Chapter 6: City of Lies (Part 2 of 2) Transcript
OPENING
[Music: "Main Title" (triumphant orchestral music) starts.]
NARRATOR The Call of the Flame: An Audio Play. Chapter Six: City of Lies. Part Two of Two.
[Music: "Main Title" ends.]
SCENE ONE: BURNING SWORDS
[Music: "Courant" (dark percussive battle music) starts.]
COURANT Only I kill the girl. Slay the rest!
[SFX: Blades ringing.]
TARÚK Do you think twelve men can stand to face with an Elvan warrior, a spearman from Kanduk, a Magnir, and an Orc?
[Music: "Courant" ends.]
COURANT We have Eternal Koannus. What do you have?
[SFX: More footsteps on wood, sword drawn.]
GUARIN She has the Magnir!
COURANT What!? Guarin!
GUARIN Magnir! Draw swords! Ignite!
[SFX: Swords draw, matches light, fire ignites.]
IRIKLAS Burning swords! On either side of us, behind those men.
BRI Magnir!
JENQUO YES!
GUARIN Send them to their Deep God!
[SFX: Battle cries, running footsteps, swords clashing, flesh rending, death gurgling, splashing.]
[Music: "Courant" ends.]
IRIKLAS Uh…this is awkward.
JENQUO Refresh my memory—the Magnir are on our side?
BRI Yes? Yes!
MYRTLE Um, is now a good time to tell you all that I have a code that prevents me from doing any—!
JENQUO Then we fight!
MYRTLE Oh, yep, you guys got this…
[SFX: Battle cries and weapons clashing intensify.]
TARÚK (Growling)
BRI (Grunting)
GUARIN You must be Bri!
BRI Aye! That's me!
GUARIN Villadius told me of your coming. Perhaps he isn't a madman after all!
BRI We'll see about that!
GUARIN I am a Magnir, like you!
BRI Whoa! (Grunting)
GUARIN Well, not quite like you…I lost my magic with Rhuadu's fall.
JENQUO (Grunting)
TARÚK (Growling) There's only three left!
[SFX: Magnir cheer in victory.]
GUARIN We have them blocked on either side.
[SFX: More cheering, scattered clapping.]
GUARIN You're finished, Courant! Put down your daggers!
HENCHMAN #1 My Sorseer, it is no use.
HENCHMAN #2 What can we do?
COURANT Relax, my friends, there is a way out yet.
HENCHMAN #1 What?
[SFX: Blade slashes, bloody gurgling, bodies thumps to the ground.]
GUARIN NO!
COURANT The Deep God thanks you for your sacrifice.
IRIKLAS How do Sorseers fight again?
MYRTLE With the water.
JENQUO How so?
MYRTLE Well, they can summon fog like he did now, can summon the waves and…
BRI And what?
[SFX: Crackling noise.]
MYRTLE …Ice.
GUARIN Stay back! I said stay back! The Deep God grants his power through sacrifice!
GUARD #1 I'll take him!
[SFX: Running footsteps on wood.]
COURANT Ferenea beraruunel!
[SFX: Icy crack, stabbing impact, death cry.]
BRI AAH!
IRIKLAS Spikes of ice!?
[SFX: Ice spikes crackle, splintering through wood.]
TARÚK Run, Bri! You're the one he's after!
BRI Aye!
[SFX: More running footsteps, ice impacts.]
BRI (Panting) AAH!
GUARIN It's the Deep God's magic!
COURANT Forenan berauunel!
[SFX: Roar of rising water.]
GUARIN The tide! Hold fast!
[SFX: Magnir yelling.]
TARÚK You think your magic can—!
[SFX: Roaring water muffles sound.]
[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]
BRI No!
COURANT Why look back, girl? Do you not fear me?
BRI You do look tired. Do you Sorseers run out of magic?
COURANT How observant. You must be a fast learner.
[SFX: Waves swelling, distant coughing, wood creaking.]
COURANT What an opportunity, the last Sorseer-Magnir duel there ever will be. Eternal Koannus—
[SFX: Blade draws, slicing flesh.]
COURANT I pledge this sacrifice to you, the last of the Magnir. Grant me your power, so that I may see it done!
[SFX: Flame ignites, ice roars and cracks.]
