By: Elias Stein
View all Elias Stein's works
Fade In:
EXT. Castle – Night
Several guards walk the parapets and keep watch from towers. After a few moments, a shadowy figure dashes past the camera.
CT: Base of castle wall. A cloaked figure sneaks up to the wall, dashing from shadow to shadow until he is pressed up against the stone, concealing himself from the guards’ view. This is VOL. Vol holds his breath as a guard on the rampart briefly surveys the area. After a few tense seconds, the guard turns away to return to his rounds. At the base of the wall, Vol pulls out a grappling hook, spins it a few times, and hurls it. The hook sails upwards and catches on the edge of the parapet. Vol braces himself against the wall, and begins to haul himself up. After a minute, he reaches the top. Vol peeks his head up, swiveling it to check if any guards are passing. Once he has surveyed the rampart, he swings himself over the crenels and pulls up the grappling hook. Making barely a whisper, he dashes into an adjacent guard tower.
CT: Interior of the guard tower. Vol enters, and pulls off his hood, exposing his features. He looks to be about 20 years old, and has short-cropped black hair and stubble beard. A guard sits at a table on the other side of the room, sharpening his sword. Vol pulls a dagger from his belt, creeps up on the guard, and before he can make a sound, whacks him over the head with the dagger’s pommel, knocking him unconscious. The guard collapses, and Vol climbs down a ladder set into the wall.
CT: Castle corridor. Vol slips down the ladder, and starts off down the hall. From a door a few feet from him, a dog emerges, and begins to snarl at Vol. Vol, despite the dog snarling in his face, gives it a warm smile. He kneels down, reaches into his pack, and pulls out a shank of meat, offering it to the hound. The dog snarls again, recoiling from Vol, but then edges closer and bites at the shank. Vol gives it to the dog, and starts to pet it as it gnaws on the meat. He rises, patting the hound’s head once more before walking down the corridor. A pair of guards round the corner, coming face-to-face with Vol. They fumble with their swords, and in their moment of weakness, Vol simultaneously strikes both of them across their windpipes. They fall to the floor, gasping for breath. Vol whips out a pair of daggers and holds them to their necks. He hesitates a moment, then turns and looks back at the dog, looking at him as it chews on the shank farther down the hall. Vol hesitates another second, and then stands, pulling out another piece of meat and tossing it to the dog, before sheathing the daggers. He leaps up and speeds around the next bend. He rushes up a flight of stairs, out into another corridor, and straight into a pair of guards. A smile slowly spreads across Vol’s face has they stare at him.
VOL
A welcoming committee. How thoughtful.
GUARD 1
Halt, intruder! Identify yoursel-
Vol whips out his rapier and slashes at them mid-sentence, causing them to stumble back in surprise. After a moment, they regain their composure and draw their swords, parrying Vol’s next attack. The camera pans around them as Vol dances around their blades, poking and slashing whenever they give him an opening. He ducks a strike and slashes the guard in the leg, kicking him off his feet as he stumbles. The other guard slashes and Vol parries, their blades locking at the hilts. The guard forces Vol’s blade up, and abruptly swings downwards at Vol’s gut. He grins in anticipation of victory, but his smile gives way to shock as Vol produces a dagger and blocks the attack with it, holding the guard’s sword down. He snaps his foot upwards, striking the guard in the face, breaking his nose with an audible snap. As he falls to the floor, Vol dashes off around the corner. The camera doesn’t follow him, but from the other hall we hear the clanging of swords, as well as a man’s scream, followed by a dull thump.
CT: Floor Shot of corridor. We see a guard sprawled on the floor, blood staining his face as he writhes and groans. Vol walks past, his boots clicking loudly against the stone floor.
CT: Interior-Dining Room-Continuous. A heavily armed guard stands at each side of an ornate chair, as well as two flanking the double-doors of the room. At the table in the middle of the room, upon the finely carved chair, sits KING TOSK, a bearded man in his forties, dressed in fine silk and wearing an ornate crown upon his head. Across from the table sits BRAV, a sour-faced man about a decade younger. Brav sips his wine glass and laces his fingers together in thought.
BRAV
But, sire, what am I to do about these nobles? They’ll be quite unhappy when they learn that you continue to deny them access to the treasures that they claim are rightfully theirs, especially the Arkanian Sapphire.
TOSK
Well, look, what dey gotta know, is dat I don’t really give a shit bout dem treasuries, but how many times am I gonna have ta tell dem dat I won’t let dem have da Arkanian Sapphire? I can’t risk its powah fallin inta da wrong hands. Dat’s magic I can’t let people be able ta use. Not ta mention dat dey’d probably disintegrate if dey touched it.
BRAV
Ah, I see. I suppose I could try to get them to understand your point of view on this issue. Thank you for-
The doors crash open, and a guard stumbles in, only to be caught by the two guards flanking the entrance. A pair of quarrels stick out of his back, and blood drips from his mouth.
GUARD 2
Highness…agck…assassin…ghahg…must escape…haghh…
The guard slumps in his fellows’ arms, dead. Before anyone can react, Vol flies through the entrance, slashing his rapier, before it is blocked by the closest guard’s shield. Vol grabs the rim of the shield and flings himself over it, knocking the guard out with the flat of his blade. The other guard slashes at Vol, who parries several strikes before sidestepping a thrust, grasping the man’s hand, and twisting it until he drops the sword. Vol lets go of the guard, and spins and punches him across the face, knocking him to the floor. As Vol turns towards Tosk, there is a sparkle of dust and a flash of light in front of him. From the cloud emerges a dark-haired woman clad in a voluminous silk robe. She raises her hands and twists her fingers, and a burst of energy sends Vol flying across the room. Behind her, the last two guards herd Tosk and Brav towards another door across the room.
