Eternum

August 11, 2026 by Rider Jensen

Something a little different this time: instead of a technical write-up, this post is an original screenplay I wrote called Eternum. I started this story back in early 2024; it was originally conceived as a series of audio stories told from the protagonist's perspective. The idea came to me while I was listening to a song — Idea 22 by Gibran Alcocer (Anya Nami Remix). The full screenplay is presented below in standard format. None of the screenplay was written or influenced by any kind of AI.

Eternum

written by

Rider Jensen

OVER BLACK:

(Gentle ocean, seagulls, the creak of a wooden ship, peaceful)

(The sound of wind begins to howl slowly, then violently. The water begins crashing, rumbles of thunder.)

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT

A flash of lightning illuminates a figure on a small fishing vessel, careening down a massive wave.

CUT TO BLACK:

A flash of lightning, the woman leans her body against a rudder and roars in defiance as a wave smashes down, slamming her against the boat.

CUT TO BLACK:

(Cracking and breaking sound of wood)

A flash of lightning, a head breaks above water gasping, the woman struggles and flails. A glimpse of a small light between the waves, the only lifeline.

EXT. BEACH - MOMENTS LATER

The woman drags herself on to the shore, coughing, retching, the rain pelting her back. Another lightning strike, twenty feet from shore are a line of trees dancing erratically in the wind. Farther on, a sheer cliff hundreds of feet high. She catches another glimpse of the light, her hands dig into the sand, she stands with monumental effort.

EXT. CLIFF FACE - MOMENTS LATER

She crashes haphazardly through the trees into a clearing. A single torch stands wedged in some rocks just in the mouth of a cave, protected from the raging storm. A river flows from the mouth of the cave but there is enough room to pass on the side. The woman pauses a moment, another crack of lightning, thunder booms out loudly. She moves warily inwards.

INT. CLIFF FACE CAVE TUNNEL - MOMENTS LATER

She moves cautiously deeper into the cave, the howling winds begin to soften. Torches set at intervals light the way deeper and deeper until it opens into...

INT. CLIFF FACE CAVE - MOMENTS LATER

The woman rounds a corner and her mouth drops, she makes no sound.

Impaled dwarves still standing, propped up by the spears braced against the ground. Their faces are fixed in agony, hands holding the shafts as if they had impaled themselves. Three circles of these figures surround a lit fire in the middle of the room. The dwarves are staggered in such a way that the shadows on the wall make it look as if hundreds dance on the wall. Blood pools all around, dripping slowly down spear shafts.

The woman leans against the wall and throws up more salt water and bile. She straightens. Her eyes widen. She lifts her hands up, the palms are covered in blood. Protruding from her stomach is a spear. She slumps at the mouth of the cave.

INT. GEDRIC'S ROOM - MORNING

A man opens his eyes, laying in a messy bed.

This is GEDRIC. In his mid-twenties, his hair is black medium length and slicked back. His eyes are sharp and intelligent. Short stubble surrounds an easy smile that makes him a friend to anyone he meets.

Morning light filters into the sparsely decorated room. Muffled sounds of work drift into the room from downstairs. Pulling back the covers and rubbing his eyes, Gedric moves around the room dressing and tying his hair back. Before leaving the room, he picks up a PICTURE on the dresser.

A boy sits on his father's shoulders, laughing and reaching high up to the sky. The man laughs along with him, holding his legs securely with one arm and reaching up with the other. In the background is a port, filled with small fishing vessels and beyond that, the ocean extends into the horizon.

Gedric smiles as he studies the picture.

GEDRIC

Good winds today dad.

INT. BREAD SHOP KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Gedric comes down the steps two at a time and greets an older man working.

This is CORLIN. Late fifties, overweight and his left leg is a rudimentary prosthetic. He wears simple clothes and an apron coated in flour.

GEDRIC

Morning Corlin

Corlin stands in the kitchen, kneading dough. He turns to address Gedric with a big smile.

CORLIN

Morning Gedric, grab those loaves in the oven would you?

Gedric pulls an apron off the wall and puts it on. He begins moving loafs out of the open brick oven to a cooling rack on the counter.

CORLIN

Did you hear there is a procession coming into town?

GEDRIC

What procession?

CORLIN

Apparently, some priest from The Order is parading around on an air ship.

Finished moving loaves, Gedric moves to stand beside Corlin and starts ripping off pieces of dough and shaping them while Corlin continues to knead.

CORLIN

Pfft, The Order, they love their displays.

GEDRIC

Well they do help sometimes, the sealed gate-

CORLIN

BAH the gate! If they didn't hoard knowledge, it could have been sealed years earlier!

Gedric smiles patiently. A bell chimes.

GEDRIC

I got it

Corlin continues muttering under his breath as Gedric moves to...

INT. BREAD SHOP - MOMENTS LATER

The shop itself is small and modest. A number of tables are in the room, most empty except for two where a few loaves of bread sit.

A small figure stands in the room, at ease in familiar surroundings.

This is REEMUS. The gnome is no more than three feet tall, he wears cloth robes and a satchel over his shoulder. A jagged white scar crosses his balding head.

Gedric emerges from behind a curtain hung over a doorway and smiles.

GEDRIC

Reemus! Good to see you

REEMUS

Gedric, how are you?

GEDRIC

Doing well, and you?

REEMUS

Not bad myself. You hear there is a procession coming?

CORLIN (O.S.)

He heard!

REEMUS

(smirking)

I guess Corlin isn't going.

CORLIN (O.S.)

And neither should you!

GEDRIC

(back to Corlin)

You know this is why Tiraes doesn't come around anymore.

CORLIN (O.S.)

Bah! That boy throwing his future away, I told him...

His voice fades as he lapses back into muttering. Gedric starts moving around the shop as they talk, tidying loaves, straightening tables, sweeping.

GEDRIC

Any jobs get posted to the board?

REEMUS

Nothing still.

GEDRIC

Much longer and we are going to have to turn to banditry like everyone else.

They share a slightly strained laugh.

REEMUS

Apparently there was a report of some gnolls coming in from The Scar, headed to some farms to the west.

GEDRIC

Who'd you hear that from?

REEMUS

Last night, some courier from Clearview Outpost heard from a farmer that he spotted a pack headed west, straight to his farm.

Gedric leans on his broom, his face troubled.

GEDRIC

But The Scar is south, how were they coming from the west?

Reemus shrugs.

GEDRIC

You think Clearview will handle it?

REEMUS

Not sure, I heard they're pretty hard up there since the king recalled most of the troops.

Gedric considers this.

GEDRIC

Well that's something at least. I guess we'll just have to keep a close eye on the board. When is the procession?

REEMUS

Midsun is what I heard.

GEDRIC

Alright, I've got to finish up here. I'll see you there?

REEMUS

See you there.

The bell rings again as Reemus leaves the shop and Gedric turns back to...

INT. BREAD SHOP KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Corlin is putting another batch of dough into the brick oven. He sets the wooden paddle down and leans against the counter.

CORLIN

It's been a while since a pack has ventured above the scar. Are you going to take it?

GEDRIC

Hasn't been posted on the board yet, maybe Clearview will deal with it.

CORLIN

Maybe.

Gedric busies himself with ingredients again, mixing and kneading while Corlin takes a seat on a crate. He detaches the prosthetic leg and rubs the stump.

CORLIN

Gedric, give an old man a moment, would you?

Gedric pauses his work and turns around.

CORLIN

You're a good lad Gedric. You and your dad were an answer to my prayers, showing up so soon after my dear Lucy and little Adelaide...

Corlin speech drifts off as he looks to the backdoor wistfully.

GEDRIC

(gently)

Corlin

Corlin refocuses.

CORLIN

(quietly)

Sorry. What I am trying to say is that I'm tired of digging the graves of people I love. Now, when you go-

GEDRIC

Corlin, it hasn't even been posted-

Corlin holds up a hand to silence Gedric.

CORLIN

When you go, and I know you will, just be safe, okay?

GEDRIC

Of course Corlin, I always come back, don't I?

Corlin looks a Gedric with a sad smile for moment.

CORLIN

Let's get that dough in the oven, aye?

Corlin stands back up, and they move around the kitchen.

EXT. ERTRAN - DAY

The bell rings as Gedric closes the door of the breadshop behind him.

Ertran is a dying town, the streets trickle with activity. The homes and stores around are run down, paint is peeling and a few shops are boarded up. Townsfolk sweep their dilapidated porches and beat worn rugs.

Gedric moves down the road, nodding and greeting various people with a smile and wave.

THOM (O.S.)

Gedric!

Gedric turns to see a gaggle of young children, led by a boy no older than eleven. This is THOM. Thom and the rest of the children run up to Gedric, laughing and smiling. They are dressed in little more than rags, most don't have shoes. Many bear scars and deformities. They are all clearly underfed.

GEDRIC

Woah! Who let you trouble makers out?

THOM

Matron Christham is taking a nap so we snuck out to play seekers-keepers. Will you play with us?

GEDRIC

Ugh, I wish I could but I've got to meet Reemus, next time, I promise!

The children protest but Gedric holds up a hand.

GEDRIC

But before I go...

Gedric moves both his hands behind his back.

GEDRIC

Pick a hand!

Yells of "left!" and "right!" ring out. Gedric laughs.

GEDRIC

I can't believe it, you're all correct!

His hands emerge from behind his back, a loaf of bread in each hand and the kids cheer again. Gedric hands the loaves to Thom and they group around him while he starts splitting pieces and handing them out.

ORPHAN GAGGLE

(in unison)

Thank you Gedric!

As they receive their pieces, they run off to eat in the shade. Thom hands off the last piece to another child, leaving none for himself.

GEDRIC

Ah ah ah, not so fast Thom, you did the same thing last time.

Thom smiles sheepishly. Gedric produces one more roll from his pocket and hands it to Thom.

THOM

Thanks Gedric.

He runs off to eat with the others. Gedric smiles at them and continues walking, entering into...

EXT. ERTRAN TOWN SQUARE - CONTINUOUS

Townsfolk move about hastily, a small stage is just finishing being constructed, and a crowd has gathered in front.

Gedric spies Reemus standing at the far end of the square and he moves to join him.

GEDRIC

Anything happen yet?

Reemus sips at a waterskin and shakes his head.

REEMUS

Not yet.

As if on cue, trumpets sound and five figures move into view. Two knights holding trumpets march in front and two knights holding banners emblazoned with a scale march in back. In the middle of the formation walks a man, waving to the crowd.

This is BROTHER ANTON. He is around 60, balding on the top with a grey fringe of hair. His face is wrinkled with smile lines and he wears a simple brown robe.

The formation reaches the stage and Brother Anton ascends the stairs while the knights move in front. The banners are planted on either side of the stage and all four kneel in unison.

REEMUS

Which one is Tiraes?

GEDRIC

First on the left.

Brother Anton stands a moment, surveying the crowd and smiling as the cheers continue. Then he holds up a hand for silence.

BROTHER ANTON

Hello my children, thank you for such a warm welcome.

More cheering from the crowd but Brother Anton only pauses momentarily before continuing his speech.

BROTHER ANTON

I am grateful to be able to speak to you this important day. I continue to get older and the journey is unforgiving so thank you for your understanding as I give my message.

He pulls out a cloth and wipes at some sweat on his brow.

BROTHER ANTON

We live in a day of great peace. I am filled with joy as I see the rebuilding from the demon war.

Brother Anton gestures a hand to the kneeling knights below the stage.

BROTHER ANTON

I am especially inspired by our initiates. They are serving in large numbers and are honoring their ancestors who fought before them. Our young men and women are fighting evil wherever they find it. They are stalwart followers of The Order.

He turns his attention back to the crowd.

BROTHER ANTON

We must all fight evil wherever it shows. In our lands, in our homes, and in our hearts. The Order will always fight evil and when the demons come again, I hope you will join us in our fight.

The crowd cheers loudly at this and Brother Anton waves and smiles.

GEDRIC

When they come again?

REEMUS

You think he knows something we-

From the side, a man, sweating profusely and breathing hard, runs into the square and towards the stage, drawing everyone's attention. The knights stand and make a barrier between the stage and the man. The man throws himself down in supplication, trying to catch his breath while he speaks.

MAN #1

Please father, help us!

The crowd murmurs in bewilderment and Brother Anton looks slightly irritated by the interruption. He holds his hands up for silence.

BROTHER ANTON

What troubles you my child?

MAN #1

Gnolls south of Clearview, dozens of them! They've already raided three farms.

Whispers of concern run through the crowd. Brother Anton has a strained look.

BROTHER ANTON

Now I am sure that Clearview Outpost is more than equipped to handle-

MAN #1

No father, they cannot deal with it, not since the king withdrew troops from the south. Please father, won't you send help?

Concern grows, various pleas from the crowd, asking for protection from both Brother Anton and various deities.

WOMAN IN CROWD #1

Please father, help us!

MAN IN CROWD #1

By the gods, they'll ruin the harvest if we can't even tend our fields.

WOMAN IN CROWD #2

They'll come here next and take our farms!

Brother Anton's voice is lost and among the swell of concern from the crowd.

Reemus and Gedric survey the crowd from the back.

REEMUS

(to Gedric)

What do you think? The king may have already dispatched someone to deal with it, we might be wasting our time.

Gedric rubs his chin while he thinks.

A child is heard crying and Gedric looks behind him. Thom stands next to a small child trying to console him.

Gedric looks back at Reemus and they exchange a look. Gedric strides into the crowd.

GEDRIC

(yelling)

I will handle the gnolls.

(louder)

I will handle the gnolls!

The crowd hushes and gives Gedric and Reemus space.

GEDRIC

Ertran is my home, and I won't see it in danger.

The crowd cheers and Brother Anton sees the opportunity to regain control.

BROTHER ANTON

My child, your choice to serve the light is valiant-

Gedric interrupts.

GEDRIC

Not for the light father. For my home.

BROTHER ANTON

Of course.

(addressing the crowd)

And The Order will also fight.

More cheers from the crowd and Brother Anton smiles widely.

GEDRIC

We would ask for Tiraes to join us, he is part of your order and we fought together in the last campaign of the war.

BROTHER ANTON

Of course. Tiraes, come please.

The knight on the far left standing guard turns and moves on to the stage. The knight removes his helmet and kneels before Brother Anton.

This is TIRAES. Just shy of his twenties, he looks very much a soldier: head shaved close to the scalp, his large nose has been broken and set haphazardly, and a strong jaw.

BROTHER ANTON

Tiraes, we of The Order know that many are tested but few are called. I call upon you now to serve the light, rid the land of the gnolls, and The Order will reward your devotion. You have been called, will you accept?

TIRAES

I accept, Father.

BROTHER ANTON

Then rise and serve The Order.

The crowd erupts in deafening cheers as Tiraes rises. Brother Anton clasps his shoulder, leans in, and whispers something into Tiraes' ear. Then he walks off the stage, smiling and waving. The three remaining guards form around him and walk with him out of the square.

The crowd surrounds Tiraes, slapping him on the back and thanking him. The crowd begins to disperse, and Tiraes makes his way to where Gedric and Reemus still stand.

GEDRIC

Well, looks like we have a job. What did Brother Anton say?

TIRAES

Meet him at his ship west of town in two hours, we can discuss more then.

GEDRIC

Perfect, we can leave from there if the terms are right.

Reemus and Tiraes nod in assent.

GEDRIC

Great, see you in a few hours.

The three part ways, dispersing into the crowd.

INT. GEDRIC'S ROOM - LATER

A small pack sits on the bed, Gedric organizes clothing, weapon oil, rations, and other items in piles. Two swords and shield lean against leather armor at the foot of the bed. A knock on the door.

GEDRIC

Come on in Corlin.

Corlin opens the door but stays standing in the doorway. Gedric keeps packing while Corlin watches.

CORLIN

They post it on the board?

GEDRIC

No, someone interrupted the procession about it. Apparently the gnolls have already burned a couple of farms.

CORLIN

Clearview can't handle it?

Gedric shrugs.

CORLIN

Have you told Isal yet?

GEDRIC

I'm heading over right now.

CORLIN

Well, give her my love when you see her and take some loaves with you when you go.

GEDRIC

I will.

Corlin leaves and Gedric continues packing.

INT. BREAD SHOP KITCHEN - LATER

Gedric comes down the stairs, his pack slung over his shoulder with his shield and swords.

GEDRIC

Corlin?

No response in the house. Gedric takes a small sack from the wall and places some loaves into it. He turns to leave when something catches his eye in the backyard. Outside, Corlin stands over two graves underneath a dead tree, a mournful look on his face. Gedric pauses a moment and then turns and leaves.

INT. ISAL'S ROOM - LATER

The room is well decorated. A large bed sits in the middle with drapes pulled back. Soft rugs cover the floor. A young woman sits in a chair by a window, playing a gentle but haunting tune on a lyre (Idea 22 by Gibran Alcocer).

This is ISAL. Long dark hair contrasts with her pale skin. Tragically beautiful, the bags under her dark eyes hint at poor sleep. Around her neck is a black chain necklace, the gem setting is empty.

She smiles as she plays, her eyes are unfocused, her mind somewhere else. With no warning, her playing is interrupted by a fit of coughing, so violent that the lyre falls to the floor. She bends over in pain, still coughing and trying to catch her breath.

A knock on the door. Gedric opens it from the outside and moves to the chair. He kneels down next to her, placing a hand on her back and holding one of her hands with his. The coughing fit peters out and but she gasps for air.

ISAL

(labored)

When did you get here?

GEDRIC

Not too long ago. I didn't want to interrupt the performance.

Isal laughs a little which devolves into a smaller coughing fit. She stands while coughing and Gedric stands with her. She reaches for a glass of water on the dresser and Gedric grabs it and gives it to her. She sips intermittently and then places the glass down, pulls in Gedric close, and hugs him.

Gedric visibly relaxes, closing his eyes and melting into her arms.

ISAL

It's so good to see you. How are you?

GEDRIC

Would you ask a woodpecker how he is in a tree? He is home and so am I.

Isal giggles at this, keeping him close.

ISAL

Even after all these years, still flirting.

Isal pulls away and grabs the lyre where it fell.

ISAL

What did you think of the melody?

GEDRIC

It was beautiful.

ISAL

It's almost done, tomorrow or the next day, you can hear the full thing then.

Gedric leans against the wall, crossing his arms, frowning.

GEDRIC

I've got some bad news, we've got a contract.

Isal is unhappy, she turns away and pretends to tidy the room.

ISAL

You and Reemus?

GEDRIC

And Tiraes.

ISAL

Where are you going?

GEDRIC

South of Clearview Outpost, there are some gnolls.

ISAL

Some?

GEDRIC

Two dozen.

Isal spins, angry.

ISAL

Two dozen?

GEDRIC

They've burned three farms already, the townsfolk are getting... concerned. Don't worry, we can handle it.

