S4E2 - THE CITY OF FIRE

NAR - KELDOR The sails of faded midnight were pulled back as the ship docked easily in the harbor of Enruk. A warm thick haze hung heavy and low, smelling deeply of the burning brimstone nearby. Minotaurs, ogres and humans moved about the dockside, carrying very large crates or barrels from the docks to carts leading to the marketplace. Benedict looked up. BENEDICT Dusk is setting in. (pause then hushed to himself) Ugh. This armor chafes. ZORIN (under his breath) How can you tell that? It just looks slightly dimmer to me. ERALIN The sun is fading to the east past the mountains meeting the sea. (break) I feel its fading. MINOTAUR CAPTAIN There you be. (yelling) Make ready lads, we leave in an hour! (to himself) Don't want to stay here longer than I have to. DABRIA (gruff) Come on. Follow me, there's a place we can get a room just outside the docks a bit... (beat) ...Quieter. NAR - KELDOR Dabria led the 3 other darkly dressed companions up the docks. The smell of copper, salt brine and vinegar struck Zorin's nose as familiar. ZORIN Well someone's pickling fish today. ERALIN Disgusting. ZORIN You haven't had the good stuff then. Can be pretty (MORE) 17. ZORIN (CONT'D) welcome on... NAR - KELDOR Zorin paused for a minute at what he was going to say, deeply curious about Eralin's offhand remark and dismissal of a welcome food. ZORIN Long journeys... OGRE 1 Well what do we have here? Dirty Mercs? (laugh) OGRE 2 Let's go make some friends shall we? (laugh) OGRE 3 Oh sweet sweet little friends they be too! All the huggin' (laugh) NAR - KELDOR Dabria held her hand up, freezing them in their tracks. Her golden eyes set on 4 ogres stepping out of the crowd, glowering past them as they passed by. Their bodies stood 10 ft high and dark black leather scales hung from pale muscular shoulders. Rudely they forced themselves through the packed crowd, who clamored to get out of their way for fear of being trampled. COMMONER Hey watch it! NAR - KELDOR The smell of sweat and ammonia followed them, making Benedict's eyes water. They walked past the party to a group of 6 smaller humanoid mercenaries. Likely a mix of human and elf based on their height, Benedict imagined. OGRE 1 You carry what's mine! MERCENARY 1 (laughing)Yours? Hear that boys?! We have a donation! OGRE 2 What? (beat) What donation? 18. NAR - KELDOR The dark clad mercenary pulled a scarf over her nose and mouth, only revealing a pair of almond shaped purple eyes. Elven eyes. She stood up on the crate she was perched on like a raven, her dark cloak emblazoned with a half skull and hourglass in faint silvery thread. Another one of her companions stepped forward, the cruel curved dagger of dark damascus tossing lazily in the palm of his hand. MERCENARY 2 Yeah. See you hand over your stuff and we... liberate you from the tedious.. mundane task of... ever having to carry it again! Real simple. MERCENARY 1 Yeah. Real simple. OGRE 3 I not simple! OGRE 2 We no donate! We take! (battle cry) NAR - KELDOR The ogres careened into the crowd like the crashing waves of a tsunami, crude clubs raking the shorter bodies below. As innocent individuals in the crowd were mowed over, the blackened steel of one the mercenary's helmets helplessly caved in, its wearer thrown to the side lifelessly. The remaining mercenaries bolted as a single force, darting between the thick trunk-like legs of the ogres to strike at hamstrings and open flanks. Screams erupted as the ogres frantically searched the crowd for the quick assailants. One ogre fell with a groan off the dock side into the water with a large splash. The other 2 stopped and looked at each other, fire in their eyes dwindling. OGRE 1 Filthy pests! Keep your gold! Lets go! OGRE 2 Bah! It's no good anyways! NAR - KELDOR As they left, Benedict noted the bodies were roughly tossed to one side to clear the path as the crowd began bustling again. He looked 20 yards past this encounter and noticed the rotting remains of another (MORE) 19. NAR - KELDOR (CONT'D) encounter in a heap by some old shipping crates. BENEDICT (hushed) Does... does no one care about the law here? DABRIA (cruel) Hmm... What law? BENEDICT They were murdered! DABRIA (hissing)You!... (calmed)are wearing THAT law right now. And THAT law is hate... Lies... and murder. (pause) Do you understand? NAR - KELDOR Benedict nodded hesitantly. Dabria looked at Zorin and Eralin, who also nodded in understanding. She turned her golden eyes back to Benedict. He noted they seemed like golden rings found in a forgotten glacier... Cold. DABRIA Just... walk the walk Benedict. (Beat) Come on. NAR - KELDOR There was a faint sweet smell that mingled with the tang of blood and sulphurous brimstone in the thick air as they continued into the heart of the quarter. The