S3E8 - Chasing Destiny

dabria
(snidely) I have to admit... I thought you'd be more... um... stronger.
Zorin
(chuckle) Huh. Haven't heard that one before.
Nar - Keldor
The meeting room was a 20 foot cold marble room with Blue and green tapestries on the east side of the 2nd floor. Lord Alvar believed this was the best place to discuss the strange arrival of their new guests and the curious nature of their visit. Lord Alvar noted,the long oaken table, for the first time in memory, was actually full. Sitting center of one side, in a ornately carved high back chairs was Zorin... who now he knew now as the estranged son of Lord Pallus... also a Sailor, thief and gambler.
sophie
(To Una) So you are here to meet Zorin because a higher power told you to? (chuckle)
cordelia
Yeah... I'm not too sure I believe that.
Zorin
You kidding? even Benedict would have a hard time believing that.
(beat) If he were here.
Nar - Keldor
Zorin was uncomfortable. It wasn't often if ever he was thrust into the spotlight. On the right of him sat Sophie the beautiful and deadly sword for hire, who carried the soul of his best friend and her lover entwined with her own. Next to her sat white robed Cordelia with 2 other mages Rue in a deep blue robe and Belinial in her red robes.
Vix
I would be curious as to what this voice is as well as what they say. Rue and Belinial have you ever encountered something like this in your studies?
rue
No.
(beat) No Vix I haven't.
belinial
No. Voices are rarely a good thing in my experience. Have you Vix?
Vix
Once.
(pause then sigh) But as you say it was not a good thing.
skotmir
ha!
(slurp) voices... (chuckle as he eats)
Nar - Keldor
Across from the mages sat Vix the chaotic and Skotmir the dwarven barbarian who was greedily eating the remains of a stewed chicken with his fingers. The whole time he never took his eyes off of Una and Dabria who sat next to him.
caleb
(seriously) So again. For clarity of your purpose, you came here seeking out Zorin... Because of his father?
Nar - Keldor
At one end of the table between Zorin and Dabria sat Sir Caleb now decorated as a Knight Major and Lord Alvar's second in command. Who as the host of this unlikely meeting, sat at the other end of the table one hand calmly placed upon his chin regarding the dark visitors with suspicion but taking care not to judge them too hastily.
lord alvar
(quiet reflection) They came here of their own accord.
(pause then to the group) Why would a decorated Centurion of the Dark Army... and their shadow oracle... Come here willingly?
dabria
(sighing) I have said that...
una
(interrupting) Wait.
(beat) No need to repeat yourself my sister. We must show them our purpose aligns with his.
dabria
(sigh) yes.
Zorin
How do you know my purpose?
(pause then to Sophie) I don't even know my purpose.
sophie
(curtly) Its true. He doesn't.
Zorin
Jeez you don't have to be like that.
una
(strongly between clenched teeth)Look at me.
Nar - Keldor
Una's eyes were wide and the torches of the room burned blue green as she spoke reflecting off her eyes but also blazing from within.
una
Dabria... Tell them why we walk the same path.
zorin
(shaking his head) What path?!
dabria
Revenge.
transition
dabria
(narrating) For as long as I've remembered I... well WE lived in the far south of Trull. In the city of volcanoes, Enruk. Enruk is like a living hell of sorts. Fire and sulpherous smoke constantly belching into the red sky. Constant heat. (chuckle) Great place to live if you are a Kobold or an Orc.
KOBOLD sounds
trainer
(Commanding) You! Get back in line! We show no weakness! We drive discipline at the end of a whip!
dabria
(narrating) Una and I were trained here for our roles in the army. Una was a seer, could see visions.
una
(prophecising) I see your dream... your 4 arms winding, turning slowly in a blue sea...
dabria
(narrating) The voice in her head was unnerving, it knew my dreams, or things about me that were true but I didn't know... Or didn't remember.
