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BLOOD OF THE DRAGONS
by Marko Bonacic (mbonaci7@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy   User Review: ***1/2
An artifact named Staff of Ages, that has the power to tear the Veil that separates our world from Ughor Argash, a twisted world of demons, is stolen from the paladins' sanctuary. Now, it is up to High Wizard Venedar and a young paladin Lafael Dwin'urdrenn to save the world from an imminent invasion of demon hordes.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

EXT. GREEN MEADOW - DAY
                                                            
The sun is shining in a clear blue sky. Suddenly two wooden
practice swords meet with a sharp clack. A young man and a
young female elf are dueling with their practice swords on a
green meadow. They are evenly matched and both are drenched
in sweat. They are MERRICK and LAFAEL.
                                                            
He charges her and she effortlessly moves out of the way.
With inertia of his attack carrying him, he can’t react as
she delivers a hard blow against the side of his head. He
collapses to the ground dropping his practice sword.
                                                            
Immediately blood starts running down the side of his face.
He smiles painfully holding his head.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Sometimes I forget how strong you
are.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (rushes to his
       side)
I am sorry Merrick. I didn’t mean
to hit you that hard. Let me have
a look.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
I’m all right. No need for that,
Lafael. It’s just a scratch.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Don’t be a child and let me help!
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Oh, all right.
                                                            
There is a big gash over his right eye. As her hands draw
near the wound they start to glow and the wound also starts
to glow and heal leaving not even a scar.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
      (continuing)
There was really no need for that.
                                                            

2.

                       LAFAEL
Nonsense! You would have needed
stitches and it would have left a
scar. What use is my healing power
if I can’t even help my friend in
need?
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Heh, I would hardly call it need.
It’s almost noon. We should be
getting back. We don’t want to be
late for the ceremony. Help me up.
                                                            
They head for the horses picketed at the tree line.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
      (continuing)
You know I let you beat me just
because you lost last time?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Right… And those two times before
last?
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Hey, you wouldn’t have won that
time if I didn’t trip on a branch!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Maybe you would win more if you
just stopped falling over things.
                                                            
They both laugh.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Are you excited about today? I
know I am!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Me, too. Ever since I was a child
I dreamed about going on
adventures, doing great things,
battling evil… And today, me
finally being raised as paladin
after so many years of hard work
is a dream come true for me. They
never thought an half-elf like me
would succeed in becoming a
paladin but I proved everyone
wrong.
                                                            

3.

                       MERRICK
I always knew you would make it. I
know that the elves keep to
themselves and do not interact
with other races that much and as
such you were not expected to have
longings for grand adventures but
you got your inner calling and had
to pursue it. It was a hard road
for you but today it comes to
crossroads where countless
opportunities await you. If
anybody has earned it, it is you.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (squeezes his hand)
Thank you for those kind words
Merrick. You have always been a
true friend.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
So what do you say we get this
show on the road?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Yes. MASTER CORION will be waiting
for us.
                                                            
They get on their horses and head down the hill towards a
small walled town with a large commanding fortress in its
centre.
                                                            
As they near the town they notice a lone rider wearing a
dark blue cloak with a cowl covering his face and revealing
only long grayish beard. He heads straight for them at a
slow canter.
                                                            
They stop and turn in his direction.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
He seems to be heading straight
for us. Do you know him?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I don’t know…
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Well, be ready just in case. I
wish we had our swords!
                                                            
They put their hands on small knives at their belts.
                                                            

4.

The rider stops in front of them regarding them silently. He
is VENEDAR. Lafael and Merrick anxiously finger their
knives. Merrick starts to draw his…
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
There will be no need for that,
young paladin. I wish you no harm.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How do you know that he is a
paladin?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I know many things, young Lafael
Dwin’urdrenn.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How…? Your voice sounds somehow
familiar.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
As well it should. You played on
my knee as a child.
                                                            
Venedar removes the hood and reveals the face of a graying
old man.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Venedar!
                                                            
She drops from her horse and rushes to embrace him. Smiling,
he returns the embrace.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
All right, all right, child.
You’ll strangle me.
      (they separate)
Ah, I see a girl I knew in a woman
standing before me. It has been a
long time.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
A long time indeed! Where have you
been all these years?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Last time I saw you, you were
still living with your parents.
And while I was busy with other
matters, you have already grown up
and left your life among the elves
to become a paladin. And when I
heard that you were being raised
            (MORE)

5.

                       VENEDAR (cont'd)
paladin I just had to come and see
for myself. You have changed much.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
And you haven’t changed a bit! You
look just as I remember you! Why
have you never come to see me?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I wish that I could have but being
a wizard leaves little free time,
you know. But I am glad to be here
now.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Oh Venedar, I am so happy that you
came.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Tell me, do you hear word of your
parents?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Of course. Mother and I write to
each other often. She is well but
my father has never really come to
terms with my leaving.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Is he still angry with me?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I’m afraid so. He blames you for
filling my head with nonsense of
adventuring as he calls it.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I am truly sorry for that. If he
could only remember the adventures
he and I had…
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That is exactly the reason he was
against my decision to go. He
would tell me that adventuring is
foolish and that it would only get
me killed.
                                                            

6.

                       VENEDAR
Well, I can understand that. After
all you are his only child and he
never understood that a time
always comes for children to grow
up and move on.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Ahem!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Oh, I’m sorry. Venedar I want you
to meet my friend Merrick. We will
be raised together.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Pleased to meet you.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Venedar? As in High Wizard
Venedar?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Yes, it is so.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
Lafael, you never told me that you
were friends with a High Wizard!
Why did you keep that a secret?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I didn’t want people to treat me
special. I wanted to be just like
everybody else with no special
privileges.
                                                            
                       MERRICK
      (nods)
Well it certainly is an honor
meeting you.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
The honor is mine.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
The ceremony will begin shortly so
we must hurry back. We will talk
on the way.
                                                            
 

7.

EXT. SAFE HAVEN - DAY
                                                            
A small boy is going down the main street. He stops by the
stand selling fruits. The owner, who was just in the process
of shouting how fresh his fruit is, seeing him stops and
turns towards him with a frown.
                                                            
                       FRUIT SELLER
Hey WILLIE! Move away from my
stand, ya hear? Don’t ya go tryin’
to steal my fresh fruit again cos’
this time I’ll not just tell yer
mum, but I’ve got a stick right
here with yer name on it! Now off
with ye!
                                                            
He menacingly strokes a big stick leaning on his stand. The
boy slowly backs away and the fruit seller turns to an old
lady looking at the fruits.
                                                            
                       FRUIT SELLER
Only the finest and freshest
fruit, ma’m.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
      (picks up the
       fruit then drops
       it back)
Hmmm… I don’t know… There seem to
be some spots on these lemons.
                                                            
                       FRUIT SELLER
      (takes her hands
       off the fruit)
Please ma’m, don’t touch the fruit
if you won’t buy them and I assure
you they have no spots.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
      (waves a fresh
       lemon at his nose)
What do you mean they have no
spots?! And what do you call
this?! Hmm?!
                                                            
                       FRUIT SELLER
There are no spots on that lemon
or any other lemon, for that
matter.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
Are you trying to trick me? I’m
not senile, you know!
                                                            

8.

                       FRUIT SELLER
Ma’m please. I’m not trying to
trick ya, just…
                                                            
The boy sees his opportunity and dashes for an apple.
                                                            
                       FRUIT SELLER
Hey!!! Come back ‘ere!!! Why, I’ll
show ye…
                                                            
He grabs his stick and runs after the boy.
                                                            
The boy skillfully runs through the crowd, sometimes between
the legs of people while the fruit seller bumps into people
knocking them from their feet.
                                                            
He finally crashes into two men carrying horse dung in a
large bucket which flies in the air and lands right on his
head as he falls. The boy smiles and runs away.
                                                            
 
EXT. FORTRESS OF LIGHT - DAY
                                                            
Running, he gets to the Fortress and mingles with a group of
kids being led by an older woman. He grabs a bite of the
apple and listens.
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
…and so it came to pass that a
great paladin ROTHAR LIGHTBRINGER
founded The Fortress Of Light
almost 2000 years ago as a safe
haven for all the people with good
in their hearts and as a training
ground for those getting that
“inner calling” to become
paladins. Around it, with time,
grew our small town Safe Haven.
Willie! You are late again!
                                                            
                       WILLIE
Sorry Mrs. Pembridge, my da sent
me to fetch some apples for my
sick grandma but I came as fast as
I could, honest!
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
Oh, well that’s all right then.
How is she by the way?
                                                            

9.

                       WILLIE
Not so good. She can’t walk so I
have to bring her things, but my
da says she’ll get better.
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
I didn’t know that. Well, I hope
she gets better. All right, let’s
move along.
                                                            
 
INT. FORTRESS OF LIGHT, HALL OF HEROES - DAY
                                                            
They enter a large hall with enormous statues on each side.
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
This is the famous HALL OF HEROES
where all the greatest heroes
through the ages are represented…
                                                            
Her voice fades as Willie is swept away by the emotions of
seeing the faces of legendary heroes in full armor and
battle equipment.
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
      (continuing)
And finally we come to the most
important thing: The STAFF OF
AGES!
                                                            
The hall ends to a great round circle chamber. On a
pedestal, bathed in magical light, and suspended in the air
by magic stands a beautifully carved wooden staff with a
golden headpiece in a shape of the sun. Behind it stands a
statue of a bearded man in full plate armor with a
broadsword pressed with both hands to the floor, much larger
than the other ones, as if guarding it.
                                                            
The chamber echoes with ooohs and aaahs of the amazed
children.
                                                            
                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE
      (çontinuing)
It is believed that the gods
themselves made the staff and with
it, created the world in which we
now live in, along with other
worlds but no one knows for sure.
It is also said that the angels
themselves gave the Staff to
Rothar for safekeeping and put a
magical barrier around it so that
no one could take it except
            (MORE)

10.

                       MRS. PEMBRIDGE (cont'd)
themselves so to this day it
stands here guarded by Rothar
Lightbringer. But come, we must
leave because every minute now the
preparations for the ceremony of
raising young apprentices to
paladinhood will begin.
                                                            
The children still awed by what they saw, quietly leave down
the Hall.
                                                            
 
EXT. FORTRESS OF LIGHT, COURTYARD - DAY
                                                            
The banners are rippling in the wind from all the
battlements and the sound of trumpets announces the
beginning of the ceremony. A large crowd has gathered in the
Fortress courtyard where a large decorated platform had been
raised.
                                                            
Ten young people in shining armors wearing their swords at
their side are standing on a platform. Merrick and Lafael
are among them. In front of them stands a large, bearded man
also in shining armor.
                                                            
As he raises his hand, the trumpets and the crowd fall
silent.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
After years of dedication and
training, you now stand here
before me to at last formally
swear to the paladin code and be
raised to paladinhood! The Paladin
Code is the cornerstone of a
Paladin's life! It is the heart
and mind of a paladin and guides
him towards further goodness! It
is the will of the paladin to be
what he truly is, a Champion of
Light! No paladin defies the Code,
for no paladin can exist without
the Code! The Code links the
paladin with the righteous forces
of the universe! It is the common
ground for all paladins, the
common father! A paladin does not
follow the Code! He is the Code!!!
A true paladin doesn't act
against evil because of an order
or expectation of reward, but
because he believes that the light
must prevail! The Code is what
            (MORE)

11.

                       MASTER CORION (cont'd)
being a paladin is all about!
Paladins!!! What are the eight
elements of The Paladin Code?!
                                                            
The young paladins reply in unison.
                                                            
                       PALADINS
FEALTY: to The Paladin Code and
light, to those in need, to the
battle against evil to the last
breath! COURTESY: to be polite to
everyone, to maintain
self-control, to behave with
dignity at all times and to
respect friend and foe alike!
HONOR: respect for everyone who
shares the ideals of goodness and
justice, to show mercy and refuse
to inflict undue suffering even to
my worst enemies and to
acknowledge the dignity of all
law-abiding good people,
regardless of race! HONESTY: to
always remain true to one’s self
and others! VALOR: to face the
greatest dangers for duty, to
never retreat when another’s life
is at stake and to never yield or
flee in battle unless greatly
outnumbered! HUMILITY: to remain
humble in spirit and action!
SELFLESSNESS: to help those in
need and sacrifice my life for
another! FAITH: in light,
goodness, justice and peace!
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
Good! You must strive to live up
to the Code and die for the Code
if need be! It is a difficult task
but you have chosen it and you
must live up to it! The path of
the paladin is not for the false
or faint-hearted! I hereby raise
you to paladinhood! From this day
on, everywhere you go you will be
recognized as paladins and
Champions of Light! May the light
shine on you all!
                                                            
With those final words the crowd cheers and the trumpets
come to life again, playing a victorious tune. All the young
paladins congratulate each other.
                                                            

12.

Lafael climbs down from the platform. Venedar approaches her
and gives her a warm hug which she returns.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
You have achieved what many would
find a difficult task indeed. I am
proud of you. I wish your parents
were here to see you. Especially
your father.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Me too. Will you be staying the
night? I am sure Master Corion
will give you a room.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Yes. The journey here has been
long and there is a lot to talk
about.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That’s great! Let us go and
celebrate!
                                                            
She takes his hand and drags him into the cheering crowd.
                                                            
 
INT. LAFAEL'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
                                                            
Lafael is sleeping in her chamber. The doors to her balcony
are open and the curtains are rippling on a slight breeze.
She is having a nightmare.
                                                            
Glimpses of her dreams exchange. In them, demons with bright
red eyes are attacking her.
                                                            
She abruptly awakes panting and drenched in sweat. She takes
an oil lamp from her night-stand and as she strikes her
match to light it, she hears a low hiss from behind her. She
freezes and her eyes go wide. In the darkness behind her,
two red eyes glow in the dark as something moves in the
shadows.
                                                            
Suddenly the DEMON jumps at her with a shriek. She quickly
spins and throws the lamp at the demon, ducking to the
floor. The lamp hits the demon straight in the head and it
bursts into flames landing on the bed. Lafael is already at
the chair where her sword was hanging from its scabbard.
With a single motion, she pulls it out and turns to face the
demon which is now completely engulfed in flames.
                                                            
But the demon doesn’t seem bothered by the flames and it

13.

crouches on all fours looking straight at Lafael. Again it
jumps at her baring its teeth in a fiery snarl. She is ready
this time. She sidesteps to the left bringing up her blade
in an arc. The headless corpse of the demon crashes to the
cupboard while its head spins to the corner of the room.
                                                            
She quickly takes her coat from the chair and goes to douse
the flames. As she puts out the fire, she hears the sound of
battle outside her room. She picks up her sword and rushes
into --
                                                            
THE HALL
                                                            
to see paladins in their smallclothes battling more of the
demons in the corridor like the one from her room. She lifts
her sword killing the first demon in sight then rushes to
help her comrades. She swings her sword left and right
dealing killing blows. After a short time all of the demons
were dead but still more sounds of combat were coming down
the corridor.
                                                            
She runs towards the combat and turns a corner. Four demons
are ready to attack. She looks for help but other paladins
are too far away to help her.
                                                            
She takes a defending guard but suddenly lightning flashes
from a crossing corridor turning the four demons to crisp.
She watches in amazement at the smoking corpses then lifts
her eyes to see Venedar turning the corner.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Are you all right?!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Yes.
                                                            
Venedar examines her as if not hearing her.
                                                            
Master Corion and a paladin turn the corner behind Venedar.
Both have cuts and bruises, their smallclothes torn.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
That seems to be the last of them.
                                                            
Paladins start to gather around them.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
Is everyone all right?
                                                            
                       PALADIN
Yes, master! A few injured but
that’s it.
                                                            

14.

