Chapter 2: The Gathering of the Voyagers (Part 2 of 2) Transcript
OPENING
[Music: "Main Theme" (triumphant orchestral music) starts.]
NARRATOR The Call of the Flame: An Audio Play. Chapter Two: The Gathering of The Voyagers. Part Two of Two.
[Music: "Main Theme" ends.]
SCENE ONE: "FIGHT!"
[SFX: Crowd murmur, footsteps on cobblestone, rooster crowing, distant bells, cow mooing, water splashing, hammering.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN I do now that I have all of you surrounded!
BRI Tarúk, there's more surrounding us.
[SFX: Heavy footsteps, metal clinking.]
CALAN What do we do?
TARÚK They outnumber us, and there are more within these walls. I do not know…
[SFX: Sword draws.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN Now, you come with me.
[SFX: Metal jangles.]
IRIKLAS (Whispering) Are you out of your bonds?
JENQUO Oh, yes.
IRIKLAS (Whispering) Then by all means, let's—
[SFX: Chains clattering.]
IRIKLAS (Yelling) FIGHT!
[Music: "Tarúk and the Bandits" starts.]
[SFX: Swords draw.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN Don't let them take your swords—!
[SFX: Blades clash.]
IRIKLAS Too late!
[SFX: Swords clanging, grunting and struggling.]
TARÚK (Grunts and growls)
[SFX: Rapid punching.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN The hooded one! He's an Orc! Kill—AAGH!
[SFX: Punching impact.]
[SFX: Wood splinters, crushed by falling body.]
BRI (Wry) Sorry.
[SFX: More clanging and punching.]
TARÚK We must leave!
[SFX: Running footsteps on cobblestone.]
JENQUO Come! Follow us! We will lose them!
CALAN Bri?
BRI Don’t look at me! Run!
[SFX: More running, crowd panic, chicken clucking.]
IRIKLAS (Panting) Out of our way! You remember where the catacombs are?
JENQUO No, do you?
BRI Do you seriously think we can hide?
JENQUO We did it all the time when we were here.
[SFX: Metal clangs and jangles.]
[SFX: Running pauses.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN Get them!
CALAN They’re coming!
JENQUO This should slow them down!
IRIKLAS Jenquo, are you mad?
WYNISH BYSTANDER (Screams)
[SFX: Sawing noises.]
IRIKLAS There’s a man on top of this scaffolding!
JENQUO Look, he’s holding on to the statue for dear life.
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN Seize them!
[SFX: Wooden creaking and snapping, distant screams, crashing debris.]
JENQUO Okay, now we can go.
[SFX: Running footsteps resume.]
JENQUO The underpass connects with the catacombs. This way!
CALAN Are you mad? They'll just wait at the other end! Or where we came from!
[SFX: Footsteps slow to walking, dirt and gravel crunching.]
IRIKLAS Not if we don't go there!
TARÚK Orcs have better eyes. I can see a great crevice between those tombs.
BRI Ah, it's too dark.
IRIKLAS Then you understand the point!
BRI Then shuffle there, Orc man, so we can hear where it is!
IRIKLAS You're an Orc?
JENQUO Wow, you look good.
[SFX: Grunting and shuffling. Dust and pebbles falling as they squeeze into crevice.]
CALAN Watch it!
JENQUO Sorry, boy.
IRIKLAS (Whispers) My friends, it is uncomfortable, but be silent. They are coming.
[SFX: Footsteps approaching. Swords draw.]
WYNHOLD CAPTAIN Wherever you are, show yourselves.
[SFX: Footsteps edge closer, metal armor jangling.]
STRANGER Hey down there! I saw those vagabonds fleeing out this way! Out the other end of the tunnel! With haste!
[SFX: Footsteps hurry, fading out.]
CALAN Who is it?
TARÚK Shh.
[SFX: Lighter footsteps approach, gravel crunching.]
VILLADIUS Bri! It's me, Villadius.
BRI Villadius!? How—? How did you find us? And did you send those guards to—?
VILLADIUS I suppose I have a lot to explain.