I was trained as the feared mistress of pain. My tolerance was much higher than my peers and I also had a knack for tactical leadership. Soon they feared me...
dekkion
(hissing) Yes... Well done Dabria. She does well doesn't she... Nightblade?
nightblade
(in admiration) Yes. (beat) She is unquestionably powerful.
dabria
(narrating) the dark lord heaped his blessings on me, as I was ruthless. And I soon became... close associates with one of his lieutenants, the dark eyed blade master known as Nightblade. We were inseparable. Working in concert with each other both on the battlefield and... (pause then a sigh)
But Una was the one person I could remember the longest at least. She worked with the dark lord directly. She gave him the visions he seeked and over time those visions... changed.
transition
Nar - Keldor
The stone slabs of the granite walls dripped slightly from heat and humidity. The yellow green liquid glowed from within a cauldron on the fire. A gaunt man in black armor and a midnight blue cloak lined with fur looked into the reflection on the surface with great anticipation. His own features were aged, wrinkled with papery parchment like skin pulled tight over his high cheekbones in yellow grey sheets. Clear pale grey eyes drew back starkly from a head of long
wiry grey hair.
dekkion
(excitedly) Yes Una... Tell me more! If we take the Emerald Atoll... will it aid in the assault on shrouded Veridian? ...Is this the way to the Ferryman's Gate?
una
(prophecising) I... See. I see much death in your favor my lord. But... The spirit tells me...
(pause before wild and angry) NO!! BETRAYER!!
dekkion
What?! What did you say to me?!
una
BETRAYER!! (screaming in attack.)
Nar - Keldor
Una lunged at him with her hands outstretched clawing frantically for his throat. Screaming.
dekkion
GYAHH!! (shoving her away)
(Calling) Guards! Get her out of here!
guard 1
(grunting) lets go! come on
orc1
(grunting let's... go... we leave...
dekkion
(catches breath then laughs) Put the dog back in her kennel..
una
(Screaming again while being restrained and carried out) BETRAYER!!! GYAHHH!!! DECIEVER!!! GYAHHH!!!
transition
Dabria
(narrating) That event and those following would prove to change both Una and I forever. A few days later I left with Nightblade to the Emerald Atoll south of Viridian. We were accompanied by the Blue
Dragons led by Cobalt.
cobalt
(commanding) My fellow Dragons! Follow me!
nightblade
(soothing) Are you ready for this?
dabria
(calmly to her)I.. I believe so.
(narrating)I was excited to lead my new legion for the first time, I was ready to show once again to the dread lord I was worthy of my station but more so to prove to my... Nightblade. (beat) She was everything to me. (beat) Our assault was as Una had forseen... Bloody.
(battle rages sounding more like a massacre screams, dragons, and undead. Shouts of the dying and the killers themselves.)
dabria
(Narrating) I will save details of that day for another time perhaps but I assure you it was a massacre. They stood no chance against us. But one of ours fell.
(beat) Nightblade. We took her body back for burial. I stayed with her body onboard that ship for 20 days as we sailed back. I prayed for her rest, I cared for her peace. We as warriors even as lovers had said goodbye daily never knowing if this would be the time or not. It was her time, and part of me hated her for it. I was here... I was still here. Alone.
(beat) When we returned I prepared the warriors pyre for her. She lay in her polished midnight blue armor. The emblazoned skull of our legion prominent on her chest. Her trusted longsword held in both hands... her eyes... finally at peace... Then the dread lord approached me.
dabria
(grunt lifting a log) Gyah.. Wh.. Milord... (beat) What brings you here?
dekkion
(hissing) Now Dabria... what do you plan to do with Nightblade?
dabria
She will be sent to the afterlife as a hero and warrior Milord. As she always wished.
dekkion
But (beat) she's perfect.
dabria
(narrated)He walked past me to her body.
dekkion
(snickering) Perfect my sweet Nightblade. Now you will be perfect.
(beat)(coldly) Dabria... Leave this place.
dabria
(narrated) I was ordered away. And over the next few nights I wondered what was happening. What he had planned.
(pause and through clenched teeth) What he had executed. He... Took her from me. The battle took her once but he took her again... And I hated him for it. I hated his army. I hated his war and looked to where it started. Pallus. Lord Pallus in his obsidian fortress. Una and I began to conspire. We heard about a son of his... One who was looking to seek revenge....
This proved promising enough for us to desert our company... of course with enough of a lead in time to buy us a month or two... before they realize what we had done.
zorin
(in thought) huh... Okay...
