printisbetter

FADE FROM WHITE.

EXTERNAL: ROLLING GREEN HILLS, MORNING.
Narrow shot: tight on CHLOE ISIS and VALENTINE looking up in horror.
ZOOM OUT as DAHOOTY flaps down beside them with a sack clutched in his beak. VALENTINE takes the sack.

DAHOOTY

Dahooty found breakfast!

Tight shot of VALENTINE digging through sack.

VALENTINE

Where did you get this?

DAHOOTY hops to CHLOE and picks trail mix from her hand.

DAHOOTY

Dahooty grab it from kitchen when the cook was chasing you. Safe to eat here. Nobody see.

CHLOE

(shoving trail mix in her purse)
Is your troll hiding around here somewhere?

DAHOOTY

No troll, I swear. Dahooty is alone. More not-for-me's?

VALENTINE

Nothing worth stealing. I left everything at the inn.

CHLOE

Do you know how much farther to Wicked City?

DAHOOTY

No, no, we go north. Dahooty have family there.

VALENTINE

We have to find a coat in Wicked City.

DAHOOTY

Dahooty find many coats, all different colors, never have to talk to trolls.

CHLOE

This is a magic coat, the only thing that can protect us from the magic ice that is freezing the Tree of Life.

DAHOOTY

Coat valuable?

CHLOE

More than you can imagine.

DAHOOTY

Girl have more not-for-me's?

VALENTINE

Do you know the way to Wicked City?

CHLOE

We're going to save the World!

VALENTINE

Did you ever think you’d be a hero, Dahooty?

DAHOOTY

Dahooty always want to be hero.

VALENTINE

Now is your chance.

CHLOE

But first, Breakfast, I’m starved!

Montage to match NARRATOR.

NARRATOR

They found themselves a quaint nook in the east side of the hill away from town where the morning sun warmed their bodies. From Dahooty's sack, they laid out a feast of muffins, butter, and sliced apples and pears. There was only a little bacon, which Valentine shared with Dahooty.

CHLOE

I'd like to be done with Wicked City today if we can.

DAHOOTY

Wicked City not far south of these hills. We be there by lunch. Dahooty knows where to find excellent grease-fried fish.

CHLOE

Gross!

Cut to...
EXT: HILLTOP, MORNING.
FADE IN on TREMONT speaking. Wide shot of TREMONT and HOOK stand at the crest of a hill overlooking the valley that drops out below them in a long sweep to a floodplain below. In the distance a town is perched on a riverbank. Between them, a single hillock supports a thick brush of young trees.

TREMONT

...When we stormed Malkooth, the Shogotta took down more soldiers than any Illithred resistance. They are mindless, like a worm, they just slither and absorb.

HOOK

It's a straight shot from here to Tiphereth. I say we make a run for it.

TREMONT

Go for the hill so we can have a look into town.

HOOK

Afraid of a few trolls? I heard they had a name for you.

TREMONT

(eyes narrow.)
What do you know about that coat?

HOOK

(starts walking)
I bought it from a soldier that said it came from an Illithred captain. He claimed it was magic, but I never seen it do a thing.

TREMONT

You tried it?

HOOK

I wore it a few times, but couldn’t turn it on. It wasn’t long before Bandyboo tracked me down. Is it from Malkooth? I should have hung onto that thing, or at least gotten more for it. That troll had sacks of cash.

TREMONT

I haven’t seen it. Probably just a ripped up coat.

The road is little more than a dirt path with a few logs buried along the way to serve as steps going down the hill.

HOOK

What happens if he doesn’t have the coat anymore?

TREMONT

I imagine the Marshal will kill him anyway.

HOOK

I mean me. You won’t need a prisoner after that, or guide, or whatever you think I am. I won’t be of much help if he doesn’t have it, right?

TREMONT

You aren’t much help now.

HOOK

Is that a yes? Do I get the Emperor’s mercy to return home?

TREMONT

If you run fast, I promise not to chase.

The terrain is rugged, and they have to climb with their hands in places.

HOOK

Can you hear that thing?

TREMONT

No.

HOOK

Could you hear it before?

TREMONT

A little. Shogotta work on the same principle as the Glithval song. It gave off a little hum that I can’t feel now.

HOOK

Did we lose it?

TREMONT

You told me we’d be at this town before dawn.

HOOK

And I also told you I haven’t been here in years. (Pause)What does the Marshal of the Third Wall do?

TREMONT

Buys new coats for the Emperor.

HOOK

Why did the Emperor kick out your friends...?

TREMONT

Adeal Teppins is no friend.

HOOK

Oh, sure, but...

TREMONT

We recognize our mutual skills as warriors, but he is no friend of mine, do you understand?

HOOK

Yeah, sure, whatever. You said you asked for his job. What does he do?

TREMONT

The Marshal is in charge of all outer defenses for Old City, both the troops stationed on the wall and the militias outside. A very prestigious position.

HOOK

Sounds like it. So it’s undefended now?