TOSK
Kill em!
As she thrusts her open palm at him, a beam of purple light flies at him, but he leaps behind a table and it absorbs the impact. Reaching up to the table, Vol picks up a plate and hurls it at the woman, before she blasts it to shreds with another ray of light. The next twitching of her fingers sends a swarm of glowing energy darts towards Vol. He dodges out of its way, and somersaults over its path as it curves back towards him. Vol deftly plucks another plate from the table, and then ducks underneath it to once more dodge the swarm of energy. Across the room, Tosk and Brav huddle behind the last two guards as they fumble with a set of keys to open the door. He stands as it turns towards him once more, and as it approaches, he holds the plate up to block its path. The magic explodes against the dish, shattering it and sending Vol flying, right in the direction of the robed woman. She shoots another energy bolt as Vol flies towards her, but he hurls out a final plate to intercept it. The blast breaks it into ceramic shards, which pierce the wizard’s face an instant before Vol’s blade slashes her to the floor. Vol gives the corpse a look of disgust.
VOL
I hate Voidmages.
Across the room, the two remaining guards shield Tosk and Brav with their bodies as they try key after key to open the door. The guards drop their spears and unsheath short swords as Vol strides towards them.
GUARD 3
Get behind me, sire!
Vol swings his rapier once and the guard blocks. Suddenly, the soldier’s face contorts and he drops to the ground as Vol delivers a kick to his crotch. Vol spins and parries the other guard’s strike. He twists his rapier, putting the blade on the other side of the guard’s blade, and twirls around, slamming him in the temple with the pommel. Brav leaps in front of the King as Vol approaches, but he punches him with his rapier’s hilt, knocking him unconscious. He flicks his wrist, and the tip of his blade rests a centimeter from the King’s neck. Tosk flinches.
VOL
Your majesty. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
TOSK
What-what da ya want-?
VOL
I ask the questions here, your majesty! Now, up with you! Walk!
Vol holds his rapier’s blade against the King’s neck as he leads him to the door, and kicks it open. They walk down into a corridor with several doors on each side. Vol guides Tosk to the second door on the left.
VOL
Open it, your highness. I know you have the key.
Tosk fumbles with a ring of keys on his belt, and after a moment, opens the door. Vol pushes him inside, to what appears to be a comfortable sitting room, and bolts the door behind him. He pulls a set of manacles from his belt and cuffs Tosk. He ties a length of rope through the manacles, and hooks it around one of the beams of the rafters on the ceiling. The rope springs taught, yanking the King’s arms upwards and holding them in place.
TOSK
Ay, ay! Easy on da wrists dere, pally.
Ignoring him, Vol secures the door with a length of chain, shoving one spike into the door and the other into its frame. Vol flops down onto an armchair, pointing one of his crossbows at the King.
VOl
At last, some peace and quiet. Isn’t it nice?
TOSK
Who are ya? And who sent ya?
VOL
No one of consequense, to both questions.
TOSK
If ya let me go, I’ll give ya anythin ya want. What do ya want? Money? Titles? Land? Ya can have all’a dat, and more!
VOL
Oh, please, King Tosk. I’m not bribable like your corrupt nobles.
TOSK
What da fuck is dat supposed to mean? And why da hell are ya doin dis?
VOL
Because you would never willingly surrender to me that which I desire.
TOSK
What-
VOL
Do not speak again, your majesty, on pain of death!
CT: Hallway. A squadron of guards surround the door to the room where Vol and Tosk are. Behind them approaches NORWIN, the captain of the guard, a rugged, bearded man, looking to be in his forties. He walks through the dining room, where other guards are removing the dead and injured. He strides up to the barricade and surveys the area.
NORWIN
Oi, then, what’re our options?
GUARD 4
We can probably just force the door, sir. No way he could kill all’a us.
NORWIN
Naw, too risky. If ‘e ‘ad any warnin, ‘ed have time to kill the King. Maybe…we might ‘ave a chance if we opened it up with the key, catch ‘im off guard.
GUARD 4
But sir, the key’s in there, wit the King.
NORWIN
Then the Chamberlain must ‘ave a spare then. Send for ‘im, now!
The guard runs off as Norwin walks over to the door, the barricade parting to let him through.
NORWIN
Alrighty, then. Let’s try and talk to ‘im. Stand at the ready, boys, arms positioned!
He goes to the door and knocks on it twice. A shuffling can be heard from inside the room, followed by Vol’s voice.
VOL
Who approaches?
NORWIN
The Captain ‘o the Guard. I wish to negotiate.
VOL
Very well. But be warned, I have a crossbow trained on your King. Any sudden moves, and he dies.
We hear the lock sliding out of place, and Vol pushes the door open, only far enough for his face to be seen. King Tosk shakes around in the background.
NORWIN
Your majesty, are you alright?
TOSK
Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just gemmie outta here, capiche?
VOL
Indeed. Let us parley, Captain.