BRI Oh no.
[SFX: Ice spikes splinter wood.]
COURANT Hold STILL!
BRI I will when you stop lobbing blades of ice at me! AAH!
[SFX: Ice spears crackle as they fly and splinter.]
BRI (Grunting as she dodges)
COURANT The tyranny of the Magnir will never return, as long as I draw breath!
BRI Breath…
COURANT Now, DIE!
[SFX: Burst of roaring flame.]
COURANT AAAAH! LANOSHEN!
[SFX: Hiss of melting ice.]
BRI I-I threw my fire! I threw my fire!
COURANT (Coughs)
BRI Oh, no.
[SFX: Running footsteps on wood.]
COURANT This isn't over, girl!
BRI (Panting)
COURANT I will—!
[SFX: Wood creaking, footsteps fading.]
GUARIN (Grunts) There he is!
[SFX: More footsteps on wood.]
TARÚK (Growls)
COURANT This isn't ov—!
[SFX: Punching impact, clinking of iron cuffs.]
GUARIN Take him to the Temple. Where is the girl?
IRIKLAS She ran.
TARÚK Bri?
[SFX: Creaking of wood in the wind.]
SCENE TWO: ESSENCE OF THE WEAVER
[SFX: Crowd chatter, water splashing, keys jingling, bursts of laughter and cheering.]
CIVILIAN #1 Are you all right?
BRI I'm fine, thank you.
CIVILIAN #4 Best be on your way.
CIVILIAN #2 Fresh bread!
CIVILIAN #2 Was that a Gathish accent?
CIVILIAN #1 I think so.
CIVILIAN #6 Neradial is coming, you know.
CIVILIAN #3 What's she looking for?
CIVILIAN #4 Is she from Gathland?
CIVILIAN #5 Such a pretty little thing.
CIVILIAN #2 Fresh bread!
CIVILIAN #7 Have you seen a girl passing through here?
CIVILIAN #1 Should we get the guards?
CIVILIAN #8 There you are.
BRI (Gasps)
MYRTLE It's okay, it's me!
[SFX: Footsteps on cobblestone.]
BRI Myrtle!? What are you doing?
MYRTLE I slipped away during the fight. I mean, I told you, I can't do any harm! It's not the Incanter way.
BRI What about Kuma? And the way you commanded that dog?
MYRTLE Well, direct harm, anyways.
BRI We need to get to the Magnir temple. It's what we came for, isn't it? To seek the Magnir Council? To rid myself of…?
MYRTLE All right then. Then I have just the thing.
[SFX: Pack opening, rummaging, clinking of a bottle.]
BRI What's this?
[SFX: Liquid sloshing.]
MYRTLE Drink it, quickly.
BRI Did you not hear me asking what it was first?
MYRTLE Do you want to go back there all alone like you were? With the Sorseers after you? Drink and I'll tell you.
BRI Fine.
[SFX: Cork pops, sipping and gulping.]
MYRTLE Is it down? Did you swallow?
BRI Yes, I did, now tell me why I just drank that.
MYRTLE Oh, it's a tea. Essence of the weaver. For a little while you'll find your senses are raised, your footsteps lighter, your movement faster. Everything you need to pass unseen.
BRI Right, I understand that, but what's in it?
MYRTLE Oh, um…there's a bit of words of incantation over a boiling water and— (Mumbling, barely audible) —spider's silk and husks.
BRI I'm sorry, what did you say?
MYRTLE Spider's silk and…their bodies.
BRI (Gagging) Ugh…
MYRTLE It's okay!
BRI Why did you tell me that? Oh, it feels…
MYRTLE Because you bloody well asked! Oh, pardon my language.
[SFX: Stumbling footsteps on cobblestone.]
MYRTLE The effects should be kicking in now. Steady!
[SFX: Feet slipping.]
BRI (Groans)
MYRTLE Steady, girl! I can't hold you, I'm not that tall!
BRI I'm fine. I'm fine. Now what?
[SFX: Mob chatter, bells chiming, water splashing.]
