTINE
Shh!
CELL
And why would you be looking for Master Talen.
CHLOE ISIS
That’s a secret.
Shh!
CELL
And why would you be looking for Master Talen.
CHLOE ISIS
That’s a secret.
CELL hesitates a moment and smiles. Ominous music.
CELL
I’ll take you to him. He happens to be a good friend.
I’ll take you to him. He happens to be a good friend.
CELL puts away his daggers.
CORTHD
We know the way.
We know the way.
CELL
Then, as his friend, I insist you let me come with you, as I would like to be sure he knows in advance that a troll is coming to his house in the middle of the night.
Then, as his friend, I insist you let me come with you, as I would like to be sure he knows in advance that a troll is coming to his house in the middle of the night.
CHLOE ISIS, VALENTINE, and CORTHD look at each other nervously.
CELL
You can trust my word, I won’t try to hurt you. Keep in mind that if I wanted you dead, I could have let the other trolls do that before I took care of them. I can tell this one doesn’t seem bothered by their passing.
CHLOE ISIS
But we need to rescue Dahooty!
CELL
Forget it kid, that bird is gone. Trolls don't stay in one place very long. If your buddy didn't find the bird at the barn, they probably already ate it, if Corthit didn't eat the bird himself.
CHLOE ISIS
I told you, Corthd is our friend. He saved us from Glith...
CORTHD
Quiet!
VALENTINE
Oh, Chloe, why do you have to tell everything to everyone?
CELL
Did you say Glithvals?
CHLOE ISIS
No.
CELL
Why are Glithvals chasing you?
CHLOE ISIS
I didn’t. I said Glithenstein. It’s a family I know who is supposed to meet us with a batch of their homemade perohis. If you want to stick around, I’m sure we can spare a couple, but the Glithensteins don’t make all that many. It’s an intensive process, you know.
CELL
(To VALENTINE) Why are Glilthvals chasing you? Don’t tell me a story.
VALENTINE
We don’t know, but Corthd said Master Talen could protect us.
CELL
Who is it? Is it Tremont Ayers?You tell me everything you know, or I will make sure Poran knows you are coming, and you will answer the same question to his armed guard.
CORTHD
I know Talen, visit his home many times.
You can trust my word, I won’t try to hurt you. Keep in mind that if I wanted you dead, I could have let the other trolls do that before I took care of them. I can tell this one doesn’t seem bothered by their passing.
CHLOE ISIS
But we need to rescue Dahooty!
CELL
Forget it kid, that bird is gone. Trolls don't stay in one place very long. If your buddy didn't find the bird at the barn, they probably already ate it, if Corthit didn't eat the bird himself.
CHLOE ISIS
I told you, Corthd is our friend. He saved us from Glith...
CORTHD
Quiet!
VALENTINE
Oh, Chloe, why do you have to tell everything to everyone?
CELL
Did you say Glithvals?
CHLOE ISIS
No.
CELL
Why are Glithvals chasing you?
CHLOE ISIS
I didn’t. I said Glithenstein. It’s a family I know who is supposed to meet us with a batch of their homemade perohis. If you want to stick around, I’m sure we can spare a couple, but the Glithensteins don’t make all that many. It’s an intensive process, you know.
CELL
(To VALENTINE) Why are Glilthvals chasing you? Don’t tell me a story.
VALENTINE
We don’t know, but Corthd said Master Talen could protect us.
CELL
Who is it? Is it Tremont Ayers?You tell me everything you know, or I will make sure Poran knows you are coming, and you will answer the same question to his armed guard.
CORTHD
I know Talen, visit his home many times.
CORTHD steps in front of Chloe and puts away his scimitar.
CORTHD
Talen knows me, and I turn your threats back against you if you tell story. If you know Talen as friend, you help us go there with haste.
CELL
I know some people nearby that will keep us safe. These kids need some rest. I'll take you to Talen at dawn.
CORTHD
No time for that.
VALENTINE
We haven’t slept in a bed for more than a week.
CELL
I know orcs are hard-hearted by nature, but come on! Let these kids have a break. At least let the girl get some new clothes. Boy, have you ever eaten sausage that comes from a pig?
CHLOE ISIS
Gross!
CELL
If these kids know any Glithval Song, there is no way they are strong enough to sing it. If Glithvals were close enough to find you any other way, Poran would have locked this valley down. You have to trust I’m your friend, and I know people we can stay with. Master Talen’s farm is half a day’s walk from here still. If the kids aren't dead by then, the bird will be.
Talen knows me, and I turn your threats back against you if you tell story. If you know Talen as friend, you help us go there with haste.
CELL
I know some people nearby that will keep us safe. These kids need some rest. I'll take you to Talen at dawn.
CORTHD
No time for that.
VALENTINE
We haven’t slept in a bed for more than a week.
CELL
I know orcs are hard-hearted by nature, but come on! Let these kids have a break. At least let the girl get some new clothes. Boy, have you ever eaten sausage that comes from a pig?
CHLOE ISIS
Gross!
CELL
If these kids know any Glithval Song, there is no way they are strong enough to sing it. If Glithvals were close enough to find you any other way, Poran would have locked this valley down. You have to trust I’m your friend, and I know people we can stay with. Master Talen’s farm is half a day’s walk from here still. If the kids aren't dead by then, the bird will be.
Closeup of CORTHD, slow zoom out to include CHLOE and VALENTINE behind him. CORTHD looks over his shoulders to them in turn and back to CELL.
CORTHD
You right. We go.
You right. We go.
FADE TO BLACK
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