NORWIN
Very well. You shall release the King, or else-
VOL
“Or else”? You are in no position to negotiate here. I set the terms of any bargaining. And there is something that you will give me, in exchange for your King’s life.
TOSK
Give ‘im whatevea he wants!
VOL
I want the Arkanian Sapphire.
TOSK
Okay, nevamind! Don’t ya listen ta ‘im! No more negotiatin!
VOL
Oh, shut it! Knock again in a quarter of an hour, Captain, and then we talk, without this fool interrupting us.
TOSK
Ey, who is ya callin a fool-
Vol slams the door, and the latch is heard sliding into place. Norwin sighs and leans against the wall.
NORWIN
Alright, lads, I want men posted at the base of that wall in case ‘e tries to rappel down. Everyone take shifts guarding the door, and notify me if anything ‘appens. Regardless, try to stay alert. Now then, can someone get a set of knucklebones up ‘ere while we wait?
CT: Interior of sitting room. Vol paces around King Tosk. he stops after a moment and slaps him across the face.
VOL
Your highness, I would very much appreciate it if you ceased to disrupt the negotiations over your life. Remember, I don’t need you in one piece for this.
TOSK
Ya point is noted. But, ya gotta consider da facts here. Ya can’t hold out forevah. They’ll take ya down sooner or later.
VOL
Shut up, your majesty.
Vol levels a crossbow at the King, and continues to pace. Ignoring the weapon pointed at his face, Tosk continues to chatter.
TOSK
Say, if ya let me outta dese chains, I know dis great bar in da city. It ain’t in da best neighborhood, but da food and da beer dere are-
VOL
Do you have a goddamn death wish?! Your majesty.
TOSK
Well…dey still won’t give up da Sapphire. I absolutely forbid it.
VOL
A corpses’ word doesn’t hold much weight, does it, now?
A beat. Tosk is silent.
VOL
(CON’T)
I thought not, sire.
CT: Corridor. Norwin is rolling knucklebones with a few other guards. A portly, balding man, the Chamberlain HAVEL, comes rushing down the hall. The captain leaps up to greet him.
NORWIN
Nevermind, Chamberlain. Looks like e’s got the door chained up, the key’d be useless now-
HAVEL
Damn the key, you buffoon! I heard about this…this assassin’s demand! You simply cannot be serious!
NORWIN
Look, ‘avel, calm down-
HAVEL
How can I be calm? You would give this man the Arkanian Sapphire? The corundum of death? The jewel of the Void!?
NORWIN
We have nothing to negotiate with, you idiot! Even as we speak, ‘e ‘as a crossbow pointed at our King’s ‘eart!
HAVEL
We can offer him mercy if he releases the King. Surely he’ll have to see reason.
NORWIN
No man would break in here, kidnap the monarch, and accept a deal to be taken prisoner in exchange for nothin’! We can’t anger ‘im!
HAVEL
But we also cannot let him have the Sapphire!
NORWIN
You need to see reason ‘ere, ‘avel! It ain’t worth the life of our ruler and the safety of the realm!
HAVEL
Well, it seems we are in disagreement, then. According to the palace charter, article seven, paragraph four, if the Captain of the Guard and the castle Chamberlain cannot agree on an important matter of palace business, it falls to the King to break all ties.
NORWIN
You telling me that you actually read that fucking thing?!
HAVEL
Well, obviously. I’m not an incompetent numbskull like you are.
NORWIN
(grits teeth)
Insults aside, the King ain’t ‘ere-he’s being ‘eld ‘ostage in that room!
HAVEL
Thus we are at an impasse, and I win by default because no action can be taken.
NORWIN
Fine! For now. We’ll argue about this later, count on it.
HAVEL
Sounds fair. So, when are we going to talk to him?
Havel whips out a pocket watch and consults it. Norwin glances at it.
NORWIN
About now.
They walk through the barricade and knock on the door. Havel stands around grumpily for a few moments until Vol opens the door a crack.
VOL
Captain. Have you brought the Sapphire?
NORWIN
Uhh…we cannot bring it at the moment, I’m afraid. If we are to do so, though, we will require, ah, proof of life.
VOL
Alright. Your highness, just say something, but please don’t talk more than-
TOSK
Gemmie outta here! I don’t care what it takes, but don’t give ‘im da Sapphire no matta what!
VOL
I asked you nicely to be a bit quieter! One more word, majesty, and I bust your lip. Alright, here’s the deal. You’ve got one hour to produce the jewel and give it to me. You can check in anytime you want to, and I won’t needlessly harm the King. Unless, of course, you fail to bring the Sapphire. Or, if he annoys me too much.
HAVEL
You shall never have it, villain!
NORWIN
Uh, sir, this is ‘ere’s ‘avel, the castle-
Vol slams the door in their faces. They flinch at the sudden noise.
NORWIN
(CON’T)
Chamberlain.
He turns back towards Havel as they walk away from the door.
NORWIN
You are jeopardizing our King’s safety with your outburst, ‘avel.
HAVEL
You’re right, Norwin, I apologize. We simply cannot give the gem to him. King Trenamus Ⅱ decreed a hundred years ago that the Arkanian Sapphire must never leave the vault. Under any circumstances.
NORWIN
Well, surely, I think ‘e’d make an exception for ‘is great-grandson’s life?
HAVEL
You’re an even bigger fool than I realized, Captain. He once let two of his children die rather than surrender the Sapphire.