SCENE THREE: THE MAGNIR TEMPLE
[Music: "Bellar" (majestic, slightly foreboding music) starts.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) The streets of Bellar open themselves to Bri as she steps silently through the shadows and alleyways—slow, patient, not making a sound. Noticing every voice, every sound, with perfect clarity, until the Magnir Temple in the heart of the city reveals itself, surrounded by the protesting followers of the Deep God.
BRI (Heavy breathing)
[SFX: Tolling of bells.]
JENQUO I have never seen a place of worship with so many guards.
GUARIN We've had to ever since the death of Rhuadu. Many wish to desecrate this place.
IRIKLAS You sure they're not here for all the gold and fine silverware?
[SFX: Small ting of ringing metal.]
GUARIN Hands to yourself, Elvan. By the flame, where is that girl? Is she still out there!?
MYRTLE She's on her way. I gave her a potion that would help.
GUARIN We have the Sorseer secured in the cellar.
TARÚK You mean to tell me you're keeping him alive?
GUARIN (Sighs) No.
JENQUO He is a Wizard like you, but he has powers!
IRIKLAS No offense.
GUARIN He promised the girl as a sacrifice—I heard it—in exchange for power. He failed to sacrifice her.
MYRTLE Yes, that's how the Deep God's magic works. His power is stripped away until he has paid his, um…debt.
TARÚK Until he's killed Bri, you mean. Which way to the cellar, wizard?
GUARIN So you can kill him?
TARÚK Is it this way?
[SFX: Footsteps on stone, guards shuffle with a clink of armor.]
TARÚK Out of my way!
MYRTLE Tarúk, please, no fighting!
TARÚK (Growling)
[SFX: Guards grunt and struggle, swords draw.]
GUARIN We need him alive.
TARÚK That’s fine, I’ll kill some of your guards, too!
[SFX: Blades clashing.]
IRIKLAS Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah, woah! Let’s hear him out. Why?
GUARIN He must be questioned. We cannot execute him.
TARÚK Then you can tell your people the Orc did it. Everyone does.
IRIKLAS It's a rare opportunity taking him alive.
JENQUO He is too dangerous to keep alive if he wants to kill the girl.
BRI Can I say something?
[SFX: Voyagers yell in surprise.]
MYRTLE AH!
IRIKLAS Girl!?
BRI Relax, it's me.
JENQUO You came in through the window!?
IRIKLAS There's a door downstairs!
BRI Aye. I, um, I wanted to—
[SFX: Fly buzzing.]
BRI But there were too many people, and this looked easy.
GUARIN …Why is she acting so strange?
MYRTLE I gave her a potion made of spider essence.
[SFX: Hands clap together, fly stops buzzing.]
BRI (Weird noise)
MYRTLE Oh, no!
JENQUO A-chiwo, don't eat that!
IRIKLAS No, no, no, don't eat that! Ugh!
[SFX: Fly resumes buzzing.]
BRI Oh? Sorry! I don't know why, but…that looked tasty.
TARÚK Come down from there.
[SFX: Feet thud to floor, clothes fluttering, footsteps on stone.]
BRI If this Sorseer wants me dead, I can't remain in the city. But I came all this way to find out why I have these powers. What good are they to your cause?
[Music: "Villadius’s Theme" (hopeful flute music) starts.]
VILLADIUS Well, for one, it lured the infamous Sorseer Courant from hiding.
BRI No…
JENQUO Wizard!
VILLADIUS Yes, I am here now. I am sorry I could not travel with you. I led Ultovín and the council to believe I went back to Hymerthral across the sea. Instead, I travelled here by horse. Ugh. I still have that creature’s hairs in my robe.
[Music: "Villadius’s Theme" (hopeful flute music) ends.]
TARÚK Oh, so she was the bait.
VILLADIUS That is simplifying the— (Groans)
BRI You—what in—why on Earth would you not tell me something like that!?
[SFX: Footsteps on stone.]
VILLADIUS Because Ultovín wants you alive! I did not expect—!
IRIKLAS Oh, here we go again!
TARÚK (Growls)
[SFX: Thud against stone wall.]
VILLADIUS (Groans) Let me go, Orc!
BRI All of you STOP!
[SFX: Flame ignites, crackling.]
VILLADIUS I told you once before, Bri, all I desire is truth.
[SFX: Fire extinguishes with a hiss.]