                       MASTER CORION
I cannot believe this! Demons in
the Fortress of Light! I never
thought to see the day! Where did
they all come from?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I think the more important
question is why they have come. So
many demons in one place, and they
appeared here without anyone
noticing. They couldn’t have come
here on their own. Somebody
brought them here for a reason.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
But surely they would know that
they would fail. Even off-guard we
easily defeated them.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
So what was the point?
                                                            
A paladin comes running down the corridor.
                                                            
                       PALADIN
They have taken the Staff of Ages!
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
What?! That is impossible! What
happened to the guards?
                                                            
                       PALADIN
They… They were killed.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It was protected by powerful
magic! How could anyone…? I must
see this!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It was protected by powerful
magic! How could anyone…? I must
see this!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Merrick was on guard tonight!
                                                            
They rush down the corridor and open the doors to --
                                                            

15.

HALL OF HEROES
                                                            
The pedestal upon which the Staff of Ages was held is
broken, the magical barrier along with the Staff gone.
Lifeless eyes of the two guards stare at the ceiling. A
bloody picture.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Merrick!
                                                            
She tries to rush to his side but Venedar firmly grips her
hand and hugs her.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
You can’t help him, my dear.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Why did this happen? He just
became a paladin.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I don’t know. These things are out
of our control. There is nothing
to be done about it.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I know, but I wish I was here to
help him.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Do not be foolish. Then you would
have perished as well. You did
your part as well as the others.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Yes… You are right.
                                                            
She moves away from him wiping away the tears.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
Blast it! I never thought it was
possible.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Neither did I. That is why the
demons attacked. To act as a
diversion and while we were busy
fighting them, whoever sent them
took the Staff without anyone
noticing. I would have sensed it
otherwise. Hmmm…
                                                            

16.

                       LAFAEL
But who could have done such a
thing?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I’m afraid I do not know.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
I will organize a search
immediately. Whoever took it,
won’t get far.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Don’t send anyone alone. Whoever
took the Staff surely has much
knowledge in the arcane arts and
the power to call forth the demons
from the UGHOR ARGASH. The
paladins should be wary. We are
surely dealing with a dangerous
adversary.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
I will tell them. Will you join us
in our search, high wizard?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I will, but on my own. My senses
are attuned to magic and I will
try to find the Staff itself for
it will surely leave a magical
residue. We will meet back here
tomorrow night.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
It will be as you say. Paladins,
let’s go!
                                                            
As Lafael turns to leave, Venedar stops her.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I do not think we will find the
Staff that easily but be careful
anyway.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I know. I will.
                                                            
She turns around and runs after the others.
                                                            
 

17.

EXT. FORTRESS OF LIGHT - NIGHT
                                                            
Lafael, accompanied by another paladin, enter through the
gates. Venedar and master Corion are talking in the
courtyard. Master Corion sees them and goes to greet them.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
You two are the last. Do you bring
good news?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
We couldn’t find anyone. Not a
trace. Nobody has seen or heard
anything suspicious.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
I was afraid of that. All the
other patrols also found nothing.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What about you, Venedar?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
No. But we must find out who stole
it and why.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
Do you have any thoughts?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I do not know very much about the
Staff and few still have any
knowledge about its possible uses.
It has been sealed behind the
magic barrier so no one has been
able to study it. But if anyone
knows something about it, it is
the chief librarian of the oldest
library in these parts. The
library at Mancelan.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I’ll go with you!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Are you sure you are ready for
this?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Yes! I am not afraid and I’m as
ready as I’ll ever be.
                                                            

18.

                       VENEDAR
As eager as your father was. As
long as it is all right with
master Corion.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
She has learned all she could
here. Although abrupt, the time
has come for her to go out into
the world and do valiant deeds.
But I must say that maybe you
should take someone more
experienced with you.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Well, I wasn’t planning on taking
anyone. But since Lafael is eager
to come, I think I will find her
company quite useful.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
Well all right then. Lafael, go
out there and make us proud.
Remember all that you have learned
here.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Tank you, Master Corion! I will.
                                                            
                       MASTER CORION
When do you leave?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Immediately. We have no time to
waste. Lafael, I suggest you hurry
and pack all that you need.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF MANCELAN - DAY
                                                            
Venedar and Lafael ride out of the forest in front of a
large city, the sun gleaming off its thick high stone walls.
Huge wooden gates lead in and out of the city. A large
palace with a series of spires and battlements sits on a
small hill in the center of the city.
                                                            
They head straight for the road along which a throng of
people and carts is moving to and from the city.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Amazing! I have never seen such a
great city!
                                                            

19.

                       VENEDAR
Yes, it is truly magnificent. Many
come here only to see it.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANCELAN - DAY
                                                            
They enter the city moving slowly because of the crowd
blocking their way, their horses’ hooves clicking on the
cobblestones.
                                                            
Venedar takes them down a smaller street ending in a large
square with a great fountain. Straight ahead rises a large
round beautiful building with many balconies. It looks like
an extremely large tip of a wizard’s hat.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
                                                            
As they enter they see that the building is hollow from the
inside, its inner wall lined with rows upon rows of books.
From the bottom to the top of the huge structure, every so
often walkways circle the walls like rings with railing
connected to each other by flights of stairs. The bottom
floor is lined with tables and on every table a lamp is lit.
Lafael can’t stop looking around in awe.
                                                            
A grizzled old man, wearing small glasses approaches them.
He is ELGAR.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Ah! Venedar my old friend! It is
great to see you. Your old chair
here has picked up a lot of dust.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Always a pleasure Elgar. I am
sorry I don’t come as often as I
used to, but age has taken a toll
for these old bones. Traveling
does not come easy for me anymore.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Bah! That won’t fly with me. You
forget that I know you too well.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (smiles)
Well, I had to try…
                                                            
                       ELGAR
You have brought a young lady with
you I see.
                                                            

20.

                       VENEDAR
Where are my manners? Elgar, I
want you to meet Lafael
Dwin’urdrenn, daughter of an old
friend of mine and a newly raised
paladin.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
An elf paladin? Now that is rare
but certainly not unprecedented.
Aelar Dryearretyn was the first
elf ever to abandon the elven ways
for the calling of paladin.
Elves outcast him and banned him
from ever coming back. But by his
heroic deeds he became a legend
not only among humans, but elves
too, and they could not stop
others who wanted to follow in his
footsteps. Then there was…
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Ahem!
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Yes, yes! I sometimes get carried
away but since when did you become
so impatient?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Since we have an urgent matter to
discuss with you.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Oh? If it’s urgent for you, then
it really is urgent. I’m all ears!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Not here. Could we go to your
office?
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Yes, yes, of course!
                                                            
He starts up the stairs leading to the upper walkways.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (talking to Lafael)
You know, Venedar used to come
here often and we used to spend
days in debates about this or
that. We would lock ourselves in
            (MORE)

21.

                       ELGAR (cont'd)
my office until finally somebody
would come and start breaking down
the door thinking we died. Heh,
heh! I so enjoyed those days. It
is so hard finding someone to talk
to. Everybody these days is either
in a hurry or too uneducated…
                                                            
They climb the winding steps and platforms.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (continuing)
…so I said to him: You may be a
high wizard, but you’re still and
old fart just like me and time is
slowly but surely passing us by.
And you know, the young ones these
days, they don’t care for the past
and how hard our forefathers
sweated and bled just so we can
live like we do today, they just
want something for nothing…
      (notices Lafael's
       look)
Why are you looking at me like
that?...
                                                            
They are now almost at the top.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (continuing)
…now he was arguably the greatest
paladin that ever lived. It is
said that he once slew a black
dragon single-handed! The poor
bastard drowned in a small stream
later. Don’t give me that look! He
fell from his horse face first
into the stream but his armor was
so heavy that he couldn’t get up
and he drowned…
                                                            
They reach a small door at the top of the stairs. Elgar
takes a large key from his robes.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (continuing)
Here we are.
                                                            
They enter a small room filled with piles of various books
and scrolls. A table and two massive armchairs are the only
furniture in the room, beside a small fireplace. A closed

22.

door leads to a small balcony overlooking the city. Elgar
moves the books and scrolls from one chair and sits in the
other.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (continuing)
I’m afraid there’s only one chair
and, as you see, it is not often
used.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That’s alright. I’ll stand.
                                                            
Venedar sits into the free chair.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Here is your old pipe and tobacco.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
So, you didn’t lose that old
thing, eh?
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Well, I hoped you would come
sooner but…
                                                            
He produces a similar pipe for himself and lights it.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
So, what is this urgent matter you
wanted to talk to me about?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (puffs the smoke
       from his pipe)
What do you know of the Staff of
Ages?
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Well… I haven’t heard it mentioned
in years. It was made by the most
powerful wizards of old with the
help of the holy angels to protect
our world against the hordes of
demons from Ughor Argash when the
Veil was torn.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I do not understand.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Ah, excuse me. I forgot that you
are young still, so I will tell
the whole story and I will try to
            (MORE)

23.

                       ELGAR (cont'd)
keep it as short as possible. You
see, there are many worlds in our
universe. There is the one in
which we live in, but there are
also other worlds with its own
laws and habitants. There are all
kinds of worlds inhabited with all
kinds of creatures but to keep my
story short, I will mention only
two besides our own: ARANGAIL and
Ughor Argash. The former is a
plane where good prevails and the
latter is a plane of unimaginable
evil. There are no such things as
limits there. Everything you
expect to find there is within
reach. Then again, so are the
nightmares you didn’t expect.
Ughor Argash is a place filled
with dangers, death, and dismay in
every form imaginable. Violence
and brutality are the way of life
there. There is no other world
comparable to the maliciousness
spawned in Ughor Argash. Now, the
Veil is something that separates
all the worlds and the only way
someone can travel between
different worlds is through the
Veil by gateways and portals. But
gateways are guarded by powerful
beings and not everyone can make a
portal, so traveling between the
planes is very limited. But, over
2000 years ago a small part of the
Veil which separates Ughor Argash
from our world was torn. No one
knows how it happened but it did
and hordes of demons spilled
through that tear into our world,
ravaging and killing everything in
sight. It happened so suddenly
that the races didn’t even have
time for an organized defense. The
most powerful wizards saw that the
only way to save our world was to
repair the tear and soon because
the tear was getting bigger by the
day and more and more demons were
pouring out of it. And so it came
about that the holy angels from
Arangail came and helped the
wizards create a powerful artifact
            (MORE)

24.

                       ELGAR (cont'd)
with which they could repair the
tear.
                                                            
He waves his hands in the air as if he was doing it himself.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
      (continuing)
It was imbued by the combined
powers of the wizards and angels.
With it, the wizards battled
through the army of demons until
they stood before the tear itself.
They managed to seal the tear with
that artifact and defeat the
demons. Later the artifact was
named the Staff of Ages and sealed
by the wizards and angels behind a
magical barrier in the Rothar
Lightbringer’s Fortress of Light
to wait for the time when it was
needed again, may it never happen.
It has been there ever since,
almost becoming a legend.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Not anymore.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
What do you mean?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Somebody stole it.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
But how?! By whom?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I do not know yet. But I fear the
worst. The demons appeared inside
the Fortress in numbers and while
we were busy fighting them,
somebody managed to take the
Staff. If the purpose of the Staff
was to repair the tear in the
Veil…
                                                            
                       ELGAR
In the wrong hands, it could tear
it open again… Light help us!
                                                            

25.

He looks towards the doors leading to the balcony. Beyond
the doors, on the balcony, suddenly a vertical slash of
bright light appears and starts to expand until it covered
almost the whole small balcony.
                                                            
An ANGEL steps out from the light. Lafael gasps as she sees
the white wings unfold from his back. He is ARACHEL.
                                                            
                       ARACHEL
Greetings. I am Arachel, holy
angel and guardian of Arangail. I
come to you in the wake of
unfortunate events that happened
at Safe Haven.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I was wondering when one of you
might show up.
                                                            
                       ARACHEL
You were there when the Staff of
Ages was taken and took it upon
yourself to try and retrieve it
therefore I come to you with the
little help I can offer, so listen
carefully. The Staff has been
taken by a powerful ARGASI LORD
named BAZADUSH. Since its
creation, Argasi Lords have been
battling for dominion over Ughor
Argash, but neither has ever had a
significant advantage over
another. But now Bazadush has the
Staff and with it, he intends to
tear the Veil and invade your
world. If the Veil remains torn,
the tear will expand until
eventually this world would become
a part of Ughor Argash. Already he
is gathering his army in Ughor
Argash and soon will try to tear
the Veil as it has been torn long
ago. You must travel to the
Bazadush’s palace in Ughor Argash
and take the Staff from him.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I do not need to remind you just
how powerful the Demon Lords are
in their world. That is an
impossible task.
                                                            

26.

