Chapter 9: The Lays of Workingar (Part 1 of 3) Transcript

OPENING

[Music: "Main Title" (triumphant orchestral music) starts.]

NARRATOR The Call of the Flame: An Audio Play. Chapter Nine: The Lays of Workingar. Part One of Three.

[Music: "Main Title" ends.]

SCENE ONE: BAL MOHR

[SFX: Waves lapping.]

NARRATOR (Voiceover) Below a turbulent sky, beneath the rolling waves, within the cracks of the Earth, lies cold darkness. Dwelt by creatures never before touched by light…

[SFX: Muffled, bubbling groans beneath water.]

NARRATOR (Voiceover) …And souls tethered to their decaying, changing bodies bound over stone. Thousands upon thousands, spread over miles across the ocean floor. The realm of Bal Mohr. The Deep God's prison of unworthy souls.

[Music: "Bal Mohr" (eerie, tragic choral music) starts.]*

NARRATOR (Voiceover) Once people, now twisted abominations from years of imprisonment. More akin to the fish, or crab, or octopus than Dwarf, Human, or Orc. Leashed to their pens, these Hell Hounds wait, for the Deep God's call to hunt.

[SFX: Muffled thudding, growling, bubbling, chains creaking.]

SCENE TWO: STRANGE DREAMS

[SFX: Birds singing, stream burbling.]

[SFX: Supernatural drone.]

TARÚK (Sleepy grunt)

IRIKLAS (Sleepy groaning)

[SFX: Dirt rustling, bodies stretching on ground.]

IRIKLAS What—what in—WHAT?

JENQUO You all dreamt?

TARÚK Yes. Though this time, it was different.

IRIKLAS Am I the only one who dreamed about—?

TARÚK Of reading a note? A note from Bri?

JENQUO I did, too!

IRIKLAS And then…you also had to give a speech naked? Because…I didn't dream that part either…

JENQUO How can this be? It must be magic.

TARÚK Yes, one not used in a long time. Farspeech. A Magnir trick. Bri sent us a message through the spirit world.

IRIKLAS Oh, oh yes. Of course, it was how Magnir spread word from afar.

TARÚK You all remember what it said? She is with the Halfin, she met the Dragon Nurang already…

IRIKLAS Yes, and she's moved on—whew—no more Dragon—

JENQUO —She met the Sorseer again, and now she's on a boat, on her way to—

TARÚK —Workingar, to Clan Gungror…my home.

[SFX: Footsteps on dirt.]

IRIKLAS (Singing) "Workingar, where the Orc Kings are, where fell the Empire's star, where death waits for those who've come thus far." (Speaking) We have a lot of poems and songs for your land, Orc, and that's high praise from immortals.

TARÚK Check our supplies.

[SFX: Packs shuffling.]

JENQUO Not even you Elvans could conquer it.

[SFX: Footsteps on grass, splashing and bubbling, water skins filled from stream.]

IRIKLAS The Elvan Empire used to rule the edges of all known lands. Gathland, Uldaben, Aradjar. It wasn't until my fathers ventured to Workingar we met our match. It was the beginning of the end.

[Music: "Tarúk’s Theme" (regal, melancholy music) starts.]

IRIKLAS Elvan generals like my father went mad trying to conquer it. (Laughs) We knew nothing then. Only tales of men like great monsters, stone men who can muster and march even during the winter storms, with fangs that can pierce iron, who can lift a fully armoured man as easily as a baby.

[SFX: Packs shuffling.]

IRIKLAS (Chuckles) Many young Elvans venture there seeking revenge and glory, and only find—

TARÚK Snow and death. That was all before the world learned the truth. Our weaknesses. Even Orcs have to call off grudges during a blizzard.

IRIKLAS I remember my father's battle plans. There's only two ways into Gungror. Over the mountains, or—

TARÚK The bay of Stoneshield.

[Music: "Tarúk’s Theme" ends.]

JENQUO Are you all right going back there, Tarúk? Sailing in open water?

TARÚK I can't go back there, least of all by sea. I know them. I know my kind better than any of you can. I will not be welcome.

JENQUO Can we trust them?

TARÚK (Long, sarcastic laugh)

IRIKLAS …What is happening?

TARÚK NO. Hells no! They're mad and they kill outsiders on the spot.

[Music: "Tarúk’s Theme" starts.]

TARÚK It is a hopeless land.

JENQUO And the girl is going there.

[SFX: Packs shuffling.]