VILLADIUS That is why I've summoned you here, for the truth of your power, and now for the truth of Ultovín's plan.
BRI It's my life you've gambled with, Villadius. You thought that Sorseer wanted me alive? You were wrong. You better not be wrong about what I've travelled all this way to hear from you.
GUARIN The Sorseer is below in the cellar. He is refusing to talk to anyone. Anyone but…the girl.
VILLADIUS I will see him.
BRI I'll go with you.
JENQUO Is that a good idea?
BRI I'm the one he wants.
TARÚK I will go with you.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone, sword drawing.]
BRI Oh, he'll behave, won't you?
TARÚK (Grumbles)
[SFX: Sword sheathes.]
SCENE FOUR: COURANT
[SFX: Keys jingle, wooden door creaks heavily, footfall echoing down stairs, rats squeaking.]
[Music: "Courant" (dark and mysterious music) starts.]
COURANT There she is.
BRI Here I am. I'm not feeling talkative at the moment. I only planned on having one conversation in this city.
[SFX: Chains jingling.]
COURANT You will be disappointed. I'm sure the powerless Magnir will be more than happy to speak on your behalf.
VILLADIUS Sorseer Courant.
COURANT Courant.
[Music: "Courant" ends.]
VILLADIUS Courant. Why am I not surprised you're working with Ultovín?
COURANT Because we share the same goals.
BRI And what are your goals?
VILLADIUS Ultovín seeks to destroy the Magnir. For revenge.
BRI Why?
VILLADIUS It's…a long story.
BRI I came all this way.
[Music: "The Deep God" (dark, majestic choral music) starts.]
VILLADIUS More than a hundred years ago, there was a…schism in Hymerthral. After the Incanters were cast out, the Magnir and the Sorseers fought for dominance. You see, while Rhuadu with his wisdom gave his power to Magnir, the Deep God gives without limitation to Sorseers. So long as they pay the price in sacrifice. And that led to a question that divided all belief in the Elvan lands. Are we servants of the Gods? Or are the Gods servants to us? The answer would change our way of life, if the Sorseers had their way—their power would be unchallenged. That led to conflict with the Sorseers. Ultovín was one of them. So, you are aiding Ultovín in his conspiracy, to end the Magnir?
COURANT That is a much easier task than you think, looking at the only one left.
BRI I'm not a Magnir.
[SFX: Rats squeaking.]
COURANT But you are. Why else would you travel so far from your home to find yourself in theirs? Now that you're here it's already too late for you. The Magnir and the Crown are one in Bellar, and they will use you in their plan to destroy the only true power left. Yes, I know your plan, Villadius. All of you.
BRI What plan?
COURANT To kill the Deep God.
[Music: "The Deep God" (dark, majestic choral music) ENDS.]
GUARIN That's enough for now.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone, chains jingling.]
COURANT The Chimera and the Dark Bride are bringing the tide west, and the Deep God with it.
[SFX: Heavy door creaking shut.]
SCENE FIVE: USE THE GIRL
TARÚK Is it true?
VILLADIUS He is wrong. I don't have a plan. Only a motive. A theory. The balance of this world has been taken away with the passing of Rhuadu.
[Music: "Rhuadu" (mystical choral music) starts.]
VILLADIUS Without the Magnir, the Sorseers are left unchecked, and free to spread their influence. Without the Deep God, their power will be no more. Just like us.
MYRTLE Duinna still empowers us Incanters.
VILLADIUS Yes, but Duinna is a neutral force. And…we have all seen what comes of Incanters when they pick a side.
GUARIN Villadius has written letters to this council, seeking our knowledge to plan. To find the resting place of Koannus the Deep God, and from there, how to destroy him.
VILLADIUS Only one thing was missing.
BRI You wanted to know how Dad killed a God. So you could do it again. That—that is the real reason why you came to see me back in Gathland?
GUARIN That was before your power was revealed to us, Bri. If you truly carry Rhuadu's blessing, then…
BRI Then maybe he's not dead at all.
GUARIN And if that is true, then perhaps the great adversary, the Deep God, cannot die either.
VILLADIUS They did not believe me at first. We needed you here, Bri, for proof, to plan our next move. And to find out what the Sorseers already knew. So, yes, we needed you to lure one of Ultovín's agents from hiding.