deep red sky reflected the pools and rivers of fire that surrounded this ancient holy city of the kobolds. *SFX Isenatha Conversation memory* Eralin repeated the harsh conversation with Isenatha in his mind, her words of selfishness and greed stinging with the same impact he felt when they parted ways. What did she mean "your kind"? He thought back to the ruby cage he was trapped in. Forgotten for how many years in that twilight world beneath the hills, beneath the kingdom of the dark dwarves. Did she know more about his lost memories? Was she some sort of key to unlocking them? He had many questions for her once they returned. If they returned. Emotionless and resolute the ranger stuck to the rear of the group and continued, one foot in front of the other, clutching the pendant at his chest. 20. DABRIA There. NAR - KELDOR Turning a corner they walked towards a boxlike plain brick building. As they approached, they noticed there was nothing remarkable about the rough red and black brick other than a lack of markings on the twostory building. ZORIN Yeah… so... this looks like a warehouse BENEDICT I agree. Are we sure this is… DABRIA Sigh… Watch if you don’t believe me. NAR - KELDOR Almost in response to their commentary, confirmation was given as the door to the dingy, unnamed tavern burst open and six minotaur staggered out into the street, cursing and shouting. MINO1 Hahaha look at these weak bloods. MINO2 Yeh a pox on human scum. SNAKE-EYE Hey girlie! I’m talking to your friend. Maybe you can tell him to show some respect MINO1 Yeah respect! Weak bloods need to show some respect. It’s Something they don’t know cuz they ain’t got it. MINO2 (Laughing) DABRIA Ah. Snake-eye. (Chuckle) I’ve heard of you... Shouldn’t you be back at the dock bringing us more ale? Or is it cleaning the waste pits again? SNAKE-EYE What did you say? 21. NAR - KELDOR Dabria pulled the loose hooded cloak back from her face and crossed her scarred arms. Scars that found home somewhere in this dark city’s past, no doubt. The Minotaurs' eyes fell on her like moths to a flame. Recognition and horror swept across their faces as the golden eyes of Dabria narrowed. MINO3 Gasp, I… meant no disrespect mistress. Please.. MINO2 (Sudden realization) Mistress? Wait... on no... Forgive us dark mistress! DABRIA Run. I have no time for you…I said RUN. NAR - KELDOR Dabria gestured at the cruel whip on her belt. This was her namesake and weapon of choice. The 8 ft tall Minotaurs scrambled down the street drunkenly, tumbling through an old cart filled with foulsmelling refuse. She pulled the thin velvet of her cloak back over herself, gently covering the raised jagged scars of her arms. A memory shot through her mind as she winced slightly. Training had made her immune to pain, and a loveless world cemented it to her like a second skin. She was the mistress of pain to those that served her. And to others she was the angel of death. DABRIA Come. Let’s go inside. TRANSITION NAR - KELDOR Somewhere on the northwest area of town the other group made its way through the city closest to the temples and the barracks. Cordelia and Isenatha worked together to weave an illusion, making them seem like mercenaries. One of which looked pretty awkward as it plodded down the road. Short legs and two heads behind the dark armor revealed a halfling perched on the shoulders of a surly dwarf. UNA We still must be careful here. This is the Ogre perimeter and they don't care for mercenaries, let alone the rest of us small folk. Even Dabria and I (MORE) 22. UNA (CONT'D) didn't walk here alone. NAR - KELDOR Sophie nodded in understanding as she walked next to the dark-robed oracle. LORVANA Bah! What's with all the dark armor? Not fitting of me to hide behind this... rather behind a good boulder or maybe a keg of ale! SKOTMIR Easy for you to say. I’m trying to blend in with you on my shoulders. LORVANA Oh you’re fine! Look. (smacks him on the the back laughing) You're tough! SKOTMIR Hahaha! (grunt) And you're heavy! Maybe you need to lay off the pastries. LORVANA Oh stop it! No need to hurt my feelings. SKOTMIR Hahaha! Oh I'm sorry. I was just playing. You’re making this more fun honestly, and now we are twice as high! LORVANA Well... I am at least! CORDELIA Wow, look at that! NAR - KELDOR The row of structures to their right ended, revealing a pristine white building. The red orange glow seemed to diffuse when it hit the white marble walls. It shone like a proud beacon. ISENATHA The Temple of the Sun... The kobold's ancient temple. NAR - KELDOR Sophie looked up to the cloudy dark sky, red orange networking in slow drifting veins between them. To imagine a sun was impossible. 