TARÚK …All right. Let's go.

[Music: "Tarúk’s Theme" ends.]

[SFX: Footsteps on dirt, underbrush rustling.]

IRIKLAS Yes, perfect. Sailing, something all three of us are good at.

TARÚK Gods have mercy, I'm actually going to Workingar.

JENQUO Also, um…you can't actually bite through iron…can you?

TARÚK …I didn't say that.

[SFX: Footsteps fade out.]

SCENE THREE: COMPANY OF ORCS

[SFX: Waves lapping, oars rowing, drums booming.]

NARRATOR (Voiceover) The longship tears through the fog and ice with an iron ram's head at its prow. Bri and Myrtle kneel, huddled in the back of the bow, out of the way of the big, beastly crew. A company of Orcs.

[SFX: Crashing noise, ice cracking.]

BRI (Grunts)

MYRTLE (Yelps)

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

RÖK Watch the ice! Are ye blind and stupid, too!?

MYRTLE What will they do with us?

BRI They wanted to bind us until they heard we knew Tarúk. So far, no ill, but…be careful until we know for sure. What do you know about them?

MYRTLE Only what I know in Incanter texts, and from Tarúk, and Halflin books—and, uh, those aren't exactly page turners.

BRI Then I suppose you know as much as I do. From the chatter I've heard at Finn's tavern, they're mostly raiders who attack all the neighbouring lands from the sea, wear horned helmets, and fight giants almost as much as they fight each other. And Tarúk was King. Briefly.

MYRTLE Well, let's hope they were fond enough of his reign to show us a little hospitality.

BRI You don't seem scared.

MYRTLE Oh, I'm bloody terrified. I'm just not fidgeting around and tripping over myself because I'm bloody well THINKING. Pardon my language.

BRI Is bloody even a swear?

MYRTLE If they're as bad as you're saying, the last thing we need is your fiery grip.

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

RÖK We're approaching. Don't stray from me. You're under my protection…for now.

BRI For what purpose?

RÖK To re-supply. You, girl, are going to help us find the one and true King. Watch yourself, and keep your squirrel close.

MYRTLE Sq-squ-squ-WHAA?

BRI Best let it go.

SCENE FOUR: WORKINGAR

[Music: "Workingar" (somber horns, then percussion and chanting) starts.]

[SFX: Orcs chatter, oars clink, water splashes.]

NARRATOR (Voiceover) The veil of fog and snow is speckled with distant lights like stars in the mountains of Stoneshield. Villages rise from the stone steps to the mountain top. Hearths and lanterns pepper the slope to the peak, where a mighty hall resides as its crown. And as the ship bears closer to shore, before a great wall of logs and stone, Bri and Myrtle behold the frostbitten land of the Orcs.

[SFX: Orc chatter grows louder, water splashing, boat thuds.]

ORC #1 Come on, move your arse!

[SFX: Ropes creaking, wood clattering, footfalls on wooden pier.]

RÖK Come now.

BRI Huh! This is certainly not what I was expecting. They're grim, but not—

ORC #2 Move, girl.

[SFX: Footsteps on wood, orcs bellowing and growling and laughing.]

MYRTLE — Ferocious? Oh, my word! You can fit every Halfin in Buri in that hall up there!

BRI I can see why this place is so old. With a bay like this, it must be hard to invade.

ORC #3 What’s she doing here?

RÖK Stay close to me, you two, if anyone asks, you're thralls. And thralls don't speak unless spoken to.

BRI Slaves? No, I won't be saying that.

RÖK You will, or someone will make you one.

BRI They can try. But I'm not a thrall, or a servant, or a maiden fair.

RÖK You're a proud one. Be careful about that, ginger girl. You want to be taken for what you are, you must prove it—or die.

[SFX: Waves lapping, distant hammering, water splashing, ale sipping.]

MYRTLE Like Tarúk? How'd you know him?

RÖK I was raised as his sister.

[Music: "Workingar" ends.]

BRI You're Tarúk's sister?

RÖK In a manner of speaking. Tarúk was a good King, for two summers and two winters.

[SFX: Wooden creaking, footsteps crunching on snow, pigs oinking.]

RÖK Then he left his family sword, his crown, and took off, ne'er to be seen again. Some say he killed the last King, his father Thorok. Ne'er when my hammer is in reach, lest they feel its kiss.

MYRTLE Killed his father? That's not the Tarúk we know, for sure.