SCENE TWO: RHUADU’S POWER
[Music: "Rhuadu" (mystical choral music) starts.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) In the days of the God, Rhuadu, many would pray in his shrines. But the days of Rhuadu have passed, and his shrines lay barren, reminding all of their God's absence. A quiet place for many dealings, where Villadius does not mean to be seen.
[SFX: Heavy footsteps on stone.]
TARÚK Girl.
BRI Tarúk.
TARÚK The boy, Calan, told me what happened. I am glad to see you alive.
[SFX: Metal clink.]
TARÚK You may have your coin back.
BRI Me gold coin? But why did you—?
TARÚK I failed you as a guide. You were made vulnerable.
BRI How will you leave this land without it?
TARÚK I will make do, as I always have.
BRI I-I can’t accept it. You helped save us from those guards. It’s yours.
[SFX: Beat.]
VILLADIUS My apologies for the choice of location.
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
IRIKLAS Nice to see another Elvan in this dull land.
VILLADIUS (Chuckle) Well, Human lands do have their charm—
TARÚK (Grunts)
[SFX: Body slam against wall.]
VILLADIUS AH!
BRI Tarúk!
[Music: "Rhuadu" ends.]
TARÚK We thought the guards that pursued us were sent by you, wizard! If they are not, then explain yourself—NOW!
VILLADIUS (Sigh) Zia Deir! Ultovín. He is the matter. Neradial—that twisted usurper Queen sent him to take my place in Wynhold.
[Music: "Rhuadu" starts.]
BRI Ultovín?
VILLADIUS Yes. I begged King Masun to refuse him. But he fears the Dark Bride's wrath, and allowed him a seat at the council beside me. He arrived not long after I met you, Bri. And I can see he has wasted no time filling the pockets of the city guard. He appears to be using his own soldiers to pursue you, Bri.
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
CALAN Not just soldiers, but Sorseers, too. Why?
VILLADIUS Because he knows I'm moving against him, so anyone I meet in secret is at risk if he is watching through soul projection.
JENQUO Wait, anyone?
[Music: "Rhuadu" ends.]
VILLADIUS Do not fear, dwarf, I doubt he would do it again so soon. It's a costly spell.
BRI How did you know we were in the city?
VILLADIUS (Laughs) It would appear I was right about you when we first met.
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
VILLADIUS I knew that there was more to your father's story, even if you did not know. I knew you were here because I got your letter, Bri.
BRI My letter? …No, you told me it was impossible. That no letter has been sent by flame since—since—since Dad killed Rhuadu.
[Music: "Rhuadu" starts.]
VILLADIUS As the words burned from the physical world, they materialized in the spiritual plane, finding me in my dream.
BRI There was more where that came from.
VILLADIUS What?
BRI The letter caught fire by my own fingers. From nothing. On my hand, and yet I—
VILLADIUS You did not burn.
BRI Yes.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone.]
BRI What are you doing? Hey, mind your hands!
VILLADIUS Sorry, I was inspecting you. No burns…not a scratch. Is what she says true?
JENQUO I don't know.
CALAN None of us were there to see.
VILLADIUS Since the death of Rhuadu, his powers have left this world. No new Magnir, no new users of his magic.
TARÚK In the time where the fiery Chieftain of Gods lived, how would one gain his power?
VILLADIUS How all Gods grant their powers, by gaining their favour. But a deceased God cannot give his favour…all of this—your existence, Bri—your timing…could not have been worse. (Gravely) Really, your timing was terrible.
BRI Well, I didn't exactly have a choice, did I? You came to me. Your attention brought Ultovín into my life. I deserve to know why, Villadius!
VILLADIUS The less you know, child, the safer you will be. It is my responsibility as Magnir to protect the future of my order and maintain peace throughout the realm. Ultovín and the Dark Bride threaten both.
VILLADIUS She has Hymerthral, my home, and it will be a matter of time before her sights turn to the old lands of the empire.
BRI Gathland.
VILLADIUS Gathland. Uldaven, Workingar. All kingdoms once ruled by Elvans, long ago. She will come, and with her, war—and death. My plans hinged on this certainty that Rhuadu was slain, but now—no, we must know for certain.