Isal moves over to him, her expression softening.

ISAL

Your heart is too big. How long will you be gone?

GEDRIC

Not long, three or four days.

She smiles at him sadly.

ISAL

Okay. When do you leave then?

GEDRIC

We meet with Brother Anton in an hour. If all goes well, we leave from there.

ISAL

Well then, stay a bit longer with me.

She pulls him over to the bed.

INT. ISAL'S ROOM - LATER

Isal sits upright in the bed, her back against the headboard. Gedric lays shirtless on the bed, his head in Isal's lap, eyes closed. She strokes his hair and hums the haunting melody. Gedric laughs to himself softly.

ISAL

What?

GEDRIC

I was just thinking of when we met.

Isal laughs as well.

ISAL

I love this story, tell it to me again.

INT. BREAD SHOP KITCHEN - SUNSET

A young Gedric and Corlin work in the kitchen, sweating as they mix ingredients and move loaves in and out of ovens.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

It was the height of the demon war, I was only thirteen and we had only been in Ertran for less than a year. I remember the sun was setting and heating up the kitchen as we worked, making bread rations for the war effort. There was a knock at the front door.

Corlin leaves the kitchen while Gedric keeps working.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

I remember thinking that Corlin was gone for a long time and I looked up and he was standing in the doorway, looking at the ground, an open letter in his hand.

Corlin stands in the door way, looking at the ground, unable to look at Gedric. In his hand, an opened letter.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

I knew what the letter said. I asked anyways.

YOUNG GEDRIC

What does it say Corlin? Corlin? What does it say?

Tears stream from young Gedric's eyes. His voice breaks as he pleads.

YOUNG GEDRIC

What does the letter say Corlin?

Corlin looks up with tears in his eyes.

CORLIN

I'm so, so sorry Gedric.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

And I ran.

Young Gedric turns around and runs out the backdoor.

EXT. BREAD SHOP BACKYARD - SUNSET

Young Gedric runs past two gravestones, sobbing as he runs.

EXT. ERTRAN RURAL FIELDS - EVENING

Young Gedric still running, slightly slower, breathing hard.

EXT. ERTRAN FARM - NIGHT

Young Gedric runs slower and then he collapses to his knees. He is hyperventilating, not able to control his breathing. He looks up to the sky, lets out a scream, and collapses on the ground.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

I cursed every god I knew. And then

A beat.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

I met an angel.

EXT. ERTRAN FARM - NIGHT

Young Gedric weakly opens his eyes. A younger Isal, pale face with shoulder length black hair is looks down at him backdropped against the stars. The light of a campfire dances on her face.

YOUNG ISAL

Young Gedric screams and scrambles away. Young Isal laughs and then starts coughing. Young Gedric stops and approaches here.

YOUNG GEDRIC

Hey, stop that. Are you okay?

Young Isal, still coughing, holds out a hand. Young Gedric takes holds it and places a hand on her back. The fit ends and Young Isal breathes hard. Gedric steps back.

YOUNG GEDRIC

What's wrong with you?

YOUNG ISAL

(weakly)

Nothing is wrong with me, I was just out playing demon hunters is all.

Young Gedric looks around, confused.

YOUNG GEDRIC

With who?

YOUNG ISAL

None of your business!

Young Isal coughs again.

YOUNG GEDRIC

Okay okay, sorry, geez. I didn't mean anything by it.

Gedric points to the fire.

YOUNG GEDRIC

Did you make this?

YOUNG ISAL

Of course, I found you laying here, I thought you were dead but I figured I better wait to make sure.

YOUNG GEDRIC

Well I wasn't dead.

YOUNG ISAL

What are you doing laying in a field?

YOUNG GEDRIC

(grumpily)

None of your business either.

YOUNG ISAL

Fine, we wont tell each other anything.

They sit in silence for a moment and Gedric shivers.

YOUNG ISAL

Come on, you're cold and my pa told me sharing is good. You can use my fire until someone finds us.

They huddle around the fire together, the stars bright above them.

CUT TO:

INT. ISAL'S ROOM - DAY

Gedric and Isal sit in bed still, both smiling.

GEDRIC

I still can't believe you actually found me out there. You would have been an excellent hunter in another life.

Isal laughs at this and Gedric notices Isal's necklace. He reaches up to stop the swing and examines it.

GEDRIC

This looks pretty, where did you get this?

ISAL

You remember Nolly, the herbalist's apprentice?

GEDRIC

I think so, kind of short with red hair?

ISAL

That's her. She just got back from a trip to the west where she met a traveling merchant. You see how it has no gem? The necklace is traveling the world, looking for its' lost half. As a bearer, it is my job to help it look and in exchange, it heals those who wear it.

Gedric smiles at this and Isal notices and laughs.

ISAL

I know you're skeptical but it can't hurt.

GEDRIC

Oh you've misread me completely, I hope it works wonders. I need you as strong as can be.

Gedric rolls off the bed and puts on his shirt.

ISAL

And why is that?

GEDRIC

Well I am going to need some help plowing the fields on our farm.

Isal lets out a sound of excitement.

ISAL

Did Brextin accept the offer then?

GEDRIC

He wants two gold more but we shook on it.

Isal jumps up and hugs Gedric, they both share in the excitment until Isal once again devolves into a coughing fit. Gedric helps her sit down in the chair by the window and stays with her through it, holding her hand.

GEDRIC

Now my love, I have got to go. I will see you in three days time.

They share a kiss and then Gedric gets up and leaves.

Isal strums the lyre as she watches him walk down the road. He turns, blows her a kiss, and then keeps walking.

EXT. ERTRAN OUTSKIRTS - AFTERNOON

A dirt road leads to a field just on the outskirts of town. In the middle of the field, an airship floats, tethered to the ground with ropes. A rope ladder leads from the deck to the ground. A few tents and crates are set up below the ship.

Reemus and Tiraes stand together on dirt road, Gedric joins them.

GEDRIC

Sorry to be late.

They start walking through the field towards the encampment.

TIRAES

No problem, saying goodbye to Isal?

GEDRIC

Somehow every time is harder than the last. If we get enough coin here, hopefully this will be the last.

REEMUS

We were just discussing that, I think we can get a good amount on this contract, the order's pockets run pretty deep, no offense Tiraes.

Tiraes shrugs.

TIRAES

If the Order agrees then its a fair price. I just don't want to push too hard and lose the contract.

REEMUS

I won't, don't worry.

The walk through the camp, a guard stands at the bottom of the rope ladder.

GEDRIC

We're here to see Brother Anton.

SHIP GUARD

He is expecting you. Follow me.

The guard begins ascending the ladder.

INT. AIRSHIP IN ERTRAN QUARTERS - MOMENTS LATER

The quarters are decorated lavishly, with carpets and furs. There is a large bed draped in expensive silk and linen, the chairs and table are elegant. A large, heavy desk sits to one side, three chairs sit in front of it empty.

Brother Anton sits at the desk, writing. There is a knock at the door.

BROTHER ANTON

Come in.

The door opens and the guard shows in Gedric, Tiraes, and Reemus.

BROTHER ANTON

Welcome, please take a seat.

(to the guard)

That will be all.

He motions to some chairs across the table and the three sit.

TIRAES

Thank you for your hospitality Father, you have blessed us-

Brother Anton waves a hand, dismissing Tiraes.

BROTHER ANTON

We can dispense with the formalities Tiraes. And thank you for joining, Gedric and Reemus. I have heard about you since our introduction at the procession today.

REEMUS

I'm sure whatever you heard has been exaggerated.

BROTHER ANTON

Hmm, perhaps. I am a busy man so lets get straight to it. As you know, part of my responsibilities of being on the council of The Order mean I enforce King Leatrus Ordinum's peace through means I deem necessary. As such, I will dispense a missive.

He gestures to the paper he was writing on as the trio entered.

GEDRIC

Have you heard any more details?

BROTHER ANTON

Word came in a few hours ago that the gnolls are south of Clearview Outpost, at the Molson farm. The estimate is between twenty and twenty-five.

REEMUS

And the pay?

BROTHER ANTON

Six gold, two apiece, awarded after proof of demise.

Reemus sucks his teeth.

REEMUS

That's less than a quarter silver per kill. To be honest with you father, you made a pretty big show out there about these gnolls. If we don't take the job, I can't imagine it will reflect well on the Order.

BROTHER ANTON

Is that some attempt at blackmail?

REEMUS

It's not blackmail, it's business.

Brother Anton narrows his eyes and sits forward.

BROTHER ANTON

I can't imagine it would go well with your neighbors if they heard you backed out of the contract.

REEMUS

Thankfully my neighbors already hate me.

BROTHER ANTON

I'll give you eight gold, no more. I might as well get a regiment from Daevonfall to come out and deal with it for that price.

REEMUS

Fine. And the completion?

BROTHER ANTON

Five heads given to the sergeant on watch at Clearview.

REEMUS

Done.

Brother Anton writes a bit more on the paper, fixes a wax seal to it and slides it across the table to the trio. Gedric takes THE MISSIVE and places it in his pocket as they all stand.

BROTHER ANTON

May the light guide you.

TIRAES

And you, father.

EXT. SKIES OVER GROVE - SUNSET

An eye, dilating, constricting. The pupil moves, focuses, moves, focuses, searching, not finding. The pupil rolls downwards, only blood vessels can be seen as...

EXT. SKIES OVER GROVE - CONTINUOUS

The eye slowly floats above a grove of barren trees, remnants of a once thriving land. The branches of the trees cast long, overlapping shadows in the waning light. The eye continues to float upwards as the view expands to include...

EXT. SKIES OVER FARM - CONTINUOUS

Wisps of smoke coiling upwards from a still smoldering building. Next to it, a field of wilted stalks and overgrown land can be seen. Farm equipment is scattered through the unkept field in various states of decay.

Further still, a two-story red barn, peeling paint and a roof in disrepair but standing. Still the eyes searches until...

With no warning, it freezes, becomes translucent, then completely fades from sight leaving us to study this aerial view of the grove and decaying farm. There is no movement.

A beat.

In the periphery of the grove, THREE HUMAN SHADOWS detach themselves from a set of trees and begin moving towards the farm, nearing the edge.

EXT. GROVE - SUNSET

Gedric crouches low and moves forward steadily, the sun at his back, moving within shadows when he can until he reaches the next tree. Both swords are at his hips, the shield is on his back, and he wears his armor.

Gedric reaches the next tree, pauses. Listening, straining, but the silence is complete. Without turning, he waves a hand forward, indicating the other shadows to join him.

Reemus reaches him first.

GEDRIC

Check again.

Reemus covers one eye with a hand while the other eye rolls back into his head.

Tiraes reaches them now. He has a massive shield with him and a large mace.

GEDRIC

(To Tireas)

Start warding.

Tireas nods in acknowledgement and Gedric turns his back and cocks his head as he continues to keep watch.

Tireas places the shield on his back, freeing both his hands. The slightest muttering can be heard, then he digs his hands into the dirt. A circle of runes appear on the ground around the group, glowing softly. Tireas touches Reemus and Gedric on the shoulders and the runes fade.

Reemus' eye rolls back to the front and his arm covering the other eye drops.

REEMUS

Nothing.

Without turning, Gedric unsheathes both his swords in response. Tireas re-equips his shield and pulls the mace from its' holdings.

EXT. FARM - SUNSET

The figures exit the grove and move towards the barn in the same order they moved through the grove.

The group reaches the back of the barn crouched low. They pause, Gedric listens again.

The trio moves around the side to the front. Tireas positions in front, shield at the ready while Reemus and Gedric position to the side. Gedric pauses and points to the unlatched door. They exchange glances but it doesn't seem to change the job at hand. Reemus moves a hand up against the side of the sliding barn door with a bowed head. They tense.

The door is blasted off to the side, hitting an overturned tiller with a loud crash, and splintering off into several pieces. Reemus moves quickly behind Gedric who in turn raises his sword, body coiled, ready to strike anyone charging outwards towards Tiraes.

The smell hits them simultaneously, Reemus flinches. Gedric lowers his sword but doesn't sheath it. He nods to Tiraes who is the first to approach the open door, shield still held high, into...

INT. BARN - MOMENTS LATER

Its hard to see anything at first, their eyes still adjusting to the darkness within.

A beam of light streams from a hole in the roof, falling across a HOODED FIGURE, sitting cross-legged at the far end of the barn. His head is bowed and his body obscured in shadow.

A step forward from Tiraes makes a splashing sound. He pauses for a moment.

A drop of blood lands on Tiraes' helmet. He reaches up to touch the spot then pulls his hand to examine it. He looks up towards the source. His shield slackens slightly in his hand.

TIRAES

(softly)

Sweet priestess...

Tiraes begins making holy symbols across his chest. Reemus moves forward and waves a hand as a small orb of light appears, slowly illuminating the room.

The weak light illuminates the floor, showing the trio standing on what appears to be a dark mirror. A slight movement from Gedric sends ripples into it and as the light slowly brightens, it becomes apparent they are standing in a pool of blood that reaches far beyond what the light can show.

The light moves towards the center now, showing the backs of two rows of five kneeling supplicants. The GNOLLS are humanoid in shape but are covered in matted fur and congealed blood, their hyena-like faces are frozen in an emote of glee, bearing their fangs in twisted grins. The gnolls in the closest row have their heads bowed and paws in their laps as if in prayer. The gnolls in the closest row to the dias have been decapitated, they hold their heads in their laps, faces forward.

Rising into the darkness above are ten beams supporting the decaying roof. The light grows in power as it drifts upwards, illuminating the second floor. Gnolls are crucified in an even spacing along the beams, paws driven into the old wood with large nails. Stomachs are a mass of gore, intestines splayed out in opposite directions, one strand to the left and one to the right. Where one piece of intestine ends, another is knotted to it, creating an unbroken circle. These gnolls have had their eyes ripped out, their faces are twisted in agony.

Each gnoll is clearly branded on the chest with a different, indecipherable marking.

The room is fully illuminated now and the trio, finally overcoming their shock, moves forward into the room. Their steps ripple outwards in the bloody pool, still on guard and in formation. They pass the kneeling rows of gnolls and reach the dais. The hooded figure is in full view now. He sits cross-legged, hands resting on his knees with palms upwards, a dagger with a red jewel lays to the side of him.

Gedric approaches the hooded figure. With light touch, he nudges the shoulder of the figure with his sword. The figure falls backwards, splayed out.

Gedric sheathes his weapons and kneels down next to the figure. He pulls the hood back, revealing a fine featured ELF with silver hair, his dead face a mask. Reemus and Tiraes join him, standing to the side.

REEMUS

The ear.

Gedric places a hand on the elf's head and tilts the face towards him. While on one side was a pointed ear, here is a mutilated stump.

TIRAES

Exiled.

Gedric removes his hand from the elf but something catches his eye, a scar peeking out just under the elf's robe. He pauses for a moment and then reaches over, grabbing the dagger from the ground and begins cutting the robe from the elf.

As he cuts, the skin of the elf is revealed, showing the elf's body is covered in scars that form symbols, similar to the symbols branded on the crucified gnolls. The markings run over most of his body, stopping only at his ankles, wrists, and neck.

Gedric finishes the cutting and places the dagger in his belt. He stands and the three pause a moment, looking at the now almost naked elf laying on the ground.

Gedric turns back to the kneeling gnolls and finally upwards to the crucified ones, taking in the whole scene.

GEDRIC

Reemus, note as much as you can.

Reemus gives a silent nod back.

Gedric walks from the dais and back towards the entrance, sloshing through the pool of blood.

EXT. FARM - NIGHT

Dual moons rise to meet the star filled sky. Gedric leans against an old combine outside of the barn. Shadows dance across his face as he lights a match, puts it to his pipe, and takes a few draws while staring up and contemplating the stars.

Tiraes sits on the ground next to a small fire.

Reemus exits the barn, closing a small journal which he places in his satchel.

REEMUS

It's done.

GEDRIC

What do you think?

REEMUS

It's hard to say. It's all demonic, and you know how the Order is about people studying demonic.

Tiraes' face grimaces at the mention of this.

REEMUS

Whatever ritual he performed, I don't think he expected to die.

GEDRIC

Why do you say that?

REEMUS

It's clear something went wrong. Maybe he wasn't powerful enough to handle the energy or his concentration broke, I don't know. These types of rituals can go sideways easily. And there is also this.

Reemus reaches in to the satchel, pulling out an ENVELOPE and handing it to Gedric.

REEMUS

He had an appointment.

The envelope is completely unadorned, a small dab of plain red wax on the back to secure is already broken. Gedric removes a single slip of paper and reads it aloud. Reemus is watching Gedric closely.

GEDRIC

"Claptrap Cat, Night of Eternum"

Gedric looks troubled.

REEMUS

It was in his robe.

TIRAES

That's in a week. What's the Claptrap Cat?

GEDRIC

It's a theater in Daevonfall.

TIRAES

How do you know that?

Gedric doesn't say anything for a moment.

GEDRIC

We have a missive. Tiraes, grab the heads.

Tiraes nods, stands, and moves back into the barn. Reemus waits until he is out of earshot.

REEMUS

It might not be related.

GEDRIC

Maybe.

They sit in silence. Gedric relights his pipe, thinking. Tiraes returns shortly, a bulging bloodstained sack over his shoulder. Gedric notes Tiraes' return, looks over at Reemus and nods.

Reemus stands, puts a hand towards the fire until a small ball separates from the flames and drifts over, resting above his palm. He walks towards the barn, nurturing the flame with his other hand, feeding it, compressing it, until finally, he pushes and it streaks into the barn with a loud bang, exploding like a firework. The walls and roof catch quickly, the fire devouring the gruesome scene.

The trio stand and watch for a moment, silhouettes outlined against raging fire. Then they turn one by one and walk away.

EXT. ROAD TO CLEARVIEW OUTPOST - MORNING

The dead and dying flora paints a grim background as Gedric, Reemus, and Tiraes move along a dusty road in the early morning. Tiraes carries the bloody bag full of gnoll heads.

GEDRIC

We'll be at Clearview by noon. We need to discuss the report before we arrive.

TIRAES

What about it?

GEDRIC

There is some risk we will not get paid if I give a full report.

REEMUS

What do you mean? We have the heads.

Gedric pulls out the missive from his pocket and hands it to Reemus who opens it and starts reading, mumbling through some passages.

REEMUS

In accordance with all laws...hereby empowered to mete the king's justice...gnolls last seen near Molson's farm in southern province near Clearview outpost.

He points to the passage as he reads.

REEMUS

A reward of eight gold pieces will be given to the person or persons who eradicate the problem. Payment will be given upon receipt of five gnoll heads. Report to the Sergeant on watch at Clearview Outpost for your reward.

TIRAES

And the bad news?

REEMUS

Upon discovery of deceit in regards to the completion or missive report, the guilty parties will be handed to The Order to enact the king's justice.