NORWIN
Well, ‘e’s been dead for most of those ‘undred years, and ‘e ain’t around to argue now. As the man in charge of the palace’s security, I object to that position. A solution must be found to save the King.
HAVEL
For once, we are in agreement. The impasse must be broken. Shall we do this the old way?
NORWIN
Well, I see no reason to back down now. I accept your challenge. We ‘ave to resolve this problem quickly. Ten minutes time, in the courtyard.
HAVEL
So it shall be. Prepare to lose.
CT: Sitting room. Vol stares out the window, muttering to himself. Tosk is spinning around on the rope, whistling all the while. Vol walks over to him, an annoyed look on his face. Tosk sees him and stops whistling. Vol sighs and collapses onto a sofa, exasperation evident in his voice.
VOL
Your highness, this would be a lot easier if you would just tell them to give me the Sapphire. It’d make this go much quicker.
TOSK
Why in da hells do ya even want it? Ain’t nobody can hold it without combusting in a matter of seconds! Dere’s no reason fer ya ta want it so badly. It has a lotta power, sure, but no one can control it, so it’s useless.
VOL
There was a theory proposed, sire, in the reign of your ancestor Joormoth the First, that one with enough darkness in their heart would be able to wield the Sapphire’s power. One who has a dark enough heart, but not dark enough to be one of pure evil.
TOSK
And ya believe yerself ta be dis person?
VOL
Perhaps.
A beat. Tosk resumes whistling for a moment, but then stops.
TOSK
Ya know, I don’t even know ya name, pal.
VOL
My name is not important, majesty.
TOSK
Ay, why da ya keep doin dat? Ya callin me royal titles of respect and endearment, even do you’ve threatened ta do me bodily harm or ta kill me. Ya gotta be da most formal assassin I ever met.
VOL
Oh, and I suppose you’ve met with a lot of assassins?
TOSK
What is dat supposed ta mean, ya disrespectful idiot? I’m da King of a goddamn sovereign nation! Of course I’ve met a lotta assassins before!
VOL
You certainly don’t mince words, your highness. I guess that’s something else to respect. But to answer your question, it’s simply common courtesy to be polite and respectful to the King. Yes, I may be holding you hostage, but I still respect your station.
TOSK
Well, thank ya. But dey’ll nevah give ya da jewel. Dat Chamberlain, Havel, he won’t allow it.
VOL
Well, sire, what if I told you that that’s exactly what I’m counting on?
TOSK
Den I’d say dat yer crazy.
VOL
Maybe I am. After all, how would I know? But I do know that yours friends out there are playing directly into my hands.
TOSK
Oh, how would ya know dat?
VOL
Because, your majesty, the Chamberlain is very predictable. He will stick to the rules and refuse to give up the Sapphire. The more pragmatic Captain of the Guard, however, will oppose him, believing the need to free you at any cost. In order to break this stalemate, they will have to settle the disagreement in the traditional way of the royal hierarchy and its underlings. A duel.
A beat. Tosk scrunches his face in thought.
TOSK
Yeah, yer probably right. Do ya wanna make a bet on which one a dem is gonna win?
Vol facepalms and sighs.
VOL
You know, your highness, I wasn’t joking about harming you if you annoy me this much.
CT: Palace courtyard. Night. Norwin and Havel stand ten feet apart, a circle of guards surrounding them. A servant walk up to each of them and hands them a saber.
HAVEL
Norwin, though you may not believe me, know that I respect you. Thus, I offer you one chance to yield.
NORWIN
Respect me?! You’ve ‘ad it out for me since the day we met! You ‘ave never ‘ad the slightest respect for me!
HAVEL
Well, neither have you! You’re rude, sloppy, and you refuse to ever pronounce my name right!
NORWIN
Oh, is it my fault that I ‘ave an accent, ‘avel?
HAVEL
You’re doing it again! That was on purpose!
NORWIN
Oh, shut up, you damn bastard!
Norwin draws the saber and charges Havel. Havel sidesteps and counters, but Norwin deftly parries the blow as he twists around. Havel backs up and feints towards Norwin’s head before whipping the blade at his knees. The camera pans around them as Norwin leaps over the saber and pins it underneath his weapon as he punches Havel across the face. The Chamberlain stumbles back, losing his grip on his sword, which clatters to the stone floor.
HAVEL
Do-do you yield?
NORWIN
Now why in ‘ell would I do a thing like that?
Havel rushes him, and as Norwin raises his saber to intercept him, he ducks and slides under the swinging blade. Havel’s hand grasps the hilt of his weapon and slashes behind him, gashing Norwin’s leg. The Captain staggers back, clutching his wound as Havel gets to his feet.
HAVEL
First blood is mine.
NORWIN
Does it look like I care!?
Norwin charges towards him so fast that Havel has no time to dodge, throwing up his saber to block the heavy blow. The camera zooms in on the interlocked swords, impacting with such force that chips of metal fly off the blades. Norwin shoves Havel back, and rushes at him once more. As he draws close, Havel slashes his saber out wide, but Norwin stops short to avoid the attack, the blade grazing his leather jerkin. With Havel so exposed, Norwin leaps forward, smashing his nose with the hilt of his saber so hard that it breaks with an audible snap. The Chamberlain’s sword drops from his hand, and is kicked away by Norwin, as he falls to the floor. He clutches his bleeding nose for a few moments before a shadow falls over him. The camera pans out to show Norwin standing there, hand outstretched to Havel.