BRI Right…

MYRTLE He's a good man, bit frightening, but he saved us from a lot of danger.

[SFX: Distant bellowing, water splashing, goats bleating.]

RÖK Always loved to wander off in woods and mountains. Didn't go by sea, and scarcely travelled by reindeer, or goat. That's why we called him Tarúk the Walker.

MYRTLE …Goat?

[SFX: Goat bleats loudly, orc laughter.]

MYRTLE AAH! What is that!?

RÖK That's a goat. You squirrel folk don't have those?

MYRTLE Not that big! They don't eat meat, do they?

RÖK No, but it'll give anything a bite. One bit off Gudnarg's ear, that's why we call him Gudnarg Goatfood!

[SFX: Orc laughter.]

GUDNARG Curse ya with your nicknames, Rök! That's not funny.

[SFX: Snow splatter.]

BRI Oi, who's ball is this?

ORC CHILD Give it back! Or…I'll bite your face off!

BRI Well, I'm not arguin' with those wee fangs. (Laughs) Here you are, oop!

[SFX: Ball catch.]

ORC CHILD Are you an Elf?

BRI Ha, no, I'm a Human.

ORC CHILD You lie. Humans are supposed to be ugly.

BRI …Thank you?

RÖK Shut it, ye little pest, leave them alone. Go on to yer mother. (Laughs)

ORC MOTHER Get inside, or the Elvans will get you.

[SFX: Door creaking open.]

ORC Come, let us have some meat!

ROK Ahh, let's get some meals in you two.

[SFX: Footsteps in snow.]

BRI Then we're off to get your man?

RÖK He will be there, getting his fill, no doubt.

[SFX: Orc chatter, liquid splashing, rooster crowing, distant hammering.]

MYRTLE Who's King now that Tarúk's gone? Is it you?

RÖK That would be his brother…Talog.

BRI Is he like Tarúk?

RÖK He's not like his father. Father was vicious, and cruel, and savage as he was a poor King. Liked to wage war on weaker clans, brought slavery back, and tortured Giants. Tarúk took after his Mom, but my baby brother Talog…didn't take after Mom.

SCENE FIVE: GET DOWN!

[SFX: Waves rolling, footsteps in dirt.]

IRIKLAS How much longer?

TARÚK Until we find a boat, one we can persuade someone to part with.

JENQUO Persuade?

TARÚK Ask, I mean. We've got coin.

JENQUO And if they refuse, we—?

TARÚK Keep moving, what else? I'm an Orc, not a burglar.

JENQUO How's your nose?

IRIKLAS Silently taking the pain. You’re sure it's not crooked?

JENQUO It looks as rugged as ever.

IRIKLAS Oh, good—wait, it was never rugged before—!

[SFX: Running footsteps through dirt.]

TARÚK (Hushed but urgent) Get down, get down, get down!

[SFX: Gigantic stomp.]

TARÚK Behind the rock, now!

[SFX: Gigantic stomp, rocks rattling.]

JENQUO Whatever is it—!?

TARÚK Shush!

IRIKLAS (Whispering) Whatever IS it…?

[SFX: More stomping, leaves rustling, gigantic growl.]

JENQUO (Barely audible) A giant?

IRIKLAS (Barely audible) No.

NURANG (Growling) Curse that worm.

JENQUO It is wounded, with arrows.

[SFX: Splashing in water.]

TARÚK Wounded? Those are splinters in the hide of a dragon.

JENQUO …What now?

[SFX: Licking sounds.]

TARÚK It's…grooming itself.

[SFX: Distant whistling.]

IRIKLAS Like a great, fire-breathing cat.

JENQUO Perhaps we can ask her?

TARÚK Are you mad?

JENQUO They're quite intelligent, I heard.

TARÚK All the more reason to stay hidden.

[SFX: Footsteps in dirt.]

IRIKLAS Shh, shh, shh. Someone's coming.

NURANG (Growling)

FISHERMAN Oh!? OOOH!!

NURANG (Roars)

FISHERMAN (Screaming)

NURANG Thought you could sneak up on ME!? (Roars)

[SFX: Rocks rattling with impact, bone crunching, flesh rending.]

JENQUO OH!

IRIKLAS OOH!

NURANG (Growling)

[SFX: Wet impact on ground.]

IRIKLAS Eughh…

NURANG (Growling) …Hrm. Cur.

[SFX: Wings flapping, grass rustling in the rush of air, distant roaring.]

TARÚK She's gone.

IRIKLAS The fisherman left his boat.