Reemus wraps up the missive and hands it back to Gedric who puts it back in his pocket.

TIRAES

There is definitely some gray area there.

Reemus and Gedric nod in agreement.

REEMUS

We didn't eradicate the gnolls per say but we have the heads and we burned the barn. How would they know?

GEDRIC

Twenty flayed gnolls in a barn covered in demonic runes with an appointment in Daevonfall in a week. He wasn't working alone.

TIRAES

But would whoever was working with the elf ever come out and admit the story?

GEDRIC

If he was somehow found out, he could talk. And I imagine that who he was working with is going to be at the Claptrap Cat in a week.

REEMUS

So we go to Clearview, give a full report, hand everything over to the Sergeant, and hope he still pays the bounty?

GEDRIC

I think that's the sum of it. What do you think, Tiraes?

TIRAES

Its the only way. We may not get paid, but the Sergeant can alert the king.

REEMUS

What a waste, cleaning up after a failed ritual, and we wont even see a copper for it.

TIRAES

We wanted to protect the people, this is our duty.

REEMUS

(gloomily)

I know, I just wanted to get paid too.

Tiraes and Gedric laugh at this.

GEDRIC

Don't worry, there is always another contract.

EXT. CLEARVIEW OUTPOST EXTERIOR - DAY

A stone tower sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding areas. It is marked and worn, signs of a siege. A chunk of it is missing and the tower leans slightly to compensate. Near the top of the tower is a docked airship.

The area around the outpost has been clearcut, providing even more vantage. The logs from the trees have been sharpened and placed pointing upwards, forming a fence around the outpost.

Destroyed siege engines and scorched earth surround the fields outside of the outpost, making the dead landscape look even more scarred.

The trio walk along the main path populated by a few farmers on wagons both coming and going. They move towards the rudimentary gate guarded by a singular man in armor. He gives them a cursory look and nods them forwards.

Inside the gates are a number of buildings scattered around the area including an inn and and a church with banners bearing the emblem of the Order. Farmers drive wagons with grain and barrels, a shepherd herds a group of sheep into an enclosure.

Gedric turns to Tiraes and Reemus.

GEDRIC

You two grab a room at the inn, I'll report to the Sergeant.

Tiraes hands over the bloody sack and the two head off in the direction of the inn.

At the base of the tower and to the left of the entrance, a guard sits at a table with papers and a stack of money calmly speaking to an animated man. There is a line of people behind him, waiting for their turn.

As Gedric approaches the tower, he overhears

TABLE GUARD

...attacks and demonic activity drive up protection fees.

ANIMATED FARMER

Please, we can barely make ends meet now, I've got hungry children.

TABLE GUARD

I'll do my best Helsic, but, we are all...

The conversation fades as Gedric moves into the tower.

INT. CLEARVIEW OUTPOST TOWER - MOMENTS LATER

A man sits behind a large desk covered in papers.

This is Sergeant Aleron. A middle aged man in a simple tunic. He looks tired, too tired for his age. Grey is peppered through his short military haircut. The scars on his clean shaven face hint at the battles he fought to earn this position. Despite his tired appearance, he has a commanding air to his voice.

A knock at the door.

SERGEANT ALERON

Come in.

A guard opens the door, salutes, and shows in Gedric.

DOOR GUARD

Sergeant, Gedric from Ertran here regarding a bounty sir.

SERGEANT ALERON

Thank you Lendry, return to your post.

The guard salutes again and leaves. The Sergeant motions Gedric to have a seat.

SERGEANT ALERON

What can I do for you, Gedric from Ertran?

Gedric takes the missive from his pocket and hands it to The Sergeant.

GEDRIC

A bounty on the gnolls at the Molson farm.

Gedric takes a seat in front of the desk. The Sergeant unfolds the letter and begins reading.

SERGEANT ALERON

You sure came fast, I only sent out the request to Daevonfall yesterday.

GEDRIC

We didn't pick it up from Daevonfall. Brother Anton from The Order issued this one.

SERGEANT ALERON

Brother Anton? He was just here a few days ago.

GEDRIC

Yes, he visited Ertran shortly afterwards when we heard about the gnoll encroachment. We made a deal.

The Sergeant nods, pulls a piece of paper from the heap on his desk, and readies his quill.

SERGEANT ALERON

Well then, full report.

Flashes of the gruesome scene at the barn summarize the events.

The Sergeant finishes writing, puts down his quill, and leans back in his chair with a clear look of concern on his face.

SERGEANT ALERON

And you burned it all?

GEDRIC

Yes.

SERGEANT ALERON

You've brought proof?

Gedric lifts a gnoll head out of the bag and shows the Sergeant who nods acknowledgment.

GEDRIC

Our concern is the wording in the missive-

The Sergeant cuts him off with a wave of a hand.

SERGEANT ALERON

I am not going to split hairs, the missive is complete and I'll certify it. But we are spread thin as it is. I don't have an extra twenty silver let alone eight gold to give you.

Gedric doesn't look pleased at the news.

GEDRIC

Nothing from Brother Anton?

SERGEANT ALERON

Nothing.

The sergeant sighs.

SERGEANT ALERON

Look Gedric, I think we can help each other. You want to get paid for your contract. I want Daevonfall to be alerted to this. There is an airship to Daevonfall tomorrow. Your party can ride free if you work as protection.

GEDRIC

Why not send a messenger?

Sergeant Aleron waits a moment and then ignores the question.

SERGEANT ALERON

You served, yes?

GEDRIC

Conscripted.

SERGEANT ALERON

What area?

GEDRIC

Tier's Bastion.

A flicker of surprise crosses the Sergeant's face.

SERGEANT ALERON

I was told not many made it out.

GEDRIC

Just a few of us lucky ones I guess.

The Sergeant leans forward on the desk and steeples his fingers.

SERGEANT ALERON

Gedric, I cannot risk this information not making it to Daevonfall. You're free, since the king disbanded the conscripts. I can't order you around.

The Sergeant folds the report and offers it back to Gedric.

SERGEANT ALERON

But I am asking you to take this report to Daevonfall and deliver it to The Order.

Gedric looks at the report, then the Sergeant, then the report again.

Gedric takes the report, and stands.

SERGEANT ALERON

And one more thing Gedric. Don't tell anyone until you hand over the report. We don't know what any of this means yet.

Gedric gives a sharp nod, turns, and leaves.

INT. CLEARVIEW OUTPOST INN - NIGHT

Gedric and Reemus sit at a small table playing a card game in the middle of the room. Tiraes sits at the edge of one of the bunk beds, watching them play. A small fire crackles in the corner. Reemus plays a card.

REEMUS

Couldn't he send one of his men?

GEDRIC

The Sergeant is a smart man, he knows his limits.

TIRAES

Sending it with strangers, though?

Gedric plays a card.

GEDRIC

I don't think he had a choice. Besides, what would motivate us more to go to Daevonfall than eight gold pieces?

TIRAES

Nine gold pieces.

Gedric laughs and Reemus plays a card.

REEMUS

Who was involved other than a dead and exiled elf?

GEDRIC

Whoever shows up at the Claptrap Cat on the Night of Eternum, I guess.

TIRAES

Are you going to go and see?

Gedric sighs heavily and rubs his face.

GEDRIC

I don't know yet.

A knock at the door.

GEDRIC

Come in.

A meek looking man enters, bowing his head.

This is Brother Haikus. He is dressed in a simple robe with The Order's symbol of scales on the front. Older than seventy, his grey horseshoe hairline sits above squinting eyes and a sharp nose giving the impression of a rat. In his hand is a boxy looking package wrapped in brown linen.

BROTHER HAIKUS

Apologies for interrupting. My name is Brother Haikus, I am the senior member of The Order here at Clearview.

The three stand to greet him. Tiraes moves over and bows before him.

TIRAES

I am Tiraes, an initiate in The Order, and these are my companions, Gedric and Reemus. What brings you here, Brother?

BROTHER HAIKUS

I've a favor to ask.

REEMUS

That does seem to be going around.

Brother Haikus gives Reemus a sardonic look.

BROTHER HAIKUS

Favor perhaps isn't the right word.

(to Tiraes)

I've heard you are headed to Daevonfall.

GEDRIC

Who told you that?

Brother Haikus ignores him and continues speaking to Tiraes.

BROTHER HAIKUS

As you may have heard, Brother Anton recently passed through here on procession. He...left a few items here that are important to The Order. I am offering you the great honor to take this package to Brother Anton in Daevonfall.

Something in his voice shifts.

BROTHER HAIKUS

How fortunate for you to be presented this opportunity to serve The Order. I am sure you'll be grateful to accept.

Tiraes receives the package from Brother Haikus with reverence.

TIRAES

Of course, Brother, I accept this duty with great honor.

BROTHER HAIKUS

Wonderful, thank you Tiraes. I am sure Brother Anton will be most grateful for your service.

With that Brother Haikus turns and leaves, closing the door behind him.

The three stand for a moment, looking at each other and the package.

GEDRIC

(warning)

Reemus...

REEMUS

I just think that...

GEDRIC

Don't.

Reemus holds up his hands.

REEMUS

Yesterday we walked into a demonic sacrifice with almost thirty slaughtered gnolls and an exiled elf. Today we are being asked to take a package to Daevonfall for the very man who wrote the missive to kill those gnolls. Surely, you both can understand my curiosity.

TIRAES

You know I could be punished for even discussing this, right?

REEMUS

I didn't say there was no risk.

GEDRIC

Reemus, this is Tiraes' decision. If he says no, then its a no.

Tiraes stands for a moment by the closed door, contemplating the package in his hands. He looks at Reemus, points up, makes a circle, and then pushes down.

TIRAES

The answer is no.

Reemus begins clearing off the table. Gedric grabs a chair and exchanges it with the package in Tiraes' hands.

REEMUS

You're a fool then.

Tiraes places the chair underneath the handle of the door to the room, Gedric places the package on the now cleared table and then draws the curtains on the window.

GEDRIC

Settle down now. Tomorrow is a long day's journey. Everyone head to bed.

The three of them now gather around the table. Reemus places his hands together above this head, mutters an incantation, then slowly begins spreading his hands while keeping his wrists together. A shimmer of air appears at the top of the room and spreads along the walls, encapsulating the full room. As it reaches the floor, Reemus nods but keeps his hands up.

REEMUS

The barrier is secure, no one can listen in.

TIRAES

Really, Reemus? A fool?

REEMUS

Sorry, I was trying to really sell it.

TIRAES

Still...

Tiraes reaches for the knot on the package but Gedric stops him.

GEDRIC

You take the door. If we are discovered, my punishment will be much lighter than yours.

Tiraes nods and moves to the door where the chair is. With everyone in position, Gedric undoes the knot on the package and the linen falls to the sides revealing four books in a stack. Gedric reads them aloud as he moves through the stack one by one.

GEDRIC

Songs Of The Order, A Hymnal. Sermon Giving: A Treatise. Goldwynn: The First Week's Account. Divine Light: Brother Cinomed Reflects

TIRAES

Is that really it?

Gedric briefly thumbs through the books.

GEDRIC

Looks like it.

REEMUS

That is incredibly disappointing.

TIRAES

I guess Brother Anton really did just forget a few books.

Gedric replaces the stack and reties the knot as Tiraes walks back over from the door with the chair in hand.

REEMUS

Do you want me to keep them in my bag?

TIRAES

Sure, that'd be great, thanks.

Reemus finally lets his hands down and the shimmer around the room disappears. He takes the parcel and impossibly fits it into his satchel.

GEDRIC

We leave for Daevonfall at dawn tomorrow then.

They all head to their separate beds.

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - MORNING

The airship at the top of the tower is in various states of preparation to leave. Sailors move crates and barrels around, securing ropes, and making final preparations. A rough looking man stands in the middle of the deck, orchestrating the chaos.

This is Torst. He is a rough looking man with a scuffed captain's hat on his head, a cutlass at his hip, red jacket with pommels, and white pants. He has a commanding air as he barks orders at his men.

Gedric, Tiraes, and Reemus walk across the gangplank to the ship, armored with weapons at their sides.

GEDRIC

Captain Torst?

CAPTAIN TORST

Yes, and you are?

GEDRIC

Your protection detail from Sergeant Aleron.

Captain Torst grunts in acknowledgment and nods his head towards the back of the ship.

CAPTAIN TORST

We'll be at Daevonfall in the morning, so don't get too comfortable.

GEDRIC

Of course, Captain, thank you. Are we expecting any trouble?

His eyes shift to the emblem of The Order stamped on Tiraes' bag. He nods at Tiraes.

CAPTAIN TORST

Only trouble I've seen is from this lot.

A man drops a crate and Captain Torst bellows at him.

CAPTAIN TORST

Look I'm busy. There's a room down in the hold for you, I want one of you on deck at all times.

The captain moves off, and trio head for the open door to the hold.

INT. AIRSHIP LIVING QUARTERS - MOMENTS LATER

The room is spartan with two bunkbeds and a small table with four chairs. The group moves in and sets down their packs.

GEDRIC

Reemus, you take first, I'll take second, and Tiraes you go last.

Gedric and Tiraes begin unpacking by the bed while Reemus stands by the table.

REEMUS

Tiraes, it's going to be real boring. Can I read one of those books from Brother Anton?

TIRAES

Sure, knock yourself out.

Reemus reaches into his bag and pulls out the satchel, unwrapping and sifting through the books.

TIRAES

Gedric, you've seen the Grand Cathedral?

GEDRIC

Oh yes, its the tallest building in Daevonfall. If its light enough in the morning, you'll get a great view.

REEMUS (O.S.)

Umm, guys?

Tiraes and Gedric look over to Reemus, holding a book that purple light is emanating from. Gedric and Tiraes move over to Reemus to examine the book.

The tome bears similar markings that were seared into the gnolls.

TIRAES

Where did you find this?

Reemus motions to the open sack on the table.

REEMUS

It was in the stack of books for Brother Anton.

GEDRIC

What do you mean? We looked through those books and didn't see anything.

REEMUS

I don't know. I guess my bag dispelled the illusion?

TIRAES

This...this is The Demonic Reference.

Tiraes takes the tome gingerly from Reemus and sits down at the table with it. Gedric and Reemus peer over his shoulder as he begins turning pages. A rune sits at the top of the page with text below it in different handwriting.

TIRAES

I heard about it in training. No one is allowed to actually look at it unless you're a member of the council.

Tiraes points to some text on the page.

TIRAES

Look here. "First seen in Goldwynn, inscribed on the original portal."

Reemus points to another section.

REEMUS

Brother Anton wrote a comment.

TIRAES

"Common rune, used in almost every demonic spell as a preface. Look to the rune after this one for true intention."

GEDRIC

Reemus do you have your notes from the barn?

In response, Reemus pulls his notebook from his bag.

GEDRIC

Translate as much as you can. I want to know as much as possible before our meeting tomorrow.

Reemus begins to study both books intently.

TIRAES

Do you want me to help? They taught us a very small amount of demonic during training.

GEDRIC

No, we would only slow him down. Come on, let's head up.

Gedric and Tiraes exit the room.

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - NIGHT

The deck is lit with a few torches. Gedric and Tiraes sit near the bow, one on either side. They are both armored but relaxed. Gedric smokes a pipe slowly, his eyes are distant. Tiraes finishes polishing a piece of armor and puts it down.

TIRAES

Quiet trip.

Gedric is broken from his thoughts and smiles.

GEDRIC

Thank the gods. I think we've got enough to handle already without a night raid.

TIRAES

Can I ask you something Gedric?

GEDRIC

Sure, what's on your mind?

Tiraes looks to make sure no one is around.

TIRAES

What exactly is the Claptrap Cat?

GEDRIC

Its...complicated. But I suppose you deserve to know. I was born in Daevonfall.

The ghost of a 10 year old Gedric runs between them and jumps up on some rigging, swinging and catching a mast.

FLASHBACK:

The ship is now docked at the top of a massive wall along many other ships. Crewmen swarm the decks, loading and unloading cargo. Gedric's father stands on the deck with a clipboard, talking amicably to a captain.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

My father was the port master, responsible for every airship that came in and out of the city.

Gedric's father laughs silently and motions young Gedric down and they leave the ship, walking along the docks, greeting and patting people on the back.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

The shipping district was a poor but closely knit community.

Gedric and his father turn down a residential street, hand in hand. More waves and smiles to neighbors on stoops and in windows.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

It's hard to recognize the symptoms of a slow poisoning. Homes began to be robbed or torched in the middle of the night.

The street transforms, the ruins of a house sit between two homes whose shutters are boarded up. Broken windows, no people outside, Gedric's face turns from wonder to confusion.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

Threatening notes were stuck to people's doors. People began to leave, their houses full one day and empty the next.

Gedric's father talks animatedly to two guards outside a burned home.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

Our concerns fell on deaf ears.

The guards turn and walk away.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

And yet, even with the community in fear, as people left, someone was buying the properties.

The street transforms, young Gedric stands watching as the homes are torn down by construction workers.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

I saw the tunnels being dug from the port throughout the district, perfect for smuggling.

Young Gedric sits on a high vantage, watching the tunnel system expand towards the port.

GEDRIC (V.O.)

And then they covered it all with a theater, promising to put on wonderful, magical performances that would bring in all sorts of business to the city.

A large building is erected in the middle of the district. A flashing sign sits above the entrance, "The Claptrap Cat".

PRESENT:

The sky is noticeably lighter, dawn is approaching.

TIRAES

The Claptrap Cat.

GEDRIC

Yes.

TIRAES

What did you do? Stage a raid on the building? Uncover the truth and tell the king?

Gedric smiles and sighs.

GEDRIC

No Tiraes, there was nothing we could do. Once the Claptrap Cat was complete, they only needed to remove the last obstacle.

Tiraes pauses a moment and then realization strikes. He looks sharply at Gedric.

TIRAES

Your father.

Gedric looks far away again.

GEDRIC

They exiled him from the city and replaced him with a puppet, someone who would turn a blind eye for a few coins. We left for Ertran and, a few years later, he was killed in the war.

Tiraes looks solemn.

TIRAES

I am sorry Gedric, I didn't know.

Gedric smiles sadly.

GEDRIC

Someone destroyed my father's life for some gold.

Gedric produces the envelope from his pocket.

GEDRIC

And this could hold an answer. That's what The Claptrap Cat is.

They lapse into silence, and the morning sun begins casting rays on the ship.

Reemus joins them on deck. He sits down heavily, exhausted and rubbing his eyes. Tiraes and Gedric watch him.

REEMUS

It's done.

GEDRIC

What did you find?

Reemus looks up, hints of despair in his eyes.

REEMUS

It-

A bell rings loudly on deck.

CREWMEMBER (O.S.)

Daevonfall ho!

