THE CARAVAN
KEVIN (CONT'D)
Yep... still a fork in the road...
ORA
I have No idea which way.
KARRAS
Go Right.
FORMOSA
How do you know?
KARRAS
I don’t.
KEVIN
Well, its hard to argue with that
logic.
ORA
Well, I don’t see you coming up
with any ideas.
KEVIN
I was always told, “If you find a
fork in the road, pick It up.”
FORMOSA
You are either very wise or a
fool...
ORA
I don’t think those two things are
mutually exclusive.
EILIKA
Go RIGHT!!!
KEVIN
What? Who said...?
FORMOSA
Over there.
KARRAS
I don’t like them....
ORA
Let’s go say hello.
(MORE)
KEVIN
Ora, and hear me out on this one,
let’s not.
ORA
We can’t change the world if we’re
scared of strangers.
KEVIN
We also can’t change the world if
we’re dead.
FORMOSA
It would be good to get
information. Find out if any Lusus
Naturae are active nearby.
KARRAS
Strength in numbers.
ORA
And they might be able to tell us
which way leads to Dawnwallow.
Guess you’re out numbered, Kev.
Hello!
SARAH
Oh, we were wondering if you all
were gonna keep gawking or come
over and say hello. Well, I-I’m
Sarah, this is my wife Eilika, and
this is our son Thoman. He’s six.
THOMAN
(giggling)
Six and a half!
ORA
I’m Ora, and the one scowling is
Kevin; that’s Formosa leading my
horse, Spirit; and that’s Karras
with the bow.
THOMAN
Ooo, you’re so tall.
KARRAS
(Grunts)
EILIKA
(Chuckles)
Always nice to meet folks on the
road.
EILIKA (CONT'D)
I swear, sometimes we ride for days
at a time and only see a handful of
people.
SARAH
Are you looking to buy or trade?
Our apple jam is so fantastic
you’ll swear It was made by nature
herself. Or, if wine is more to
your taste, you could travel an age
and never find a better vint than
ours.
KEVIN
About that apple jam...
ORA
Eh...We’re not here to buy
anything.
We’re on our way to Dawnwallow.
EILIKA
Yes, we figured you might be.
Thoman was very excited to meet
some fighters.
FORMOSA
Fighters?
KARRAS
(Grunts)
EILIKA
Well, what with how you’re dressed
and all, we figured It out. We’ve
got a whole caravan behind us
that’s goin’ there, too.
A’yeah, can’t miss the fair. It’s
one of our most profitable yearly
stops.
ORA
Wait, what’s behind you?
FORMOSA
A caravan. Groups who band together
on the road to defend against
bandits and Lusus Naturae.
KEVIN
And they’re fighters?
FORMOSA
Sometimes. And sometimes they
aren’t and they hire guards, or
sometimes they’re just groups of
regular folks that find each other
and ride along together.
EILIKA
But we ran ahead to get a good spot
on the main street.
SARAH
If we get a good spot by the pub,
and we sell twice as much.
FORMOSA
And you said you were going to a
fair?
THOMAN
Wow! Are any of you going to be the
One?!
ORA
What? What do you know about the
One? We’re looking for him.
SARAH
See, Thoman? Everyone is looking
for the One. Maybe this year we
will find them.
ORA
Where?! Where are you going?
SARAH
What? What do you mean?
EILIKA
Hey Thoman, go back in the wagon
and find me a blanket; it’s getting
a little chilly out here.
THOMAN
But mom--
EILIKA
Hey! What did I say about talking
back? If you want to see the
tournament, you have to listen to
me.
THOMAN
Yes, mom.
SARAH
Alright, who are you? Who are you
backing?
ORA
What? I don’t know what you mean.
EILIKA
You’re going to Dawnwallow. So who
is your hero in the tournament?
FORMOSA
Uh...We don’t know anything about a
tournament.
ORA
We’re trying to find the Chosen
One.
EILIKA
You’re true believers, ain't you?!
SARAH
Eilika, don’t!
THOMAN
Mom, I can’t find the blanket...
SARAH
One second, sweetie; stay back
there.
EILIKA
Don’t take another step...
KARRAS
Ugh.
ORA
What are you doing...?
KEVIN
Woah, woah, woah! Alright...
Alright everyone.
(Laughing)
I think we have lead them on long
enough.
SARAH
What...?
EILIKA
What do you mean? And don’t move!
(MORE)
KEVIN
(forced laughter)
I’m so sorry, haha! It was all...