[Music: "Rhuadu" ends.]
VILLADIUS I just didn't expect him to recruit a fanatic like Courant. (Sighs) Are you going to shove me against the wall again, Orc?
TARÚK I'm thinking about it.
BRI Okay…I can see now how this—no, how I—interfere with your grand plan. Do you know how to find out? What I really am?
VILLADIUS (Sighs) If we Magnir had our full power, we could, quite easily. But…there is a way. Wait here.
GUARIN Lord Magnir, a word? In private.
VILLADIUS Very well.
[SFX: Heavy door creaks shut.]
JENQUO What do you think they are talking about?
BRI Me.
IRIKLAS That seems to be the topic of the evening.
BRI Aye, one that I'm never invited to.
MYRTLE Bri, the potion. It should still work even after this long.
BRI …Damn it.
[SFX: Faint footsteps.]
[SFX: Voices muffled through wall.]
VILLADIUS It is close, in the Mountains south, if I remember—
GUARIN Have you gone mad, Villadius? We cannot take the girl to Nurang.
VILLADIUS You and I both know that we need to consult the Spirit world, and without our power, that is impossible.
GUARIN It will destroy her. It destroys everything that enters its cave.
VILLADIUS Ever since the death of Rhuadu, yes. Before, it only spoke to Magnir. She is a Magnir!
GUARIN A barmaid from Gathland whose drunk father killed OUR God!? She has no stake in this. If she were smart, she would have stayed home.
VILLADIUS I promised her answers. The spirit realm is the only way.
GUARIN That girl is the only being in the world left with our power. If Nurang kills her, then what? We can use her. Have you not seen the city, Villadius? The state of it?
VILLADIUS I…I have. I know the struggle—
GUARIN And now you have seen it with your own eyes.
VILLADIUS Yes, I have.
GUARIN We are vulnerable, Villadius. With half of our people on the side of the Deep God, she will overtake the country. They have no faith anymore, Villadius. We must show them.
VILLADIUS Bri?
GUARIN Yes. She is a sign, a herald of Rhuadu's return.
VILLADIUS We don't know that!
GUARIN We don't, but the people—they need to see. Your people need to see. This girl is a powerful weapon against the coming of the Deep God. We must use her.
VILLADIUS Hmm… (Sighs) You're right. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. My curiosity preceded my duty.
[SFX: Door bursts open.]
[SFX: Voices return to normal volume.]
BRI Which came right before your HONESTY!
VILLADIUS BRI!?
BRI You lying, pointy-eared—!
VILLADIUS Were you listening!?
BRI (Stuttering and crying)
VILLADIUS Bri, calm down! Calm—! Let me speak!
BRI How could you? You said you were going to help me! That you would help me find resolve for my father and for myself!
[SFX: Muffled footsteps.]
IRIKLAS Is there fighting?
MYRTLE Oh, dear me.
VILLADIUS Bri, the circumstances are more complicated than that! Everything rests on your involvement.
BRI You agreed I could go home any time I wanted. We shook on it in Wynhold. Or is that another lie?
VILLADIUS No, you can't go! While you're here, there are many things to do. You can change the fate of this land and the whole world! You must understand your importance in this conflict! You can help us counter the Dark Bride before she ever comes!
BRI I CAN'T!
VILLADIUS YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE, GIRL! Your wants and needs are NOTHING, next to the fate of this world! We are this close to losing everything to the Sorseers and how, HOW, can you be thinking of yourself at this time?
BRI BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE BLOODY WILL!
IRIKLAS Um…will we still get our one hundred gold?
MYRTLE (Squeaks indignantly)
JENQUO Bad timing?
IRIKLAS I mean, if you give her her end of the bargain or not, we held up our end.
BRI (Laughs) Do you know what I am?
[Music: "Bri’s Theme" (soft, plaintive music) starts.]
BRI I'm a bag of gold. I'm a prize to be won. A debt to be paid. A tool for Knights and Wizards. Yes, I'm no one anymore. Just those things.
VILLADIUS Bri, calm yourself right this instant!
BRI Or what, Villadius!?
VILLADIUS Because you need me to help you.