The group stands and looks out from the ship. The sunrise illuminates a massive city sprawled outwards surrounded by thick stone walls.

In the center of an open square near the middle of the city is a great white cathedral. The spire shoots high into the sky. Further on, an unassuming castle is seen in the distance nearly blending into the city. On the right side, the city connects to the ocean. Docks extend into the water while airships dock at the city walls nearby.

The trio stare out at the city.

TIRAES

It's incredible.

Gedric's face is a mask of stone. He stares straight out at the city.

GEDRIC

Reemus, what did you find?

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - DAY

A gangplank is thrown across and secures the airship to the docks along the high walls of Daevonfall. Captain Torst stands on the deck while crew members hustle behind him, preparing to disembark. Gedric, Tiraes, and Reemus stand to the side.

A group of armored guards cross the plank. They bear the symbol of The Order of The Calling on their uniforms. They part, and a man appears holding a ledger. As he speaks, he consults the book without looking up.

DOCKMASTER

Yes hello...um...Captain...Tork. The fee for docking is two gold pieces, and it will be another gold for each day you stay here.

The Captain's face begins to turn crimson.

CAPTAIN TORST

Two gold?! This is extortion, last week-

The dockmaster doesn't look up as he speaks over him.

DOCKMASTER

Your ship will be searched for contraband and if any is found, your cargo will be confiscated in the name of The Order of The Calling through the power of The King.

The Captain's teeth are gritted, his hand moves to his sword handle. The movement of the crew slows, sensing the tension in the air.

CAPTAIN TORST

I don't take orders from fools with clipboards.

The guards surrounding the dock master also tense, hands move towards swords.

Tiraes steps forward, addressing the dock master with a smile.

TIRAES

Brothers, surely this is an exorbitant fee and we can come to an agreement. We bring only supplies from the outer parts of the kingdom. You have my word as a disciple of The Order.

The dock master finally looks up from his book to look Tiraes up and down, clearly unimpressed, and returns his eyes to the ledger.

DOCKMASTER

The word of a peasant has no meaning to me whatsoever. Pay the fee or we will take the fee and then send you off regardless.

Gedric places a hand on Tiraes' shoulder and steps forward.

GEDRIC

Now, now, dock master. Would you speak to an emissary of Brother Anton in such a way.

At the mention of Brother Anton, the dock master's demeanor shifts. He sounds nervous but cautious.

DOCKMASTER

As if you know Brother Anton.

Gedric produces the missive and hands it to the dock master.

GEDRIC

We are on our way to see him now. I am sure he would be most interested to hear all about how we were held up at the port.

Panic enters the dock master's face as Gedric continues.

GEDRIC

Perhaps I could tell him of the fees you're charging. Of course, you've been truthful about how much you're collecting, right?

DOCKMASTER

Oh well, see of course I didn't know that you worked for Brother Anton-

Gedric takes the missive back from the dock master.

GEDRIC

No, you didn't. This ship docks for free under the protection of Brother Anton.

DOCKMASTER

Yes, of course.

He flips a few pages of the ledger and writes.

GEDRIC

Let's not let it happen again, shall we?

DOCKMASTER

No, of course not, no. On your way, then.

GEDRIC

Our thanks, Dockmaster.

Gedric bows to him and the dock master exits the ramp along with his guards.

Gedric turns back to the Captain who stands in awe. He looks at Gedric for a moment and then offers him a handshake. Gedric accepts, smiling.

GEDRIC

Well then, Captain. Thank you for the safe passage.

CAPTAIN TORST

Best of luck, Gedric. I hope our paths cross again.

The trio leave the deck of the airship and disappear in the bustle of activity on the docks.

EXT. DAEVONFALL SQUARE - AFTERNOON

The square is packed with merchants and shoppers. Gedric leads the group with a practiced fluidity, finding spaces between the shoppers, waving away the advances of merchants, dodging spells being cast by mages looking to draw extra attention.

At the far end, stairs lead to the entrance of the Grand Cathedral, the doors open wide.

They make their way up the steps and enter...

INT. GRAND CATHEDRAL FRONT DESK - CONTINUOUS

The Cathedral's vaulted ceiling reaches hundreds of feet in the the air. Massive stained glass windows depicting the war against the demons encircle the upper area, painting the inside of the cathedral in brilliant color.

The group approaches a desk with busy men in tunics moving papers, copying things down, and exchanging information. One of them sees the trio approaching, stands, and smiles.

MONK #1

Welcome to the Grand Cathedral friends. How may The Order of the Calling assist you today? Perhaps a tour of our lovely grounds?

GEDRIC

We're here to see Brother Anton.

MONK #1

I'm sorry but as Brother Anton is of the Higher Court, he keeps a very busy schedule and is unable to see anyone who desires his time.

Gedric pulls out the completed missive.

GEDRIC

Brother Anton issued a missive which we've completed. We are here to report and collect our bounty.

The monk at the desk takes the paper and studies it. He turns to another monk who also looks and reviews it. They speak in hushed tones, gesturing every once in a while to the group. The monk returns to the group, handing the missive back.

MONK #1

Ah, for this, we would be happy to help you at the disbursement office.

TIRAES

We've also been given a package by Brother Haikus at Clearview Outpost to deliver to Brother Anton personally.

MONK #1

Ah, may I see it?

TIRAES

My instructions were to deliver it to him directly.

The monk looks back to the other monks. Finding confirmation, he turns back.

MONK #1

Of course, my apologies. Please come right this way.

The monk leads the group to a doorway on the left. They enter a library, the shelves filled with books of all kinds. Monks sit at tables studying quietly. Others sit in groups, chanting quietly together. The monk leading them makes commentary as they pass.

MONK #1

Here our initiates study hard to learn the ways of The Order.

The monk leads them through the library, into a hallway that leads to a mess hall.

MONK #1

And here we dine together, three meals a day.

They continue passing various closed doors, entering into a garden.

MONK #1

In this garden we grow much of the wheat we use for bread and vegetables we eat.

They pass a long hallway with many closed doors.

MONK #1

Our sleeping quarters.

Finally, they reach a large door where two massive guards stand, weapons in hand.

MONK #1

And here is the high council room, where the higher court meets.

The monk bows to the guards, they open the door, and the party enters.

INT. GRAND CATHEDRAL HIGH COUNCIL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The room looks like a court room. Close to the entrance door, chairs and benches are arranged looking forwards. At the far end, is an elevated stand in a crescent shape, ten chairs behind the stand, and behind the chairs is a smaller door.

MONK #1

Please wait here, I will let Brother Anton know you have arrived.

The monk exits from where they came, closing the door behind him.

The three sit down on the first row of chairs facing the stand. Reemus digs in his pack and removes the package for Brother Anton and places it next to him. They sit silently, waiting.

A moment later, the door behind the stand opens, and Brother Anton walks in. The party stands. He sees the group and a look of surprise crosses his face but he quickly regains his composure.

BROTHER ANTON

Oh, it's you with the gnolls. Weren't you to report at Clearview?

Brother Anton makes his way around the stand.

GEDRIC

There were some complications. It would seem that Clearview did not receive the money for the bounty.

BROTHER ANTON

Hmm, the roads are so unsafe these days.

GEDRIC

Indeed. First though, Brother Haikus sends this package for you.

Reemus hands the package to Brother Anton who accepts it and places on the stand behind him.

BROTHER ANTON

I had almost forgotten. Thank you for bringing this to me.

Gedric takes the missive now and hands it to Brother Anton.

GEDRIC

Here is the completed missive, verified by Sergent Aleron at Clearview Outpost.

BROTHER ANTON

You were able to kill them all and return the heads?

GEDRIC

Yes, kind of.

Flashes of the events at the barn play out. The crucified gnolls, the naked elf covered in runes, the burning of the barn.

Brother Anton now sits in a chair, his fingers steepled, thinking.

BROTHER ANTON

You've burned the barn then?

GEDRIC

Yes.

BROTHER ANTON

And who else knows about this?

GEDRIC

We've only spoken to Sergent Aleron. He asked us to report directly to you.

BROTHER ANTON

May I see the dagger?

Gedric offers the dagger. Brother Anton takes the dagger and studies it.

BROTHER ANTON

There doesn't seem to be anything special here.

He hands the dagger back, Gedric places it back in his belt.

BROTHER ANTON

And the letter you found?

Gedric hands him the note, and Brother Anton studies it.

BROTHER ANTON

Any ideas?

GEDRIC

The Claptrap Cat holds some measure of interest for me but I am unaware of any specific connection it has to this.

BROTHER ANTON

What nature of interest?

GEDRIC

Personal.

BROTHER ANTON

I see. Well, with everything in ashes now, there is not much else to be done. The missive please.

Gedric hands over the missive, and Brother Anton pockets it. He pulls out eight gold pieces and hands them to Gedric.

BROTHER ANTON

Thank you for your service and your report. You are dismissed back to Ertran.

Brother Anton moves to leave but notices the trio has not moved.

BROTHER ANTON

Unless there is more?

Gedric looks to Reemus who nods.

GEDRIC

We have some reason to believe that what happened in that barn was not an isolated incident.

BROTHER ANTON

What makes you say that?

Tiraes' eyes dart to the package that Brother Anton has placed down. He turns to look at it and then back at the group.

BROTHER ANTON

Ah, I see, the mage has been in my books. Yes this wasn't something I was going to tell you as it pertains to the Order.

Brother Anton, hand on chin, begins pacing in front of stand.

BROTHER ANTON

The situation is worse than you know. There are rumors of another gate opening.

REEMUS

Opening where? By who?

BROTHER ANTON

We don't know. More is unknown than known and it is difficult to investigate while not causing a panic. If the people were to know, it would be chaos in the streets.

He pauses his pacing a moment and turns to them.

BROTHER ANTON

But perhaps, this is fate. Perhaps, you three can help us.

Brother Anton looks at the three in front of him.

BROTHER ANTON

There is a rumor of a phrase, created at the very moment when the first gate opened. A spell that has the power to close such a gate.

The trio stand in stunned silence.

REEMUS

(softly)

Where?

BROTHER ANTON

There is a church whose catacombs are rumored to run deep into the earth. The phrase is said to be deep in those catacombs.

REEMUS

(softly)

Where is it?

BROTHER ANTON

(solemnly)

Tier's Bastion in Goldwynn.

There is a silence.

REEMUS

(to Gedric)

We cannot go back.

BROTHER ANTON

You must recover the phrase.

GEDRIC

How sure are you of this rumor?

REEMUS

Gedric you can't be serious.

BROTHER ANTON

I am almost certain it lies in the depths below the church but I have no knowledge of what else might be there.

REEMUS

We were there, we know what went into that church.

BROTHER ANTON

When the next gate opens, do you think Ertran will be spared? Those gnolls were killed less than a day from where you call home. Your friends and family will die unless you recover this phrase.

Reemus looks at Gedric and Tiraes. Their minds are already made up.

REEMUS

You'll die if you go. We'll all die. Those catacombs are still crawling with demons.

TIRAES

Then we die together.

Reemus balls his fists in frustration and anger.

REEMUS

Many nights, I dream we are back outside those walls, fighting, getting slaughtered.

He looks down at his hands.

REEMUS

I see my hands grow old in front of me as we fight tooth and nail. I see my friends die a million different deaths, and still I fight on. I cannot escape.

And then at once, the tension leaves and he slumps in resignation.

REEMUS

I guess I never left.

BROTHER ANTON

(solemnly)

The Order will provide horses for your journey. See the provisioner. Go quickly. Find the phrase and bring to me.

The three turn, leaving through the large door behind them. Brother Anton watches them go.

EXT. GOLDWYNN - DAY

Three figures ride horses along the remnants of a road. Various human-made siege engines lay in the surrounding area, destroyed. As they walk along, they skirt piles of burned armor, broken swords, arrow shafts, and charred depressions. The area is completely silent.

Ahead of them, the gates of Goldwynn stand, blasted outwards leaving a massive hole in the middle. A crater the size of a home sits in the road.

FLASHBACK:

An unnatural storm brews above Goldwynn, flashes of purple lightning arc among the clouds. The gates sit closed. In the fields, rows of soldiers stand in rank as their commanders sit on horses. Siege engines are pulled into place by teams of horses and workers begin loading and preparing. Groups of mages sit together, preparing ingredients and reading tomes. Flashes of gold come from various places in the ranks as armor is warded against attack.

Gedric stands among other soldiers, preparing. A commander rides in front, sword raised.

COMMANDER

Today we take back Goldwynn! This is their final stand, we end this now!

Shouts of accent and swords raise from the rank.

COMMANDER

March on brothers, march towards glory!

The soldiers bang their swords on their shields and yell.

COMMANDER

Forward!

On queue, multiple siege engines release their payload, slamming into the walls of Goldwynn, gouging the stone. As if the town were alive, a roar is heard. The clouds darken even further, the arcing lightening flashes faster and faster. A low drone increases in pace with the lightening. The troops move forward still, the siege engines continue to pelt the walls. The drone crescendos and then silence.

A violent bolt of purple arcs silently down into the town behind the closed gates.

A pause, nothing happens.

And then the doors explode, a purple projectile screams outwards and slams into the ranks closest to the gate, disintegrating two hundred men, including the commander, in the blink of an eye.

Demons pour from the destroyed gate and from over the wall, running towards the attacking forces. They slam into the shields of the front line.

PRESENT DAY:

As the trio get closer to the gate, the bodies of demons are interspersed among the human remains. Gedric sees a gargoyle-like creature, sunken and shriveled, its wings are spread and full of holes, the talons are razor sharp and caked in blood. This is a SCREECHER.

FLASHBACK:

Gedric stands in the fields separated from others, breathing heavily, his armor covered in purple blood, and his sword is notched and dented. Purple meteors fall from the dark sky, deafening screams and the sound of metal clashing can be heard from all directions. Siege engines continue firing off massive projectiles, smashing into the intact walls of Goldwyn.

Gedric zeros in on one of the screechers in the sky. It drops, letting out a piercing cry as it does so, aiming for a fully armored man engaged in combat. The man is engaged with a dog-ish figure with squid-like tendrils protruding from it's neck. This is a VOID HOUND.

Gedric runs, reaching the armored man at the same time as the screecher. He slices a wing off and the creature lets out a cry of pain, griping the helmet off the soldier but falling to the side, unable to fly and convulsing on the ground.

Gedric places a hand on the soldier's armor and yanks him backwards. They both fall in a heap as a purple meteor clips into the void hound, destroying the back half of it's body. The un-helmeted man turns and we recognize Tiraes, massive shield in hand.

PRESENT:

A rotting void hound lay on it's side, missing the back half of it's body.

The group continues, fifty yards now from the door. A pile of skeletal remains lays in a pile on top of a dusty black cloak.

FLASHBACK:

Tiraes and Gedric crouch behind a shield as a skeleton with glowing eyes floats in midair, hurling spell after spell into the shield. This is a SKELETAL MAGE. As the purple and green spells smash into it, the shield emits bright golden light but each time, the light is less bright and Gedric and Tiraes are struggling to stay upright behind their only defense.

The mage charges a large spell when it suddenly freezes, its arms and legs straighten, shaking with effort. The jawbone trembles, and then every bone in it separates at once, the light goes out in it's eyes, and it falls in a heap. Gedric and Tiraes look behind and see Reemus, the top of his robe in tatters with a massive burn on his chest, heaving with effort.

PRESENT:

The trio enters the main gates of Goldwynn.

FLASHBACK:

The trio enters the gates, still on fire from having been blown open. Ruins of buildings line the walls. In the center of the town are ten stone pillars with glowing runes etched on them. Behind the portal stands a church at the highest point of a hill in the town.

In the center of the ten stone pillars is a demon sitting crosslegged, eyes closed, four large swords are stuck into the ground around it. The BLADEMASTER opens his eyes, grasps each sword, and stands up. He is fifteen feet tall and armored. He swings the six foot swords around him in practiced fluidity.

Tiraes rushes forwards with his shield and mace. Gedric is behind him.

The demon swings. The impact is stopped by a shimmering barrier from Reemus. Even then, the impact on the barrier sends Reemus sliding across the dirt, barely able to keep his feet.

Two other swords are blocked by Tiraes, and a fourth sword is blocked by Gedric.

Gedric tries to stab but the demon jumps back. Tiraes and Gedric press forward, the demon swings two swords that hit another shimmering barrier, but this time Reemus is thrown off his feet from the impact. His body slams into the wall of a nearby destroyed home, stunned.

The demon presses Tiraes and Gedric with a flurry of blows. A a sword bites into Tiraes' shield, he parries a second and sends it into the ground. Gedric blocks two blows and then swings at the demon's hand still on the sword in the ground. The demon again jumps back, now missing one sword. He raises his free hand to the sky and then throws it down towards the prone body of Reemus.

Tiraes drops his weapons and sprints back to Reemus, grabbing him just before a meteor slams into the ground. Gedric faces the demon alone now, barely parrying and dodging the onslaught of blades.

The demon swings, Gedric blocks but is driven to a knee and losses a sword. The demon swings all three swords down.

Gedric rolls backwards and launches his sword as if it were a spear, hitting the demon in it's eye. The demon screams in pain, dropping another sword. He covers his bleeding eye with one hand and raises another. A meteor falls again, Gedric is knocked back by the impact, sliding next to the demon's sword still stuck in the ground.

Tiraes runs over, sliding below a swing of the injured demon's arm and retrieving his shield in the same move. They stand in the center of the ten stones. The demon swings both blades from above, Tiraes catches both on his shield. The demon swings again and again, the shield is splintering.

One final raise of the swords, Tiraes holds the shield parallel to the ground. From behind Tiraes, Gedric runs holding the demon's own sword behind him. He jumps, takes a step on Tiraes' shield, another step lands on a shimmering barrier that Reemus has conjured while still laying by the ruined house. The blade Gedric holds arcs through the air and slams into the demon's head.

The blademaster stiffens and falls over, dead. A screech is heard, Gedric looks behind him to the gate and a wave of demons pour through, all trampling each other in a panic.

Gedric grabs Tiraes and pulls him behind one of the stones as the demons run back, through the stones and into the church.

PRESENT:

The trio stand in the middle of the stone pillars, staring at the decayed body of the blademaster with a sword lodged in it's head. As one, they look up at the church.

INT. TIER'S BASTION - CONTINUOUS

The dim light filters through broken stained glass windows. Overturned pews and rotting hymnals litter the floor in between the evenly spaced pillars that hold the roof. And in the center of the room, a jagged hole in the wooden floor leads to darkness.

The trio make their way in way through the cluttered ground. Upon reaching the hole, Gedric removes his pack and takes out a large spool of rope. He secures one end to the nearest pillar. Meanwhile, Reemus conjures four small orbs of light on his palm. Three orbs float towards each person and sit above their heads. The fourth, Reemus directs downwards into the hole. Reemus and Tiraes peer into the hole.