23. SOPHIE How can they worship the sun in a place like this? ISENATHA *Laughing* It’s… symbolic. They don’t. *sigh* All things have good and bad. Light and… (beat)... dark. UNA Evil and good can be learned from the same teacher. ISENATHA Yes… and culture too... is a powerful teacher. NAR - KELDOR Sophie saw Isenatha bow her head in thought. STRANGER Excuse me. Would you have time for an old man? NAR - KELDOR Lorvana looked back to see a man in a dark robe leaning on a tall staff. The hood coiled over his head, leaving two eyes the color of deep oceans over a soft smile. LORVANA Oh of course! How can I help you? NAR - KELDOR Skotmir looked around for evidence of who Lorvana was talking to. He stopped puzzled at finding the dirty alley empty save for themselves and the smell of old trash and mold. SKOTMIR Wha... who are you talking to... OGRE 2 (Laughing) What the... NAR - KELDOR Suddenly two ogres came from the open walkway between the rough stone buildings OGRE 1 Smelly smelly! Loot these troll dungs bodah! OGRE 2 (Sneering) Yessss... out of your place little bugs! (Growling) Get em! 24. SOPHIE Come on Skotmir, lets go! NAR - KELDOR As the ogres charged at the party, Sophie ran beside Skotmir. Lorvana’s mind slowed down. As a bard, details rarely escaped her keen mind and this would prove to be one moment she would never forget. She saw the old man turn to look at Sophie and smile, nodding. He stepped forward and held 2 hands out in front of Skotmir and Sophie. She noted they didn’t react to him being directly in the way as they drew blades. She became concerned as she realized she still sat squarely on the charging dwarf's shoulders. He must have forgotten everything. LORVANA Oh no! Hey! W... Wait, he’s right in front of you! STRANGER It’s time, little one. Be brave. NAR - KELDOR A ball of fire engulfed the entire group in a flash. Lorvana felt no heat, yet when their eyes adjusted the ogres were gone. ISENATHA (Shouting) What happened?! NAR - KELDOR Lorvana looked around, trembling, trying to parse what happened. She saw Una and Isenatha but the old man and Sophie we’re gone, as were the ogres. LORVANA Oh... (worried) Um... Skotmir? NAR - KELDOR She stood on the hard ground trembling where the powerful shoulders of Skotmir once were. TRANSITION NAR - KELDOR The air seemed slightly cleaner, having some thick stone and an oaken door between them. There was a welcome smell of old beer and herbed cheese that pushed back the heavy smoldering scents outside. The room was sparsely populated, as Dabria had expected and hoped. This Inn was a favorite for sailors, not (MORE) 25. NAR - KELDOR (CONT'D) soldiers. Though she herself would be recognized without the cloak, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Just not her intention. There were a few older human merchants at one table, and the surly barkeep sitting behind the cracked and worn dark bar top smoking a rich chocolate-smelling pipe. Benedict turned to her, his eyes kinder than his armor looked. She hoped he wouldn't let his morality get in the way of their success sneaking into the town. BENEDICT Those Minotaur really were frightened by you. DABRIA Many are. ZORIN (gulp of drink)Ah! Hmm.. Well... She was in charge of the Undead Legion (beat) right? DABRIA Yes ZORIN Well Minotaur are terrified of the undead. Something about it being an affront to the glory of a proud warrior's death and all that. NAR - KELDOR Dabria now looked through Zorin, daggers passing from her eyes. ZORIN I mean... I uh DABRIA (Annoyed/ashamed) Yes... (beat. She is angry for his words.) Something like that. ZORIN (beat) Um... well this place seems to be pretty normal patronage. Maybe they might be able to give us a local scoop. DABRIA I figured this is a place we can start at least. But not with I... as... (beat) I’m too well known as NOT being one of the people. 26. NAR - KELDOR She looked away and back to her blood red wine. BENEDICT I'll go. NAR - KELDOR Benedict took in a deep breath and strode over to a table with 4 older merchants dressed in rich colored silks trimmed in fine furs. One of them was regaling everyone with a tale, his white mustaches wagging as he spoke, well below his chin. Benedict noted how they waved similar to a banner in the breeze on the battlefield. MERCHANT 1 (hushed) ...yes indeed they are... and so I'm sure everyone will get their sick enjoyment out of the "parade" tomorrow. Pallus can't be.. BENEDICT (interrupting them in a deep commanding tone) Excuse me. MERCHANT 1 (Gasp) Oh! I ah.. BENEDICT What do you know of this parade? NAR - KELDOR A look of fear washed over him as he saw the tall Dark Army officer before him. MERCHANT 1 My lord I...I MERCHANT 2 He meant no disrespect my lord. Supporters we are! R... right? MERCHANT 3 Uh... Yes! Hail Lord Pallus! BENEDICT Silence! Imbecille! NAR - KELDOR Dabria raised an eyebrow at the outburst. 