It was all meant to be in fun.
SARAH
Fun?!
ORA
What are you doing?
KEVIN
We’re sorry. We’ve never been to
Dawnwallow; a man in Stonny said we
might be able to pick up some extra
coin there by pretending to be
fighters.
Right everybody?
FORMOSA
Uh...Yeah...
KARRAS
(Grunts.)
ORA
Uh...Right...
EILIKA
That was a very stupid man.
FORMOSA
I agree...
KEVIN
Ora and I...that’s Ora over there,
see, uh, we have a game that we’ve
played since we were just about as
old as your son there. Whenever
someone talks about the Prophecy or
the One, we like to play along.
‘Cause most people who follow It
are pretty nuts, right? Anyway
always good for a few laughs. And
we don’t get much opportunity to do
It anymore, I mean, how many people
still talk about the Prophecy?
SARAH
Well, if you get to the fair,
that’ll change...
Oh Eilika, put your sword away!
SARAH (CONT'D)
Look at them, they clearly aren’t a
threat. It was just a
misunderstanding.
EIKIKA
Hu...
KARRAS
Yes...I am sorry.
EILIKA
Well... Alright then.
KEVIN
We’re sorry, we clearly got in over
our heads with our little joke.
But...uh...tell me, who did you
think we were?
EILIKA
Tournament Zealots...but I should
have known you were harmless.
I mean, just look at you!
KEVIN
Okay...someone else talk now.
THOMAN
Here’s your blanket mother
SARAH
Oh, thank you sweetie. (kissy)
THOMAN
Moooom...STAHP!! MAAHHM!!
EILIKA
So, you’re headed to Dawnwallow to
pretend to be fighters in the
tournament, is that right?
ORA
Right.
But...we’ve never actually been
there. What’s It like?
SARAH
Oh! You are in for such a treat.
The tournament is held in a big
arena right outside the town walls.
It’s so much fun! There are
performers and-and food from all
over. You’re going to love It.
EILIKA
And more merchants go there than
any other gathering. And, best of
all, we all make a profit! Of
course, the tournament is the main
attraction, but we tend to stay
away; it’s bloody business.
THOMAN
Hey, you promised I could watch
this year!
EILIKA
I didn’t promise, I said we’ll see.
ORA
And the winner of the tournament?
What do they win?
THOMAN
Oooo. They’re the Chosen One!
ORA
What?
EILIKA
Originally, the tournament was
established to allow all those who
believe their the One from the
Prophecy to compete and prove their
claim to the world.
SARAH
These days it’s mostly guards and
mercenaries who just want to show
off. Use It as a stage to
demonstrate their skills with a
blade or bow to a huge audience.
THOMAN
Last year everyone died!
SARAH
Everyone did not die. Most of the
warriors dropped out before the
last round.
The last round’s a fight to the
death. Usually only the true
believers stick around to compete
in that.
ORA
True believers?
EILIKA
Tournament Zealots. Same thing we
thought you might be for a moment.
These people deranged enough to
believe they’re actually the Chosen
One from the Prophecy.
ORA
Well, what’s so wrong...?
KEVIN
I take It you don’t think this
tournament will lead us to find our
salvation.
EILIKA
Don’t get us wrong, It would be
nice to have someone solve all our
problems, but I doubt the Chosen
One is going to turn up at a fair
designed for entertainment.
SARAH
And there’s been tournament winners
before, yet nothing’s changed.
Everything’s still... Well just
look around.
EILIKA
If you attend, watch out for the
true believers. Those zealots and
their followers can be...worrisome.
Best to stay away.
SARAH
They’ve been known to act violently
towards anyone who doesn’t share
their beliefs. And their followers
are quick to attack anyone who
follows a different Chosen One then
they do.
EILIKA
(scoffing)
Crazy bastards thinking they’re the
One.
ORA
But what’s so crazy...?
KARRAS
There is a Chosen One. We know him.
He’sKEVIN
Ha! Look at us, getting in the mood
for the tournament already! Yeah
thats good. Maybe instead of
pretending to be fighters, we
should pretend to follow one.
That-Thats a... a good idea Karras.
EILIKA
Well, if you’re looking for
fighters, I know there were a few
at the head of the caravan...
CARAVAN HORSE
(Neigh)
SARAH
Oh no! I’m sorry, we have to go.
They caught up to us. We chatted
too long.
EILIKA
Thoman, sit down and wave goodbye.