GEDRIC

How far down?

TIRAES

150 meters.

Gedric tosses the untied end of the rope into the hole. He pulls the rope taut, testing it's strength, and then begins his decent.

INT. CATACOMBS ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER

Three figures inch their way down the rope, each illuminated by the floating orb above them. At the top, faint light outlines the hole they came from. And at the distant bottom, a light sits illuminating the rocky floor below.

INT. CATACOMBS CAVERN - MOMENTS LATER

Gedric and Reemus stand at the base of the rope, weapons drawn. Tiraes is the last to descend, dropping the last few feet with a grunt. The sound echoes in the chamber. The orb from the bottom of the rope drifts towards Reemus, he motions with his hands and it moves upwards, gaining luminescence, until the cavern is dimly lit.

The group stands at the bottom of a natural cavern, the walls are rough and jagged. A dark tunnel to the left, too square to be naturally occurring.

The trio move towards the tunnel, the light follows them. Tiraes enters first, Gedric behind him, and Reemus bringing up the tail. Reemus pauses for a moment before he enters, brushing a hand over the claw marks around the entrance of the tunnel.

Reemus enters and as the light in the cavern fades, a brief flash of movement in the corner goes unnoticed.

INT. CATACOMBS TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS

The tunnel continues for some time, the only sounds are of the party shuffling along.

Gedric lays a hand on the shoulder of Tiraes and the party freezes.

GEDRIC

(whispering)

Do you hear that?

Tiraes cocks his head, waits a moment, and shakes his head. Gedric looks back at Reemus who shakes his head as well. The group continues as the roar grows gradually into the sound of rushing water.

Water begins to pool on the floor of the tunnel, bits of moss can be seen. The sound of water is deafening now. They turn a corner and at the end is a sheet of water.

They reach the curtain of water, Tiraes looks both ways and then disappears to the right. The others follow suit.

INT. CATACOMBS WATERFALL PATH - CONTINUOUS

The party moves carefully on a carved path that sits behind the waterfall. The rock is slick and each member takes deliberate steps to avoid slipping.

They approach the edge of the waterfall and they crouch low. Clearing the waterfall, the party look out on...

INT. CATACOMBS CITY SIDE ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

A massive cavern split in two. On their side, the waterfall feeds into an expansive underground lake. And on the other side sits a massive city carved from and into the stone of the cavern. The cavern is illuminated by the purple flames of regularly-lit braziers in the city.

At the far end of the lake, a tunnel can be seen with a closed SLUICE GATE. A few docks extend into the water from the shore at various points, SMALL BOATS pull against their rope tethers.

Closest to the shore in the middle of an open plaza is a large statue, a dwarf with a long beard wielding dual battle hammers, his head is helmeted but turned upwards as if in the midst of a shout.

Various roads lead outwards from the plaza, roughly carved buildings of all shapes and sizes line the streets and are placed in the walls of the cavern. Stairs criss-cross and zig-zag along the wall, connecting the entrances and leading back down. Two main roads branch from the plaza and lead to large archways carved into the wall.

The party crouches on a hidden ledge next to the waterfall, peering at the town. The sound is still too loud to speak over but Tiraes catches the attention of the other two and gestures in a downwards motion. They stay low and begin their decent along the ledge, into the city.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY PLAZA STREETS - MOMENTS LATER

Reemus is the last to climb down from a rock that leads to the hidden ledge. The three now stand in the streets of the city, the road they are on leads in a downwards slope, ending at the plaza. Intricately carved closed wooden doors of rock houses line the streets. The sound of the waterfall is muted here, the city is quiet and seemingly abandoned.

Gedric turns to the group.

GEDRIC

(whispering)

Everyone on guard, lets head to the plaza.

The three move through the streets.

GEDRIC

(whispering)

Hold here, Reemus give me some light.

A floating orb appears above Gedric and he moves in close to one of the doorways, tensed for action. He pauses for a moment, listening. Then he pushes on the door and it swings open without a sound. He enters into...

INT. CATACOMBS CITY ABANDONED HOME - CONTINUOUS

A simple room, decorated sparsely. An empty stone table surrounded by orderly chairs on a simple rug. An unlit hearth sits on one side of the room, empty chairs in a semi-circle. An open door in the back of the room, too dark to see into.

A tapestry hangs from one wall, what looks like the documentation of a family lineage is sewn into it. Unintelligible names with faces sewn expertly next to them. Gedric crouches down, tracing the lines downwards, until at the very bottom, two points converge into one, a child. He traces the Dwarven lettering with a finger.

A moment later, he stands, and moves towards the open door in the back.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY ABANDONED HOME BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

A simple but clean kitchen, pots and pans sit on counters and shelves. He takes a step in and a small shadow on the ground resolves itself into a SMALL GRAY PLUSH BEAR. Behind the bear is a blanket, strewn on the ground, leading to a crib laying on its' side. This is the only sign of disorder.

Gedric sheathes his weapons and reaches down and picks up the bear. One of its' button eyes is missing and an ear is torn with stuffing coming out. Gedric moves his thumb over the missing button.

He is lost in thought for a moment, the light from Reemus' orb casting shadows on the walls that move ever so slightly as the orb floats, shadows of life that this home once had.

Gedric places the bear on a nearby counter and turns away from the scene.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY PLAZA STREETS - MOMENTS LATER

As Gedric exits the home, the light above him fades.

TIRAES

Did you find anything?

Gedric looks far away still, he shakes his head. The group continues down the street towards the plaza.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY PLAZA - MOMENTS LATER

They approach the statue in the plaza, it towers sixty feet in the air. Reemus approaches a golden plaque embedded in the base of the statue.

REEMUS

"There are no kings under the mountain. Die free, heads unbowed."

The three stand and stare up at the massive statue.

TIRAES

Do we know where this phrase is supposed to even be?

REEMUS

(musing)

In Dwarven beliefs, life and death are not so far apart. You come from rock, you mine rock, you return to rock.

TIRAES

They come from rock?

REEMUS

Its metaphorical.

TIRAES

Well, where is the literal phrase we are looking for?

REEMUS

I don't know. But I do know that dwarves keep a record of their civilization and I have only ever heard of it being kept in one place.

TIRAES

Where?

Reemus walks over to a sign post at the edge of the plaza and studies it for a moment.

GEDRIC

The catacombs.

TIRAES

Oh gods, of course, the catacombs.

REEMUS

Over this way.

Gedric slaps Tiraes on the shoulder.

GEDRIC

Cheer up, at least everything should be dead.

Gedric walks off towards Reemus.

TIRAES

(glumly)

Should be.

Tiraes follows the other two into a street.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY SMALL SQUARE - CONTINUOUS

A small square butts up against the cavern wall. The shore of the lake is on the left, a dock extends into the water, a small overturned boat lays on top of the dock. The river that flows through the sluice gate out of the cavern lays just a bit further in the lake.

There is a STONE WALKWAY that leads from the square, against the cavern wall, up to a control area for the currently closed sluice gate.

Set into the cavern wall is a large entrance with pillars and steps leading up to the entrance.

The trio round a corner and enter into the square.

REEMUS

And it should be right here. The dwarven Hall of the Dead.

Tiraes whistles.

TIRAES

You know I hate to admit this, but that was actually impressive. You only got us turned around five times.

REEMUS

How about next time, you lead the abandoned dwarven city tour group and I'll be the one to make snarky comments?

TIRAES

Fair enough.

The three figures move across the square, up the steps of the building, and into the Hall of the Dead.

INT. HALL OF THE DEAD CATACOMBS - MOMENTS LATER

Worn stone steps are illuminated as the party descends into the catacombs. The tunnel extends endlessly in the dark, wide enough for the three to stand shoulder to shoulder.

On the right side of the seemingly endless tunnel are two rows of small alcoves. On the left is a flat wall, covered in dwarvish script.

Reemus approaches the first lower alcove. Inside lays a stone dwarf, hands crossed and resting on a pickaxe that lay on their chest. Reemus reads the inscription next to the alcove.

REEMUS

This was Taflan Longbeard. Apparently he established this hall and was the first to be buried here.

TIRAES

Is it a carving?

REEMUS

Maybe that phrase of return to stone was not so metaphorical.

Tiraes looks in the alcove and then at the wall behind them.

TIRAES

Is this the history of the city, then?

Reemus turns around and examines the left wall.

REEMUS

Oh yes, and in great detail. This is very interesting.

Tiraes moves deeper into the catacombs while Gedric stands and watches Reemus read.

REEMUS

This city used to be run by slavers. That statue in the square was Form Hammerbreaker, he led the revolt and killed the slavers. The people wanted him to be king but he refused.

GEDRIC

"There is no king under the mountain."

REEMUS

They created a council instead, with each member representing different classes in the society, each with an equal say.

TIRAES (O.S.)

Over here.

Reemus and Gedric look down the hall, Tiraes stands a bit down the hall, his orb illuminates a doorway on the right.

Gedric and Reemus move towards him.

GEDRIC

What have you found?

TIRAES

Looks like more graves.

The three stand in the doorway, a large tomb with more alcoves extends.

TIRAES

How old is the city?

In response, Gedric turns and begins walking down the hallway.

REEMUS

I guess we'll find out.

INT. HALL OF THE DEAD CATACOMBS - CONTINUOUS

The trio walk in silence, Reemus stopping every once in a while to read, tracing some of the runes with his hands.

REEMUS

Three massive gold veins...city expanding...problems with traders on the surface...and a war.

TIRAES

Against who?

REEMUS

I guess the slavers came back.

Reemus turns around and walks over to a doorway behind him. Inside is a large room, in the center, a staircase heading downwards.

TIRAES

Stairs?

Reemus waves his hand and another orb of light appears and moves downwards. The light travels down, illuminating a landing with more stairs. It travels downwards but eventually peters out without reaching an ending.

TIRAES

So much death...

REEMUS

The population must have been decimated.

They stand for a moment in contemplation.

GEDRIC

Come on, lets keep moving.

As Gedric re-enters the hall, he kicks something. Gedric bends down and picks up a WATERSKIN.

GEDRIC

It's a waterskin.

The waterskin has a symbol of an eye with four marks above it is stamped on the front.

TIRAES

Left by the dwarves?

GEDRIC

I don't think so...

Gedric pokes his finger through a hole in the container and shows the others.

GEDRIC

What do you think did this?

Gedric hands the pouch to Tiraes and begins walking down the hall.

TIRAES

Too big for an arrow. A pickaxe maybe?

Tiraes hands the pouch to Reemus.

REEMUS

I know this symbol, its from a bandit clan to the west. They raid towns, kill everyone they see, loot the place, and then burn it to the ground.

TIRAES

What's it doing here?

GEDRIC

Must have belonged to him.

Reemus and Tiraes look up. Gedric is crouched a little ways down the hallway next to an ARMORED FIGURE. The figure is sitting down with its back propped against the wall, sword and shield still in hand. The body is very decayed.

Emblazoned on the chest plate is the same symbol that is on the waterskin. The helmet and and chest are dented as if they had experienced a hailstorm.

GEDRIC

There are more too.

Gedric points further down the hall. Four more bodies lay strewn about.

The party pick their way carefully through the bodies without disturbing them. The final body lays face down in the middle of the hallway, a dwarven pickaxe in one hand, the other a CLOSED FIST. Gedric crouches next to the figure examining him.

Tiraes continues a few more feet, reaching the end of the hallway.

TIRAES

Dead end.

Reemus is focused on the left wall.

REEMUS

The war with the slavers was viscous, and the people became desperate.

Reemus hands trace the characters as he reads intensely, his voice growing in excitement.

REEMUS

They were offered a deal from a stranger. A sacrifice for a promise that the city wouldn't fall to the slavers. The council agreed, the phrase given was-

Reemus stops.

REEMUS

It's gone.

TIRAES

What do you mean, its gone?

REEMUS

Look, there's a hole, like someone cut into the rock and took it.

Tiraes crouches next to Reemus and examines the hole.

GEDRIC

Over here.

Reemus and Tiraes move over to Gedric. They are all crouched around the dead mercenary. Gedric reaches out and slowly opens the closed fist.

Inside sits a slightly glowing rock. They stare at it for a moment and then Reemus reaches for it slowly.

GEDRIC

Wait!

Of its own volition, the rock flys towards Reemus' hand. Gedric throws a hand, intercepting the rock as it moves toward Reemus. As the rock makes contact, the blast sends Reemus and Tiraes hurtling backwards into the end of the unfinished tunnel, landing in a heap.

Gedric levitates in the middle of the hallway, back arched, screaming in pain. Purple light emits from his eyes and mouth in three beams onto the ceiling.

The scream and the light increase to an ear shattering pierce. A fourth beam from his right hand appears.

Then, everything freezes, a demonic laugh emanates from the tunnel.

UNKNWON

GAJOR I'LYX ALDOR.

At once, the light disappears and Gedric drops to the ground, face up. Smoke rises from his hand.

Reemus and Tiraes rush and kneel next to him.

REEMUS

Gedric! Gedric are you okay?

TIRAES

Gedric say something!

Gedric is still for a moment. Then he takes a massive breath and his eyes fly open wildly, his limbs claw and flail. Tiraes holds him down.

TIRAES

Woah, easy, easy!

REEMUS

What happened?

Gedric's eyes focus and he sits up.

GEDRIC

I saw through the portal, to the other side, where they come from.

Gedric takes a slow, shaky breath. He stares at the top of his hands for a moment, then turns them over.

On his right palm, the runes from the stone are seared into his hand.

GEDRIC

They're ready and waiting. It's not going to be like last time, not even close. I-

He stops and cocks his head.

REEMUS

What?

Gedric says nothing but without noise, rises to his feet and faces the path they came from. The others scramble to their feet as well, their backs to the end of the tunnel.

The hallway is dark, there is no movement.

In the distance, a pair of glowing purple eyes are seen from the left. And another and another.

GEDRIC

Reemus.

Reemus waves a hand, a pulsing line of light along the roof shoots down the hallway and marks their path. From the doorways on the left, STONE DWARVES with glowing eyes fill the tunnel. As the light passes, a dwarf wakes in an alcove in the hallway and joins the rest. Each dwarf holds a weapon, mostly pickaxes but there is an occasional sword.

Tiraes shrugs his shield to the front and pulls out his mace, giving it a few practice swings and testing the reach.

TIRAES

It would seem we've woken the dead.

Gedric pulls out his sword, shifts it to his left hand, and reaches down to grab the fallen pickaxe from the mercenary.

GEDRIC

Let's go.

As one, the party rushes forward. The dwarves yell upwards, their open mouths glowing purple, then charge as one. The first swing of the pickaxe thuds into Tiraes' shield. He pulls the shield to the side and bashes the dwarf's head with his mace. A blast of rock smatters against the wall, and the figure crumbles to the ground, headless.

The trio advance, stepping over the pile of rubble. Reemus dips his hand into the rock of the disintegrating dwarf and throws it into the air. His hand shoots out, locking the stone in a shimmering barrier behind them.

They reach an open doorway on the left. Tiraes passes it, engaging two dwarves in front. From the darkness of the doorway, a dwarf lunges at Gedric with a sword. He sidesteps and the dwarf is thrown off balance. Gedric swings with a backhand, the pickaxe is buried in the back of the dwarf's head who falls to the ground.

Reemus extends the magical barrier behind them to block the doorway as the trio move past. Gedric moves up to support Tiraes who is taking blows on the shield from two dwarves. Gedric drops low and swings wide with the pickaxe which bites into the dwarf's ankle, breaking off his foot. The dwarf topples into his companion, breaking his attack pattern and Tiraes finishes them both off with two quick swings.

Gedric sheathes his sword and replaces it with a pickaxe dropped on the ground, now dual-wielding them.

As they continue, more stone dwarves emerge from behind them. Pickaxes slam into Reemus' barrier with no visible effect. Reemus holds his left hand aloft while with his right hand, he points at rock stuck in the barrier. As he points at each rock, they shoot out at great speed into the dwarves, breaking off arms, legs, and chunks of heads.

REEMUS

(yelling)

More rock!

Two dwarves attack Gedric from one of the open doorways on the left. He parries the first, deflects the second, kicks the first again back into the doorway, and buries both pickaxes in the second dwarves' head. The body drops, and he releases the pickaxes, taking two hand fulls of rock, and throws them into the Reemus' shield where they stick, ready to be used.

The first dwarf again attacks the crouched and unarmed Gedric who rolls backwards. The dwarf follows, the pickaxe striking rock where only a moment before Gedric was. Gedric scrambles backwards, his back hits the wall. The dwarf strikes, Gedric moves his head and the pickaxe buries itself in the wall. He wraps an arm around the embedded tool, kicks the dwarf back, and pulls the pickaxe from the wall.

The weaponless dwarf lunges for Gedric's torso. Gedric jumps over him, kicks him into the wall and slams the pickaxe into another dwarf just emerging from the doorway. With a quick move, Gedric throws the first pickaxe at the first dwarf and picks up the two dropped pickaxes from the ground.

TIRAES

I can see the entrance!

GEDRIC

Go!

A continuous dance among the flurry of blows brings the party to the stairs.

GEDRIC

Go, make for the waterfall, I am right behind you.

Reemus lifts up both hands and then makes a shoving motion. The rocks shoot out of the barrier in a burst of shrapnel and the barrier shimmers out of existence. Tiraes clobbers the last remaining dwarf, and they both sprint up the stairs side by side.

Gedric moves like a whirlwind among the remaining dwarves, the flurry of blows is a blur. The only thing slowing the stream of assailants are the bodies of the fallen stone dwarves, piling up so much that the dwarves have to scramble over their fallen comrades to try and reach Gedric.

The tunnel is nearly fully blocked and Gedric stands for a moment, panting and heaving with effort. The wall of bodies is nearly complete. And then a pickaxe breaks through the wall. Then another and another. The dwarves are mining through the bodies of the fallen.

Gedric turns and sprints up the stairs to follow his comrades.

INT. CATACOMBS CITY SMALL SQUARE - MOMENTS LATER

Gedric flys out of the entrance of the Hall of the Dead.

He slides to a stop next to Reemus and Tiraes who stand at the top of the steps just outside the entrance. Gedric lowers his pickaxes slowly.

Dwarves now line the alleyways, eyes glowing purple, pickaxes ready. Void hounds and skeletal mages are interspersed among them. No one moves.

A skeletal mage, cloaked in black wearing a spiked mantle stands at the front. He lifts a bony finger and points at Gedric. The jawbone opens but does not move as he speaks.

SKELETAL MAGE

I'LYX SCANTH ORJAR

The dwarves and demons roar as one, heads tilted to the cavern ceiling.

Gedric scans the horde and then looks to the right, seeing the docks and walkway to the sluice gate.

GEDRIC

We take the river. Tiraes, you get the boat, Reemus, open the gate. On my signal.