                       ARACHEL
That is why you must first go to
the old city of Shaduk Azul and
find the NECKLACE OF URASH. It
will protect the wearer from all
magic.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
All magic?
                                                            
                       ARACHEL
Yes.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Than that will help us greatly.
How do we find it?
                                                            
                       ARACHEL
      (he extends a hand
       and in it a small
       sphere)
This is called a ZENTAR. Hold it
in your hand and concentrate on
the thing you are seeking and it
will point the way. This will also
help you.
      (he reaches into
       his tunic and
       produces a bright
       red stone, the
       size of the fist)
When used, it will activate a
gateway to Ughor Argash, very near
to the Bazadush’s palace. It can
be only used twice so use it
wisely. One more thing, he will
tear the Veil at the same place
where it was torn the last time,
in the ISINE VALLEY, in the SARAN
WASTES. I wish you both luck on
your journey. A difficult task
lies upon your shoulders. May the
Light shine on you.
                                                            
Again the gateway appears on the balcony and Arachel turns
to leave.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Wait! Aren’t you coming with us?!
                                                            
Venedar grabs her arm to ease her but she shakes him off.
                                                            

27.

                       ARACHEL
No. I told you what you have to
do.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
But, aren’t you angels supposed to
protect us?!
                                                            
                       ARACHEL
Firstly, because of the Veil, we
angels cannot abide long your
world, and secondly, we are
guardians of Arangail. We keep it
safe from the evil that would
corrupt it. If we were to leave
our posts, we would be putting
Arangail in danger. We offer our
help whenever possible to those of
good heart, and that is how it has
always been. That is how it will
always be.
                                                            
He turns and steps through the gateway and it disappears.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
But… Damn!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Easy, child. He would come with us
if he could.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
This all seems so surreal…
                                                            
She pauses looking at the floor, and then with a new
determination looks at Venedar.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (continuing)
We will go to Ughor Argash and
bring light into the darkness, or
die trying.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (smiles)
Spoken like a true paladin.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What is an Argasi?
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Argasi are chaotic fiends that
inhabit Ughor Argash. And Argasi
            (MORE)

28.

                       ELGAR (cont'd)
Lords are the most powerful of
them all.
      (turns to Venedar)
We are all in grave danger and if
anyone can help us, it is you my
old friend. I have never, even in
my wildest dreams, thought to see
a holy angel. His coming to you,
is a great hope for us all. I knew
Shaduk Azul is not just a myth!
What I wouldn’t give to be able to
come with you. But these old bones
don’t serve me as they used to.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I never heard of that place.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
It is understandable that you
haven’t. It is…
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (gives Elgar a
       warning look)
…an old city of a long forgotten
nation called the SHURAG.
                                                            
Venedar shakes Elgar’s hand.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (continuing)
Thank you for all the help, old
friend, and farewell. We will do
what we must, or everything is
lost.
      (turns to Lafael)
We have to go.
                                                            
                       ELGAR
Take care, my friends. You are our
only hope.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANCELAN - NIGHT
                                                            
Venedar and Lafael ride through the dark city. The streets
are illuminated by many torches and street oil lamps.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What will be our course of action?
                                                            

29.

                       VENEDAR
First, we must go to KING MALARON
and warn him of the danger. Then
we have to find capable companions
for our journey to Shaduk Azul.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE KING'S PALACE - NIGHT
                                                            
Two guards are standing outside palace gates. One of the
guards approaches them.
                                                            
                       GUARDSMAN
The palace is closed. What are you
doing here at this late hour?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I am a High Wizard and a good
friend of king Malaron. It is of
utmost importance that we see him
immediately.
                                                            
                       GUARDSMAN
Um, yes, of course. My apologies,
I didn’t recognize you at first.
Follow me.
                                                            
He opens the palace gates and leads the to the palace
courtyard where they leave their horses and enter the
palace.
                                                            
 
INT. KING'S PALACE - NIGHT
                                                            
They enter a large room where a large throne sits on a
pedestal. Before the throne stands large table with twenty
chairs. The room is filled with large paintings and grand
tapestries. The fireplace is lit.
                                                            
                       GUARDSMAN
Wait here please.
      (he hurries into
       the palace)
                                                            
After a few moments, a tall heavyset man wearing a
broadsword at his back enters the room. He gives them both a
long and measured look before moving to the side of the
throne. He is AENAR. Behind him enters KING MALARON.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Venedar, my old friend! How long
has it been? Four, five years?
                                                            

30.

                       VENEDAR
      (looks at Aenar)
Six, actually. I see some things
have changed.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Ah, yes. This is Aenar. He is the
captain of my personal guards.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
What happened with Brelval?
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
He retired two years ago. Aenar
has been with me ever since. And
you? I don’t recall you traveling
in such fine company.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
King Malaron, allow me to
introduce Lafael Dwin’urdrenn, a
newly raised paladin.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
King Malaron, allow me to
introduce Lafael Dwin’urdrenn, a
newly raised paladin.
                                                            
She bows deeply while he gives a small acknowledging nod.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
      (sits at the
       throne)
So what is this urgent business
that brings you here at this late
hour? It certainly can’t be good.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I’m afraid it is. An Argasi Lord
stole the Staff of Ages right from
under my nose and with it he plans
to tear the Veil and invade our
world with his demon army.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Light help us all… Is there
nothing to be done to stop this?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
We are going to the ancient city
of Shaduk Azul to recover a
necklace that protects the wearer
from all magic and then we will go
            (MORE)

31.

                       VENEDAR (cont'd)
to Ughor Argash and try to take
back the Staff but I fear that the
Veil will already be torn by that
time and that is why you will have
to organize a defense.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
You are going to Ughor Argash?!
But that is suicide!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
That is the only way.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Then I will provide you with the
finest troops to protect you.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
No. A small number is needed so we
can travel swiftly and avoid
detection.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Than at least take Aenar with you.
He is as good as they come with a
sword and someone who I trust with
my life.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (looks at Aenar
       and nods)
Very well. Meet us day after
tomorrow outside city gates at
first light.
                                                            
Aenar looks at king Malaron then nods.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
Where will this tearing of the
Veil happen?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
At the same place it did 2000
years ago. In the Isine Valley, in
the Saran Wastes.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
I will immediately dispatch
messengers to the elves and the
dwarves and start organizing my
own army. How much time do we
have?
                                                            

32.

                       VENEDAR
I do not know, but I fear it is
not very much.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
A SERVANT is listening at the door. He smiles wickedly and
moves away.
                                                            
He leaves the palace by the servants’ entrance, cloaked and
hooded.
                                                            
 
EXT. FOREST OUTSIDE MANCELAN - NIGHT
                                                            
The servant enters the forest and slows his pace looking
around nervously. A huge SHADOW he does not see looms over
him and two glowing red eyes become visible in the night.
                                                            
A deep unearthly voice sounds from the shadows.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
What news do you bring?
                                                            
The servant shrieks in fear and stumbles to the ground. He
remains lying there.
                                                            
                       SERVANT
Well… Ah… A… I…
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Well?! Spit it out you worthless
maggot!
                                                            
                       SERVANT
A wizard arrived with a young
paladin at the palace today, and
they know all about the Staff and
the Dark Prince’s plans. They are
going to an ancient city called
Shaduk Azul to find a necklace
that protects the wearer from the
Dark Prince’s powers and then they
will go to the Abyss and try to
take back the Staff.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Protect them?! How?!
                                                            
                       SERVANT
I… I don’t know. That is all I
heard.
                                                            

33.

                       SHADOW DEMON
Mmm… You will go back and follow
them wherever they go. You will
report everything you see and
hear. Now go.
                                                            
                       SERVANT
Yes, master.
                                                            
He quickly gets to his feet and hurries back.
                                                            
The shadow holds out a red sphere in his black clawed hand.
The sphere starts to glow and a fire starts to burn inside
forming a face.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Master, what do you command?
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
You will go to Shaduk Azul and
awaken the SHARGOTH. They must not
leave that place alive!
                                                            
 
INT. TAVERN - DAY
                                                            
Venedar and Lafael enter a large tavern. It is filled with
people and they are cheering as some kind of competition is
taking place.
                                                            
With a loud thunk, three small throwing knives drive into
the target pegged to a beam. The crowd cheer.
                                                            
The thrower is a well muscled, sweaty, BALD MAN. His smile
shows yellow half-missing teeth. A second man, much smaller
and pretty slim, approaches him. He is GWILDOR.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
That was some shot, mate! You’re
killing me, you know.
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
Well perhaps you shouldn’t have
bet all that coins.
                                                            
Gwildor looks towards a nearby table. On the table are two
bags with fistful of coins each.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Hey, don’t get ahead of yourself.
Maybe I’ll get lucky!
                                                            

34.

The bald man smiles and steps aside. Gwildor moves to the
position, looks at the target, and throws his first knife.
It sticks at the edge of the target. The second one, sticks
a bit nearer the center, and the third sticks into the beam
missing the target altogether. The crowd cheers.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Blast it! Nothing seems to be
going my way today!
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
Well, thank you for your money,
friend. Buy yourself a drink on
me.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
How about one final round? Double
or nothing!
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
You have nothing left!
                                                            
Gwildor produces a bag from his pocket and throws it on the
table. Gold coins spill from the bag. Bald man watches the
coins greedily.
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
I don’t know where you got that
money but prepare to be relieved
of it!
                                                            
The crowd cheers again as the bald man puts another purse on
the table. He moves to the line and throws his three knives.
They all hit pretty close to the center, marking a good
score.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Blast it! There’s just no stopping
you!
                                                            
Gwildor picks up the knives and moves to the line.
                                                            
As he looks to the target, he stops smiling. He throws his
three knives faster than the eye can follow. They all stick
in the dead centre of the target, almost touching.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (smiles)
Guess you won’t be relieving me of
my coins after all, eh?
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
Why, you little… I’ll kill you!!!
                                                            

35.

Gwildor produces two long knives, with single-edged blades
slightly deflected at an angle (kukris), and presses them
against the bald man’s throat.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
No one likes a sore loser. So why
don’t you clear on out of here
before you hurt yourself, eh,
mate?
                                                            
                       BALD MAN
All… all right. Just don’t kill
me.
                                                            
Gwildor sheaths the kukris, and the bald man runs out the
front door. The people slowly move back to their chairs
while Gwildor counts the coins with a satisfied smile.
                                                            
Finished with his counting, he puts the purses away in his
coat and notices Venedar and Lafael looking. He moves to
their table and throws himself into the chair.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Venedar, what a nice surprise. It
is good that you lift your head
from all those books once in a
while, and travel some.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I’ve had my share of traveling.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
So you did, so you did. Why, I
never known you to keep such a
lovely company.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (mumbles)
Everyone keeps telling me so.
                                                            
Gwildor rises and takes a deep bow.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Gwildor’s the name, milady, and I
offer you my services as your
guide and protector. A big city is
full of dangerous people who would
try to take advantage of a pretty
lass and I would be heartbroken if
something were to happen to you.
                                                            

36.

                       LAFAEL
Thank you for your generous offer,
but I can take care of myself.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I am sure you can, but if you ever
change your mind, I would be
honored if you would look me up.
This tavern is a place I
frequently visit.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I’m sure it is.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I see you are doing quite well.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Well, I get by. A coin here, a
coin there… I am always open for
new business propositions. I am
sure wizards don’t frequently
visit the taverns.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Always the perceptive one.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
That’s me!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Where is Soren?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Ah… I’m afraid that he met an
unfortunate end at the hands of a
lich, a year ago. It didn’t take
too kindly to strangers looking
for treasure. I barely got out
alive myself. He was my best
friend. We were always watching
each other’s backs and when it was
my turn, I couldn’t save him.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I am sorry to hear that. I know
how close you were.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
That is in the past. Always look
to the future, that’s what I
always say! So tell me, what are
you doing here?
                                                            

37.

                       VENEDAR
I am organizing a party to go to
Shaduk Azul. Would you be
interested?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Him? But he’s just a common thief!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I will not put up with that kind
of language! There is nothing
common about it. I am the best
there is!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I’ll bet.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
We need someone like him. His
skills will be useful where we’re
going, plus he is experienced in
finding lost treasures.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I do not like it.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Neither do I…
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Hey!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
…but there it is. So, are you
interested?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I thought that place is just a
myth.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It is real and we are going there.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What’s in it for me?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Think of it! An ancient city, full
of invaluable treasure. What more
could you wish for?
                                                            

38.

                       GWILDOR
Well then, you got yourself a
deal.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Hmm, I was hoping Soren would also
come, but I guess we will have to
find somebody else.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
If you’re looking for experienced
fighters, the ARENA competition is
starting in a few hours. Only the
best of the best are allowed to
enter the competition and I am
sure that the winner can be
persuaded to come.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
That is not a bad idea.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What is the Arena?
                                                            
Gwildor smiles.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - DAY
                                                            
Gwildor, Lafael and Venedar find a seat somewhere among the
cheering crowd. An ANNOUNCER walks to the centre of the
Arena and raises both hands into the air. The crowd falls
silent. Words of the announcer echo through the Arena.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
Welcome to the Arena of Champions!
We’ve got a special spectacle for
you today! The finest fighters
from throughout our kingdom and
beyond have come to test their
skills in the deadliest
competition in the world! You know
what I’m talking about! It’s the
fight to the death where only the
toughest, the strongest, the most
skilled may survive! And as you
all know, there can be only one
survivor, one champion, the best
of them all! He doesn’t just take
the prize money! He takes the fame
and the glory that name him the
crown champion of the Arena of
Champions! And talking about the
            (MORE)

39.

                       ANNOUNCER (cont'd)
crown champions, I give you the
champion of the Arena three years
running, the great BRUIN THE
UNBEATABLE!
                                                            
One of the gates open and Bruin enters the Arena. A large
two-handed sword sticks out behind his broad shoulders. A
scary sight. The crowd goes wild as he throws his arms in
the air and screams his battle cry. Again the announcer
raises his hands to silence the crowd.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
Quite a sight, isn’t he? We hope
that he will be the last man
standing today after he faces
eighteen new challengers! It will
not be easy for they are the best
of the best! And here they are…
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL CELL, ARENA - DAY
                                                            
Small rays of sunlight coming through the cracks in the door
penetrate the darkness of the small cell. VALGARD sits on a
small stool holding a fine sword in his hands. He wears a
black cloak with a cowl covering his face.
He is slowly wrapping a thick leather string around the
sword’s handle.
                                                            
The voice of the announcer is heard through the door as he
shouts the names of the challengers and the crowd cheering
each one.

Valgard finishes tying the grip for his sword and rises
swinging it left and right, testing it. With a smooth motion
puts he puts it back in its scabbard at his hip.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
And finally Valgard from SALIGAN!
                                                            
Valgard removes his cloak and puts it on the chair revealing
a second sword at his other hip, a copy of the other. The
doors open letting the bright sunlight in, and he walks out.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - DAY
                                                            
All contestants are standing in a large circle, each one in
front of the door that let him in, and each wearing
different armor and weapons.
                                                            

40.