TARÚK We'll take it.

JENQUO I thought we were not burglars?

IRIKLAS Can't burgle the dead!

TARÚK And search his body.

IRIKLAS Great—which half?

SCENE SIX: THE HALL OF GUNGOR

[Music: *]

[SFX: Great doors creaking open, orcs laughing and bellowing, ale splashing, food crunching, tankards clinking.]

NARRATOR (Voiceover) The Hall of Gungror, and home of his descendants, scarcely an eve bereft of splendour, meat, song, and ample drink. High is its roof, with dragon bone reinforcing its rafters, and its skull resting above the throne belonging to the King of Gungror.

MYRTLE Ooh…

BRI Myrtle? What is it?

MYRTLE There's a powerful energy in here. I can feel it. A great shape above us. The echo of a powerful and ancient soul.

DANAL That would be Jorgruk. The Serpent of the Bonefrost. His bones reinforce our hall, and his soul lingers within, watching us.

BRI You’re a Human!?

RÖK Danal! The Hammer you made me broke.

DANAL Broke how?

RÖK Its head fell off.

DANAL After you what?

RÖK Smashed it against a boulder. Got it as good as it got the head.

DANAL Then don't smash it against rocks, you big lumbering oaf. I told you, if you didn't take care of this one, you're not getting another.

RÖK But what if I like smashing rocks? Makes me happy. Keeps me strong.

DANAL Oh, ja, a worthy opponent in both strength and wits for ye.

RÖK Shut it! (Laughs raucously)

DANAL (Laughs) Rök! How were the seas?

RÖK Few fish, many storms. The Deep God was harsh. Girls, this is Danal. Our Human. He forges blades, talks to bones, and likes dead fire gods. Watch our girls, I'll be back.

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

DANAL Have a drink with me.

[SFX: Ale pouring.]

BRI Wasn't counting on meeting other Humans around these parts, much less another Magnir.

DANAL An Enkindler, not a Magnir. I just spread the word to other lands and court new followers for the Chieftan. Didn't go well, so…now, here I am. Come. Sit with us and eat.

[SFX: Orc chatter intensifies.]

BRI Curse me, it's so loud in here!

MYRTLE What?

BRI I said it's so loud in here!

MYRTLE What!?

DANAL Quit yer bickering and sit at the end of the bench here.

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

MYRTLE Oh, goodness, I have to stand up to eat properly. This is so terribly uncomf—ooh! Is that chicken?

BRI I think we just dig in, manners be damned.

[SFX: Food crunching.]

RÖK (Laughing in distance)

BRI I've never felt smaller in me life. These flagons are huge.

[SFX: Long chug of ale.]

DANAL …Aaah.

[SFX: Tankard clanking on table.]

BRI Your beard is, uh, um— (Laughs)

MYRTLE Umm…

DANAL What?

BRI Nevermind.

[SFX: More food crunching.]

BRI (Sighs) Aah…oh, thank goodness.

MYRTLE (Mouth full) This…makes it all worth it.

BRI (Laughs) I'd toast to that—if I wasn't afraid you'd fall into my flagon.

MYRTLE Oh…bugger off! (Laughs)

[SFX: Tankard clanking, footsteps on wood.]

[Music ends*]

ULRAUG Since when did we allow thralls to dine at the table with us Orcs?

DANAL Since they were invited to sit, as I have for years, Ulraug.

ULRAUG I can make exception for you, Danal. A friend to the King doesn't pay under this roof for their meals, nor do vermin. But they have to eat under it. Get those two off our bench!

[SFX: Orc uproar.]

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

RÖK Shut yer mouth, Ulraug! Find another seat for you and your dogged men.

[SFX: Orcs hollering and "ooh"-ing.]

ORC #1 YAAAS!

ULRAUG (Flyting)

You came to this hall without earning your seat,

And now you bring thralls to our table to eat?

[SFX: Orcs "ooh"-ing.]

ULRAUG (Flyting)

Why not follow the path of that king you grieve?

Go find your kin-slaying Tarúk and leave.

[SFX: Orcs laughing and cheering.]

Orc #3 (Growling and hissing)

RÖK (Growling) You cur!

BRI Are they going to fight?

DANAL Yes, but not with swords.

RÖK (Flyting)

Loud crows the coward whose enemy cannot hear!

[SFX: Scattered laughter.]

RÖK (Flyting)

How low you would squeak if Tarúk were near!?

[SFX: More laughter.]