Gedric begins walking down the stairs. He drops the pickaxe in his right hand. He raises his palm, the runes glow a faint purple still.

SKELETAL MAGE

ORJAR I'LYX

Gedric reaches the bottom of the stairs.

GEDRIC

Take it, if you can.

He draws his sword. The mage points to Gedric again.

SKELETAL MAGE

SOLINTH

Gedric breaks to the right, moving towards the docks. The demons rush pass the mage as he stares at Gedric.

At the same time, Tiraes bounds down the stairs, heading for the docks as well. Reemus runs along the top, reaching the walkway and begins running along it.

Tireas sweeps behind Gedric and runs toward a boat at the very end.

The first demons to reach Gedric are two void hounds. They approach on either side, trying to corral Gedric. He keeps his back to the shore, as the void hounds snarl and bite, their tendrils shooting outwards, trying to find a target.

Gedric parries and feints at the one on the left. It jumps back, and the hound on the right attacks. A tendril shoots out but Gedric swings the pickaxe down, pinning the tendril into the ground. The hound lets out a sound of pain, trying to jump back but the tendril is pinned. Gedric lunges forward and stabs the hound under the jaw, pulling the pickaxe up as he moves over the top. The left hound snaps its jaws as it scrambles over the body of its' dead comrade just a moment too late. Gedric now stands at the entrance of the dock, fighting off demons.

Tiraes reaches the end of the dock just as a wave of fifteen screechers attack. They circle around, diving at random. Tiraes raises his shield and the talons scratch at it but find no purchase. Another screecher dives and this time Tiraes is ready, blocking and swinging the flail at the same time, ripping through the wing of the attacker.

Tiraes slides the boat forward with his foot towards the end of the dock. Parry, counter attack, slide, repeat. The progress is slow, but he cannot drop his shield for even a moment against the onslaught.

The stone dwarves from the catacombs break through and pour out of the entrance, heading for Reemus on the walkway.

Reemus reaches the end of the walkway where the control for the sluice gate sits. He sees a circular stone with four long pegs and a lever.

Reemus' eyes become alert, and he raises his left arm just in time to summon a shield. The blast from the skeletal mage's spell throws him against the rocky wall. Dwarves begin to run across the walkway.

With one hand, Reemus summons a shimmering dome around the control area. The dwarves on the walkway reach the shield and begin to hammer against it. More spells crash into the barrier and bounce off into the cavern causing rocks to drop into the lake and shower the surrounding area.

SKELETAL MAGE

KAXUL SHERA

A section of the dwarves on the walkway jump off into the shallow water below the controls and begin hammering on the structure, trying to bring it down.

Reemus runs to the lever and triumphantly pulls it. Nothing happens. He tries again. And again. Nothing.

He looks in panic over at the docks where Tiraes and Gedric are still battling. The bodies of demons fill the bay and the blue water turns purple, but Gedric is giving ground continuously. Tiraes has managed to get the boat near the end of the dock.

Gedric pulls his sword out of another void hound and kicks it to the side. As the body falls lifeless, a blademaster charges down the dock.

His four swords swing in a crossing pattern, meant to shear Gedric in two. Gedric steps back, the swords meet air, and he steps quickly back in. The pickaxe in his left hand flashes downwards, stabbing through both arms of the blademaster on the left, pinning them together.

The blademaster pulls his wounded arms back, disarming Gedric of the pickaxe. The blademaster swings again but only with his non-injured side. The two swords swing down vertically and Gedric steps backwards. The swords bite into the dock, sticking for a moment. Gedric swings and lops off both hands. The blademaster falls as he loses his footing and lands into the bay. Gedric moves his shield from his back to his left hand.

Even as the blademaster disappears into the water, two dwarves take his place. The sword proves to be ineffective against their hardened bodies and sparks appear where Gedric attacks but with little effect.

Gedric continues to retreat. He is parrying, blocking, and disarming, but he is losing ground. The dock is swarming with demons.

GEDRIC

(yelling)

Tiraes!

Tiraes gives a final kick and the boat falls off the dock, bobbing in the water, pulling against the rope still tied. He jumps in, still fending off the screechers.

TIRAES

Ready!

Tiraes looks over at Reemus on the walkway. Reemus still holds the barrier on the walkway with a spell in one hand but it is weakening. The dwarves below break through a support and the walkway buckles slightly, threatening to knock the whole structure down.

The skeletal mage floats above the water, throwing spell after spell into Reemus' shield. They bounce off indiscriminately, destroying dwarves and demons alike, careening into the walls and ceiling of the cave.

GEDRIC

Reemus!

Gedric has reached the end of the dock, battling with a blademaster. A chunk of rock from the ceiling slams down into the dock near Gedric, leaving only half of the width usable. The impact throws Gedric off his footing momentarily. The blademaster gathers his swords in a massive downward swing. Gedric raises his shield which is completely shattered and Gedric is slammed flat on his back.

Another swing from the blademaster, Gedric rolls backwards and drops into the boat, severing the rope attaching it to the dock. The boat is taken into the swift current, headed towards the still closed gate.

Reemus looks to the floating skeletal mage and then at the dwarves hammering on the barrier. The platform begins to shake, pieces of the floor begin to collapse and drop into the water below.

The mage throws another purple meteor straight at Reemus. As it approaches the barrier around the panel, the barrier disappears allowing it through. It approaches Reemus. At the last second, Reemus conjures another barrier just in front of him, small and condensed, angled upwards. The meteor hits it and ricochets into the ceiling above the sluice gate, hitting a massive ROCK.

The mage laughs and charges another spell but Reemus is already running towards the edge. The flooring of the control area creaks and breaks behind him, falling into the lake along with the dwarves chasing him.

The mage tries to track Reemus, but he dives over the ledge and into the bay below. The impacted rock above the sluice gate detaches itself with a massive crack and falls from the ceiling. As Reemus resurfaces, the rock hits the gate, the sound is a deafening metal on stone.

And the water smashes Reemus back down into the lake, muting the sounds and throwing him sideways. He struggles for breath, twisting in the water.

A hand from above grabs the back of his robe and pulls him upwards, and he breaks the surface gasping.

Gedric pulls him into the boat and tosses him onto the ground where he hacks and coughs. Gedric has resumed his place at the back of the boat, left hand on the rudder and right on his sword. Tiraes stands next to him, shielding him from the screechers still circling.

The boat passes through the broken sluice gate and into...

INT. CATACOMBS CITY RIVER TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS

Reemus is laying on the floor of the boat, disoriented and coughing up water, he stands unsteadily. The tunnel is very dim. A flash of purple illuminates the area in time for the boat to avoid crashing into a wall. The boat moves to avoid it, and Reemus is thrown back to the ground.

TIRAES

Reemus! Reemus get up!

Another flash of purple.

TIRAES

Reemus, please, get up!

Gedric is at the back of the boat manning the rudder with one hand and slashing at the screechers around them with his sword. Tiraes stands next to him, shielding them both and swinging his flail.

Following behind the boat is the skeletal mage, glowing purple and closing the distance to the boat. The mage channels a ball of fire in his hand and then throws it. The purple ball burns a hole through the edge of Tiraes' shield and clips into the side of the boat leaving a long gash.

Tiraes looks back at Reemus, still laying stunned in the bottom of the boat, and then to the mage who lets out a laugh and channels another purple ball of fire. Tiraes grits his teeth and braces for impact.

The mage cocks his arm back to throw but freezes instead, the ball shoots into the ceiling. Tiraes looks behind him again. Reemus is on one knee, left arm steadying himself and right arm outwards, holding the mage.

The mage spasms and shudders. Reemus grunts with effort. The mage laughs again and slowly but surely, a ball of purple flame begins charging in his hands again.

Gedric kills another screecher with his sword and pulls on the rudder to avoid another rock outcropping.

GEDRIC

(shouting)

Hold him!

Reemus screams in effort but still the mage charges. Then at once, Reemus collapses back into the bottom of the boat. The ball of fire shoots towards the boat.

Tiraes drops his flail, flips his shield to the side, and holds it with both hands. The purple projectile lands squarely in the middle. A loud crack and a brilliant flash of gold and purple. Tiraes is blown off his feet, sailing over Reemus and landing in heap at the bow.

REEMUS

(screaming)

Tiraes!

Reemus holds his arms up again, a shimmering barrier appears, blocking further attacks from the mage. He splashes through the water over to Tiraes. The shield is in splinters around him and blood covers the left side of his face.

Reemus slaps his cheeks but Tiraes doesn't respond, unconscious.

REEMUS

Tiraes get up, please get up!

GEDRIC

Reemus I need you!

The barrier is already beginning to fade as more spells from the mage hit it.

REEMUS

(to Tiraes)

Stay low, you'll be fine.

Reemus moves back to Gedric at the rudder.

GEDRIC

Take over and don't let me fall.

Reemus takes over the rudder with one hand, the other holds the now nearly gone barrier. Gedric reaches down into the bottom of the boat and picks up Tiraes' flail.

He turns to the mage, steps onto the back edge of the boat

GEDRIC

Let's end this.

Gedric takes a step off the boat. Reemus drops the shield and at the same time, Gedric's foot connects with a shimmering platform that Reemus is channeling.

Gedric stands behind the boat in mid-air, facing the floating mage. Six screechers flap around the mage. They dart towards him, trying to surround him. He lashes out with both weapons in opposite directions, spearing a screecher on his sword while braining another with the flail.

A screecher comes from above and Gedric drops low, Reemus expertly conjuring and destroying platforms as Gedric moves fluidly. Gedric's sword flashes and the creature loses a wing, falling into the water below.

The remaining four screechers are on all sides. Gedric feints a lunge to the left but instead swings the flail right and flips the sword behind him, impaling a sneaking screecher attack and ripping a hole in the wing of another.

The impaled screecher behind flaps wildly, and Gedric is unable to free his sword in time to block an attack from a third. The talons pierce his left arm, and he drops the flail with a grunt of pain. The screecher holds tight, gnashes its' fangs, aiming for Gedric's head and throat.

Gedric drops onto his arm, bodyslamming the screecher into the platform. He rolls over with the screecher, just in time to dodge the impact of a spell from the mage. On top of the screecher again, Gedric jams the sword longways into the creature's mouth and then slams down again, cutting off the top portion of its' head. The talons release, and it slides off the platform and into the river.

Gedric stands, blood drips from his wounded arm and splashes on the shimmering platform. He faces the mage, and they begin circling each other.

The mage conjures a flaming ball of purple fire and throws it. Gedric drops to his back and the flame flies over him. He kicks himself back up to his feet and switches the grip on his sword. Another ball of flame, he sidesteps. As the mage begins to hurl a third, Gedric throws the sword.

It hits the mage in the shoulder, throwing him off balance and the spell misfires into the ceiling. Rock falls, blocking the mage's view of Gedric momentarily. The view clears and Gedric has closed the distance between them.

The mage raises a hand and lets out a tenticle-like blast of purple. Gedric ducks and lunges forward, hooks his fingers in the ribcage of the mage. The momentum of his lunge carries him around the mage and, with his fingers still hooked into the ribcage, on to the back of the mage. With his other hand, Gedric brandishes the dagger with the red gem in it.

He stabs downwards near the mage's neck who lets out a screech. The purple fire in his chest burns brighter and the mage blindly sends blast after blast behind him, hoping to catch Gedric.

GEDRIC

Now!

Reemus stands at the back of the boat, arm out, holding the mage rigid for the moment. Gedric reaches up and around the skull, hooking the fingers of his hand on to the mage's gleaming teeth. The mage's hands both alight with fire, fighting Reemus' hold, they begin to move slowly upwards.

Gedric lets out a soft grunt that rises into a scream of effort as he pulls. The mage's hands glow brighter and brighter as they raise until they are nearly even with Gedric's head. Gedric's scream reaches a pinnacle of effort.

The skull detatches from mage's head with a crack. The flame in the center of the skeleton's chest shoots upwards, erupting from its open neck.

Gedric flys backwards, slamming into the river. The mage convulses in the air, volatile fire shoots out of the open neck, slamming into the roof of the tunnel and breaking chunks of rock off.

The skeleton begins to shrivel and compress with a high pitched noise.

Reemus forsakes the rudder and runs towards Tiraes.

The high pitched noise crescendos and then silence.

Reemus jumps onto Tiraes and conjures a protective barrier.

The skeleton explodes.

BLACKNESS

INT. CLIFF FACE CAVE BOAT CRASH - LATER

The waterlogged boat sits at the edge of a small outlet from the river, tipped on its' side. Glowing lichen in the cave lights the area. Reemus lays on the ground face up. He jolts awake with a gasp and sits up.

GEDRIC (O.S.)

Easy there.

Reemus looks around and sees Gedric sitting off to the side, cinching a bandage over his right hand. Next to him is Tiraes, a blood-marked bandage covers the left side of his face.

Reemus gets up and walks over to Tiraes.

REEMUS

Is he okay?

GEDRIC

He'll live, but I don't know about his eye.

Reemus shakes his head sadly.

REEMUS

How's your arm?

GEDRIC

I've had worse scrapes dueling you.

They both laugh with weariness, staring at Tiraes as his chest rises and falls slowly.

GEDRIC

Hey, go check out a bit further down the river. There's something I want you to see.

Reemus raises an eyebrow.

REEMUS

What is it?

GEDRIC

Go look.

Reemus starts downstream walking along the bank. He turns with the river into

INT. CLIFF FACE CAVE - CONTINUOUS

Light from the far end of the cave is just enough to illuminate the scene. Reemus lets out a gasp.

In the center of the cavern is the remnants of a fire. Three circles. The impaled and decayed remains of dwarves encircle the fire, their hands on the spears as if they had done it themselves.

Reemus moves forward, walking in-between remains. He waves his hand and an orb of light appears above the remains of the fire, casting shadows of the dead once again on the walls.

TIRAES (O.S.)

By the gods...

Reemus turns around to see Gedric supporting Tiraes as they move into the cave behind Reemus. Tiraes leans against the rock.

REEMUS

Tiraes, you're awake.

TIRAES

(joking, but tired)

What did you do here Reemus?

Reemus smiles and gestures to the closest body.

REEMUS

Too bad you survived, I was going to add you to my collection.

They all chuckle. Tiraes seems to recover some strength from this. He walks slowly without Gedric's assistance over to Reemus in the middle of the cave. Gedric follows.

GEDRIC

Remind you of any recent reading?

Reemus turns slowly, taking in the whole scene.

REEMUS

(slowly)

This must be the sacrifice we read about in the dwarven crypt.

TIRAES

You know what it reminds me of?

REEMUS

The gnolls in the barn?

TIRAES

Exactly. But what's the connection? There was no phrase to recover there, no demons or dwarves.

GEDRIC

I don't know. There is one thing out of place though.

Gedric points to the other end of the cave of the cave. A lone skeletal figure is slumped against the wall.

The group walks over to examine it.

TIRAES

Looks human.

REEMUS

And stabbed from behind.

GEDRIC

Part of the sacrifice? Or just poor timing?

Reemus shrugs his shoulders.

REEMUS

Who knows.

They turn back, contemplating the scene in the cave for a moment. The shadows dance on the walls in the glow of the orb of light.

The trio turn back to the entrance and exit the cave. The light slowly fades behind them.

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - DAY

An arm pops over the edge of an airship and is grasped by another. Gedric is pulled up on to the deck and given a hearty pat on the back by Captain Torst. Gedric is stunned.

GEDRIC

Captain Torst?

CAPTAIN TORST

Aye lad! Good to have you back on board!

Behind him, Tiraes and Reemus are helped on to the deck.

GEDRIC

How did...

CAPTAIN TORST

That old priest sent us out, what's his name, Brother Anton.

Gedric raises an eyebrow.

GEDRIC

Brother Anton sent you out?

CAPTAIN TORST

Well, kind of. I feel I didn't thank you properly for our last encounter, so I went about enquiring to this Brother Anton and he said that you'd left on a dangerous mission to Goldwynn. I figured after we unloaded the cargo, we'd come take a look and see if you needed any help. Lucky we saw the flare from your mage.

GEDRIC

Well, thank the gods you did.

Gedric produces two gold pieces and hands them to Captain Torst.

GEDRIC

And drinks for the whole crew tonight!

Cheers from the crew erupt on the deck. Captain Torst moves closer to Gedric and lowers his voice. He gestures to Tiraes being helped down the stairs into the hold, the bloodied bandage still on his head.

CAPTAIN TORST

What happened down there?

GEDRIC

Hopefully, preventing another war.

The captain's eyes widen.

CAPTAIN TORST

Are ya serious lad?

Gedric nods gravely.

GEDRIC

What day is it?

CAPTAIN TORST

Night before Eternum.

GEDRIC

We need to get back to Daevonfall as soon as possible. How fast can we get there?

CAPTAIN TORST

Should be there by nightfall.

GEDRIC

Right then. I need to check on Tiraes, but I'll be up shortly to fill you in. Thank you, Captain.

Gedric nods to the captain and heads down into the hold.

INT. AIRSHIP LIVING QUARTERS - MOMENTS LATER

Reemus is laying in one of the beds reading from his notebook. Tiraes on the other with his eyes closed. Gedric enters the room and closes the door behind him.

GEDRIC

How are you holding up Tiraes?

Tiraes' eyes open.

TIRAES

Fine enough.

Gedric nods at this.

GEDRIC

We'll get you to a healer in Daevonfall.

TIRAES

The grand cathedral will have a number of them, and they can take a look at your arm too.

Reemus perks up at this.

REEMUS

I almost forgot, Gedric, your hand?

Gedric moves to the table and sits in one of the chairs. Tiraes and Reemus get off their beds and flank him him.

Gedric holds his right hand out, palm downwards. It is bandaged. He undoes the cloth and then flips his hand revealing the runes of power still seared into his hand.

REEMUS

By the stars...

TIRAES

Can you read it Reemus?

Reemus studies the runes.

REEMUS

No, these markings are nothing I have ever seen.

Gedric looks at both of them.

GEDRIC

This is something we still don't fully understand. For now, we keep this between us, agreed?

Reemus and Tiraes nod in agreement.

GEDRIC

Good. Now, we have something to discuss. Tomorrow is Eternum.

Gedric produces the note from his pocket and sets it on the table. "Claptrap Cat, Night of Eternum" can be seen clearly.

REEMUS

Then we didn't miss it.

GEDRIC

We're just in time. And here is what I am thinking...

The three lean in close, and Reemus begins writing.

FADE OUT TO:

EXT. DAEVONFALL AIRSHIP PORT - DAY

The port is a set of docks protruding from the high wall. Airships of all sizes are docked in various state of loading and unloading. A steady stream of foot traffic runs along the walkway. Wagons filled with crates, boxes of food, and animals move along in a cacophony of noise.