NORWIN
I won, fair ‘n square. I expect you to ‘onor the terms of the duel, Chamberlain.
HAVEL
I’m a man of my word, Norwin. You know that much about me, surely.
Havel reaches up and takes Norwin’s hand. He pulls him up, and Havel dusts himself off.
NORWIN
Sorry about your nose, ‘avel.
HAVEL
Think nothing of it, it will heal. Now, let’s crack open this vault, shall we?
CT: Interior-Castle Vault-Continuous. Norwin and Havel stand in front of a great steel double-doors. One each side of the doors stand several robed, hooded figures. Norwin and Havel look at each other and nod. They each take out a small, jeweled key, and fit them into tiny locks on each of the doors. Norwin holds up his hand, silently counts down from three on his fingers, and they both abruptly twist the keys. The massive portals groan and creak outwards, and the robed figures pull handles set into the doors, opening them far enough to pass through. Havel sighs and turns away.
HAVEL
Could…could you handle the rest of this business, Norwin? I need to rest.
NORWIN
Yeah, ‘avel, sure. Go find a ‘ealer to patch you up. I’ll come and find ya when we got the King ‘ome safe.
HAVEL
Yes, that sounds like a good idea, thank you.
Havel walks off, and Norwin turns to the closest figure.
NORWIN
So, can I go get the Sapphire now?
The cloaked figure, its face and features concealed by the shadows of the hood, cocks its head, and replies in a slow, hissing voice.
SAGE
I’m afraid not, sssir. Only we Sssagesss of the Vault are allowed to enter. Even if you did come in, the Sssapphire is not as easssy to possesss asss you asssume. I ssshall bring it to you, if that isss what you desssire.
NORWIN
Uh, yeah, that sounds good. Bring it up into the palace, to the King’s sitting room. And quickly, if you don’t mind, we don’t ‘ave much time left.
The Sage slowly nods, and Norwin walks off at a brisk pace, the rest of the guards following behind him. The Sage turns to enter the vault, and the camera follows it as it walks through a labyrinth of crates, chests, and other storage devices stacked all over the place. He finally strides down a small corridor devoid of boxes, and opens a door at the end of it. Sitting on a stone pedestal is a small chest etched with intricate runes. The Sage waggles his fingers and hisses something under his breath. There’s a slight sizzling noise, and a nearly invisible bubble around the pedestal opens slightly. The Sage sticks his gnarled hands through the opening, and grasps the coffer with both hands, before pulling it out of frame.
CT: Corridor. Norwin walks up to the door and raises his hand to knock. Before he can, a voice from offscreen interrupts him.
ENERA
(offscreen)
Captain!
NORWIN
(mutters)
Just my damned luck.
He turns to see PRINCESS ENERA, about nineteen years old, striding down the hallway, clad in a flowing silk robe. An angry glare sparks as she locks eyes with Norwin. He bows respectfully.
NORWIN
Princess.
ENERA
Captain. Correct me if I’m wrong, for believe me, I’d love to be. About an hour ago, an assailant of some sort infiltrated the palace, killed or incapacitated my father’s guards, and took him hostage. He has demanded that we give him the Arkanian Sapphire in exchange for the King’s life. It has taken since that time for that cursed Sapphire to be brought from the vault, and in fact, it still hasn’t arrived. And I was only informed of this when one of the stewards roused me and told me of what had transpired five bloody minutes ago!?
Norwin lowers his head, shame in his eyes.
NORWIN
(quietly)
Correct on all accounts, your ‘ighness.
ENERA
Good. Now, we have no time to delay. Where is the Sapphire?
NORWIN
The sages are bringing it up now.
ENERA
Excellent. Before it gets here, I must speak with him.
NORWIN
Princess, that is out of the question! Your presence ‘ere is out of the question! This ain’t a place for a member of the royal family!
ENERA
My father is in that room, Captain! I will not back down, and as the ranking royalty in the palace, you are bound to obey me.
NORWIN
See reason, Enera! You’re the ‘eir to the damned throne. I will not allow you to speak with this assassin unprotected.
ENERA
Then shield me if you will. But I must speak with him, and nothing shall dissuade me from my course.
NORWIN
(curses under his breath)
Very well.
Norwin slings a shield off of his back and holds it in front of Enera as they walk towards the door, the guards parting like a wave to let them through. As they approach, Enera turns back to Norwin.
ENERA
Oh, and Captain, I wouldn’t quite call this man an assassin. He hasn’t killed my father yet.
Norwin grunts and shrugs, and raises his free hand to knock on the door. Vol slides it open and looks at them coldly.
VOL
Well? You’ve still got ten minutes.
NORWIN
Yes, the Sapphire is being brought up now. However, there is someone who wishes to speak with you.
VOL
(addressing Enera)
I take it that’s you?
ENERA
Indeed. I am the Princess Enera of the royal house of Marav, daughter of Tosk the first, heir to the throne of Angivor.
VOL
A very long-winded name. It must be annoying introducing yourself to people. In any case, pleased to make your acquaintance. Why is it you wish to speak with me?
ENERA
For one thing, I wished to hear my father’s voice.
Inside the room, Tosk notices Enera at the door. A look of shock and anger transfixes his face.