                       GWILDOR
Wait! Is that Valgard wearing
dragonscale armor?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I think he is. Most peculiar.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Where did he come by it? And check
out those swords! Wish I could get
my hands on such equipment. Very
peculiar indeed. He must be very
rich.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Is money all you think about?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (looks at her
       genuinely puzzled)
Pretty much. Don’t you?
                                                            
She rolls her eyes and continues watching. The announcer
gets to the stands and turns towards the fighters.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
Arena challengers, FIGHT!!!
                                                            
A fighter on Valgard’s right comes straight at him raising a
lance. Valgard turns slightly to face him but doesn’t draw
his blades. As the fighter is almost upon him, waving his
lance in a hard swing, Valgard draws his blades in one
motion connecting at the neck and sends the fighter’s head
flying.

The fighting continues as he faces other challengers,
sometimes two at a time, but eventually deals with them
until there are no more challengers left. He looks around
and sees Bruin driving his large sword with both hands
through a fallen challenger.

Bruin looks at him and smiles menacingly. With a cry he
lunges at Valgard. Valgard readily meets his attack
skillfully deflecting his blows. Their fight is even until
Bruin tries to finish Valgard with a mighty swing. Valgard
blocks it with his blades.

Bruin is much stronger and Valgard falls to one knee trying
to keep the large sword from splitting him in two. Bruin
smiles victoriously but Valgard suddenly jerks to the side
making his opponent fall on his face.


41.

Bruin rolls and tries to get up, but too late as Valgard
drives his blades into him. The crowd is silent as he wipes
his blades clean of blood, and then cheer in unison.

Valgard moves towards the doors he came through but can’t
open them. He turns around looking at the announcer who
raises his hands to silence the crowd.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
As I said, this is a special
event! And while Valgard has
defeated our champion, he is not
yet a champion himself! We have a
final challenge for him! He will
have to pass the ultimate test in
skill and courage against one of
the deadliest opponents, the
mighty MINOTAUR!!!
                                                            
One of the doors open and a huge, 7 feet tall, broad and
muscular minotaur enters the Arena. In its hands he holds a
huge double bladed axe. Its hooves thunder as he charges
Valgard.

The minotaur moves so fast that Valgard barely had time to
throw himself to the side evading its rush. Swinging the
great axe, minotaur attacks again. Valgard rolls to the side
just in time as the great blade buries itself in the ground
right where he was just a second ago.

Getting to his feet Valgard readies himself for another
attack. Minotaur shrieks and swings his axe again. Valgard
evades and the axe smashes into the Arena wall, shattering
wood.

Valgard tries to run the minotaur through but only wounds it
as the minotaur jerks its head and butts Valgard, sending
him sprawling. Valgard drops his swords and doesn’t have
time to pick both of them up as the minotaur charges again.

He manages to deflect the axe swing, almost losing his sword
in the process. He can’t completely evade the second swing
which catches him at the stomach and sends him flying again.

He crashes into the wall and drops to the ground unmoving.
The minotaur raises his axe above its head and roars in
triumph.

Gwildor stands up.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Blast it! Where did they get that
Minotaur? Well, at least it was a
good show.
                                                            

42.

                       VENEDAR
Do not be so quick to discard him
yet.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What do you mean? He’s as dead as…
                                                            
He gapes as Valgard stirs and sits up. His armor didn’t even
dent.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How?! That blow would have killed
anyone!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Anyone not wearing dragonscale
armor.
                                                            
Valgard slowly gets up. Staggering, he picks up both of his
swords. The minotaur notices that its pray is not dead and
shrieks in anger as he moves to finish him off. Valgard
spits out blood and readies himself.

The minotaur charges again, head-first. Valgard spins and as
the minotaur misses him and crashes into the wall, he drives
one blade all the way to the hilt into the Minotaur’s side.
The minotaur shrieks in pain and jerks around knocking
Valgard away.

It tries to draw the blade out, but it is driven in too
deeply. It staggers, blood running from its mouth and its
side, and not being able to stand, drops to its hand and
knees. Valgard approaches it, and swings with his sword at
the minotaur’s neck spraying himself with blood. The crowd
go wild in the stands.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (jumps)
He did it! I can’t believe he did
it! He killed the Minotaur!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Yes. Let us go and talk to him.
                                                            
 
INT. ARENA HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Venedar, Lafael and Gwildor walk down a long winding hallway
lit by torches to one of its many doors and Venedar knocks.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Enter!
                                                            
 

43.

INT. ARENA ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Valgard, only half-dressed, is standing by a steaming
bathtub holding a sword.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Who are you?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
My name is Venedar. These are my
companions Lafael and Gwildor.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
What do you want?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
You may stay your hand, warrior,
for we wish you no harm. I am a
high wizard on a quest of utmost
importance and I would like to try
to persuade you to come with us.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (releases the
       sword and
       continues
       dressing)
Not interested.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
But you haven’t even heard what I
have to say.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I don’t have to. Where I go, I go
alone. And I am not a mercenary.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I see. Well, whatever your purpose
in life is, if we fail our task,
it will come down to serving
demon-kind because the blue sky
will darken, rivers will run red
with blood, and all that is good
and beautiful will be twisted and
corrupted until everything you
have ever known is gone, replaced
by evil, pain and suffering. But
if you come with us, together we
can try and prevent that from
happening.
                                                            

44.

                       VALGARD
Demons? You’ve got my attention.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Come with us and I will explain.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (thinks for a
       moment regarding
       them)
How do I know you are who you say
you are and that everything you
told me is true?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Because I can see the dragon.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (looks taken aback
       but quickly
       recovers)
All right. I will come with you.
                                                            
As they leave, Gwildor turns to whisper at Lafael.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What was all that about seeing the
dragon?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I don’t know. He is a High Wizard
after all.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE MANCELAN - DAY
                                                            
Aenar is waiting on a hill overlooking the city. Venedar,
Lafael, Gwildor and Valgard, ride out of the city and join
him.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Good morning. A fine day for a
journey, is it not?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (nods)
Good morning. That it is.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Where are we heading, if I may
ask?
                                                            

45.

                       VENEDAR
      (turns to Lafael)
Take out the zentar.
                                                            
Lafael takes it out and holds it in her hands.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Now, concentrate. Focus your mind
on our need. On the necklace. On
Shaduk Azul.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
But how will it know what to look
for if I don’t even know?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It will concentrate on your need.
The greater the need, the better
it will guide. Now, close your
eyes and concentrate.
                                                            
Lafael frowns then closes her eyes. Nothing happens.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Bah! I knew this was too good to
be true.
                                                            
Venedar gives him a stern look.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Don’t try so hard. Just let
yourself go. Try to imagine it.
                                                            
Lafael breathes deeply and tries again. Again nothing
happens.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I’ve seen enough. I’m going…
                                                            
Suddenly the sphere in Lafael’s hand starts to glow bright
blue and a blue streak of light shoots out of the sphere
straight as an arrow northwards, right through Gwyldor’s
chest.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (continuing)
Well, I’ll be damned!
                                                            
Lafael opens her eyes and the sphere goes blank. Venedar
turns his horse northwards then halts seeing a rider
approaching.


46.

Valgard spurs his horse and rides out to meet the newcomer.
He stops by the newcomer’s side and exchanges a few silent
words with him. It looks like Valgard doesn’t like what the
rider has to say but after a few moments nods and they both
come riding back. The newcomer is middle-aged and has long
white hair and eyebrows. He is DARASTRIX.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
This is my friend, Darastrix. He
will be joining us on our journey
to the north.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (mumbles to
       himself)
Darastrix, is it? Well, that
explains it.
      (continues in a
       normal tone)
You are most welcome to join us.
Friends, destiny awaits us!
                                                            
He spurs his horse and they ride off.
                                                            
 
EXT. FOREST ROAD - DAY
                                                            
The company of riders moves along the forest road. Upon
reaching a sharp turn, Venedar stops then motions everyone
to follow him into the forest.
                                                            
 
EXT. CAMPSITE, FOREST - NIGHT
                                                            
The company sits around a camp fire eating and talking. Not
far off, Valgard stands alone looking away into the
darkness.
                                                            
 
EXT. HILLSIDE - DAY
                                                            
The company rides in pairs. Venedar is quietly talking with
Darastrix, Lafael with Aenar. Gwildor is shuffling a deck of
cards unsuccessfully trying to gain Valgard’s interest.
                                                            
 
EXT. ELVEN FOREST - DAY
                                                            
The company is riding through a thick forest, Valgard in
front. He stops, signaling others to do so as well.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What’s all this about? Why aren’t
we moving?
                                                            

47.

Valgard turns and gives him a stern look. Turning back to
the path ahead, he suddenly sees a LARGE WOLF looking at
them. The sound of swords leaving their sheaths pierces the
air.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
No! Stay your hands!
                                                            
They all stop, but don’t sheath their swords, still wary.
Valgard dismounts and takes a few steps toward the wolf
looking around.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What’s he doing? Is he crazy?!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Be easy. He knows what he is
doing.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (unconvinced)
Doesn’t look like it to me.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (speaking to the
       trees)
We are only passing through! Our
hearts hold no ill intentions!
                                                            
An elf emerges from the forest. He is dressed in dark green
to blend in with the forest and he is armed with a longbow
strapped across his back, a short sword and a dagger at his
belt. He is LYMUS. Lymus moves beside the wolf and strokes
his back. The wolf’s back easily reaches his waist.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I know that. Otherwise you would
have already been dead. I’ve been
watching you since you entered the
forest.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I noticed.
                                                            
Lymus’ eyes widen for a second in surprise but he quickly
recovers by shifting his look towards Lafael.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Lafael Dwin’urdrenn, your father
wishes to see you. You will follow
me.
                                                            

48.

With that, he turns and disappears back into the forest
along with the wolf.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Who the hell does he think he is
ordering us like this?!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (sighs)
The king’s emissary.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Oh, well… Then I guess we better
follow him.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No. I have to go alone.
      (turns to Venedar)
Wait for me at the northern edge
of the forest.
                                                            
Venedar nods and she rides off after Lymus.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What was that all about?
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
It is probably better if we do not
know.
                                                            
 
EXT. EDGE OF THE ELVEN FOREST - DAY
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
So, a king’s daughter. Who would
have thought, eh?
                                                            
                       AENAR
Yes. That must have been hard. Not
only being an elf, but being a
daughter of a king and leave it
all for an inner calling. I must
say I admire that.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I think you must be crazy do go
and do a thing like that. Inner
calling…
                                                            
Gwildor shakes his head in disbelief. Aenar laughs and claps
him on the back.
                                                            

49.

                       AENAR
I bet you would enjoy all that
wealth, my little gambling friend.
But what of all the adventures you
would miss out on?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (frowns in thought)
Hmmm...
                                                            
He suddenly smiles remembering something wicked.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Yes, yes… I guess you’re right.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Of course I’m right! I hope
someday I’ll hear the story that
goes with that smile.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (smiles)
Maybe, if you agree to a game of
dice.
                                                            
                       AENAR
      (laughs)
That is a price I am not willing
to pay.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
There she is. But she is not
alone.
                                                            
Lafael comes riding out of the forest with Lymus
accompanying her.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Everything went well, I assume?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
As well as can be expected. Thank
you for waiting for me.
                                                            
Venedar looks questioningly at Lymus.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I would like to join you on your
quest if you will have me. I am
sure that you will find my skills
as a ranger, as well as my animal
companion you saw earlier, quite
useful.
                                                            

50.

                       VENEDAR
Yes, I believe we will. You are
most welcome to join us. We ride
north.
                                                            
 
EXT. CAMPSITE, FOREST - NIGHT
                                                            
Everybody has gathered around a campfire, eating and
talking.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Where’s that wolf of yours?
Haven’t seen him since the Elven
forest.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
He’s around. Not too close so that
he doesn’t spook the horses. And
he’s not my wolf. He travels with
me of his own accord.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Really? How so?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I’m a ranger. I have a special
bond with the forest and its
creatures. ARYX chose to follow
me.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
You named him Aryx?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
No. That is his name.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
So, you can talk to animals?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Not really. But I can communicate
with them in a certain way. When
Aryx wants to tell me something, I
see pictures in my mind. I suppose
it is the same way for him
although I cannot be certain.
                                                            
Gwildor thinks about it for a moment, chewing his last piece
of roasted rabbit.
                                                            

51.

                       GWILDOR
Well, that sure is something. I
think I’ll go and get me some more
of that rabbit.
                                                            
He rises and leaves.

Lymus turns to Valgard, who is sitting alone looking at the
fire.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I wonder how you managed to notice
me back in the forest? When I do
not want to be seen, I am not
seen. I would think that only a
wizard, sorcerer or another ranger
would have spotted me.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I am neither of those. I was just
lucky I guess.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
If it was just luck, then I will
never again call myself a ranger.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Do not berate yourself. My silent
friend was trained at the School
of Grandmasters on Valdas.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Valdas? You mean to say that he is
a Grandmaster himself?!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (to Darastrix)
You talk too much.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
But you know that, Valgard. No, it
takes decades to reach that rank.
But he is a Swordmaster and you
know what that means.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I’m going to get some sleep.
                                                            
He gets up and goes to his blankets.
                                                            

52.

                       DARASTRIX
Don’t mind him. That is just his
way. He’s really not that bad once
you get to know him.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
That is true about a lot of
people. I bid you good night.
                                                            
He rises and goes to his blankets.
                                                            
 
EXT. TOP OF A HILL - DAY
                                                            
A bleak landscape stretches before the company. Dark clouds
loom ahead. Valgard frowns at the scenery.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Orcs.
                                                            
Lymus rides up beside him and nods.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
      (to Venedar)
These are orcish lands. Is this
the only way?
                                                            
Vendedar looks at Lafael. She takes out the zentar, raises
it in her hand and closes her eyes. The blue beam of light
points straight ahead.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
That is our way. Everybody, be on
your guard. We enter dangerous
lands.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
No more campfires from now on. No
traveling in the open. When we
rest, someone must always be on
guard. I’ll be scouting ahead.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Sounds like you’ve been there
before.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I have. Many times.
                                                            
 

53.