27. ZORIN (hushed) Hey... He may be able to do this yet! NAR - KELDOR Benedict placed two heavy hands on the table and leaned into the man's coarsely shaven face. He could see him tremble. The faded green eyes darted side to side, unable to lock with Benedict's icy stare. BENEDICT (beat) You. (beat) Answer me. MERCHANT 1 The parade tomorrow will welcome a new special batch of prisoners. Um... everyone’s excited milord. BENEDICT Why? What makes this so special to you cretins? My lord Pallus can easily take prisoners with our might. MERCHANT 2 But it’s the usurpers, milord! BENEDICT Usurpers? MERCHANT 2 The... the prisoners are from some ragtag army to the north. BENEDICT Hahaha! Yes! And then to the dungeons, correct? Just to be paraded around and shown off like the pigs they are! MERCHANT 1 Milord, they will be taken to the arena for the Lord Pallus’s enjoyment... (somber becomes unnaturally joyous) as well as the entertainment of the rest of Enruk. BENEDICT Of course! That will be all. NAR - KELDOR Benedict turned to walk back to the table, barely overhearing them continue. Dabria saw his eyes open slightly wider, meeting hers. MERCHANT 3 (hushed) That’s no ragtag army, Donovan! ...word is (MORE) 28. MERCHANT 3 (CONT'D) they took back Garnet Keep! TRANSITION NAR - KELDOR Skotmir felt thousands of claws in the darkness, pulling him apart. Then a sensation of being carried away. And then, finally, nothing. SKOTMIR (Groan) Woah... wh... where am I? (cough) NAR - KELDOR He woke to find himself in a dingy cell. The smell of dust and ammonia lingered in the air like a neglected circus cage. Small mounds of hay and straw used for bedding, or who knew what else, were piled in the four corners of the cell. To the back from the gate, one rough cut stone wall existed accompanied by three sets of crude ancient iron bars. He could see this was one of many cells in this row. Lying on the ground in the cell to his right was Sophie. Her chest heaved with laborious breaths but at least she appeared to be alive; passed out, maybe, but alive. He was relieved. Looking at the wall, he noticed scratch marks, like tick marks for counting off calendar days. He squinted his eyes for a moment, as it appeared that they spelled out a phrase. SKOTMIR (weak)Huh, “Everything happens for a reason.” What the... NAR - KELDOR He rubbed his eyes and the message was gone. Skotmir noticed a small crumpled form in the cell opposite of Sophie's to his left. He heard a slight moan as a bloodied hand reached out to crawl to a seated position, or at least to lean on an elbow. A distantly familiar face rose as it looked at Skotmir from one closed and bruised eye. He could see a familiar glint of Dwarven pride. THOTMIR (trembling, weak)...Skotmir? Is that you? NAR - KELDOR The voice trembled as Skotmir crawled towards the bars. His legs were weak and his arms barely obeyed (MORE) 29. NAR - KELDOR (CONT'D) him. Skotmir looked puzzled, but couldn't help but crack a smile when recognition snapped in his mind. SKOTMIR (chuckle) It is I... Thotmir. THOTMIR (weak Chuckle) I... I found you... My Brother... NAR - KELDOR Skotmir was stunned a moment. Their last words were in anger, not love, and he left his family believing them all to be uncaring and ignorant to who he was. He saw the genuine, though weakened, smile on his brother's face now, though. The past had died somewhere behind Thotmir's welling eyes. THOTMIR Father will be so happy. (Weak chuckle) NAR - KELDOR Ignoring the pain of the past and his present weakness, Skotmir thrust his hand through the iron bars to clasp his long lost brother‘s. (SKOTMIR and THOTMIR laughter) Their Union was cut short as a booming voice echoed down the hall along with storming footsteps. (MALDROS rambling to the soldiers dark orders etc) Soon a tall dark man stepped forward in black fabric clutched tight around a muscular body. What appeared to be a horned helmet poked out from beneath the hood of his cloak, his face wrapped in dark black gauze. He leaned on a crude great club, the wood dark with years of use and blood. MALDROS I look forward to meeting all of you in the pits tomorrow... MY Pits! (laughs) Hmm.... I wouldn’t bother sleeping now, boys... tomorrow you'll either sleep forever or sleep for days! (Laugh) NAR - KELDOR He laughed as he walked off, followed by the cruel kobolds accompanying him. Thotmir croaked an explanation. THOTMIR That… is Maldros the Dark. He runs this place and has (MORE) 30. THOTMIR (CONT'D) been champion for as long as anyone can guess. SOPHIE (hushed and angry. Remember Zane HATES this guy as an abuser and pure evil.)Yes... I know. NAR - KELDOR The voice startled the two dwarves, who turned to see a very awake Sophie. Her eyes stared down the long hall, following Maldros.