BRI No. I did. But not anymore. Tell me. When the Sorseers take a hold of these lands, will they tell me what I should do? Will they give me a choice? Or will they be more like you?
[Music: "Bri’s Theme" ends.]
[SFX: Footsteps on stone, fading out.]
IRIKLAS Anyway, about that one hundred gold…
VILLADIUS …Yes, I suppose that's in order. Is there anything else you need?
JENQUO Yes, you can tell me: are you called wizards because you are full of wisdom?
TARÚK This would be proof to the contrary.
VILLADIUS Tarúk, please. I need you to talk to her. Do you know where Neradial will strike first? All signs point to Workingar. Your home, yes? Do you want to see it protected? We need her, Tarúk.
TARÚK Hm.
SCENE SIX: RUN
[SFX: Banging on door.]
BRI Leave me be.
TARÚK (Muffled) It's me, girl.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone.]
BRI What?
TARÚK (Muffled) May I come in?
[SFX: Wooden door creaking open.]
[SFX: More footsteps, bed creaking.]
BRI I should've seen it coming. I thought the answer could disappoint me. (Light laugh) And I was prepared for that. I was even prepared to not get an answer. What I did not count on was for Villadius to lie, and seek to use me as his—his—pawn for his spat with Gods and magic.
[SFX: Pacing footsteps on stone.]
BRI And…and the Deep God. He wants to destroy him. He wanted my help to do the heinous thing my father did for the world all over again. You know what killing Rhuadu did? What it brought about? Everyone knows. Dragon fire. Conflict. Death.
[SFX: Bed creaking.]
TARÚK Run.
BRI Run?
TARÚK These Magnir don't deserve you. You came to them for help, and they sought to enslave you.
BRI And what of the Dark Bride? The Deep God? Ultovín? I can't—
[Music: "Tarúk’s Theme" (regal, melancholy music) starts.]
TARÚK Do you want to know why I left Workingar, girl? My father was Chieftain of Gungror. He would've seen the days return where Orcs raided, pillaged, murdered, raped, and enslaved all of its neighbours. Our land couldn't afford to wait for his death, so I did it for him. I put a knife through his heart. Took the crown. And still my land wouldn't change. And in their hour of greatest need, I abandoned them. If they want blood, if they want war, so be it. They deserve to be humbled. These Magnir, girl…they don't deserve you. They will never stop using you if you do not.
[SFX: Bed creaking, footsteps.]
TARÚK So run.
[SFX: Wooden door creaking open and shut.]
BRI (Sighs)
[SFX: Window latch popping open, shutters creaking, crickets chirping.]
BRI (Grunts softly)
[SFX: Knock on door.]
VILLADIUS (Muffled) Bri. It is me, Villadius. I—I wanted to talk. I am sorry about what I said earlier.
BRI (Muffled grunts)
VILLADIUS (Muffled) We need your help, more desperately than you realize. You lack the context to be as afraid as we are You've never seen a land under the iron fist of a Sorseer, nor heard the tales of this Dark Bride. If you only knew, then perhaps our cause would hold some meaning to you. Righting your father's wrongs, restoring the Magnir, was never going to be an easy task. So—I am asking you to help us. I can make something up if you…Bri? Bri, are you there? Bri! Okay, I'm opening this door.
[SFX: Doorknob rattles, footsteps rush in.]
VILLADIUS BRI!? Oh, oh zia dier, no, no, no, no, no!
[SFX: Footsteps fade out.]
SCENE SEVEN: LEAVING
[SFX: Crickets sing.]
[Music: "Bri Runs" (soft, wistful music) starts.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) The guards are spread throughout the city of Bellar with orders to find a fair-headed Gathish woman.
[SFX: Running footsteps on grass.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) But she is far away, wrapped in a stolen green cloak blowing in the night air, beyond the bridge leading to the city—
BRI (Weeping)
NARRATOR (Voiceover) —Falling back against the body of an oak in darkness—
[SFX: Tree bark creaks.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) —Alone.
BRI (Weeping)
[SFX: Flame ignites.]
BRI What am I?
[SFX: Flames crackle for a beat, then extinguish.]
[SFX: Footsteps on grass.]
BRI Who's there?
MYRTLE Bri, what are you doing out here?