EXT. ROCKY RAVINE - DAY
                                                            
The company is slowly moving through the rocky ravine. Steep
cliffs rise on both sides and a fog surrounds them.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
It’s getting dark. Why don’t we
stop for the night?
                                                            
                       AENAR
We have to make it to the other
side of the ravine. If something
were to come through, we would be
in its way.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Something?
                                                            
                       AENAR
Orcs are not the only ones who
live here. I wish this damn fog
would clear…
                                                            
They hear horse’s hooves in the distance drawing closer.
Fast. They draw their weapons getting ready for anything.

Valgard materializes from the fog drawing reins.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
An orcish war party is coming this
way! Twenty strong, in full battle
gear. Get ready!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Wait! We must avoid confrontation
if possible. We will go back ahead
of them, and then return when they
have gone.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Back?! But the ravine is three
miles long! We would lose a lot of
time and we are almost through!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
This quest is too important for us
to jeopardize it over a band of
orcs. We will go back.
                                                            
Valgard glares at him but keeps his mouth shut.
                                                            

54.

                       VENEDAR
Damn! Alright, we will make a
stand here. Here’s what we’ll do…
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I’m afraid we won’t be going back.
Orcs are setting up a camp at the
southern mouth of the ravine. I
guess these orcs are going there
to meet them.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROCKY RAVINE - NIGHT
                                                            
Darkness has fallen as the ORCISH WAR PARTY progress through
the ravine speaking in unintelligible guttural language.
They all stop as the leader raises his hand. Ahead, barely
seen by the fog, Valgard stands alone in the middle of the
ravine.
                                                            
                       ORC 1
What is he doing here alone?
                                                            
                       ORC 2
He must be mad!
                                                            
                       ORC 3
Maybe he be that ORCSLAYER?
                                                            
                       ORC 1
What Orcslayer?
                                                            
                       ORC 3
You not know about Orcslayer
prowling this land killing our
brothers?
                                                            
                       ORC 2
He be human?! I thought it be some
kind of monster.
                                                            
                       ORC 3
Of course he not be human, you
fool! He just take human form.
                                                            
                       ORC 2
Yes. What he be doing here alone
otherwise?
                                                            
                       ORC 1
Why he be just standing there?
                                                            

55.

                       ORC LEADER
Shut up, you morons! There is no
stinkin’ Orcslayer! He’s just a
human stupid enough to be here!
                                                            
Orc leader takes a few steps forward.
                                                            
                       ORC LEADER
I thought humans were supposed to
be smart. You’re not very smart to
walk our lands alone.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Your killing and pillaging days
are over, foul creatures. Prepare
to meet your doom!
                                                            
Valgard draws both his blades.
                                                            
                       ORC LEADER
I will decorate my tent with your
head, human!
                                                            
Orc leader draws his axe. At the same time Aryx comes
running from behind Valgard and leaps for the orc leader’s
throat. The orc doesn’t have time to react and drops beneath
the wolf’s weight, his scream cut short by Aryx’s jaws.

Orcs draw their blades, but a large fireball comes crashing
among their midst and sends some of them flying. With a
scream of fury, Valgard launches for the nearest orcs
slashing left and right.

An orc falls with an arrow sticking from his eye to reveal
Lymus knocking another arrow onto his bow, Aenar wielding
his two-handed sword, Gwildor jumping on another orc’s back
slashing his throat with his kukris, and Lafael catching an
orc’s leg with her longsword. Darastrix fights by Valgard’s
side, effectively cutting down orcs in his path.

A few orcs try to get to Venedar but he makes a wall of fire
in their path, and finishes them with a few fireballs with
Lymus rapidly releasing arrows from his bow beside him.

Valgard faces the last two orcs and quickly kills one. The
other one, seeing that he is the only one left standing,
drops his sword and runs. Valgard takes a small throwing axe
from his belt and just as he was about to release it, Lafael
bumps into him, making him lose his aim.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No!
                                                            

56.

Valgard looks at the fleeing orc, not believing what just
happened. Suddenly the orc drops to the ground with a
gurgling sound as an arrow penetrates his throat. Lymus
lowers his bow.

Valgard takes his sword and presses it against Lafael’s
throat. There’s a low red glow in his eyes.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Don’t ever do that again! EVER!!!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I couldn’t let you kill an unarmed
person from behind.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
That thing is not a person!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Valgard! What are you doing?! Calm
yourself right now!
                                                            
Valgard blinks, removes the sword and turns away, the red
glow gone from his eyes. Darastrix helps Lafael up, who
wipes the blood running down her neck from a small cut.

Valgard takes his axe and goes to the nearest corpse. He
takes the dead orc by the hair and starts chopping his head
off.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
What do you think you are doing
now?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Leaving a small warning to the
rest of the orcs.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
You go on ahead. I’ll catch up to
you.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
      (takes out his
       dagger)
I'll help you.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
You two are totally out of your
minds.
                                                            
 

57.

EXT. ROCKY RAVINE - NIGHT
                                                            
Valgard and Lymus mount their horses and ride off, leaving
behind half a dozen orcish heads stuck on wooden poles and
lances.
                                                            
 
EXT. TOP OF A HILL - NIGHT
                                                            
The company is sleeping quietly at the foot of the hill. At
the top, Lafael sits alone on a large rock with a faraway
look in her eyes.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I see it is your turn to stand
guard tonight.
                                                            
Startled, Lafael turns to see him standing only a few feet
away looking away into the night.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Not doing a good job of it. I
didn’t even hear you coming.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
That is not your fault. I am very
good at sneaking.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Still…
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Do you mind if I join you for a
little while?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I don’t know. Not if you’ll try to
cut my throat in the process.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Good point. I… I am truly sorry
for that. I promise you it will
not happen again.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Don’t make promises you can’t
keep.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I keep my promises.
                                                            

58.

                       LAFAEL
Why do you hate orcs so much? I
mean, nobody exactly loves them,
but with you I think it goes much,
much deeper.
                                                            
Silence stretches for a few moments.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
They took something from me.
Something, that can never be
returned and must be paid with
their blood.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I guess I can understand that.
Thank you for the apology. I
really didn’t expect it. When I
felt your sword on my throat, I
was sure you were going to kill
me. That red blaze in your eyes…
Was that the dragon Venedar was
talking about? Valgard?
                                                            
She turns but Valagard has gone as silently as he had come.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRASSY PLAIN - DAY
                                                            
Almost dead yellowish grass crushes under horses’ hooves.
The dark clouds up ahead seem even darker. The company rides
toward them.
                                                            
                       AENAR
      (fingers the sword
       hilt at his back)
I sense trouble ahead of us.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
That’s just the rain. It’ll start
soon.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I sense it as well.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
The rain?
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
No. Trouble.
                                                            
Gwildor frowns.
                                                            

59.

                       LYMUS
I’ll send Aryx to scout ahead.
      (he closes his
       eyes and opens
       them)
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
If I didn’t know any better I’d
say he just blinked. Slowly.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (points to the
       distance)
What's that?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I see your elven sight is as good
as ever. Before the Orcish Wars,
this used to be part of the
Borderlands. Unfortunately it fell
to the orcs. What you see used to
be a Borderland city. I’m afraid I
don’t know which exactly.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Saligan.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (frowns in thought)
Saligan… I heard that name before…
You are from Saligan!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Yes.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Oh! I’m sorry.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
There’s nothing for you to be
sorry about.
                                                            
Valgard directs his horse toward the ruins.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We can find shelter there.
                                                            
Everybody looks at Venedar uneasily. He just shrugs his
shoulders and follows Valgard.
                                                            
 

60.

INT. RUINED HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The house is located somewhere in the ruined city. It is in
pretty bad shape but offers enough shelter for the company
and the horses. Outside, the rain has started to fall.
Valgard is missing.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
You can start a fire so that
everybody can dry up if you can
find dry wood. I don’t think it
will be seen from anywhere in this
weather.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Finally!
                                                            
He starts breaking furniture and piling it.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
This won’t be enough. I’ll start
the fire but I’ll need more
firewood to keep it going.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Let’s try some of the other
houses. Maybe we’ll find some.
Where’s Valgard?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
He went outside a few moments ago.
                                                            
                       AENAR
It’s a bit unnerving how he can
come and go without notice.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Yes. Even to me. Well, let’s go
get that firewood.
                                                            
They exit the house leaving Venedar and Gwildor.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALIGAN - DAY
                                                            
A small mound rises just inside the half collapsed city
walls. Valgard walks to the top, not bothering to cover
himself with his cloak. He stops before a plain gravestone
covered in moss. It says:
                                                            
EWAIN HAMMERE
Forever in my heart
                                                            

61.

He drops to his knees.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Hello, my love… I brought you
something.
                                                            
He takes a small beautiful flower from under his cloak. He
plants it in the earth beside the gravestone then clears
some of the moss off.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
It will not wilt as long as the
memory of your beauty lives. As
long as I live.
                                                            
He looks to the sky as if pleading for help then looks at
the flower again.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (continuing)
I have become death. It follows me
wherever I go. I throw myself in
its path and yet it won’t embrace
me. Why? How I long to see you
once again… I miss you so… Soon we
will be together again. From the
fires of the Abyss I will come to
your arms again.
                                                            
He kisses his fingers then strokes the flower. He takes a
deep breath, rises and turns to leave but stops in his
tracks as he spots Lafael looking at him in wonder and
sympathy from the doors of a nearby house, the firewood she
collected soaking in her arms.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to invade
your privacy. I was just
collecting firewood and… Well…
                                                            
Valgard descends the mound and looks at the soaked firewood.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I hardly think these will burn.
                                                            
Lafael blinks and looks at the firewood in her arms as if
seeing it for the first time.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Oh! Yes. I forgot to cover it.
                                                            
Valgard stares at her for a few moments not saying anything.
                                                            

62.

                       LAFAEL
Look, I really didn’t…
                                                            
                       VALGARD
You can drop those. I’ll help you
look for more.
                                                            
He moves off down the street then stops when she doesn’t
follow.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Come. I think there should be some
in a house I passed earlier.
                                                            
Confuzed, Lafael drops the soaked firewood and follows him.
                                                            
 
INT. RUINED HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Through a wall of fog, scenes exchange of large hounds with
red-brown fur and red, glowing eyes. They run through a
grassy plain breathing fire from their mouths. The baying
sounds they make have an eerie, hollow tone that send a
shiver through any who hear them.

Lymus comes running through the door, breathing hard.

Lafael wakes up with a start. She looks about and sees that
everyone’s asleep around a dying fire. Just as she starts to
rise from her blankets, she hears the same eerie baying she
heard in her sleep.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Everyone, wake up! We have HELL
HOUNDS on our trail! Wake up!
                                                            
Everybody is up and ready in a flash. They run toward their
horses, packing their stuff.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Are you sure they are hell hounds?
                                                            
Again, the baying sounds in the night, only closer this
time.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I’m sure. A whole pack.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Damn!
                                                            
They mount their horses.
                                                            

63.

                       VENEDAR
Everyone! Ride!
                                                            
They spur their horses and gallop through the ruined city
with the sound of the hell hounds closing in.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE SALIGAN - NIGHT
                                                            
They stop the horses. Aryx comes out of the shadows running
and disappears only moments later.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What are these hell hounds?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Hell hounds are fire-breathing
canines from another world brought
here in the service of evil
beings!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
But why don’t we fight them?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
We can’t take on a whole pack! If
there were only a few of them we
would still have a hard time
defeating them.
                                                            
The baying sounds once more. Much closer!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Ride!
                                                            
They gallop through the forest of twisted trees with large
roots making the passage hard.
                                                            
                       AENAR
They are almost upon us!
                                                            
They can see the fire and red eyes coming fast behind them.

Venedar stops, turns around and makes a gesture with his
staff mumbling magical words. Suddenly the ground erupts
right in front of the hell hounds, sending some of them
flying and momentarily blocking the path for the rest of
them.

He gallops after the rest.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Will that stop them?!
                                                            

64.

                       VENEDAR
No! Only slow them and hopefully
thin their number!
                                                            
They gallop out of the forest and stop to look around. A
large mountain looms ahead.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
There’s an entrance to goblin
caves up ahead. If you could do
the same with the cave entrance as
what you did back there, they
won’t be able to follow us.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Won’t that leave us trapped
inside?!
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Well yes and no. The goblin caves
are numerous, intertwined, stretch
for miles and have many entrances
and exits. But goblins inhabit
them.
                                                            
                       AENAR
I’d rather take my chances with
the small pests than with those
damned fire-breathing hounds!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Maybe we can outrun them!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
You can’t outrun the hell hounds.
They never tire.
                                                            
The eerie baying sounds again.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
It seems we don’t have any choice.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Yes. To the caves! Lymus, lead the
way!
                                                            
 
EXT. ENTRANCE TO THE GOBLIN CAVES - NIGHT
                                                            
The company halts at the cave entrance getting off their
horses. Aryx waits for them.
                                                            

65.

                       VENEDAR
Leave the horses!
                                                            
They rush inside.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Valgard, Darastrix, Lymus, stay
with me. The rest of you, get
deeper inside and find a place to
hide. If we fail to stop them they
won’t recognize your scent from
the goblin stench.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (smells the air)
You’ve got that right! It reeks in
here!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I won’t leave you, Venedar!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Lafael, don’t argue with me. If we
fail, you must continue on, or the
whole world is doomed.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
But why don’t we all go inside and
hide?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
There’s too many of us. But with
only you three, the scent will be
much weaker.
                                                            
Venedar grabs her by the shoulders.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (continuing)
Don’t worry. We will stop them.
                                                            
The hell hound’s baying sounds from the outside.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (continuing)
Now, go!
                                                            
Aenar pulls Lafael along.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Come, young paladin. They will do
what they must.
                                                            

66.

She doesn’t resist and the three of them vanish down the
tunnel.

Venedar turns towards the mouth of the cave and raises his
staff, mumbling magical words. Valgard, Darastrix and Lymus
position ready themselves for the oncoming attack.

The cave trembles and small pieces of rock start to fall but
the mouth of the cave remains open.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
What is it?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
The goblins reinforced these walls
better than I thought.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Better do something quick, wizard,
because they are coming.
                                                            
As if to his answer, the hell hounds appear in the distance,
six of them, closing fast. Lymus nocks an arrow in his bow
and draws it to his cheek.

Valgard tries again and this time everything trembles much
harder and the roof of the cave mouth starts to crack.

Lymus, distracted by the trembling, starts releasing his
arrows but only a few hit the target. The first hell hound
goes down with five arrows sticking out of him.

A large piece of rock drops to partially block the cave
entrance, but not enough.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Venedar!!!
                                                            
The hell hounds come to the cave mouth and the first tries
to jump over the large rock but Valgard throws his throwing
axe and hits it right in the head knocking it back.