TOSK
Enera?! What da hell is ya doin here?
ENERA
I am here to rescue you, father. You’re welcome.
TOSK
Explain dis, Norwin, if ya value yer job!
NORWIN
She is technically the ranking royalty in the palace, sire. I assure you, she’s safe.
VOL
(clears throat)
Uh, sorry to interrupt the family squabble, but I believe you had something to say to me?
ENERA
Yes, I did, mister…
A beat. Vol is silent, ignoring Enera’s prompt for his name.
ENERA
(CON’T)
Well, whoever you are, I ask that you release my father, as proof of trust.
VOL
I don’t trust any of you. I thought that was obvious.
ENERA
Yes, but we need to know that you will release my father, rather than kill him once you have your prize. And if you release him now, I shall still give you the Sapphire.
A beat. Vol strokes his chin thoughtfully.
VOL
Go on.
ENERA
If you don’t release him now, you know that there’s no way out. You’re completely surrounded by highly trained soldiers, in the most heavily guarded place in the realm. Is the mere act of acquiring the Arkanian Sapphire worth your life?
VOL
It is certainly worth more than the life of a King, or else I’d have it half an hour ago.
ENERA
You know you will die if you pursue this ill-conceived, ill-fated venture.
VOL
And I’ll be executed if I surrender, or if I give you the slightest opportunity. You have absolutely nothing to negotiate with. To quote your own inspiring speech outside, my lady, “Nothing can dissuade me from my course.”.
ENERA
You…you heard that?
VOL
Oh, I hear practically everything that happens in that corridor. This door is remarkably thinner than you all seem to believe.
ENERA
Well, consider this, then. If you succeed in this quest, and live, then you’ll be hunted. To the very ends of the earth, you’ll be hounded by the King’s servants, pursued until death or capture. Is the Arkanian Sapphire, for all its great power, really worth that?
VOL
You would offer an alternative?
ENERA
I would. Release my father. Forgo the Sapphire. You will be granted safe passage from the castle, and full amnesty. You shall not be pursued or punished. No retribution will be had.
TOSK
Waita minute! Ya can’t promise dat, Enera!
ENERA
As the ranking person with royal blood who is free in this castle, I can and I will. Now, please be silent, if you wish for me to help you. If you want, I could always leave you here. You seem to be enjoying his company.
TOSK
(laughing)
Ah, I’m so proud a ya! Yer gonna make a great Queen some day.
VOL
And, your highness, you would swear to uphold this bargain?
ENERA
On my claim to the throne.
Vol purses his lips in thought and sighs.
VOL
Knock when the Sapphire comes, and then I shall decide.
ENERA
Very well.
Vol shuts and locks the door. Norwin turns to Enera.
NORWIN
Princess, you cannot really mean to do such a thing.
ENERA
If he shall free my father, then I will.
Enera’s face lights up, as if a thought has just come to her. She presses a finger to her lips and beckons the Captain to follow her. They walk up to the door and, treading on the tips of her toes, Enera puts her ear against it. Norwin does the same. Vol and Tosk’s voices are heard from within.
TOSK
(V/O)
Ya don’t mean ta accept her deal, do ya?
VOL
(V/O)
It is a reasonably tempting offer. It intrigues me greatly, for I would like to know her motives.
CT: Interior of sitting room. Vol is pacing around Tosk as he ties a rope to a crossbow bolt.
TOSK
Yer meanin’?
VOL
She is risking a great deal here, and all of it not only to save you, but also to protect me. Surely you must find this somewhat suspicious as well?
TOSK
Nah, I trust her. She’s definitely got enough of a handle on things here ta get me outta dis mess.
VOL
Well, majesty, let me offer you a little advice. In this world, especially in your position, you can’t really “trust” anyone. Just a little something to consider.
TOSK
Oh, please. Like I should be takin’ life advice from some kinda glorified thug.
Vol spins around, hurling a dagger. It whizzes past Tosk’s face, missing him by inches, and impales itself in the far wall, quivering.
VOL
Remember, your highness, you only live because I decide that you do.
TOSK
Well, den, just get it ovah wit’ already, ya stinkin’ coward!
VOL
I probably should just kill you, sire. But I don’t. Why?
Vol turns away from Tosk, his face contorted in anger and confusion. He mutters softly under his breath, too quiet for Tosk to hear.
VOL
(whisper)
Why?
CT: Corridor. Enera and Norwin walk away from the door and into the dining room. Enera purses her lips in thought.
ENERA
Do you think he’s going to take the deal?
NORWIN
M’lady, in this line of work, you can’t really ever be sure of anything. There’s too many moving parts ‘ere. It’s a real bad mess we got.
ENERA
I agree, Captain, though I think there’s more to this man than meets the eye.
NORWIN
Regardless o’ that, we gotta get this whole thing over with quickly. This ‘as been the worst damn night o’ my entire life.
ENERA
Indeed. We must end this. We need the Arkanian Sapphire here immediately.
NORWIN
M’lady, you can’t actually mean to give it to him!
ENERA
Last I heard, you were the one insisting that Havel agree to turn over the jewel. You invoked the duel just to get it. Why are you having second thoughts only now?
NORWIN
It’s just…when ‘e was speaking to you, and then again, when we ‘eard him through the door, I could feel the determination and focus in ‘is voice. A man that commited…I fear what would ‘appen if he ‘ad the Sapphire’s dark powers.