FORMOSA
It was an honor speaking with you
ELIKA
You too. (Whistles)
THOMAN
Goodbye! You’re my favorite
fighter!
KEVIN
Thanks!
THOMAN
(Laughing)
Not you!
Him!
KARRAS
(Grunts)
KEVIN
You know...I’m not even mad.
SARAH
Look for the man in the blue wagon.
He’s one of the fighters, I think.
You should chat with him for a bit.
Buh-Bye.
FORMOSA
Ora, if you keep digging your nails
into your own hands, you’ll draw
blood.
ORA
Ugh! But, they’re making this in to
a stupid game!
KEVIN
It doesn’t seem like anyone is
forced to compete.
ORA
That’s not the point.
KEVIN
Then tell me, what is the point? If
some special hero is supposed to
grace us all and save the day, then
they should be able to do anything
right? Even survive a stupid and
dangerous contest. And in the
meantime, all of us nothings, who
apparently can’t do anything to fix
the world, can have a little fun.
And if these fighters die during
the tournament, well, I guess they
actually aren’t from the Prophecy.
So, no harm done.
ORA
Have you already forgotten about
Godrick?
KEVIN
You know I didn’t mean...I'm sorry.
You’re right, this shouldn’t be a
game.
KARRAS
Isten is the Chosen One. If he
competes, he wins.
FORMOSA
Given the way that family looked at
us when they thought we might be
true believers, if we want to blend
in, we may not want to talk about
Isten.
KARRAS
(Grunts)
FORMOSA
The blue wagon is almost here. Do
you want to talk to them or let the
carven pass us by?
KEVIN
What do you want to do, Ora?
ORA
Let’s talk. We should know what
we’re getting into.
Hello there! I heard you’re
traveling to Dawnwallow?
JONATHAN
You heard right! I take It you all
are heading to the tournament too?
ORA
Yes we are, mind if we chat with
you?
JONATHAN
Sure, so long as you can keep up.
KEVIN
Can’t stop?
JONATHAN
Well, it’s a long caravan and quite
hard to stop the whole thing for
every traveler on the road.
(Chuckles)
Oh, where are my manners? I’m
Jonathan and these are my friends,
Ancelin and Taresa.
ANCELIN
Hello.
TARESA
Hi.
JONATHAN
We were hired to guard Mister Zaite
here.
ORA
I’m Ora, this is Kevin, Formosa,
and Karras.
So, are you competing?
JONATHAN
Yes I am. This will be my second
year. Last time I made It through
the first round, but lost in the
second; I’m a better fighter than a
builder.
FORMOSA
What kind of tournament is this?
ANCELIN
This your first year?
TARESA
Oh, don’t tell them anything! It’s
more exciting that way.
JONATHAN
I’ll just say that with all my
training over the last year I think
I can do better now. Should be fun!
FORMOSA
You think fighting is fun?
JONATHAN
Ha. It’s a challenge. I like seeing
how far I can push my limits. And,
if you do well, the jobs line up. A
good performance in the tournament
can set you up for the whole year.
Are any of you competing?
ORA
I don’t know...maybe.
ANCELIN
If you don’t know, then you aren’t
competing.
TARESA
The entrance fee for participants
is a Prophecy. And those are hard
to come by.
ORA
Oh? We have a prophecy. Actually we
have two! Hold on. What? Where are
they?
FORMOSA
Why would they want competitors to
bring a Prophecy...rather than
money? That seems curious.
JONATHAN
Don’t know for sure. I’d imagine It
has something to do with the whole
idea of finding the Chosen One
prophesied in the Prophecy, but now
a’days It feels more like a
vestigial element of a bygone era.
The good bit about It is that a
fighter bearing a Prophecy can
bring in a team of people with ‘em
to help with armor and such. So, my
friends here will be my companions
this year.
ANCELIN
Being a companion is really an
excuse to have a fantastic view
without having to pay.
TARESA
Yup, seems like a lot of folks come
to the tournament just because they
know the participants had to have a
Prophecy to get in. Makes It more
exclusive. The Prophecies are the
draw, the attendees are the money.
Although why anyone would pay to
watch this old goat fight in the
arena is anyone’s guess. (Laughs)
ouch.
KEVIN
If you’re participating, that means
you have a Prophecy, right? Do you
mind if we take a look?
JONATHAN
I suppose... But I’ll warn you:
don’t run off and steal It; I’m
faster than I look.