The cave mouth starts to collapse completely but not before
another hell hound managed to jump over the large rock
evading Lymus’ arrow and breathing fire at Valgard.

Valgard rolls out of the way and Darastrix slashes its hind
legs. The hell hound’s legs give way and it tumbles into the
cavern wall.

Darastrix throws away his sword, pulls a knife and throws
himself on the hell hound’s back sticking his knife

67.

repeatedly into its side. The hell hound breathes fire,
trying unsuccessfully to throw him of its back, but pretty
soon it lies dead beneath Darastrix.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
You’re really something…
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Thank you, but I did what had to
be done.
                                                            
Venedar leans heavily on his staff and wipes his sweaty
brow.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Are you alright?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I’ll be fine. I just need to catch
my breath.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We should go find the others.
                                                            
They nod and move deeper into the cave.
                                                            
 
INT. UNDERGROUND CAVERN - NIGHT
                                                            
The cavern is filled with some kind of yellow stones that
give out a low glow, illuminating the bloody aftermath of a
bloody battle. A group of lifeless goblins’ bodies lie on
the cavern floor.

Lymus walks among the bodies and picks up a small bloodied
cloth.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
They were definitely here. This is
Lafael’s.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
The goblins must have surprised
them.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
They gave them one hell of a
fight, though.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I don’t see their bodies anywhere.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
They must have been captured.
                                                            

68.

                       DARASTRIX
For slavery?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (nods)
Or food.
                                                            
 
INT. UNDERGROUND GOBLIN CAMP - NIGHT
                                                            
Lafael wakes up full of cuts and bruises. Her clothes are
torn and bloodied, her equipment gone. She sits up with a
flinch and realizes that she is chained to a cavern wall
along with Aenar and Gwildor who don’t look any better than
her.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Where are we?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
In a goblin camp.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How did we end up here?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I guess you were hit on the head
harder than I thought.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Uh! It feels like it’s full of
sawdust.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I know what you mean. Well, we
were surprised by a group of
goblins and after a brief fight
ended up here. Aenar here is mad
because he thinks we could have
taken them.
                                                            
                       AENAR
If those little bastards hadn’t
sneaked up behind me…
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Sneaked up? There were more than
two dozen of them!
                                                            
                       AENAR
Well… We almost made it.
                                                            

69.

                       GWILDOR
Almost counts for nothing.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Yes, I remember now. But it’s all
foggy.
                                                            
She notices the activity in the goblin camp.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What are they doing?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
They’re preparing for a feast.
                                                            
                       AENAR
      (smiles)
Do you think they’ll let us
attend?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Oh, yes they will.
                                                            
They look at him in confusion.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (continuing)
Guess what their main course is?
                                                            
It takes a moment for them to realize the horrible truth.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
They’re going to eat us?! But I
thought only orcs eat humans!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
The goblins do it just as well.
                                                            
                       AENAR
We’ve got to find some way to
escape.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I already tried these chains and I
don’t have anything with which I
can pick the lock.
                                                            

70.

The drums start beating in the camp and a group of goblins
marches towards them. They smile, showing their pointy teeth
and start to tie them to large wooden poles they brought
with them.

They try to resist but to no avail. There’s just too many of
the goblins.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No! I won’t and up like some
animal over a cook fire! I won’t!
                                                            
The goblins have to double their numbers to bring Aenar
under control.
                                                            
                       AENAR
You filthy little bastards! Get
off me!
                                                            
With a few swings of a club, they are calmed and tied to the
poles and carried to the center of the camp. The goblins
stick the poles into the holes in the ground next to a
bonfire and start to pile firewood around them.

The drums beat harder and faster.

They suddenly stop as the GOBLIN LEADER exits his hut. He
approaches the captives carefully looking at each one.

The fire behind him starts to increase its intensity.

Goblin leader stops in front of Lafael and takes out his
knife. He takes a handful of her hair, forcing her head
down. She tries to struggle but his grip is firm. He raises
the knife high above his head.

The bonfire behind him is now impossibly large and the
goblins start to shout.

The goblin leader turns to see what is going on and the fire
starts to take shape of a large fiery monster looking down
on him.

The goblins flee while the goblin leader releases Lafael and
angrily shouts at them. He looks back at the fiery monster
and takes a big swallow.

The fiery monster opens its large mouth and attacks the
goblin leader. The goblin leader screams and flees in
terror.

Aenar, Gwildor and Lafael desperately try to free themselves

71.

but the monster just stands there looking at them and
suddenly disappears. The bonfire is burning with normal
intensity as if nothing happened.

Confused, the prisoners look at each other then notice their
friends running towards them.

Valgard cuts Lafael’s bonds and she collapses against his
chest. Awkwardly, he puts one arm around her.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I was sure I was going to die.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
It’s alright. You’re safe now.
                                                            
Venedar rushes to her side and hugs her. She hugs him back.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Are you badly injured?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No, I’m alright. I just have a
nasty headache.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Thank the light. If something were
to happen to you, I would never
forgive myself.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What took you?! We were almost
eaten!
                                                            
Darastrix frees him.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
We came as fast as we could.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
      (frees Aenar)
Be glad we came at all. We still
had to deal with the entire camp
of goblins.
                                                            
                       AENAR
So that fiery beast was Venedar’s
doing?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Only a trick. A little grandiose
perhaps, but still a trick. It
won’t keep the goblins away
forever, though.
                                                            

72.

                       AENAR
We have to find our equipment.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Yes, it must be in the chief’s
hut. I’ll have a look.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Hurry, we don’t have much time!
                                                            
After he’s been in the goblin leader’s hut for a few
moments, he emerges from the hut carrying a large sack.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Everything’s here!
                                                            
Aenar, Gwildor and Lafael take their clothes and weapons.

A goblin’s head peaks from behind one of the huts. He sees
them and screams for the others.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Damn! They’ve seen us! Quick,
follow me!
                                                            
Lymus fires an arrow, catching the screaming goblin in the
chest. They rush towards a small tunnel.

As they near the tunnel, a small group of goblins intercepts
them waving their scimitars and maces. They are easily
brushed aside but then a larger group of goblins exits the
small tunnel.

Venedar extends his staff and fire blasts from its tip
straight into the goblins. After a brief fight, the rest
scatter.

The company enters the tunnel with Valgard and Darastrix
guarding the rear. They see a wave of goblins coming
straight for the tunnel.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Pick up the pace! More of them are
heading this way!
                                                            
 
EXT. UGHOR ARGASH - DAY
                                                            
Huge demon army is gathered in a barren wasteland. Large,
wicked looking BAZADUSH’S CASTLE looms in the distance.
Bazadush, a large red-skinned demon with horns and wings,
steps forth and raises the Staff of Ages. The demons fall

73.

silent.

Suddenly bright light bursts from the Staff. The air
crackles.
                                                            
 
EXT. ISINE VALLEY, SARAN WASTES - DAY
                                                            
A great army has gathered to defend their world. Dark clouds
have gathered above. Lightning crackles and a strong wind
starts to blow. Men, elves and dwarves await the coming
battle.

A huge white streak of light appears in the air a few
hundred feet in front of them and suddenly everything falls
silent. The wind and the lightning stop.

With a large boom, the white streak of light explodes into a
huge tear in the air. The demon army pours from Ughor Argash
into Issine Valley. The two armies clash!

Leaning heavily on the Staff, Bazadush smiles in
satisfaction then turns away from the battle.
                                                            
 
INT. TUNNEL, GOBLIN CAVES - NIGHT
                                                            
Aenar slices off the goblin’s head. The headless corpse
falls to the ground revealing in the distance more goblins
coming down the tunnel.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Blast it! How many more can there
be?!
                                                            
Gwildor rises from a dead goblin he just killed.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
These caves are full of them and
they’ll just keep coming!
                                                            
Venedar shoots a fireball at the oncoming goblins.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Don’t talk, run!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I can’t!
                                                            
An arrow is sticking out from her leg.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I’ll help you. Come on!
                                                            

74.

He helps her up and she leans on him for support.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
      (calling)
There’s a platform up ahead! I
think it leads to the surface!
                                                            
They rush down the tunnel and into a --
                                                            
LARGE CAVE
                                                            
with an elevated wooden platform in its center and a series
of ropes leading from a small mechanism under the platform
to an opening in the cave ceiling.

Lymus runs up to the platform and looks up.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Hurry! I see daylight from up
ahead!
                                                            
They all get on the platform. Valgard puts Lafel gently down
and pulls the lever operating the platform. The platform
starts to rise then suddenly stops.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What is it?!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (pulls the lever
       again)
I don’t know! The mechanism
beneath must have jammed!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I’ll go and have a look.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Hurry! The goblins will be here
any moment now.
                                                            
Darastrix jumps down from the platform and inspects the
mechanism.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I can’t see anything wrong with
it…
                                                            
They hear the goblins coming from the tunnel. Lymus grabs
his bow but then puts it away drawing his sword.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
No more arrows.
                                                            

75.

                       VALGARD
You better find something fast!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Ah, there it is! There’s a rock
jamming one of the pulleys. Now,
if I can only pull it out…
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Darastrix! Hurry!
                                                            
The goblins enter the cave and attack. They meet the goblins
at the foot of the platform. Venedar shoots two fireballs
but his power fails him when he tries a third and he is
forced to defend himself with his staff.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
There! I did it!
                                                            
They back up to the platform and Valgard pulls the lever
again. The platform lurches upwards with a few goblins
clinging to it but they are squished as the platform enters
the opening in the cavern ceiling. They all sigh in relief.
                                                            
 
EXT. FORREST EDGE - DAY
                                                            
As soon as they get off the platform, it starts to descend
back to the caves. Aenar cuts its ropes with a few mighty
swings of his sword and the platform crashes to the cavern
depths.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Where are we?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I do not know but it is obvious
that we are not in orcish
territory anymore.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
We are somewhere to the north.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
In any case, I suggest we camp for
the night and rest. Tomorrow, we
will see where our path lies.
                                                            
 

76.

EXT. CAMPSITE, FOREST - NIGHT
                                                            
The company sits around the campfire. Valgard rips Lafael’s
pants so that he can better see the wound from the arrow. He
cleans some of the blood with a wet cloth.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Why can’t you heal yourself? Don’t
you paladins have healing powers?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (panting)
Yes we do, but it doesn’t work
that way. The arrow has to be
removed and I have to rest before
I can heal myself.
                                                            
Valgard takes a knife from the fire and gives Lafael a small
wooden stick.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Bite into this.
                                                            
Lafael cries out in pain through clenched teeth as he cuts
with the red hot knife and removes the arrow. Darastrix
hands him a small bowl.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What’s that?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
A mixture of herbs that will
prevent the wound from infecting
and help it heal better.
                                                            
He puts some on her wounds.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Thank you.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Try to get some sleep.
                                                            
A nearby bush rustles. Everybody is on their feet, weapons
ready. Aryx’s head peeps from the bush.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
That bloody wolf! How did he find
us so quickly?
                                                            

77.

                       LYMUS
      (approaches Aryx)
He senses my whereabouts. As I do
his.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
You could have warned us, you
know.
                                                            
Aryx nuzzles against Lymus and he runs his hand through the
wolf’s fur in return.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I assume the area is safe?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
      (nods)
Nothing that will bother us.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Then we should all get some sleep
and gather our strength.
                                                            
 
EXT. CAMPSITE, FOREST - DAY
                                                            
The company is preparing to leave the camp. Darastrix
approaches Lafael.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
How are you feeling today?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Much better, thanks to Valgard.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
He’s experienced in those kind of
things.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
He doesn’t talk much, though.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
He’s like that. Doesn’t talk much
and doesn’t listen, either. He may
be ill-tempered sometimes, but he
has a good heart.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How long have you known him?
                                                            

78.

                       DARASTRIX
More than ten years. We’ve been
through a lot, him and me.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
He doesn’t strike me as someone
who makes friends easily.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
He doesn’t, no. But we met in
extraordinary circumstances. He
saved my life.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
At the beginning, he didn’t seem
that eager to have you along.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
      (smiles)
Yes, well, he sometimes doesn’t
like what I have to say, but he
must hear it anyway.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Are you sure you’ll be able to
travel? We can stay here another
day.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No. We don’t have that luxury and
besides, I’ll be fine.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
We will talk later if you wish.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Certainly.
                                                            
She gathers her things and joins the others.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I know that one night’s rest is
not enough for what we went
through so if you will please come
closer and I will do what I can.
                                                            
They look at each other questioningly then move closer.
Lafael closes her eyes, raises her hands in the air and
speaks a few magical words. A bright glow envelops only her
at first, then spreads to the rest. After a few moments, the
glow is gone and she opens her eyes.
                                                            

79.

                       GWILDOR
That’s amazing! All of my cuts and
bruises are gone!
                                                            
                       AENAR
I feel like I could run for two
days without stopping. What did
you do?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I healed all of us and gave us the
energy we need to continue.
Especially since we don’t have
horses anymore.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Now, then, if you would be so kind
to show us the way.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Ah, yes. Certainly.
                                                            
She takes out the zentar and the blue line shoots into the
forest.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It seems we are on the right
track.
                                                            
As they start to leave the campsite, Valgard stops and looks
back.
                                                            
                       AENAR
What is it?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I don’t know. Probably nothing.
                                                            
They follow the others.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF SHADUK AZUL - DAY
                                                            
The company exits the forest surrounding the ancient walled
city. They look in wonder at the great and strange buildings
as they walk down what used to be the main street.
                                                            
                       AENAR
I’ve never seen structures like
this before.
                                                            

80.

                       LYMUS
Yes, it must be thousands of years
old.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (points)
And look at the statues on the
buildings. What kind of creatures
are they?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I don’t know. This is a city from
ancient times when different
creatures inhabited these lands.
They look like they were the
protectors of these homes.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Protectors?! Then what were they
protecting them from?! They don’t
look very friendly.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Would you say than that a hound
that guards your doorstep from the
strangers in the night looks
friendly to a passerby?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
No, but these sure are no dogs.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
As I said, they were creatures
from ancient times. Who knows what
used to pass for a hound to these
people?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What kind of people used to live
here?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
There are books that hint at the
fact that a powerful race existed
long ago. Not Men or Elves or
Dwarves but a different, more
advanced race. But all the details
are lost in the sands of time. The
mere fact that we stand here is a
historic moment in itself.
                                                            

81.