TREMONT

I’m sure Konakarse and Lithes have found someone to fill the position.

HOOK

Has Old City ever been attacked?

TREMONT

Not since Teppins and Lithes seized it from the Illithred.

HOOK

Solid record.

TREMONT

Exactly what are you suggesting?

HOOK

Nothing. Alaori come into Triangle all the time. They threaten to stop trading with us if we keep Konakian troops stationed with us, but they have yet to make good on the threat.

TREMONT

The Emperor is well aware of the dissent and blasphemy spoken in the tribes these days.

HOOK

Oh yeah, I always forget he decided to become a god.

TREMONT

Had I become Marshal, things would have been different. The tribes are brave now, but I would have shown them the full strength of the Glithvals. I would remind the tribes who freed them from the Illithred. Our troops are strong and well trained. With no more than a legion, I would be happy to show the Alaori why they once bowed to the Emperor.

Start narrow shot between TREMONT and HOOK, zoom out and pan past them into a wide shot of the road and a grassy hillside with wheat and grains overgrown around tired-looking barns that sag at the corners and collapse, still retaining their pride and limited functionality.

HOOK

That river up there leads north right where we’re going. (Long pause as they walk.) I left home when I was about 15 to become a Glithval. The war was over by then. I just assumed you didn’t need me.

TREMONT

You assumed correctly.

HOOK

But yet, I hear how the Glithvals vie with the Emperor, how they struggle for power, and how their numbers dwindle more with each battle. Word in Triangle is there will be no more Glithvals soon. I could have learned the Song. Why did you turn me away?

TREMONT

Our friend is back.

HOOK takes a defensive stance. TREMONT keeps walking.

HOOK

Where?

TREMONT

Stalking us. It hasn’t caught up enough to attack yet. The higher ground will be rocky. I can hold him off better from there. Move. Quickly.

TREMONT and HOOK run. They reach the hillock and start to run up. The ground under HOOK explodes and he is hurled into TREMONT, knocking them both rolling. The SHOGOTTA rises out of the hole, immense and covered with dirt. It lands on its belly, ignoring HOOK and wriggling toward TREMONT. As it crawls, 12 long, spindly legs form out of its side and lift the SHOGOTTA off the ground. Five of the legs ooze together, forming two scorpion-like claws that slash at Tremont. TREMONT draws his sword and parries while backing up the hill. He looks left and right, and two huge boulders pull out of the sod and smash into the Shogotta, spattering it in the dirt. The droplets roll through the grass back to the main body, that oozes from beneath, forming a complete scorpion with tail that leaps at Tremont, grappling with its claws and legs and trying to sting him with the slender tail. TREMONT braces his footing, spins, and hurls the Shogotta into the woods, where it crashes out of sight. TREMONT watches after it, panting, and falls to his knees. The rustling of something large can be heard thrashing in that direction.

HOOK

Are you hurt?

The SHOGOTTA bursts from the treeline, Scurrying down the slope to tackle Tremont with claws and legs spread wide. TREMONT hurls his sword, which spins and slices off one of the great claws. The claw splatters and rolls back to the body. Tremont’s sword continues to dance in the air around the Shogotta with TREMONT miming the attacks from a distance, hacking deep wounds that close almost as fast as the sword can draw free. The severed claw rejoins the body, and a set of snapping jaws forms at the head. A strike from the tail knocks Tremont off balance, and the SHOGOTTA grabs his ankle with its remaining claw, knocking him flat on his back. HOOK rushes in with a long, sturdy branch, winds up, and clubs the Shogotta in the back if the head. The SHOGOTTA turns, jabbing with its tail and snapping with its claw. HOOK parries with the branch. HOOK is driven back, but TREMONT is able to stand and concentrate a moment. The SHOGOTTA is yanked up in the air and starts spinning. It struggles to right itself, but spins faster and faster until tiny black bubbles of jelly start flying off. The pieces get bigger and fly further until the Shogotta is completely dispersed. When it is gone, TREMONT doubles over and exhales.

HOOK

I hope that bides us some time.

TREMONT

(sincere)
Thank you for the help.

HOOK

(surprised)
Don’t mention it. (Beat) We’re not going to beat that thing, are we?

TREMONT

You thought you could be a Glithval with that kind of determination?

HOOK

I’m older now.

TREMONT and HOOK catch their bearings and climb the next hillock. At the top, they see Tiphereth in the distance.

(pointing south)
That road goes all the way to Wicked City. We could probably make it there tonight.

TREMONT

If you want to survive, we will make it there tonight. The Shogotta is following us again already. They can spread themselves out for miles underground. We won’t confuse it long in this town. Even if it can pinpoint our location, it’s not likely to attack us in public.

Cut to...
Montage match NARRATOR

NARRATOR

When breakfast was done, Valentine hid the sack under a rock, but Chloe retrieved it and stored it in her purse. They walked directly south, down the slope and up the next of the short, rolling hills that stretched out before them, yellow and treeless from years of farming. Dahooty flew above, keeping an eye out for danger.