[Music: "Rhuadu" ends.]
BRI I don't know what I did the first time. I don't think I could do it again—
VILLADIUS We Magnir have ways. I know more than a few great Magnir in Bellar whom I would trust. You must go there.
TARÚK For what reason?
VILLADIUS Finding out if her powers are true.
IRIKLAS So, er…what exactly are we hoping for here? Are we hoping she really has fire powers? That she doesn't have fire powers?
VILLADIUS Ugh. Just the truth. You two are smugglers correct?
JENQUO Independent seafarers.
IRIKLAS Discreet merchants.
[Music: "Iriklas and Jenquo" (playful, scheming music) starts.]
VILLADIUS I hope you're more discreet than what you pulled this morning. If you are, you'll get twice the amount of gold for bringing her here as payment.
IRIKLAS Hm, well I'm afraid for transport of the discreet variety, we'll need some additional fees for the many tolls, and-and guards, and for the risk me and my partner here put ourselves—
VILLADIUS A hundred gold.
JENQUO DONE!
IRIKLAS (Laughs) One moment!
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
IRIKLAS (Aside, whispering) We could've asked for more you, you fool!
JENQUO What!? I never let an opportunity pass me by!
IRIKLAS But he's desperate.
JENQUO So am I! My stomach cries with insatiable rage!
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
JENQUO Done! One hundred gold! We accept your job offer, wizard man.
VILLADIUS Excellent.
IRIKLAS (Grumbling)
[Music: "Iriklas and Jenquo" ends.]
[Music: "Rhuadu" starts.]
VILLADIUS I'm afraid that because of my interest, Ultovín will be looking for you. And for that reason, you cannot return home.
[SFX: Light footsteps on stone.]
VILLADIUS While I cannot promise you fortune from this voyage, Bri, nor that you will return, perhaps you may find resolve, for your father and for your—
JENQUO Um, fire wizard?
VILLADIUS What?
[Music: "Rhuadu" ends.]
IRIKLAS Uh, she just left.
VILLADIUS WHAT!?
TARÚK Yes, she's outside on the hill over there.
[SFX: Distant running footsteps on grass.]
[SFX: Grass rustling in wind, distant running water, birdsong.]
VILLADIUS (Panting) Bri, you should not be out here, not while the city guards are—
[Music: "Bri’s Theme" (soft, plaintive music) starts.]
BRI Dad wanted me to see the world. He promised to leave Gathland with me so that we could travel, walk on the paths he walked. Behold the great and terrible sights beyond the hills of our home. It wasn't until I was older, I realized half of all children were promised the same thing. Then they make the same promises to their children. They want it to be true…I just thought father was different because he did all those things.
VILLADIUS Bri, it's not too late. To avenge his failings as a father and as an adventurer.
BRI …But if I don't like it, I get to go home any time I want?
VILLADIUS Agreed.
[SFX: Hands clasp.]
SCENE THREE: GOOD LUCK
[SFX: Wood creaking, waves crashing.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) In the evening at the harbour bay of Wynhold, the Dwarf Jenquo and Orc Tarúk prepare their ship for departure, in the sea shimmering white and black in the moon lit night. Villadius watches their every move from above to ease their escape from the city.
[SFX: Wooden door scrapes open.
[SFX: Ropes creaking, wooden clunking.]
TARÚK There is a soft wind in the sails. If we are to make for Bellar, we should depart soon.
JENQUO You're not so bad at preparing a ship. Well done, Orc Man.
IRIKLAS The Orc man has chosen to come?
CALAN Bellar is far away from Workingar. He prefers it that way, don’t you?
JENQUO The Orc and I share that in common.
[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]
VILLADIUS I am good friends with the warden of this harbour, so I will ensure that no record of your mishap today will follow you.
BRI Thank you.
VILLADIUS Ultovín has eyes in far places, including the harbours in all surrounding harbours. You must make port in Bury and resume your journey on land.
[Music: "The Journey to Wynhold" (peaceful harp music) starts.]
IRIKLAS That will make half the journey on foot!
BRI Tell me the name of this Magnir again?
VILLADIUS Magnir Guarin. His Magnir council will help you.