KEVIN
Fair enough.
ORA
Where are the Prophecies? I know I
left them in here...
KEVIN
Ora, look at this. I don’t know
what It says, but isn’t It longer
than the other two?
ORA
It’s different than the others. Why
are they all so different?
KARRAS
What’s It say?
ORA
I can’t read that fast... but It
kind of looks like a combination of
my mom’s and the one from the pub
but there are different words all
over It and an extra line at the
end.
The last line says “And as those
who can never draw breath rise up,
the Savior shall draw steel.”
KEVIN
Well thats ominous.
ORA
Do you fulfill what’s written
there?
JONATHAN
Fulfill It? Of course not. HA. Only
the Zealots give a rat’s ass about
all that fulfillment nonsense. The
tournament doesn’t need you to
actually fit the Prophecy you
bring, they only care that you hand
It over and claim that you are the
One.
ANCELIN
The true believers - cultists if
you ask me - they’ll follow you for
hours to convince you to join
whatever screwed-up group they’re
in and when you refuse, they’re
quick to anger.
JONATHAN
Be warned, if you do compete, keep
an eye on them.
TARESA
But at least they’re easy to make a
profit off of. They’ll bet
everything they have that their
Chosen One will win, even if
they’re clearly out-matched.
(MORE)
ANCELIN
One fella’ literally bet me the
shirt off his back. Surprisingly,
It was a perfect fit. Oh...I think
It may be the one I’m wearing.
ORA
I...need to leave.
KEVIN
We’ve been traveling for too long,
we should rest. We’ll meet up with
you at the tournament.
JONATHAN
Safe travels!
KEVIN
Are you okay?
ORA
No one is taking this seriously.
And I think Isten stole our
Prophecies.
KEVIN
Oh....So...not okay.
SCENE BRAKE
LINUS
The arena’s more impressive than I
thought. Didn’t think It would have
stone walls.
ANN
It’s not that impressive.
ISTEN
This is where we part. Spectators -
that’s you - go through that gate
over there. I’m going through this
entrance; for the fighters. And
Here is your horse back. I can’t
say I’m sad to part with him.
LINUS
What does that mean?!
ISTEN
Have fun waiting in line at your
entrance.
ISTEN (CONT'D)
If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to
just walk right in at mine.
LINUS
Why do you get the shorter line?
ISTEN
Because I’m special.
It’s been a real...pleasure
traveling with you, though I fear
with this crowd, we may not see
each other again.
HAL
You may not see us, but we’ll be
watching your fights. Try not to
die eh.
ISTEN
Listen, when I win, I’ll be sure to
thank you in my speech for
accompanying me here.
LINUS
Thanks “Chosen One.” I’d rather you
reward us with money.
HAL
Don’t forget, he has Prophecies.
ISTEN
Ah yes, and a Prophecy at the
tournament is better than money.
See, I have a spare Prophecy; I can
use the one that the girl gave me
to enter and sell the other one.
Right now, a Prophecy is worth its
weight in gold.
Or, a lot more than that since
paper doesn’t weigh much.
The point is, a gold coin is worth
what it’s worth. A Prophecy, on the
other hand, well...as we get closer
to the tournament, that little
scroll will be worth more and more.
I’m going to make a fortune on
this.
VORLAUF
The other Prophecy, you say you got
It from a girl? What girl?
ISTEN
Funny story, I defended her from a
Lusus Naturae and she rewarded me
with this Prophecy to thank me for
saving her life.
VORLAUF
Did she mention where she got It?
ISTEN
...No. Actually, she was so
grateful that she basically begged
me to take It as a reward.
VORLAUF
Did she happen to come from Shadow
Run?
ISTEN
I don’t know. I wasn’t paying too
much attention. I had just bested a
Lusus Naturae. I was a little
preoccupied.
VORLAUF
And this girl, what was she like?
ISTEN
Earnest. Simple. Thinks she’s good
with a sword.
VORLAUF
Was she with a companion? A young
man. Also a good with a sword.
ISTEN
Why all the interest, Vorlauf?
Well, he definitely wasn’t a good
fighter, but she did have an
annoying friend with her. The less
said about that idiot the better.
VORLAUF
I don’t believe in coincidences and
her path keeps crossing with ours.
I’d like to say hello. What was her
name again?
ISTEN
I don’t recall.
VORLAUF
You don’t recall? But you remember
so much about her.
ISTEN
Memory can be a funny thing.
VORLAUF
So funny. Yes.