BRI I'm leaving, Myrtle. The Temple, the Magnir, Bellar, my father—I'm leaving it all behind.
MYRTLE Where will you go?
[SFX: Footsteps on grass.]
BRI No one is going to give me answers. So, I'm going to get them myself. Don't try to stop me.
[SFX: More footsteps.]
MYRTLE I'm not. I'm going with you. I said it before—you need a little schooling.
BRI (Soft chuckle) Thank you, Myrtle.
MYRTLE So…do you know where we're going?
[Music: "Bri Runs" (soft, wistful music) ends.]
BRI No, but I know to who.
MYRTLE To who, then?
BRI A dragon.
MYRTLE Okay.
[SFX: Long beat.]
MYRTLE (Delayed giggle of disbelief) …I beg your pardon?
SCENE EIGHT: PRINCE AARUN
[SFX: Crickets sing.]
[Music: "The Deep God" (dark, majestic choral music) starts.]
NARRATOR (Voiceover) The face of King Masun is sullen at this time. Matters of politics, of ruling, of conflicts to come, disappear in the mind of King Masun next to the ailing health of his kin at this late hour—the Prince Aarun.
AARUN (Coughs)
NARRATOR (Voiceover) Never leaving his side as the grave pestilence comes over the child, over the future of his blood.
DOCTOR I've consulted all known books. We have tried a number of cures on the afflicted. None have shown any signs of change.
MASUN Have you? Have you tried everything?
DOCTOR I'm afraid so. We just don't—
MASUN (Roars)
[SFX: Books slam against the wall.]
DOCTOR I apologize, my King, but no earthly cure can stop it.
[SFX: Footsteps on stone.]
MASUN (Sighs) Very well. Get me Master Sorseer Ultovín.
DOCTOR My King—?
MASUN At once!
AARUN (Coughs)
[Music]*
[SFX: Wooden door creaks open.]
ULTOVÍN Your Highness.
MASUN Master Ultovín. You know why you were brought here.
ULTOVÍN Of course, my King.
MASUN You say you can cure him?
ULTOVÍN The Deep God is strong with me. But I cannot do what you ask.
MASUN What!?
ULTOVÍN I am not a servant of Kings alone. I am a servant of their realms. I wouldn't be a servant of the realm if I were to cure your boy and leave the rest of the realm to rot. Neither would you be an honest king.
MASUN Watch your mouth, snake.
ULTOVÍN I don’t threaten, my King. I will do what you ask, with one condition. I will only rid of this pestilence for the entire kingdom. To do this, however, I will need some things from you.
AARUN (Coughs)
MASUN Anything.
[Music: "The Deep God" (dark, majestic choral music) ends.]
CLOSING CREDITS
[Music: "Main Title" starts.]
[Music: "Main Title" 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, Abigail Turner, 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 and follow us on Twitter @calloftheflame. 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 installment of our play. To ask us about sponsorship, send an electronic letter to thecalloftheflamepodcast@gmail.com. And now a message from our playwright.
[Music: "Main Title" ends.]
[Music*]
KURT Hi everybody, this is Kurt, creator of The Call of the Flame. Yes, this one was a little late, personal issues came up and postponed some of the editing of this particular episode. The final edit was actually 34 minutes by the time we’re done posing, it’ll be a lot less. I love exposition and worldbuilding and moments of pure character interaction. I’m that guy who’ll watch only the extended editions of the Lord of the Rings. If you can relate to that, definitely take a peek at our Patreon page for extended chapters as we make them, and right now, we’ve got over 50 minutes of original music, just for The Call of the Flame, being uploaded on Patreon twice a week. So, Chapter Seven, Part One will have kind of a late start. You can keep up with the production though by following us on Twitter @calloftheflame. I’ll let you know, I’ve noticed a lot more activity on Twitter since my last soapbox. If you’re one of those people, I can’t thank you enough for the boost. Just one share, one review or mention does wonders for us. If you’re not sure what to say, then just retweet the trailer pinned to our profile. It’s fifty seconds long, it’s cool, it’s got a little animation and everything. That’s it for this chapter. I thank you so much for listening, and as always, thank you.
NARRATOR This has been a Magnir roduction. I am your narrator, George Hoctor. We thank you all for listening.