Nar - Keldor
Zorin and the table took this all in. The story ringed true. Well as far as he could tell and he was known for spinning some pretty elaborate yarns himself.
zorin
What do you propose?
dabria
That you come with us to Whitford... From there we could learn more about what lies Dekkion and Pallus have woven.
Zorin
Trull?
dabria
Yes, you have been?
Zorin
I was a sailor for many years... that was one of our 3 main ports for the southland trade route.
(snickers) makes sense its the only one this group hasn't been to yet.
(beat) I do have an old friend there who might be able to help.
una
We will find much more in Whitford... Much more... (long exhale sigh)
Nar - Keldor
As Una released the torches resumed their yellow orange glow. Everyone looked at each other nervously. All except Rue who was fascinated with the display of power. As everyone looked around the room the still shadow of Eralin shifted his feet as he leaned against one wall next to the sleeping form of Lorvana Birdsong. Curled up in some random blankets on a soft padded chair.
skotmir
Well you aren't going without me!
Sophie
Nor I!
cordelia
Rue... Belinial would you accompany us?
vix
Actually we were talking earlier about the possibility of my telling at the library.
belinial
Yes we were speaking of that.
(beat) And the answer is no to both of you.
vix
What?!
rue
We believe Vix you need to take time and look for where you draw your magic from. We all draw it from within ourselves but your source... that wellspring is sour. We recommend you return to the Silver Maple woods.
vix
(sigh) Outrageous...
(composes himself) Fine... As it is on the way I will ride with this caravan of fools as far as the forest. Then we will part ways...
zorin
Well if we are going to stop in the Silver Maple Woods I would like take a well earned rest while we are there. They have some great wine.
transition
Nar - Keldor
The party enjoyed the journey to the Silver Maple Woods that were at the northern border of Trull and more so the time spent in the hot springs and sweet smelling trees. They got to the Outpost owned by Vash a few days later and continued down the road in his cart delivering supplies.
Vash
Hello back there! We are approaching Whitford! Hopefully you all find what you need and Skotmir didn't drink all my wine. Hahaha(laughing)
Nar - Keldor
The sun beat into the side of the large covered wagon from the left of the driver as they wound the gentle slope into the town of Whitford. Sitting next to the driver was Lorvana strumming a tune on her lute as they continued down the road. The driver looked down from the dark green hood of his cloak at his bow resting between them, noting the quiver of arrows close by, smiling in approval. One couldn't be too careful these days.
(LORVANA humming, lute strumming, cart sounds rolling down the road.)
The 4 Ox at the front were bred for such a load and the combination of 7 travelers and the load of sweet spiced wine and wheat was no challenge. Though one
could say a weight lifted for all but the ox when Vix left the group.
skotmir
(buuuuuurp) ah.. Great. I would love to get a better rest than on the side of the road for once. Though Vash has some great wine for sure.
vash
Thanks.
zorin
Ooh. Careful now skotmir... you started to sound like Vix!
cordelia
(laughing) Hahaha yeah!
(beat) ...yeah
(pause realizing) you know. its gonna take some time getting used to him not being around.
sophie
Not for me.
skotmir
Hahaha! Yeah I know he wasn't the nicest guy but I guess he's got family there. And i wish him the best. Shouldn't be too bad for him I hope.
sophie
Well sometimes you have to choose your family.
vash
(calling back) That's true.
(beat) Skotmir, how about you? plan on seeing any family soon?
Nar - Keldor
Skotmir thought of the parting words with his father and his brother. They probably didn't care about him why should he care about them? He and Sophie smiled at each other.
skotmir
My family is right here.
transition
(bar sounds and a door swings open DABRIA and CORDELIA are talking together about the effect of fire when wielded. SKOTMIR is laughing about naptime with SOPHIE.)
Nar - Keldor
The Severed Serpent Inn. Best in Whitford from what Zorin remembered. A smile crept across his face when after walking through the beaded doorway he saw Boric turned and kneeling in front of the counter patching the dark walnut wood with a sticky tar. Boric the bartender was someone he knew well and was a friend away from home many a time.