                       AENAR
How did they become extinct if
they were so powerful?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
No one knows. Maybe some disease
struck them, or a natural
catastrophe, or a war amongst
themselves. This place holds all
the answers. It is very
unfortunate that we don’t have
time to look for those answers.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I don’t know if I wish to know
them. This place gives me the
creeps. Let’s just get that
necklace and get out of here.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I couldn’t agree more.
                                                            
They come to the main square in the center of which is a
statue broken in half.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Heh, at least we know what their
legs looked like.
                                                            
Lafael raises the zentar and the blue light points to the
ground in front of what used to be a palace.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
It must be underground.
                                                            
They start towards the palace but stop as Aryx starts to
growl.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
What is it?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I don’t know… He senses something
dangerous.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
What?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
I can’t tell. We better go back
towards the houses.
                                                            

82.

Suddenly a wall of the palace explodes as the SHARGOTH
attacks them. It is a truly monstrous and terrifying beast.
Its powerful arms end in claws.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It’s a shargoth! Run!!!
                                                            
They enter the smaller streets with the shargoth right at
their feet, snapping its jaws and knocking down walls. The
company zig-zags through the streets but the shargoth goes
right through the walls as if they weren’t there.

They reach the city walls.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Inside the city walls! They were
made to withstand sieges!
                                                            
                       LYMUS
But they are old and crumbling
with age!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
The ones that stand are five
meters thick! It is our only
chance!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
To the walls! Quick!
                                                            
They rush inside through a small opening. The shargoth
smashes into the wall. Everything shakes but the wall holds.
Everyone runs to the top then stop to catch their breath
while the shargoth continues smashing into the wall.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
If that thing continues to pound,
this wall won’t hold much longer
and there’s no way out but the way
we came in!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Of all the places in the world, it
had to be right here.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What are we going to do?!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
You seem to know what we are
dealing with here. Is there a way
to kill it?
                                                            

83.

                       GWILDOR
Kill it?! Are you crazy?! Have you
noticed the size of that thing?!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
If there is, I do not know it.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
There must be something we can do!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Yes, there is.
                                                            
Valgard looks at him for a moment.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We have to make a plan.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I will lure him away while you
make for the palace.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
You can’t take him on your own.
He’s more than a match, even for
you!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
What, in the nine hells, are you
two talking about?!
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
That is the only way. Our quest is
too important. You must get that
necklace.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We will get it, but together!
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
      (grabs Valgard)
Listen to him, Valgard. It is the
way it has to be. Otherwise, we
risk everything.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Will somebody please tell the rest
of us what is going on?!
                                                            
Darastrix shakes Valgard’s hand.
                                                            

84.

                       DARASTRIX
Do not fear, brother. We will fly
the blue skies again, you and I.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Hysver, orn thurirl. (Soar, silver
friend)
                                                            
Darastrix smiles then moves away.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
It has been an honor to travel
with all of you.
                                                            
He closes his eyes. As he opens them again, they are eyes of
a lizard. He raises his arms and starts to lift off the
ground and transforms into a --
                                                            
SILVER DRAGON
                                                            
Gwildor, Lafael, Lymus and Aenar gasp in wonder.

Darastrix wheels around in the air and comes down breathing
fire at the shargoth. The beast is engulfed in flames but
the flames soon die down.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
It can’t be! The flames barely
hurt the thing!
                                                            
Darastrix makes another circle in the air and dives for the
shargoth crashing into it and sends them both tumbling. They
crash into a building, completely demolishing it.

A fierce battle continues with teeth and claws.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Now’s our chance!
                                                            
They run into the streets but Valgard stops, hesitantly
looking at the two battling juggernauts.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (pulls him along)
Come on! There’s nothing you can
do for him now.
                                                            
Valgard follows her reluctantly. In the distance, the battle
to the death continues.
                                                            
 

85.

INT. RUINED PALACE HALL - DAY
                                                            
The company enters the palace through the doorway missing
its doors. The walls are filled with strange carvings and
pictures ruined by time. Lafael spots a stairway leading
down.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (points)
That way.
                                                            
They go down a winding stairway and enter a --
                                                            
LARGE CHAMBER
                                                            
A streak of sunlight penetrates the darkness through a hole
in the ceiling. It illuminates a pedestal with an ornamented
box. The rest of the chamber is filled with treasure.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
It’s just the way I dreamed it
would be. Let’s fill our pockets!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Wait!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Wait for what? Let’s go!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
There’s something wrong here.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
You feel something?
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Of course she does. After all, she
is a paladin, and paladins feel
evil when it is near.
                                                            
Two red dots light up in the shadows on the opposite side of
the chamber and a large figure completely covered in dark,
wide, flowing hooded robe steps into the light. Aryx growls.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
      (continuing)
I never thought you would get this
far, but then, I didn’t expect a
dragon with you. That was really
surprising. But he is a little
busy at the moment and won’t be
able to help you.
                                                            

86.

                       AENAR
We do not need any help to deal
with the likes of you!
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Well, aren’t you a fiery one. I
like that.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
So you followed us from the start?
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
Yes and no. I did not need to be
near you to know where you are or
what you were doing.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Then you sent the hell hounds
after us.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
How perceptive of you, wizard. You
evaded my traps but now your
little escapade comes to an end!
                                                            
Its hands transform into dark blades.

Aryx attacks.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Aryx, no!
                                                            
Aryx jumps for the demon, but the demon extends its
hand/blade and meets the wolf. Aryx yelps. The demon tosses
wolf’s lifeless body which crashes into the wall with a
large thump.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Nooo!!! You’ll pay for that!
                                                            
Lymus rushes for the demon, but a fireball shoots past him
towards it. The demon evaporates and the fireball catches
only air.

It materializes a few feet from the wizard and suddenly a
shadow exits the demons body and enters Venedar’s. Venedar
screams in pain and falls to the floor holding his head in
his hands.

The rest of the company attacks the demon but it skillfully
meets their attacks moving quick as lightning despite its
size. Pretty soon, all of the company is bleeding from

87.

various cuts.

Aenar swings his two-handed sword and catches only air as
the demon teleports behind him and strikes at his back.
Aenar tries to evade but he is not quick enough and the dark
blade penetrates his shoulder and throws him against a
nearby wall, knocking him unconscious.

Lymus tries a swing under the demon’s guard, but the demon
blocks with one blade and cuts a large slash up his leg with
another, making it useless. Lymus falls to the ground, his
hurting leg keeping him down.

Gwildor stabs his kukris into the demons back all the way to
the hilt. The demon screams in pain and turns around
knocking Gwildor head-over-heals into a pile of treasure.

Lafael takes the chance and runs the demon through with her
sword. Another scream and the demon jerks, wresting the
sword from Lafael’s hands. The demon’s blades transform into
hands as it takes out the sword but Valgard drives both his
swords into the demon. A shriek of agony sounds from the
dark depths of the demon’s cowl.
                                                            
                       SHADOW DEMON
No! This can’t be happening! No
mere humans can defeat me! You
puny little…
                                                            
The demon drops dead.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
What delusion of greatness.
                                                            
He goes to retrieve his swords and is surprised to find
nothing under the robes.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (hands Lafael her
       sword)
Go and try to heal the others.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Let me first heal you.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
That is not necessary.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Please, I insist.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Really, it isn’t necessary.
                                                            

88.

                       LAFAEL
But…
                                                            
She cleans the blood from one of his wounds. The skin is
completely healed.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
How?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (takes her hand)
Go, help the others.
                                                            
Valgard goes to a pile of treasure and pulls out Gwildor.
Gwildor spits out a few diamonds. Valgard hands him his
kukris.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Now that would be an ideal place
to die. But, since that did not
happen, I guess I’ll have to take
advantage of the situation.
                                                            
He grabs for his backpack and starts filling it with
treasure.

Lafael heals Lymus and Aenar, then moves to Venedar who sits
with his back against the wall with a blank look.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Venedar!
      (shakes him)
Venedar!
                                                            
She puts her hands on his head and a bright glow envelops
them both.

After a few moments, the glow disappears but Venedar remains
unchanged. The rest of the company gathers around him.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Can’t you heal him?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No. There’s something terribly
wrong with him but I don’t have
the necessary skills to help him.
Physically, he’s all right, but
mentally… I just don’t know what
to do.
                                                            

89.

                       VALGARD
Let’s get that necklace, and then
we’ll carry him out.
                                                            
They go to the pedestal and the box. There’s a hand print on
the top of a box. It has three fingers.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Do you know how to open it?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I haven’t yet come across a lock
that I couldn’t pick, but this
here doesn’t seem to have a lock.
I guess it opens magically.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
There’s an inscription on the
pedestal.
                                                            
He wipes away the dust.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Do you understand what it says?
                                                            
                       LYMUS
No.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Wait. That is written in an
ancient elven language.
                                                            
Everyone looks at her.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Since I am a king’s daughter, I
had to study elven history in
detail. That included ancient
languages.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
So what does it say?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
“You, brother, who are like me
bound to the dragons in blood and
oath, take this necklace of the
dragon-people of Urash and serve
our masters. The blood of the
dragons binds us forever.”
                                                            
                       AENAR
Do you know what it means?
                                                            

90.

                       LAFAEL
Judging by the hand print, I’d say
that these dragon-people magically
sealed this box and only one of
them may open it.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Do you mean to say that this was a
race of half humans, half dragons
that served the dragons?!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That is what it says.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Well, that’s just great! We fight
through bloody orcish and goblin
territory, manage to escape bloody
hell-hounds, a huge, blood-thirsty
monster, and defeat some kind of
stinkin’ demon for nothing?!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Not for nothing. Look at all this
treasure!
                                                            
                       AENAR
Have you forgotten why we came
here in the first place?!
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I know why I came. For this!
                                                            
He shows the diamonds.
                                                            
                       AENAR
I won’t let some bloody small box
get in my way! Aarrrgh!
                                                            
He swings his sword, its blade connecting with a sharp
CLANG. The box remains intact.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Stop! Let me try something.
                                                            
He takes out a knife and cuts his hand then places it on the
hand print. The hand print glows bright red, and the box
opens. A necklace with a pendant in a shape of a dragon lies
inside.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
How did you do that?! But that
means…
                                                            

91.

                       VALGARD
Yes. We don’t have time now. I’ll
explain later. Take the necklace
and let’s go.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No, not me. You are the one who
opened the box. It is meant for
you.
                                                            
He looks at the others. They all nod in agreement.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (takes the
       necklace)
Fine. Can we go now?
                                                            
                       AENAR
I’ll take Venedar.
                                                            
He puts the wizard across his shoulder and follows the rest.
                                                            
 
EXT. SHADUK AZUL - DAY
                                                            
The company exits the ruined palace and finds Darastrix
lying in the square with his eyes closed. He is not
breathing. Not far from him is the body of the dead monster.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (runs towards the
       dragon)
Darastrix, no!
                                                            
He skids to a stop beside the dragon’s head.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (continuing)
Darastrix… I told you not to go
alone. I told you…
                                                            
The rest of the company, their faces sullen, gathers around
the dragon.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
And what would you have done that
would have been of any help?
                                                            
Valgard smiles and hits the dragon with his fist.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Why you big… I knew you were just
pretending.
                                                            

92.

                       DARASTRIX
Hey! I am injured, you know.
      (stirs)
I was not pretending, but
gathering my strength. I must have
a long rest, but I will be fine.
What happened to Venedar?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I don’t know. We ran into some
kind of a demon and I don’t know
what he did to Venedar, but I
can’t heal him.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We don’t know what to do with him.
We can’t carry him to Ughor Argash
like this.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I will carry him to the healers.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Are you sure you can fly?
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
I am pretty battered, but I will
manage. Did you find what you were
looking for?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Yes, we did.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Good. Place Venedar on my back.
Don’t worry. I will make sure he
doesn’t fall off.
                                                            
They raise Venedar onto the dragon’s back.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
Good luck to you, friends. I will
see you when you get back.
                                                            
He flies away.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Do you mind telling us now how you
managed to open that box?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (sighs)
When I was young, I was a soldier
            (MORE)

93.

                       VALGARD (cont'd)
living in the Borderlands.
Saligan, the ruined city where we
camped a few days ago, was my
hometown where I lived with my
wife. One day, orcs came in force
and Saligan fell. My wife was
killed and I was taken prisoner.
They took me, along with some of
the male survivors, north, deep
into their territory. They capture
the men for slavery, but women…
They don’t need them… So they end
up in their cook pots.
      (he takes a moment
       to gather himself)
After a few days of travelling,
the orcs came across some kind of
a huge altar with a chained
dragon. Apparently, he was
captured by a demon who wanted the
dragon’s power for his own. The
orcs wanted to kill the dragon and
take its head as a trophy.
Naturally, the demon didn’t want
that so he summoned a number of
demons to fight the orcs. I
managed to free myself and the
dragon in the mayhem that followed
but I got myself killed in the
process. The dragon resurrected me
to repay me.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
That was Darastrix?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Yes, although that is not his true
name. The draconic language is too
hard to pronounce.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
So how did he resurrect you?
                                                            

94.

                       VALGARD
Dragons are magical creatures.
Their knowledge is enormous and
goes back to the ancient times. He
imbued me with his life essence.
Apart from bringing me back to
life, it gave me some other
abilities as well. It also created
a certain bond between us, not
unlike the bond that Lymus and
Aryx had.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
So that is why you could open the
box and didn’t need healing.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Yes.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Hey, we’re lucky you’re with us! I
don’t know how we would have
otherwise opened that box. But I
guess it was meant to be.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Now, how do we reach Ughor Argash?
                                                            
Lafael takes out the bright red stone. She closes her eyes
and a vertical slash of red light appears in the air in
front of her and expands into a PORTAL. A wasteland with a
blood-red sky above is visible through the portal.

Valgard places the Necklace of Urash around his neck and
steps through. The rest follow him.

Gwildor pauses looking to the skies.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
I wish the dragon had come along.
                                                            
He steps through the portal.
                                                            
 
EXT. ISSINE VALLEY, SARAN WASTES - NIGHT
                                                            
King Malaron looks at the dead bodies on the battlefield.
The demon army is nowhere to be seen. The rift is much
larger.

An elf and a dwarf approach him. They are THAIAN
DWIN’URDRENN, KING OF ELVES and BURIN STONESMITER, KING OF
DWARVES.
                                                            

95.