ENERA
Your concerns are noted, Norwin, and I see your point. However, we no longer have the luxury of changing our minds. If he was going to accept my deal, he would have already done so. We must surrender the Sapphire, or else I fear that my father may die.
A beat. Norwin has a solemn look on his face, and gravely nods.
NORWIN
Aye. I just ‘ope ‘e doesn’t kill the King after ‘e gets what ‘e wants.
ENERA
Well, Captain, it looks like all we can do right now is hope.
Norwin nods and paces though the dining room, and after a moment, Havel walks in, his nose still broken.
NORWIN
‘Avel! Are you alright?
HAVEL
Yes, yes. I take it the Sapphire isn’t here yet?
NORWIN
No, it’s not. And to be ‘onest, I’m ‘aving second thoughts about giving it to ‘im.
HAVEL
Good. I knew you’d come around eventually. If we can try to use the Sapphire to gain an advantage over him, we may be able to end this differently than this assassin anticipates it will.
NORWIN
Indeed. Let’s see what we can come up with.
CT: Interior of sitting room. Vol is opening the windows overlooking the courtyards and castle walls as far as they can go. He turns back to the hanging King.
VOL
This’ll be over very soon, your majesty. I will dearly miss our little chats. I quite enjoyed them.
TOSK
Yeah. It has been a bittersweet couple’a hours.
VOL
(surprised)
Was that sarcasm, your highness?
TOSK
Perhaps.
VOL
Your majesty, there may just be hope for you yet.
TOSK
So I take it ya ain’t gonna accept da deal?
VOL
Oh, no, that’d just be too easy. No, I must have the Sapphire.
TOSK
Yer course is gonna lead ya ta madness.
VOL
Some say that madness is the only path to the truth.
A beat. Tosk spins himself around on the rope to fully face Vol, and looks him straight in the eyes, determination evident in them.
TOSK
(slowly)
Who are ya?
VOL
One way or another, you shall soon find out.
There’s a knock on the door. Vol fits a quarrel into one of his crossbows, and glances at the other one resting on the windowsill, a rope tied around the end of its bolt. Vol closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and strides up to the door. Opening it with one hand, he aims the crossbow towards the King.
VOL
Do be patient, majesty. The end has now arrived.
Vol swings the door as far open as it can go with the chain bolted to the doorframe. Standing before the door are Enera, Norwin, Havel, and the Sage of the Vault, the rune-inscribed chest clutched in his leathery hands. Vol lets his gaze pass over each of them before finally settling on Enera.
ENERA
I offer you the choice once more, to let my father go, and to walk free.
VOL
Your offer was very generous, and very tempting, but I am afraid I must decline. I now offer you the same once again, the Sapphire for the life of the King.
ENERA
I accept. Bring it forth!
The Sage moves towards the door, but is blocked by the outstretched arms of Norwin and Havel.
HAVEL
Not so fast, assassin. As I am sure one such as yourself is aware, the Arkanian Sapphire cannot be safely removed from its containment vessel.
NORWIN
And the vessel is too large to fit through that opening. You must undo that chain if you wish to acquire the jewel.
A surprised look crosses Vol’s face for a moment, but then he smirks at those standing before him.
VOL
Alright then, I’ll bite. But you better not try any funny business.
Vol reaches up to the edge of the doorframe and whips the chain out of it, kicking the door open with his leg at the same time, allowing it to swing wide. All of the soldiers and gathered people tense as he steps out of the threshold. Vol reaches out, and the Sage hands him the box. He sets it on the floor and kneels next to it, as the Sage cocks his head towards him. It speaks to him in its hissing voice, and even Vol shudders as it utters the words.
SAGE
Thisss isss a very foolish venture, youngling. You mussst realise that possesssing the Sssaphire and wieding the Sssaphire are two very different thingsss.
VOL
I-I know many things, old one.
Regaining his composure, Vol whips out a dagger and slashes the lock off the coffer. With a flick of his wrist, he throws the lid off. Inside, nestled on black velvet, sits a small, silver, compass-like object, clasped shut on one end, and engraved with intricate designs. Vol snatches the container off its velvet padding and stuffs it into a pocket in his pack.
VOL
(CON’T)
I know, for one thing, that that chest is not the prime containment device of the Arkanian Sapphire.
SAGE
It will dessstroy you.
VOL
Perhaps it shall bring me destruction. Or perhaps it shall bring salvation. And to more than just myself.
Crossbow still transfixed on the King’s head, Vol strides up to Tosk. With his free hand, he snatches the bejeweled crown off the King’s head and shoves it into his pack alongside the Sapphire.
TOSK
Ay! Gimme dat back! Ya can’t take dat! Dis was not da deal!
VOL
Deals change, sire, whether you like it or not. And be thankful I didn’t just take this in the first place.
Vol walks over to the open window and picks up the crossbow lying there. He turns to face the onlookers, who are now beginning to edge into the room.
VOL
(CON’T)
This has been a very exciting adventure, everyone. Goodbye, Princess Enera. Your compassion was very touching. And farewell, your majesty. It has been a great honor. And you would do well to remember the name of Vol Shadoweye!