Zorin
Boric! You ugly dog! (laughing)
Nar - Keldor
Cordelia was caught a bit offguard expecting an ugly dog as the 7 and half foot tall androgynous individual stood and smiled gracefully. Their blue green skin was smooth around eyes of deepest purple. A soft mane of dark blue hung down the middle of their back loosely bound with a silver seashell. They wore a cream shirt with a dark black apron. But most important was the genuine smile of recognition.
Boric
(laughing) I thought I smelt a rotten fish enter my bar!
(laughing) hahaha! Zorin! What can I get my friend.
zorin
Good to be back! I would like some lodging for the night as well as a round I believe!
boriC
(smiling) Only the best for you! and might I say its good to see you. So bedding is ...same cost as always just you will need a few more rooms this time it seems. But unless you are ready to turn in this early lets get some drinks! What can I get you?
dabria
yes. some wine please
sophie
some wine
Skotmir
Ale!
boric
And the young lady in the dark robe?
Una
W..
Nar - Keldor
Una looked nervously at Dabria almost as if a child asking permission.
una
W... Wine.
Lorvana
Oh! I'll just have a spiced wine too please!
Nar - Keldor
Boric smiled at the Halfling bard who was enthusiaticly waving her hand.
boric
Of course my new friend! and what is your name?
Lorvana
Lorvana Birdsong! Travelling minstrel.
boric
A minstrel! Excellent!
(beat) Would you be willing to indulge this room of scallywags and barbarians with some songs about heroic deeds of days gone by?
Lorvana
Of course!
cordelia
I would love to help!
Nar - Keldor
Thus it began. Boric began serving up drinks to their table located between the bar and the stage itself. Cordelia and Lorvana took the stage performing classic and well known heroic songs. Zorin noted the smell was what he remembered a mix of stewed peppers and beef, sweetened by the spice wine. This overpowered the stale beer that permeated many taverns he had visited. As the afternoon played into
the evening he heard voices talking in the dark. Talking about drinking the gunpowder rum as he remembered.
commoner 3
(hushed) No its true. They are mustering now.
commoner 4
(hushed) Bah! impossible, no one wants to go there, its haunted.
commoner 3
Well I'm going Tal. Better to die on my feet then serve like a dog!
commoner 4
Woah there Mancio! I..
zorin
Excuse me... But I couldn't help but over hear about a revolution? ...May I harbor a guess its Lord Pallus?
nar - Keldor
The two men stopped and regarded the sailor with a wary eye.
commoner 3
Y... You don't need to know.
Commoner 4
(calming) Mancio... come on. He knows Boric.
nar - keldor
Boric looked over and raised their eyebrows and smiled nodding at the statement.
commoner 4
(to Zorin) Pardon Mancio. to the north west of here supposedly someone is mustering a force. Boric, do you know anything about this?
boric
I can tell you they are righteous. I cant join up but would if I could.
Zorin
Boric. Can I talk to you a moment.
Nar - Keldor
Zorin met them at the edge of the bar out of earshot of the other two who were still arguing with each other.
zorin
(hushed) Who is leading this revolution?
boric
(hushed) Zorin. I need you to swear to me that you would stand up for those that would oppose Lord Pallus and all his dread army.
zorin
(hushed) Of course my friend. I...
Nar - Keldor
He hesitated. And then thought better of burdening his friend with another truth. It was better he didn't know about Pallus being his father.
Zorin
(hushed) I hate that man.
boric
(sigh then pause) then come with me.
Nar - Keldor
Boric led Zorin behind the twin massive kegs of the bar to a slight hall made of old chipped brick. coming to the door he knocked...
(SFX Knocking)
on the door to the back office.
boric
(hushed) Red rides at Dawn
Nar - Keldor
the door unlocked allowing them entry. Stepping into the 15 foot square room there was a map on the table and a few ledgers to either side listing supplies, arms and the names of militia members. Behind the table were...
zorin
(laughing) Benedict?
benedict
(laughing) Hahaha! hello Zorin!
elloveve
(laughing) Ha! you have good timing!
Keldor
Hello lad!
Zorin
(laugh) Raising an army? (sniff) Ha!... Well first you take back this leader thing...
(beat) and where do we sign up?