Tiraes and Reemus stand close, while across the stream of traffic, Gedric speaks with the captain.

Gedric leans in close, speaks some inaudible words to the captain, hands him another golden coin and shakes his hand. The captain smiles and turns away, shouting and gesturing at the crew members to continue moving boxes around the port.

Gedric moves through the traffic over to Tiraes and Reemus.

GEDRIC

Okay, all set.

TIRAES

Should we head to the cathedral then?

REEMUS

I've got some preparations to do for tonight.

GEDRIC

Alright Tiraes and I-

Five armored guard approach the group.

GUARD #1

Gedric, Tiraes, and Reemus. Your pressence is required at The Grand Cathedral.

GEDRIC

Required by whom?

GUARD #1

Brother Anton. He has requested that we escort you all there.

GEDRIC

Tiraes and I need an infirmary as soon as possible.

GUARD #1

Your wounds will be treated by our healers. You are all required to come.

The guard makes a pointed glance at Reemus. Gedric shrugs.

GEDRIC

Lead the way then.

The guards surround the group and they begin walking down the docks.

INT. GRAND CATHEDRAL INFIRMARY - LATER

Gedric and Tiraes each lay on an infirmary bed. Two monks busy themselves around Tiraes's head while another works on Gedric's arm.

The monk near Gedric threads a needle through his arm, finishing a final stitch. He places the needle and thread to the side and then hovers his hands over the arm. He mutters and a glow of yellow emits from his hands.

HEALER #1

This will heal fine. Try not to get stabbed anymore.

GEDRIC

Thank you.

HEALER #1

And your hand?

He motions to Gedric's bandaged hand. Gedric smiles tightly.

GEDRIC

Not an injury, gives me a better grip on my sword.

The healer nods and leaves the room. Gedric sits up on the table and looks over at Tiraes. The healers speak in low tones between themselves. One healer's hands glow continuously golden while the other's hands hold tweezers and a knife.

Gedric stands and moves to the head of Tiraes' bed. Tiraes lays there, eyes closed, his face is a mask. The gash runs from the middle of his forehead, across his eye, and down his cheek. The cut is deep and his eye socket is a bloody mess.

Tiraes looks up at Gedric with one eye expectantly. One of the healers speaks to Tiraes first.

HEALER #2

No talking please.

Gedric grips his shoulder, squeezes it, and smiles. Tiraes visibly relaxes.

Brother Anton appears in the door of the room, and the healers stop their work for a moment to bow, but he waves them off.

BROTHER ANTON

Please continue. Gedric, come with me would you?

Gedric nods, looks down at Tiraes again, gives him another smile, and follows Brother Anton out the door.

INT. GRAND CATHEDRAL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Brother Anton walks down the hallway, and Gedric walks beside him, neither speaking for a moment.

BROTHER ANTON

How was the journey?

GEDRIC

Eventful.

BROTHER ANTON

I heard you arrived back on an airship.

GEDRIC

I heard you sent one out.

As they walk down the hallway, monks stop and bow in reverence until they pass.

BROTHER ANTON

To be honest with you, I was not optimistic I would see you again, but this Captain Torst was very eager to assess your whereabouts.

They have arrived at the high council chamber doors and the guards opened the doors without prompting. Brother Anton and Gedric enter.

INT. GRAND CATHEDRAL HIGH COUNCIL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The doors close behind them, and Gedric pauses just inside. Brother Anton walks to the center then turns.

BROTHER ANTON

You can speak freely here.

GEDRIC

Good, then let's speak plainly.

Gedric reaches into his pocket and produces the punctured waterskin, tossing it to Brother Anton.

Brother Anton catches it and pokes his finger through the hole.

BROTHER ANTON

What's this?

GEDRIC

A momento from the last group you sent in.

BROTHER ANTON

What are you talking about?

GEDRIC

The bandits from the West. Killed by demonically re-animated dwarves. Something you neglected to inform us of.

BROTHER ANTON

I can assure you I have no idea what you are talking about. The rumor of such a phrase only reached me a few months ago.

Gedric stares hard at Brother Anton trying to decide if he believes him.

BROTHER ANTON

Did you recover the phrase or not?

Gedric raises his right hand and slowly removes the bandage, revealing the phrase seared into his skin. Brother Anton's eyes widen.

BROTHER ANTON

You did it.

Brother Anton produces the Demonic Reference from his robes and copies the runes on to an empty page.

BROTHER ANTON

Where was it?

GEDRIC

In an abandoned Dwarven city deep below Tier's Bastion.

Brother Anton finished writing and closes the book. Gedric covers his hand again.

BROTHER ANTON

You have done what was requested.

Brother Anton puts the book away and produces a sack of coins which he tosses to Gedric.

Gedric catches it and pockets the coins. He turns to leave.

BROTHER ANTON

One more thing, Gedric.

Gedric turns back.

BROTHER ANTON

The note, the Claptrap Cat. You said it was of some personal interest to you. If I remember correctly, that meeting is tonight. Will you be going?

Gedric looks hard at Brother Anton. Then he nods once.

BROTHER ANTON

Very well then, I wish you luck.

Gedric bows, turns, and leaves.

EXT. DAEVONFALL SQUARE - LATER

Gedric and Tiraes sit on a bench in the square as people bustle by, many dressed in black robes and masks. Tiraes has an eyepatch over his left eye and the stitches look fresh.

GEDRIC

I'm sorry about your eye, Tiraes.

Tiraes raises his hand and waves it in front of his face. He sighs and puts it back down.

TIRAES

Me too, it's no small loss. And still, I am one of the lucky ones.

Gedric and Tiraes turn to see Reemus approaching.

REEMUS

(to Tiraes)

You look terrible.

TIRAES

No worse than you but you've still got both eyes. What's your excuse?

They all laugh.

GEDRIC

All set Reemus?

REEMUS

All set.

Reemus reaches into his bag and pulls out black robes which they all put on over their clothes. Reemus then produces a mask molded in an animal face for each of them. Tiraes recieves a bear mask, Gedric a wolf mask, and Reemus an owl mask.

Reemus reaches back into his bag and pulls out a LOCATOR STONE glowing a slight gold, handing it to Gedric. Gedric slips it into the bandage on his right hand.

GEDRIC

Okay then, see you on the other side.

They nod to each other and melt into the crowd.

EXT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT - SUNSET

The theater is a massive building, brightly lit with flashing strobe lights shooting into the air from the roof.

A long line of people stand waiting outside. At the entrance of the two massive doors is a podium where a man dressed as a jester stands. Two massive mercenaries flank him on either side. They each have a battle axe strapped to their back.

Gedric, still in the black robe and wolf mask, pushes and shoves through the line, ignoring protests and sounds of annoyance. He walks up to the podium, ignoring the mercenaries who draw their weapons and step up menacingly.

JESTER

Unfortunately, sir, the seating has not begun. Please take your place back in line.

Gedric hands a note to the jester who opens it and reads it. He looks to the two guards and then jerks his head towards the doors.

The guards move and escort Gedric inside, one in front and one behind. They enter the large doors.

INT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT VESTIBULE - CONTINUOUS

They walk into a wide open room with velvet carpet and red drapes. A large open door sits in front and two grand staircases lead upwards on either side. Workers scurry around, finishing preparations for opening the show. The mercenary in front stops and turns around.

MERCENARY #1

Weapons.

Gedric holds out his open palms. The guard behind him grabs him roughly and pats him down. He produces Gedric's coin purse and opens it, smiling. He removes two gold pieces from it and then hands it back to Gedric.

MERCENARY #2

Inspection fee.

The first mercenary laughs and turns back around. They continue forward into the large door and enter into

INT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT THEATER ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The theater room has hundreds of plush red seats. Chandeliers are placed high on the ceiling illuminating the room and floors above. The ground slopes downwards to the stage. Stagehands move busily around, adjusting props, pulling ropes and moving curtains.

The guards escort Gedric down the main aisle and up on to the stage. At the far end is an open cellar door. They enter into...

INT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT SUB-FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

A straight tunnel with rooms on either side continues with doors on either side. Gedric looks as he passes open doors. Actors rehearsing lines, getting dressed, and applying makeup inhabit various rooms. A distracted actor begins to walk out, sees the mercenaries, and hurries back into the room.

They walk to the end of the hall, and the guards stop at a door on the right. The first mercenary enters, the second one shoves Gedric forward but stays outside and closes the door behind them.

INT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT STORAGE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The room is medium-sized. Boxes line the room walls, some open and some not. In the center, a long table with a chair at either end. The guard points to the closest chair.

MERCENARY #1

Sit.

Gedric sits down in the chair.

The mercenary moves to the far wall and approaches some boxes. He pushes them to the side with some effort and then presses a hidden button on the wall. It slides open revealing a tunnel. The mercenary enters.

Gedric looks at one of the open boxes against the wall, the writing on it says "The Claptrap Theater" and inside are glowing red vials.

The mercenary enters into the room along with a figure dressed in a black robe and a vulture mask. The mercenary pulls the chair out for the masked man who sits. The mercenary stands behind the figure. Silence for a moment.

BROTHER ANTON

I can't seem to get rid of you, can I, Gedric?

The figure reaches up, pulls his hood back, and removes the mask revealing a smiling Brother Anton.

Gedric reaches up and takes off his hood and mask as well.

GEDRIC

I suppose not.

Brother Anton laughs and claps excitedly.

BROTHER ANTON

It seems like all of our pieces are on the board now. Tell me, when did you know?

GEDRIC

I had my suspicions when the bounty wasn't waiting for us at Clearview.

BROTHER ANTON

To be fair, you were never supposed to come back from that barn. Or from Goldwynn for that matter.

GEDRIC

I am not sure you ever had a chance. More powerful beings than you have tried and failed to kill me.

BROTHER ANTON

Well, you are both right and wrong there. Powerful beings in the past, yes. But when I kill you and take that marking on your hand for myself, there will be none more powerful.

GEDRIC

You're insane.

BROTHER ANTON

You still don't understand. I thought you had put the whole thing together by now. Though I supposed you wouldn't be here if you had. Allow me to explain.

Brother Anton stands and begins walking around lazily, touching the crates.

BROTHER ANTON

Seven years ago, Jarden, the Dwarven city deep under Goldwynn, came under attack by slavers. As they knocked at the gates, the dwarves made a deal with an elven warlock. He guaranteed the safety of city in exchange for the lives of 20 willing volunteers.

GEDRIC

Yes, I know. Reemus read this in the catacombs.

BROTHER ANTON

That sacrifice was what opened the first gate. Realizing what they had done, the dwarves abandoned the city.

GEDRIC

But we won, the gate was closed.

Brother Anton shakes his head.

BROTHER ANTON

It was closed but before you reached it. The portal was far too unstable last time, open only long enough for a small contingent, a scouting party if you will.

GEDRIC

(confused)

We killed a blademaster in Goldwynn, and the remaining forces retreated to...

BROTHER ANTON

...to Jarden where a group of bandits looking to loot an abandoned city happened upon the only runes that could stop them.

GEDRIC

We thought...

BROTHER ANTON

(with ridicule)

You thought you had stopped the war?

Brother Anton laughs cruelly and waves a dismissive hand.

BROTHER ANTON

A coincidence. The demons ran to protect the only thing that could stop their plans.

Brother Anton gestures to Gedric bandaged right hand.

BROTHER ANTON

Whoever has the runes controls the power to close any gate. The runes combined with your friend Reemus' notes of the markings on the elf's body gives the greatest power to any man - the ability to end the world and save it at the same time, the ability to control the demons.

GEDRIC

You have the runes, I saw you write them down.

BROTHER ANTON

It's true. But I've never been a fan of loose ends.

GEDRIC

The elf in the barn, the same who approached the dwarves in Jarden...

BROTHER ANTON

Correct.

GEDRIC

He kills the gnolls but something goes wrong, he dies in the middle of the ritual.

BROTHER ANTON

Correct again.

GEDRIC

He was to meet you here once the gate was ready to be opened. The note we found on his body was your note.

BROTHER ANTON

Three for three.

GEDRIC

Meanwhile, you were going to use your influence to retrieve the phrase from Jarden. With both pieces complete, you could do whatever you wanted. That's why there was no missive at Clearview. You never expected us to return.

BROTHER ANTON

You've pieced it all together now. Imagine my surprise when you three showed up at the cathedral telling me the warlock was dead and you had suspicions of demonic activity.

GEDRIC

But why send us to Goldwynn instead of some knights of The Order?

Brother Anton shrugs.

BROTHER ANTON

You already knew too much. Either you would die there or you would come back with the runes, and I could kill you.

Brother Anton walks back to his chair and sits.

BROTHER ANTON

By now, my guards have apprehended your friends, killed them, and taken the journal from the mage.

GEDRIC

I wouldn't be so sure.

BROTHER ANTON

Oh but I am. My ship is already at the docks being prepared. We sail for Ertran shortly. By tomorrow night, a new light will dawn, not The Order's light. My light. The only thing standing in my way is your life.

Brother Anton nods to the mercenary behind him.

BROTHER ANTON

Bring me his right hand.

Gedric laughs, and it catches Brother Anton off guard.

BROTHER ANTON

Interesting to hear a dead man laugh.

GEDRIC

What a pathetic, delusional man you are. You have no idea what you're doing. I saw what awaits on the other side of that portal. You're much too weak.

Brother Anton stands angrily.

BROTHER ANTON

(shouting)

You have no inkling of my power.

Brother Anton throws out a hand and Gedric is thrown back against the boxes. Blood trickles from his nose and he wipes it with his bandaged hand, momentarily covering his mouth and deposits the locator orb into his mouth.

BROTHER ANTON

I am going to make you watch every person you have ever loved die.

Brother Anton raises a hand again and Gedric is lifted into the air, held rigid. Brother Anton closes a hand and Gedric screams out in pain. Brother Anton releases his grip slightly and Gedric hangs his head for a moment, breathing hard.

GEDRIC

You seem sure of yourself and the situation but there is one thing you missed.

Gedric looks up. In between his teeth is the locator stone, now pulsing consistently. He spits it forward on to the table.

Brother Anton throws a shimmering golden shield up in front of him, dropping Gedric to the ground in the process. The pulsing locator rolls slowly across the table, reaches the shield, and stops. Brother Anton dissipates the shield and picks up the locator.

BROTHER ANTON

What is this, a locator? Is that supposed to scare me? I told you, your friends are most certainly dead by now.

Gedric reaches up from the ground and props himself back up on the table.

GEDRIC

They've never abandoned me before, I can't imagine they would now.

Brother Anton smiles and crushes the locator between his fingers.

BROTHER ANTON

Truly a fool's hope.

GEDRIC

I wouldn't bet on it.

Gedric drops back below the table. The ceiling above Brother Anton collapses in. Brother Anton has just a moment to throw a shield above his head to avoid being crushed.

Gedric jumps up and sprints along the right side of the table towards the secret passage. Brother Anton struggles to stand, brushing rubble off of him. The mercenary behind him lays in a pile of rubble and blood.

The door opens and the second mercenary enters, trying to make sense of the situation. Gedric is nearing the passage when he is blown into a pile of crates on the side. Brother Anton stands bent but with a hand out.

BROTHER ANTON

(coughing)

Kill him.

The guard jumps over the table, raises his battle axe and swings. It slams into a shimmering barrier of blue. Gedric looks up to see Reemus' head poking through the hole in the roof, arm extended.

Gedric kicks the guard in the knee, dropping him. He scrambles up, Brother Anton throws another spell that bounces off the barrier and Gedric enters into...

INT. THE CLAPTRAP CAT TUNNELS - CONTINUOUS

The tunnel is wide, with various passages shooting off in different directions, lit with torches every few yards. Various men move boxes between different areas. Gedric sprints forward.

BROTHER ANTON (O.S.)

(shouting)

Stop him!

Two thugs carrying a crate drop it and draw their swords. Gedric throws the full force of his body into the first one. They both fall over the crate and land in a heap on the other side. Gedric recovers, ducks the swing of a sword from the other thug, and keeps running.

FLASHBACK:

Young Gedric sits at a vantage point watching the tunnels being dug, tracing them in the air with a finger. His hand jerks left.

PRESENT DAY:

Gedric takes a sharp left, slides past more crates, turns right, past an open door where two men unload red colored vials, then another right.

FLASHBACK:

Young Gedric at night walks the unfinished tunnels, sliding a hand along the wall as he walks. He turns into a doorway, walks forwards and stops at the base of the city wall.

PRESENT DAY:

Gedric turns into a doorway and faces the same wall. Stone has been removed from the wall and Gedric enters the opening into...

INT. SMUGGLER WALL BOTTOM FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

The room is built into the castle wall. It has a spiral staircase that leads upwards. To the right is an old ELEVATOR, the wooden platform has ropes extending upwards and crates on top. Two men are unloading the elevator, another sits at a table to the right.

Gedric slides to a stop in the room.

ECHOING VOICES

(distant shouting)

Stop him!

The three men draw their swords. Gedric runs to the stairs but a swing from one of the men slams into the wood above his head and he backs up.

One man lunges, Gedric sidesteps, grabs his arm, and breaks it at the elbow. The man drops the sword on the ground. The second and third man attack as well. Gedric drops and rolls, picking up the dropped sword at the same time.

He runs to the elevator, jumps onto some of the crates, and cuts one of the ropes. The elevator shoots upwards as the counter weight falls from the ceiling.

INT. SMUGGLER WALL TOP FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

The elevator slams to the top and Gedric is thrown upwards and then back down. He stands in a similar room to the one below. Shouts and movements sound from the staircase. There is a door in front of him. He runs into it and enters...

INT. PORT MASTER HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

The port master's room is a study with paper everywhere. A wall full of bookshelves, opposite is a wall of windows with a full view of the port. A door to the right sits closed.

One of the bookshelves flys open and Gedric bursts through, stopping in his tracks. He looks around the room

FLASHBACK:

Young Gedric plays on the ground while his father sits at the desk working. Young Gedric flys an airship around the room, knocking into his father's arm. His father stops working, gets up laughing, and chases Young Gedric around the room and towards the door.

PRESENT:

The door opens and three guards enter, swords drawn.

PORT GUARD

Stop!

Gedric runs to the desk, steps on it, and hurls himself out of the window.

EXT. DAEVONFALL AIRSHIP PORT - CONTINUOUS

Gedric lands on a pile of crates, breaking them and stunning himself. Figures wearing masks and black robes crowd around him. Someone reaches out a hand and helps Gedric up.

ROBED FIGURE

Are you alright?

GEDRIC

A little too much to drink tonight, I think.

Gedric pulls his mask from the robe, puts it on, and limps into the crowd.

PORT GUARD (O.S.)

He landed over here, come on.

The guards push through the crowd, seeing only the broken boxes. Brother Anton in a dusty robe approaches and sees the boxes.

PORT GUARD

We will find him.