He fires the first crossbow, and the quarrel cuts through the dangling rope, dropping Tosk to the floor. Spinning around, Vol fires the other crossbow, rope trailing behind it, as the bolt strikes the outer wall of the castle. Vol snatches up the end of the rope and leaps out of the window, swinging towards the wall on the cord. He smashes through a window in the wall, his momentum carrying him forward towards another window opposite. The camera goes to slow motion as he flies through it, even more glass shards erupting around him. As he crashes through the window, he jams a grappling hook onto the lip of the window. The slow motion cuts as Vol flies forward, holding onto the end of the grappling hook rope. As he reaches its full length, it snaps taut, and he swings backwards towards the wall. Placing his side in line with the wall, Vol braces himself as he smashes into it, crying out in pain. He wheezes as he lets go and drops off the rope, landing in a tumble a few feet below on the ground. After a couple seconds of clutching his injured ribs, Vol gets to his feet and stumbles off into the woods, disappearing from sight in an instant.
CT: Sitting room. As soon as Vol swings away, Enera, Norwin, and Havel, followed by several guards, rush into the room. Enera unties Tosk’s bonds and embraces her father, tears pouring down her face.
ENERA
Are you alright, father?
TOSK
Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Only got a couple bruises. Jeez, dis has been a really shitty night, though. Dat guy stole both da Arkanian Sapphire and da Crown of Angivor. Captain, ya gotta organize a pursuit! Havel, you is gonna try ta learn more about him. He gave us his name. Dat was a mistake. An’ one dat we’ll make him regret.
The others turn and leave, with only Tosk and Enera remaining. He sighs and turns back to her.
ENERA
Let me guess, you didn’t approve of what I was trying to do.
TOSK
I dunno if I coulda let ya keep dat promise. We couldn’t have let him go.
ENERA
I gave my word, and I would have upheld it if I had to. Understand, father, that I would have done even more to free you from him.
TOSK
I know ya would, sweetie. But dat guy has ta get punished. We can’t let people like dat get away with these kinda things.
ENERA
Yes. I suppose you’re right. Still, I would have liked to know him more. He seemed…interesting.
TOSK
Yeah, I guess. Whatevah. I gotta go and check out what’s been happening. Ya wanna come?
ENERA
I think I’ll try and get some sleep. Enough excitement for me already.
TOSK
Got it. See ya in da morning.
Tosk kisses Enera on the forehead and walks out of the room. She is about to exit as well, but then she notices the crossbow quarrel that severed the King’s rope stuck into the wall. The focus shifts to it, and we see that there’s a small piece of parchment tied around it. Glancing around to make sure no one’s approaching, Enera pulls the note off the bolt and unrolls it. It reads:
Enera, meet me at Wolarch Hill, in one week’s time.-Vol.
Enera looks up from the message, confusion evident on her face. Nodding slowly, she crumples up the note and stuffs it into a pocket of her robe. As she exits the room, she gives one last look at the still-open window.
ENERA
(whispers)
Who are you, Vol Shadoweye?
CT: Interior-Underground Vault. Upon a raised dais of black marble sits a statue of a regal, bearded man seated upon a throne. Several rings, amulets, and bracelets adorn the statue, inexplicably actually being worn by it. At the foot of the throne sits GABRIEL BEANSNATCH, an older man with neatly trimmed hair and a bejeweled sword belted at his side. A clacking noise is heard from off camera. A moment later, Vol walks into view. Gabriel rises and walks over to him.
GABRIEL
Ah, Vol, most excellent. You have the crown?
VOL
Indeed I do, Lord Beansnatch. It was almost too easy. The King will be out for blood now.
GABRIEL
Ah, it matters not. Still, “too easy”? How were you able to make them so inept at preventing your escape?
VOL
Oh, uh, I pretended to try to bargain for the Arkanian Sapphire in exchange for the King’s life before I took the crown.
GABRIEL
The Gem of Eternal Darkness?! And they gave it to you?!
VOL
Uh, no, of course not! The King would sooner throw himself from the ramparts than surrender the jewel. It-it just served as a useful diversion to distract them from my true objective.
GABRIEL
Once again, you prove to me your value. You shall be rewarded greatly for this. Now then, let’s see that crown.
Vol takes out a silk-wrapped package from his backpack. He hands it to Gabriel, who carefully unwraps it to reveal the shining crown underneath. He raises it up reverently, and places it upon the statues head. The closed stone eyes of the figure open and begin to glow white, pink, red, and begins to cycle through all the colors of the spectrum. Gabriel gazes at the statue, dreamy-eyed, transfixed on its shimmering face. Now standing ignored behind him, Vol is looking uncomfortable.
VOL
So, sir…will you still be requiring my services?
A beat. For a long moment, Gabriel doesn’t respond, focusing on the statue.
GABRIEL
Ah, yes…yes, Vol, your skills are still needed. But at last, the final piece of our puzzle falls into place. The nexus of fate opens before me, and soon, all shall be as I will it.
VOL
Yeah, sure. That sounds good.
Still being ignored by Gabriel, Vol reaches into his pocket and pulls out the Arkanian Sapphire’s silver, clam-like container. He glances from it, to Gabriel, and back to the Sapphire, before sticking it back in his pocket.
VOL
(CON’T)
Yeah. Everything’s falling into place.
Gabriel absently nods, still looking at the statue. The camera begins to zoom in on the flashing eyes, and the sequence starts speeding up. The camera moves in closer and the eyes flash faster until the blinding colors fill the screen entirely.
FADE TO BLACK.