ORC #2 Ooooooh!

ORC #1 YAAAS!

ROK (Flyting)

My brothers and I were growing strong in war

ORC #1 (Laughing) Yaaas!

ORC #3 (Proud bellow)

While you were laying here piss drunk on the floor!

[SFX: Orcs laughing and bellowing.]

ORC #2 Ooooooh!

RÖK (Flyting)

A mighty King was Tarúk

[SFX: Some cheering, mumbled dissent.]

RÖK (Flyting)

Ulraug could not see,

Here he licked the drink

And laughed at those who did not flee!

[SFX: Orcs laughing and clamoring, banging on tables.]

ULRAUG Rök!

ULRAUG (Flyting)

Is it kin-slaying that you’re boasting with pride?

Have you forgotten we warred with the Beol tribe?

[SFX: Orcs "ooh"-ing and laughing.]

ORC #4 (Proud bellow)

[SFX: Footsteps on wood.]

ULRAUG (Flyting)

It seems neither brother nor sister bear any guilt

For all the family blood your swords have spilt!

[SFX: Orcs clamoring, banging on tables.]

MYRTLE What did he mean "family"?

BRI Isn't it obvious? She was adopted. Or a hostage. Or both.

[SFX: Hammer scraping and ringing.]

RÖK Enough from you!

ORC #6 No blood shall be spilt, take it outside!

TALOG ENOOOOUGH!

[SFX: Tankards and plates clattering from table.]

[Music: "The Orcan King" (foreboding percussion and chanting) starts.]

RÖK Sorry, my King.

[SFX: Heavy footsteps on creaking wood.]

TALOG Bollocks to your fighting. I'll sooner have you die in battle, or at sea. I'll sooner have you die choking on a bone. But if you spill blood in my hall, then by the three Gods, I'll cut you in half! Then chase your ghosts into Bahl Mohr and do it again!

MYRTLE Tarúk's brother.

BRI He looks like him. Younger, more decorated, longer beard.

[SFX: More footsteps, wood creaking.]

TALOG Who be you, Human wench?

BRI Bri. I'm a barmaid from Gathland.

TALOG What is this soft-skinned no-one from no-where doing in the hall of my fathers?

RÖK She's a thrall, my King. Who is leading us to a hidden treasure. Aren't you?

TALOG She asked you a question.

BRI I'm helping her, yes.

TALOG Rök, get your slave out of my sight, or I'll have its throat cut.

[Music: "The Orcan King" ends.]

[SFX: Heavy footsteps.]

MYRTLE (Under her breath) That could've gone—

BRI Cur.

[SFX: Crowd gasps.]

[SFX: Beat of silence.]

RÖK Girl, what have you done?

TALOG Yooouuu…

[SFX: Heavy footsteps running.]

TALOG WHEEELP!!??

BRI (Yelps)

[SFX: Sword drawn.]

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, Gary Gibbs the Second and Sarah Ruth Thomas as Nurang. For the full cast list, please visit thecalloftheflame.com. This chapter was written by Kurt Cañez and co-written with Nadi Reed Perez. Sanavran speech by Megan Watson. 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. Editing by Kurt Cañez and 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. Special thank you to our patrons: Ben Blair, Cassie M, Cloudy Evalage, John Doyle, Jon Winstead, Ryan Cushman, Zane Simmon. 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.

KURT Hello all, this is Kurt, and I’m popping in for a real quick soapbox this week. First of all, I wanna say thank you for your patience, everybody. This is gonna be the first three-parter Call of the Flame chapter, and so will Chapter Ten. We decided to bring it from eleven chapters to just ten this season because the question of tension and story arcs, all that sort of thing was factored into it. I also wanna ask to consider becoming a Patron for The Call of the Flame. There’s a lot of extended content that’s going out there. Chapter Four Part Two just got released and it features one of my favourite bonus scenes where we get a closer look for Kuma and Myrtle, that’s the big tree golem that she has. As well, there’s an extended action scene within that one. For Chapter Three, we get to get an extra Nixie song. For Chapter One, we get to see more of Bri and her life before she’s spirited away to this adventure. If nothing else, sign up to support the show, just so we can keep making it and, yeah, keeping this operation going. It’s been a little bit tight for the past month, I’ve had to delay a little bit because for some monetary reasons. Thanks so much, take it away, Hoctor.

NARRATOR This has been a Rubbish Log Production. I am your narrator, George Hoctor. We thank you all for listening.