BRI (Tsk-ing) I hope you're right, Elvan man.
[SFX: Fotsteps on wood.]
VILLADIUS Good luck. Aadas navnanavaa alor suulkantashenalanal. The sun rises for all.
IRIKLAS Thank you, my Elvan friend and brother.
[SFX: More footsteps.]
VILLADIUS You wish to go with them, boy?
CALAN Damn right! A knight’s legend has to start somewhere.
VILLADIUS These three I do not know as well, but I saw you at the tavern where she worked. Watch her—Bri—keep her safe.
CALAN I will.
[SFX: Wooden shuffling and clattering, oars rowing.]
IRIKLAS And we are off, my friends.
[SFX: Boat splashing.]
VILLADIUS (To himself) I have set you on a path for answers, if not for my cause, then for your peace of mind. Perhaps there is more to your father's story, and to your own as well, Bri. You may be a young woman from Gathland—you may wish to remain a young woman from Gathland—but you would not have been chosen if you did not possess a soul worthy of Rhuadu's fire.
[Music: "The Journey to Wynhold" ends.]
SCENE FOUR: CHIMERA
[Music: "The Master Sorseer" (dark, mystical music) starts.]
[SFX: Running water, heavy footsteps on stone.]
SORSEER#1 Master Sorseer Ultovín, Chimera of the Southern Lands, you are the only one among us with a link to Villadius. Can you not project your astral form to him to find?
[SFX: Metal clink, staff hitting floor.]
ULTOVÍN NO! Villadius has found her. If I know him, he is sending her to be tested at a Magnir temple.
SORSEER#2 Then we will wait for her there. In all known temples, we will wait.
SORSEER#1 Master Ultovín, I have seen the girl’s true nature. This is beyond a simple pursuit. We must tell Neradial at once.
ULTOVÍN The Dark Bride has enough concerns of her own. We will deal with this…anomaly long before she sets her sights on the Wynland shore.
SORSEER#1 No. Ultovín, my duty is to you, but first it is with the Dark Bride.
ULTOVÍN So you plan to disobey me? For the greater good of all children of Koannus the Deep God?
SORSEER#1 If I must.
ULTOVÍN I understand all too well.
[SFX: Blade draws, slicing flesh, blood dripping.]
[SFX: Body thumps to floor.]
[Music: "The Deep God" (dark, majestic choral music) starts.]
SORSEER#2 (Gasp) Master!
SORSEER#1 (Choking on blood)
ULTOVÍN The Deep God is my servant, and I am his. We draw the blood from your mouth until you pale and die.
SORSEER#1 (Final gurgle)
ULTOVÍN Do not look away. It’s important to look upon your sacrifices, even as their blood pools at your feet and meets the sea.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone, staff clinking.]
ULTOVÍN Listen well. This girl, Bri, is mine. Let her come.
[Music: "The Deep God" ends.]
CLOSING CREDITS
Music: "Main Theme" starts.]
[Music: "Main Theme" ends.]
[Music: "End Credits" (rustic percussive music) starts.]
NARRATOR The Call of the Flame: An Audio Play. Starring Bonnie Bogovich, Stephen Cumberworth, Jacob Williamson, Corey Borchers, Hayden Ashley, Xathian, and Gary Gibbs the Second. For the full cast list, please visit thecalloftheflame.com. This podcast was written and produced by Kurt Cañez. With music by Adam Halpin, with additional tracks by Stephen Cumberworth. Both can be found on Bandcamp. Additional audio editing by Sasha Blore. Read the podcast description and follow us on our pages of media. Send a bird bearing the hashtag COTF Podcast. Leave us a review on iTunes. Although the greatest way to support the show is to become a patron of ours on our Patreon page so that we may maintain our production. Five dollar and above listeners get exclusive content such as music tracks by Adam Halpin and extended episodes. Gather around in two weeks for the next instalment of our play. To ask us about sponsorship, send us an electronic letter to thecalloftheflamepodcast@gmail.com. This has been a Rubbish Log Production. I am your narrator, George Hoctor. We thank you all for listening.
[Music: "End Credits" ends.]