Isn’t that...funny?
ANN
Hilarious.
HAL
I can barely contain my laughter.
VORLAUF
Tell me, how’s your memory now,
Isten?
ISTEN
I should really get going.
VORLAUF
Oh yes, have to pay the toll. Hand
over a Prophecy. But with an extra
worth more than its weight in gold.
My, if word got out about that, I
bet a lot of people would be very,
very interested. A lot of people.
I’d imagine some might do
such...unsavory things to obtain It
for themselves.
ANN
Dreadful things.
HAL
Sad state of affairs, really.
VORLAUF
Though we’re very good at keeping
secrets for our friends. We are
friends, aren’t we?
ISTEN
I should like to think so.
VORLAUF
And a friend would never lie to us,
would they?
ISTEN
I wouldn’t lie to save my life.
VORLAUF
Then, do you think you remember her
name now?
ISTEN
Like I said, I don’t remember.
VORLAUF
You know, memory is a funny thing.
I just remembered, we have passes
to get in to either side of the
fair.
ISTEN
OH...How so?
VORLAUF
These rings on our hands...they
aren’t mere decorations.
Are you sure you don’t know her
name? Because if I find out you’re
lying to me...well, like Hal said,
we will be seeing you. And, as you
don’t lie to your friends, I
suppose that would make you our
enemy.
ISTEN
Are you threatening me?
VORLAUF
Oh no, not threatening.
Promising.
ISTEN
Actually, you know...maybe I do
remember her name.
VORLAUF
Oh?
ISTEN
Ora. Thats right. Her name is Ora.
VORLAUF
Ora.
ISTEN
Now, I’m leaving. Don’t follow me.
VORLAUF
Naturally. We wouldn’t want to
impede our friend. Best of luck in
the tournament.
ANN
Bye, “Chosen One”!
ISTEN
You there!
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Let’s see your Prophecy, then.
ISTEN
Here you are.
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Alright, this looks like its in
order. Hold on to It till you are
called in to the fight. Alright,
lets see. What’s yer name?
ISTEN
Name’s Isten
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Okay Isten. Any companions or
handlers? Arriving now or later?
ISTEN
No! No one’s accompanying me.
HAL
Bye sweetie!
ISTEN
No one.
49 SCENE BRAKE 49
KEVIN
Finally, civilization. Anyone else
want a beer?
FORMOSA
You are far too happy about going
into a walled trap.
KEVIN
It’s a walled arena next to a
walled town. Walls keep monsters
out and us safe inside.
FORMOSA
Hm.
ORA
Alright. Which gate do we go
through?
KEVIN
Obviously the one with a shorter
line.
The group starts to waltz past the Gatekeeper, who extends a
pole arm across the gate, blocking their passage.
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Hey hey, hey, hey, hey! Where’s do
you think your going? Wheres your
prophesy?
ORA
What? But the people in front of us
didn’t...
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
They were with a competitor.
KEVIN
Oh, what do you know, we’re with a
competitor too.
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Name?
ORA
Isten.
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Hmmm...Isten...there is a
participant with that name, but he
said no one was with him. Now
provide a Prophecy or leave. The
other entrance is for spectators.
KARRAS
Isten said no one was with him?
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Yes.
KARRAS
No one?
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Thats right.
KARRAS
He didn’t say Karras?
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Look, either prove your a
competitor or you leave. It’s not
that difficult to understand.
FORMOSA
How do we prove we’re a competitor?
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Do you have a Prophecy? All I need
to do is see It.
KEVIN
You don’t take It?
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
They will take It from you at the
opening ceremony. Do you have one
or not?
ORA
Well...not on us...But...
FIGHTER SIDE GATEKEEPER
Well then...It seems your only
other option is...to leave.
ORA
Give us a minute.
KARRAS
Why would Isten say no one was with
him?
KEVIN
Because he’s an asshole.
ORA
And why would he steal both
Prophecies. I can understand taking
one so he can participate, but
both?
KEVIN
Uhhh...Because he’s an asshole.
FORMOSA
Well, he took the Prophecies and
claimed to be alone...I believe
this Isten fellow may be an
asshole.
ORA
The arena is obviously separated
into the competitors’ and
spectators’ sections. Unless we get
into the competitors’ side, we
won’t be able to talk to Isten.
FORMOSA
So what do we do?
ORA
We break in.
KEVIN
So... So no beer, then? Ora? Beer?
END OF EPISODE 14