                       KING BURIN
Where do you suppose they went?
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
The demons? I do not know, but
they will be back.
                                                            
                       KING THAIAN
And when they do, we will be
unable to stop them.
                                                            
                       KING BURIN
We must! The world’s fate rests on
our shoulders.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
And on the shoulders of a small
group of heroes.
                                                            
                       KING BURIN
Do you think they’ll make it?
                                                            
                       KING THAIAN
I know my daughter. Nothing can
stop her once she sets her mind on
something.
                                                            
                       KING BURIN
I hope you are right, because we
are running out of time.
                                                            
 
EXT. UGHOR ARGASH - DAY
                                                            
The blood-red sky illuminates a barren land and Bazadush’s
castle in the distance.

Valgard points towards the castle.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
That must be the Argasi Lord’s
castle.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Not much cover to hide our
approach.
                                                            
                       AENAR
Let’s hope that their attention is
all on the battle.
                                                            

96.

Confused, everyone looks at him. He points towards the
castle. Beyond it, there is a large hole in the air and a
large DEMON ARMY is marching towards it.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE BAZADUSH’S CASTLE - DAY
                                                            
The company makes a short dash from a nearby cover to the
castle wall.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
You were right. There’s nobody on
the walls on this side of the
castle.
                                                            
                       AENAR
We still have to get inside
somehow.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (calls quietly)
Over here. I found some kind of
small side entrance.
                                                            
They join Gwildor beside a small door in the castle wall.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Can you open it?
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
      (smiles)
Does the sun rise in the east?
                                                            
He produces a small lockpick and fumbles with a lock for a
few moments. The lock rewards him with a loud CLICK. He
smiles triumphantly and opens the door.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (whispers)
Wait! There could be someone…
                                                            
But Gwildor has already disappeared into the shadows.
Valgard rolls his eyes, draws his swords and follows him.
                                                            
 
INT. BAZADUSH'S CASTLE - DAY
                                                            
They quickly move through a corridor lit by torches until
they get to another door. Bone chilling screams are heard
from beyond.

Gwildor looks questioningly at Valgard, who nods. Gwildor
tries the door, and it opens into a --
                                                            

97.

DUNGEON
                                                            
A corridor is leading to an oval chamber. The corridor is
filled with cells with metal doors. Bloodied hands from
different types of creatures are desperately reaching out
through small holes in the cell doors. But the screams are
coming from the oval chamber beyond.

The company slowly moves towards the chamber. They stop at
the end of the corridor. Valgard peeks around the corner.

The chamber is filled with all kinds of torturing devices.
Dries and fresh blood is splattered everywhere and there are
even pieces of meat on some of the devices.

The screams are coming from a once beautiful, but now
deformed, DRYAD (a magical forest creature in a shape of a
beautiful woman) being tortured by two heavily muscled
demons. The demons are too busy enjoying themselves to
notice the intruders.

Enraged, Valgard attacks! The first demon didn’t even
realise he was dead as he was run through with Valgard’s
blades. The second takes a nearby spiked club and tries to
fight, but a few seconds later he is left to bleed out on
the floor.

Valgard approaches the tortured dryad. It is obvious she
cannot be saved.
                                                            
                       DRYAD
K… kill me… p… please… k… kill m…
me…
                                                            
With a grim look, Valgard takes out a dagger and stabs her
in the heart and closes her eyes. Lafael wipes away a tear.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
We will kill every single one of
these filthy animals.
                                                            
Nobody argues. They all nod.
                                                            
 
INT. BAZADUSH’S CASTLE, THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Bazadush, a large, horned and winged demon, sits in his
massive throne examining the Staff of Ages. There’s a thump
at the door.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
      (irritated)
What is it?!
                                                            

98.

A LARGE DEMON enters.
                                                            
                       LARGE DEMON
I am sorry to disturb you, master,
but there is some trouble in the
castle.
                                                            
Bazadush puts down the Staff and rises from the throne.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
In the castle?! What kind of
trouble?!
                                                            
The large demon sees that maybe he should have sent somebody
else with the bad news.
                                                            
                       LARGE DEMON
Well… It seems, somehow, a small
group of humans penetrated our
walls.
                                                            
He takes a wicked looking greatsword that was resting
against the throne and advances towards the large demon. The
sword blazes with fire.

The large demon backs away a few steps.
                                                            
                       LARGE DEMON
I… I don’t know how they managed
to get past our guards but I sent
a group of my best fighters to
deal with them.
                                                            
He thought that that would please Bazadush. He was wrong.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
A group? You sent a group?! You
idiot!!! You should have sent
everyone!
                                                            
He continues to advance menacingly towards the large demon.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
Have you even wondered for a
second what would a group of
humans be doing in my castle in
the first place?!
                                                            
                       LARGE DEMON
N… No.
                                                            
Bazadush now stands directly in front of the large demon.
                                                            

99.

                       BAZADUSH
They are here to try to stop the
merge between our worlds. I sent
my best fiend to stop them and the
fact that they are here tells me
that he has failed. And you think
a mere group will stop them?!!!
                                                            
                       LARGE DEMON
Please, master… I didn’t know.
                                                            
With a scream of fury Bazadush cuts him in half with his
flaming sword.

He takes the top half of the large demon’s body, opens the
door and throws it into --
                                                            
A LARGE HALL
                                                            
where a dozen large demons turn to look at the corpse
rolling on the floor.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
If you don’t want to end up like
him, find and kill the intruders!
                                                            
He turns to go back to the throne room but stops as the
sounds of fighting come from outside. He looks back just as
doors to the hall burst open, and a demon’s corpse skids to
a stop at the feet of a surprised large demon.

Valgard stands in the doorway, both of his swords dripping
blood, the rest of the company at his back.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
Kill them!!!
                                                            
Bazadush goes back to the throne room and slams the doors
behind him.

A bloody mayhem takes place as the company clashes with the
demons.

Aenar strikes down a horned demon that tried to flatten him
with a large maul. Half a dozen of the demons are still
standing. Everyone from the company is hurt but still alive.
                                                            
                       AENAR
      (shouts at Valgard)
Kill Bazadush and take the Staff.
Go! We can handle them!
                                                            

100.

Valgard hesitates then runs towards the throne room.

He enters cautiously.

Bazadush stands holding the Staff of Ages.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
      (surprised)
You?! But, you’re supposed to be
dead! I killed you!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Well, that dragon had other plans
for me.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
The dragon. Yes… But, here you are
before me again and I can correct
that mistake. You ruined my plans
once and I killed you but I will
not be so kind this time. Oh, no!
I will let you live just long
enough to see your world burn.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
My world was burned long ago.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
Then I will burn it again! You
will learn humility before the
Argasi Lord, ruler of Ughor Argash
and, pretty soon, your world as
well!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Pretty soon you’ll be a dead
ruler, and all of your filthy kind
will be sent back where they
belong.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
Ha, ha, ha, ha! Brave words,
human. I think I will pull out
that flapping tongue of yours
first.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Enough talk! Hand me the Staff of
Ages!
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
You want it? Than come and get it,
human!
                                                            

101.

He throws the Staff in the air. A red barrier forms around
it and it remains floating.

Valgard attacks.

Bazadush smiles and fire bursts from his hand straight into
Valgard.

Flames die down and Valgard is untouched.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
So, you managed to get the
Necklace of Urash, but that will
not save you.
                                                            
Bazadush lifts his fiery sword and a battle to the death
begins. Bazadush is relentless in his assault.
He uses his strength and his wings well in combat, trying to
throw Valgard off balance. Bazadush seems to have the upper
hand as Valgard grows weary.

With a flap of his wing, the demon distracts Valgard then
backhands him. Valgard flies across the room into a wall and
falls to the ground, dropping his swords.

Bazadush points at the CHAINS hanging from the walls.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
And now, I will chain you and you
will be my pet. You will grovel
before me and do my bidding
whenever I wish, however I wish
it. Everyone will see the human
champion in his rightful place at
my side. Ha, ha, ha!
                                                            
He grabs Valgard by the throat and lifts him up.

As Bazadush puts down his sword to chain him, Valgard takes
out a dagger from his boot and stabs Bazadush in the arm.

Bazadush screams in pain and releases him. Valgard takes a
chain hanging from the wall and quickly wraps it around
Bazadush’s good hand and neck, trapping him.

Bazadush tries to free himself with the stabbed hand, but it
is useless. The chain is strong and binds him firmly to the
wall.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
No! Release me! I will tear your
heart out and eat it while it
still beats! Release me!!!
                                                            

102.

Valgard calmly picks up his swords.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Eat this!
                                                            
He plunges both swords into Bazadush. Bazadush screams.
                                                            
                       BAZADUSH
Nooooo!!!
                                                            
A fiery soul exits Bazadush’s body and flies out through the
window, still screaming.

The Staff of Ages falls into Valgard’s outstretched hand.

The rest of the company enters the throne room. They are
battered and tired, but alive.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
You’ve got it!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Yes, but we still have a demon
army between us and home, and no
one to use it.
                                                            
                       LYMUS
That is where you are wrong, my
friend. Look out the window.
                                                            
Everyone goes to the window. There’s a dot visible in the
distant sky towards the rift. It is becoming larger and
larger until --

Darastrix, with Venedar on his back, stops in front of the
window. Everyone is delighted.
                                                            
                       DARASTRIX
You didn’t think that I would
leave you on your own, did you?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
It is painfully clear that you
need supervision until you are
ready for world saving quests.
                                                            
They all laugh.
                                                            
 
EXT. ISINE VALLEY, SARAN WASTES - DAY
                                                            
The army of men, elves and dwarves is being overrun by demon

103.

hordes but they are still bravely holding their ground. The
kings Malaron, Thaian and Burin are fighting along with
their troops, urging them on.

Suddenly some of the soldiers point to the sky. The three
kings notice it at the same time and shade their eyes
against the sun

Darastrix, with the company on his back, flies down and
breathes fire into the demons. The soldiers cheer, and start
to fight with even more heart.

Darastrix lands on a hill near the rift and the company gets
off his back.
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
I will now attempt to seal the
Veil. I mustn’t be interrupted
while I’m doing it so you must
guard me.
                                                            
                       AENAR
No problem.
                                                            
As Darastrix flies off to wreak havoc in demon ranks, the
company position themselves to guard the wizard.

Venedar raises the Staff of Ages and a bright light bursts
forth toward the rift. It slowly starts to seal itself.

The demons attack but the company, although battered and
tired, fights them off. Darastrix helps them by breathing
fire here and there, and evading all sorts of demon attacks.

As the rift seals, the demons are dragged back into Ughor
Argash.

Everyone cheers and Lafael hugs Valgard in delight and
kisses him. He is taken aback and before he can react she
rushes into Venedar’s arms. The soldiers carry the heroes on
their shoulders to the three kings.
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
All of us here on this battlefield
are in your debt. You saved all of
us. You showed courage and valour
in the face of danger and even
travelled to the demons’ realm to
save our world. Your names will be
known all over the world and sung
about for generations to come. You
are true heroes.
                                                            

104.

                       KING BURIN
Aye, and you will always find food
and shelter among the dwarves,
should you need it. I will arrange
for a historic monument to be
built in your honour.
                                                            
                       KING THAIAN
I do not know what else to add
except that you will be welcomed
as heroes and friends among the
elves.
                                                            
He puts both arms on Lafael’s shoulders.
                                                            
                       KING THAIAN
      (continuing)
Today is the day I can say that I
am truly proud of you, my
daughter. And although our
opinions have differed often, I
have always been proud of you.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
You don’t know how much it means
to hear you say it.
                                                            
They embrace warmly.
                                                            
                       KING BURIN
Now that the formalities are over,
what say ye we all get drunk!
                                                            
                       KING MALARON
I will arrange a feast at my
castle!
                                                            
Everyone cheers again.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (hugs Venedar)
I am so happy that you are all
right. But how?
                                                            
                       VENEDAR
Darastrix took me to the Fortress
of Light and Master Corion had his
healers patch me up in no time.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That’s great! I was so scared when
I wasn’t able to heal you.
                                                            

105.

                       VENEDAR
Well, I am all right now. Let’s go
and eat something. I am famished!
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
That’s a great idea!
                                                            
 
INT. KING'S PALACE - NIGHT
                                                            
A big feast is taking place at king Malaron’s palace. A lot
of people have gathered around a large table. Some are
eating and drinking, some are dancing to the tunes of a
small band. The heroes are there as well, enjoying
themselves.

Valgard walks to the balcony with a cup to get some fresh
air and quietly enjoy a drink looking at the ongoing
celebration in the city.

Lafael joins him.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
I figured you would be here, all
alone. It is alright to have fun,
you know.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I know, I just… Don’t like crowds.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
And there I just thought to ask
you to sing a few songs with the
band.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (smiles)
Now, that is something you
definitely don’t want to hear.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
There, I saw it!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (looks around)
What?
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
A smile! I definitely saw a smile.
                                                            

106.

                       VALGARD
      (smiles again)
That’s just the moonlight playing
tricks on you.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
No, there it is again!
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Well, don’t get used to it.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Why not?
                                                            
Valgard gets a distant look in his eyes.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
Where will you go now?
                                                            
                       VALGARD
I don’t know. Wherever the wind
takes me.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (touches his hand)
I would like to go with you.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
Lafael, I…
                                                            
She kisses him gently on the lips. He is hesitant at first,
but then he puts his arms around her and kisses her back.
                                                            
                       VALGARD
      (continuing)
You’re a very persuasive woman
Lafael Dwin’urdrenn.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
      (smiles
       mischievously)
You have no idea.
                                                            
                       GWILDOR
Ha, you see! That’s 5 gold coins
each!
                                                            
Valgard and Lafael turn to see Gwildor accepting gold coins
from frowning Aenar and Lymus.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
What are you three doing?
                                                            

107.

                       AENAR
      (embarassed)
Nothing, m’lady. We were just,
aaa…
                                                            
                       LYMUS
Betting if the moon was full
tonight!
                                                            
                       AENAR
Yes! That’s it! The moon!
                                                            
All three smile in innocence.
                                                            
                       LAFAEL
The moon… Right… I bet that I can
kick all three of your asses at
the same time!
                                                            
They turn and bolt inside as she heads for them.

Valgard smiles to himself and follows them.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Michael W. Pitzenberger Date 6/7/2008 ***
Techniques looks good. The script threw me off for a moment, until I realized it was a kid's show.

From John Thompson Date 10/13/2007 ****
Hey man this was freakin awesome!!! I enjoyed every thing.Keep up the great work.I too hope to see it in the movies.

From Dionne Washington Date 6/11/2006 ***1/2
I love the way its written. You have a great imagination. Hope to see it in the movies someday.


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