VALENTINE

What is that smell?

CHLOE

Sauerkraut! We must be close!

DAHOOTY

I see it! I see it!

NARRATOR

For certain, black, oily smoke could be seen rising over the hills. Trolls were foul things that loved chaos and destruction, and delighted in all things burnable and breakable. Their furnaces and forges burned 24 hours a day, often without even a sword or spearhead being pounded into shape. At the crest of the next hill, Chloe and Valentine saw it too.

DAHOOTY

(landing) Wicked City!

NARRATOR

A huddled mass of shacks and shanties were over-stuffed into the valley before them, dust clouds and smoke rising from so many places that it seemed the city itself was on fire.

VALENTINE

We need to find the marketplace.

DAHOOTY

Down in center. That where the food is. Grease-fried chicken and scorched pork. Dahooty says this best.

CHLOE

Is there anything without meat?

DAHOOTY

There’s mud. If you’re lucky, you can find a worm.

VALENTINE

We need to find a junk shop run by Bandyboo. Do you know him?

DAHOOTY

Don’t know. Sounds like a fake name to me.

CHLOE

Fake like Dahooty?

DAHOOTY

Exactly like Dahooty.

VALENTINE

Do you know Bandyboo?

DAHOOTY

Never heard of him.

CHLOE

We’ll just ask around the market, I’m sure he’ll turn up.

DAHOOTY

Ah, no doubt. You are wise and smart young people. Dahooty wonders how two little people aren’t going to stand out against the big, ugly trolls? Not many humans in Wicked City. Those that are come a little more protected. Dahooty wonders if you just plan to walk in and take coat?

CHLOE

I hadn’t really thought of that.

DAHOOTY

Most dangerous city in the north and you didn’t think of how to get in?

VALENTINE

Come on, Chloe, you got into Old City with no trouble. We can handle these trolls.

DAHOOTY

No one gets into Old City.

CHLOE

Well, I didn’t actually go to Old City.

VALENTINE

You said you were there, you saw the Tree of Life.

CHLOE

In a dream. I saw it in a dream. I told you!

VALENTINE

Are you serious?

DAHOOTY

Dahooty has an idea.

CHLOE

I told you it was a dream.

VALENTINE

You never said such a thing. You said you were there.

DAHOOTY

Dahooty can get into Wicked City.

CHLOE

How?

NARRATOR

The outskirts of Wicked City were populated by broken shacks with darkened doorways and smoking tin chimneys. The road was empty.

DAHOOTY

Dahooty friend to trolls.

CHLOE

Friend? To tolls?

DAHOOTY

So to speak.

VALENTINE

How so?

DAHOOTY

Worked with troll many years.

VALENTINE

That long?

DAHOOTY

At least. Know his family. Know his friends.

CHLOE

What happens when they find out your friend is dead?

DAHOOTY

Trolls don’t care about things like that. No concern with the individual. With trolls, only the warband is important. Trolls be happy to see Dahooty. (Looks around) We need someplace to hide people though. Hmm... Almost noon, trolls wake up soon. There!

DAHOOTY points to a little shack with no door or smoke, and white lines of sunshine can be seen through the twisted boards within.

DAHOOTY

Empty house. Hide in the hay. Dahooty find Bandyboo and come back for you. Hurry, before trolls awake!

DAHOOTY ushers CHLOE and VALENTINE inside.

CHLOE

How long will you be?

DAHOOTY

Not long. Stay here and be quiet

Exit DAHOOTY. CHLOE and VALENTINE find hiding places in the hay and debris.

CHLOE

I don’t like this.

VALENTINE

You either?

CHLOE

I don’t think we can trust him. I think we’re in some serious danger.

VALENTINE

Well, we’re in. We’re here. What can we do but wait. If we march into the marketplace, those trolls will be eating our guts by dinner. I can’t believe you lied about Old City.

CHLOE

Oh, come off it. I didn’t lie. I went there in a dream. It’s the same, just like in all the stories I heard, with the big, long, deep gash of a gorge through the center of the city. I climbed the rocks to a staircase made of giant logs laid down a thousand years ago or more. Even in my dreams I could feel the slick moisture as I walked. It was no ordinary dream, Rubin. I was there, in Old City, and the Tree of Life was calling out for help.

VALENTINE

And now we’re stuck here in a troll shanty waiting to become dinner.

CHLOE

Oh, you don’t know that.

VALENTINE

Do you trust Dahooty?

CHLOE

That’s not the point.

VALENTINE

Well, Chloe, what exactly is the point? We should be running now, running for our lives, but we can’t, because we probably have a thousand trolls between us and freedom. How did I get myself into this?

CHLOE

Shh! Someone is coming!

The door goes dark as three silhouetted trolls push their way in amid the clanking of chains and rustling of sacks. There is a grunting and struggling. FADE OUT on CHLOE's screams.