Brother Anton smiles.

BROTHER ANTON

Don't worry, I know exactly where he will be.

EXT. DOCKED SHIP - MOMENTS LATER

Three masked figures work in black robes on the deck of an airship, readying the ship, moving boxes.

PORT GUARD (O.S.)

Halt!

The figures freeze. Across the gangplank stands Brother Anton and thirty guards, swords drawn.

Brother Anton walks across, followed by the port guard and a few soldiers. Brother Anton slowly claps as he walks towards them.

BROTHER ANTON

That was a neat little trick there you pulled. Once the locator was destroyed, your little mage blasted the location?

Brother Anton paces in front of them.

BROTHER ANTON

His magic, like your plan, was weak. Did you think I didn't have eyes around the city? Paying that insufferable captain to stick around for a quick escape?

CAPTAIN TORST

Insufferable?

Brother Anton spins around in surprise. He walks to the figure in the middle and rips the mask off, revealing Captain Torst.

BROTHER ANTON

What? I...you...

CAPTAIN TORST

Brother Anton, what a coincidence, we were just loading up some cargo on the ship.

Brother Anton's face is a mask of rage.

BROTHER ANTON

(screaming)

Where is he?

Captain Torst turns to look out into the horizon.

Brother Anton follows his gaze. The sails of an airship float into view with the crest of The Order on them. Tiraes stands in his armor holding onto the rigging. Brother Anton stares with an open mouth.

BROTHER ANTON

Thats... that's my ship...

Tiraes drops to the deck, bows to Brother Anton and then turns to the helm. Gedric stands at the controls next to Reemus. They both mock salute Brother Anton, and the ship begins to fly away.

Brother Anton turns to the port guard.

BROTHER ANTON

I want the fastest ship you have right now.

PORT GUARD

(stuttering)

I can't just commandeer a ship.

BROTHER ANTON

(shouting)

Get me a ship, now!

The port guards scatter, and they run off the gangplank.

EXT. THE ORDER'S AIRSHIP DECK - CONTINUOUS

Tiraes approaches Gedric at the helm. Reemus stands to the side. Fireworks illuminate their faces.

GEDRIC

Brother Anton isn't going to give up without a fight.

REEMUS

How long to Ertran?

GEDRIC

Too long. We're running a skeleton crew, and there is a storm on the winds.

TIRAES

What can we do?

Gedric looks grim.

GEDRIC

Tiraes, I want you to wait until we clear the city walls. Then, head into the hold and throw everything that isn't nailed down overboard.

Tiraes nods and leaves.

GEDRIC

Reemus, ready the canons and at the first sign of Brother Anton, channel a barrier on the sails.

Reemus nods and leaves. Gedric stands on the deck of the ship, the lights of the fireworks illuminating his deep frown.

EXT. THE ORDERS AIRSHIP DECK - LATER

Storm clouds surround the ship, cracks of lightening illuminate the deck where Reemus and Tiraes sprint around, readying cannons and tying ropes. Rain pours down on them, Gedric braces himself against the wheel, holding against the howling winds.

A crack of lightening, the silhouette of a second ship is seen through the clouds. Tiraes points at it and yells through the wind.

TIRAES

Gedric, they're here!

Another crack of lightening and the silhouette draws closer.

TIRAES

Incoming!

The crack of a canon is heard and, from the perusing ship, a green ball of fire flies through the clouds, hitting a sail. Fire spreads and the dissipates leaving the sail untouched.

Reemus stands below, channeling a barrier on the sail.

GEDRIC

Hold fast!

Gedric pulls hard on the wheel and the ship veers, Tiraes and Reemus grip the banner of the ship as various objects on the deck slide.

GEDRIC

They are coming from above. Take out their hull!

Tiraes and Reemus run to the railing, one near the tip of the ship and the other near the back. They each stand behind a canon. The enemy ship's hull drops into view slowly.

Silence.

Tiraes and Reemus lock eyes, nod, and run at each other, setting off the canons as they pass.

The green volley slams into the bottom of the enemy ship tearing out pieces and creating massive holes. The enemy ship lowers.

GEDRIC

Get down!

Tiraes and Reemus dive to the ground. A downward volley from the enemy ship slams into the deck. Debris flies up all around them.

Reemus and Tiraes stand back up. Fire burns on parts of the deck, and chunks of the deck are gone, creating jagged holes straight through.

The ships are now level and a crack of lightening shows the enemy deck full of activity.

GEDRIC

Reemus, take the helm! Tiraes stay on those canons!

Reemus runs up and takes the wheel.

REEMUS

Where are you going?

GEDRIC

Im going over! Keep the sails safe!

TIRAES

What?

Gedric is already running to the edge. He draws his sword, grabs a rope, cuts it, and flys upwards and over towards the enemy ship.

EXT. ENEMY AIRSHIP DECK - CONTINUOUS

Gedric lands on the deck and draws his other sword. The deck is a flurry of activity with men loading cannons.

Brother Anton stands on the deck, flanked by two guards.

BROTHER ANTON

Come then, Gedric, let's finish this!

The guards approach on either side, fully armored, their shields high.

The first swings his flail in a downward motion. Gedric sidesteps and the flail bites into the wood. Gedric stands on it, stopping the guard from retrieving it. The other guard swings. Gedric blocks with a sword but the flail wraps around the sword. The guard pulls and Gedric is disarmed on the right.

Gedric kicks the guard struggling to retrieve his flail, and the guard falls backwards into men working the canons. The impact moves the canon and it misfires, the bolt of green shoots off into the sky.

The standing guard swings his flail again. Gedric parrys on the left and kicks the guard in his knee, dropping him. Gedric kicks him again, this time in the chest, and the guard falls, helmet coming off. Gedric stands above him, swings the sword, and stops at the last moment. They meet eyes and pause for a moment.

Gedric senses something and tries to dodge. A spell hits nearby, blasting Gedric to the side. His body slams into the rain soaked deck.

Gedric's vision darkens and his ears ring. Brother Anton approaches from across the deck. Visions of Isal swim into view and Gedric blinks hard to clear them. Her laughter echoes in his ears for a moment.

A flash of lightning brings Gedric back, and the light illuminates his sword nearby. He grabs it and stands, swaying slightly. The guards have recovered their weapons and move again to attack.

Gedric parries a blow with his sword and moves in close, struggling with the guard physically. Gedric pushes off from the guard as the flail from the other swings down overhead. The guard missing his helmet bashes Gedric with his shield sending him flying onto his back, blood pours out of his nose.

The other guard stands above him swinging the flail down. Gedric waits for the impact but it slams into a shimmering barrier. Gedric looks over to the other ship.

Reemus has jammed a piece of wood in the controls to keep them steady. He stands at the end of the ship channeling one barrier on the sails still and one barrier for Gedric.

Brother Anton sees this and fires off a number of spells at Reemus who has to drop the barrier on Gedric to defend himself.

Gedric is back on his feet, sword in hand. He pulls the dagger from his belt and begins fighting off blows from the guards again.

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - CONTINUOUS

Reemus and Brother Anton face off across the chasm, spells flashing among the canonfire.

Brother Anton sees Tiraes on the deck. He snarls and shoots a spell at the unaware Tiraes.

The spell hits the canon that Tiraes was in front of, knocking him backwards. Off-balance, his foot misses the deck and he falls into a previously blown hole in the deck, body dangling but holding on with both hands. The ground can be seen far below.

TIRAES

Reemus!

Reemus sees Tiraes trying to keep his grip on the edge but Brother Anton's has refocused his attcks on Reemus, preventing him from moving.

TIRAES

Reemus, help! I am slipping!

Tiraes holds on with only one hand now. Reemus looks over and sees Gedric caught in a corner, battling the guards with no escape.

TIRAES

Reemus!

Tiraes' hand slips and Reemus is there, grabbing onto it with both hands. Reemus yells in agony as Tiraes dangles high above the fields below.

With no barrier being channeled, the enemy projectiles hit the sails, and fire begins to spread.

Tiraes regains a momentary handhold and begins scrambling back onto the deck with the help of Reemus.

Reemus looks up at the sails. Reemus releases one hand from Tiraes and points at his own helm. A blast of magic shoots out. The previously wedged piece of wood flies is hit, releasing the wheel which begins to spin wildly.

EXT. ENEMY AIRSHIP DECK - CONTINUOUS

Gedric is fighting off the two guards still. He swings, gets caught off balance and falls heavily down. One of the guards steps on his sword arm, pinning it. He lashes out with the dagger, but the other guard catches his arm.

A flash of lightning in the sky, the helmeted guard raises his weapon for the killing blow. He swings downward.

At that exact moment, Gedric's airship crashes into the side of the enemy airship, throwing everyone to the deck. Gedric flips over, runs to the railing, and jumps over towards his ship.

EXT. AIRSHIP DECK - CONTINUOUS

Tiraes is still scrambling for purchase. Gedric lands nearby, grabbing Tiraes' other arm. Reemus and Gedric heave, pulling Tiraes onto the deck.

There is a massive cracking sound and the main sail snaps off of Gedric's ship, falling onto the enemy ship.

GEDRIC

Get to the helm!

The wheel spins wildly, and Gedric runs to it, trying to stop the movement, but he can't. There is a groaning of wood and more snapping sounds. The ships separate and Gedric's ship begins to fall.

GEDRIC

We're going down! Brace!

Gedric and Tiraes grab the wheel together trying to steady the ship as is drops quickly. A flash of lightning shows they are close to the ground.

The ship crashes into the ground, sliding into the dirt. Gedric, Reemus, and Tiraes are thrown from the ship.

Blackness.

INT. ISAL'S ROOM - DAY

Gedric sits on the bed. Isal's arms reach around from behind him. She laughs again and whispers in his ear.

ISAL

Won't you stay a while longer?

(voice hazy)

Gedric?

(voice clearing, storm sounds)

Gedric?

EXT. AIRSHIP CRASH - NIGHT

Rain still pours from the sky. Fire burns in the nearby wreckage of the ship. In the distance, lights from a town are seen.

Gedric lays in a puddle of mud, his right arm is trapped beneath a massive piece of wood. Isal kneels beside him.

ISAL

Gedric!

He gasps and opens his eyes and then screams in pain, grasping at his pinned arm.

ISAL

Gedric, stop! Stop!

Isal devolves into a coughing fit and Gedric stops struggling and reaches up. He caresses her face.

GEDRIC

Are you really here?

ISAL

Yes, my love, it's okay. My father is getting help. We saw the ships crash from the inn.

Gedric cradles her face in his hand.

GEDRIC

Are Reemus and Tiraes okay? I-

Gedric stops.

GEDRIC

Did you say ships?

ISAL

Yes the other crashed just a bit over there. What were you doing flying in this storm?

GEDRIC

Isal you have to get out of here. It's not safe.

ISAL

What do you mean? I don't understand.

GEDRIC

Please, you have to get everyone out of the town, you have-

A flash of lightning illuminates the area, Brother Anton stands on the wreckage of the ship flanked by four guards.

BROTHER ANTON

Gedric!

Gedric struggles against his pinned arm. Isal moves in front of Gedric defensively. Brother Anton laughs.

BROTHER ANTON

Trapped like a rat. And who is this? Grab her.

The four guards move over. Two grab her and walk her over to Brother Anton. The other two position themselves next to Gedric, facing Brother Anton.

GEDRIC

No! Isal run!

Gedric continues to struggle.

BROTHER ANTON

You must care for her very much. I told you Gedric, you are going to watch every person you've loved die.

Brother Anton extends an arm and Isal goes rigid.

BROTHER ANTON

Guards, keep me protected at all costs. This ritual will drain me.

From his robe, Brother Anton pulls out the demonic reference and begins chanting as Isal floats slowly into the air.

Tiraes emerges from the wreckage behind Gedric, his flail connects with one of the guard's shields, slamming the guard into some of the wreckage where he then lays motionless.

The second guard turns, avoiding a blow. Tiraes kicks him in the chest and into the mud. The remaining two guards move from Brother Anton and begin launching attacks on Tiraes.

Brother Anton chants louder, and the sounds of the storm grow louder.

The guards and Tiraes exchange blows. Tiraes loses his shield, then his flail. The guard in the mud kicks Tiraes from behind, and Tiraes falls to his knees.

Tiraes looks up with one eye as the flail swings. It hits into a shimmering blue field and Reemus staggers from the wreckage. Brother Anton screams in frustration.

BROTHER ANTON

You're like roaches, you just wont die!

He punctuates the last three words with spells that blast off the barrier. The guards continue to beat the shield with their flails. The three friends are surrounded by a blue bubble that Reemus holds.

BROTHER ANTON

You are meaningless. Tonight, we enter into a new era of light!

GEDRIC

No!

Brother Anton turns back to Isal still paralyzed in midair. He looks back at the book and utters a final phrase.

BROTHER ANTON

XGILS CORTHIN ZAUL!

Purple light shoots into the sky from Isal's chest and a wave of energy blows outwards, knocking everyone back. The earth trembles and pillars of stone begin to emerge from the ground, etched purple demonic runes glow in the darkness.

In the center, Isal slowly begins to rise upwards. Her dress and hair float as if in water and her head is pointed upwards to the heaven, face stuck in a cry of pain.

Everyone stands in awe, looking at it.

REEMUS

No...

TIRAES

It can't be...

BROTHER ANTON

Yes! Let the dawning of the new age begin!

He screams in delight.

GEDRIC

Reemus!

Reemus turns around. Gedric cinches a belt tightly around his arm and then puts the leather into his mouth. They meet eyes. Gedric nods.

Reemus makes a motion, and a blue arc shoots from his hand, severing Gedric's pinned arm. Gedric screams into the leather for a moment.

Gedric rises from the mud, lists to the side for a moment, and then sprints forward.

Brother Anton senses something, and he looks back.

BROTHER ANTON

No!

Brother Anton throws a spell out but it's too late. Gedric jumps into the pillar of purple light, grabbing on to Isal's ankle with his left arm.

Blackness.

INT. DEMON GATE - MOMENTS LATER

Gedric opens his eyes. The room is black and his breath frosts in the air. His head rests in Isal's lap and she strokes his hair, smiling down at him.

ISAL

You came.

GEDRIC

There was never any other choice.

Isal runs a hand down his cheek to his arm with the tourniquet.

ISAL

What did you do?

She traces the belt and begins sobbing. Gedric sits up and holds her to his chest.

ISAL

We never know how much time we have in life. But I thought we would have more.

Gedric pulls back and holds her face with one hand.

GEDRIC

We still have time, all the time in the world.

Isal takes a hand and pulls her shirt slightly down. A burning purple ember sits where her heart is, glowing purple cracks that are slowly spreading outwards.

GEDRIC

(panic)

No, no we can fix this, this is okay...

Isal shakes her head, another tear slipping from her eye.

GEDRIC

(desperate)

Reemus will know what to do, he always knows what to do.

She smiles sadly and coughs.

ISAL

I was always living on borrowed time, even when we met. I can feel it now, it's too late for me. But it's not too late for them, out there.

Gedric fights tears, and he shakes his head.

GEDRIC

I wont.

Isal grabs his face with both hands and tilts it up, looking into his eyes.

ISAL

You were the best thing to have ever happened to me. But I have to go. You have to let me go.

Isal leans against his amputated arm, leaving his other free. She looks up at Gedric.

ISAL

Tell me about our farm, about our life.

Gedric chokes back tears and laughs.

GEDRIC

The farm is gorgeous. We grow wheat and barley. The field faces west so we sit on the porch and watch the sunset every night.

Gedric's arm moves behind him, and he pulls the dagger out from his belt.

GEDRIC

We have a daughter, she is just like her mother, always coming home for dinner covered in dirt.

He places the dagger point first on Isal's chest. The purple cracks have spread up to Isal's neck and her breathing is labored and ragged.

ISAL

Oh that girl, she can't be stopped.

Isal laughs and then coughs. She places her hands on top of his on the dagger.

GEDRIC

(whispering)

What are we ever going to do with her?

ISAL

Love her more than anything.

The dagger plunges into her chest. Isal's eyes widen for a moment, and then flutter closed, a smile frozen on her face. Her hands fall from the dagger. Tears drop from Gedric's cheeks on to her face.

The darkness around them fades.

EXT. AIRSHIP CRASH - CONTINUOUS

Gedric kneels on the ground in the circle of stones. The sky is clear and stars are shining. Isal rests on the ground, the dagger stuck in her chest with Gedric's hand still on the hilt.

Gedric removes the dagger from her chest. He kisses her on the forehead, then stands and looks upwards into the sky.

Gedric turns towards Brother Anton.

Brother Anton face is in shock.

BROTHER ANTON

I...That's...That's not possible.

Brother Anton takes a step back, tripping and falling. Gedric walks to him slowly, dagger in hand. Brother Anton crawls backwards in fear, splashing into the mud.

BROTHER ANTON

Gedric, wait, I-

He scrambles past the guards.

BROTHER ANTON

(screeching)

Stop him, guards!

The guards move to the side. Brother Anton collides with Tiraes and Reemus. Gedric reaches Brother Anton and crouches down next to him.

BROTHER ANTON

(pleading)

I'll give you gold, more than you could imagine.

Gedric stares, saying nothing

BROTHER ANTON

Power, we can rule this world together.

Still Gedric says nothing.

BROTHER ANTON

Anything you want I can give.

GEDRIC

The only one who could have stayed my hand just died in my arms.

The dagger flashes, and Brother Anton clutches at his throat. Blood seeps between his fingers. Gedric drops the dagger and stands.

Gedric gives Tiraes and Reemus a meaningful look and nods at them. Then he turns and walks back to where Isal lays.

Gedric kneels down next to her and places her head in his lap. He undoes the tourniquet and lets out a grunt of pain as the blood begins to flow. He looks at her, smiling and crying, until the life leaves his body.

INT. BREAD SHOP KITCHEN - DAY

Corlin moves around the kitchen, shaping dough and moving loaves. A ring of a bell as the front door opens and closes.

CORLIN

Tiraes is that you?

Tiraes moves through the doorway.

TIRAES

Hey, Corlin, Reemus is here too.

Reemus follows him, holding two bouquets of flowers.

REEMUS

Corlin, how are you?

CORLIN

Well, and you?

REEMUS

Not bad, just came to say hello.

CORLIN

No problem. Oh, Tiraes, can you take a delivery on your way back?

TIRAES

Sure, Corlin.

Tiraes and Reemus walk out the back door.

EXT. BREAD SHOP BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS

The fields are greener, the grass is tall and a tree grows shading four graves in the backyard. Tiraes and Reemus stand in front.

Reemus places a bouquet on the first grave. The headstone reads "Isal" with the subtext of "United in love". Reemus gives the second bouquet to Tiraes who places it on the second grave. The headstone reads "Gedric" with the subtext of "and forever in death".

Eternum

Further Reading