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CARCEREM

KARRAS

See anything, Formosa?

ELIZABETH

Dear, she can’t hear you all the

way up there.

KARRAS

Well, I’m trying to be quiet.

ELIZABETH

Well then, be quiet.

ORA

Don’t worry Karras. She’ll be just

fine.

KARRAS

But it’s so high.

KEVIN

But did you see her climb that

tree? She climbs faster than I can

run.

ORA

I’d say there was a better chance

of her tripping on the walk up here

than of her falling out of that

tree.

KARRAS

Aaaa. What was that?!

KEVIN

(Laughing)

It was just a pinecone, but It was

a nice sho...

Aaaaa...

ELIZABETH

Hush!

KEVIN

(softly)

....aaaaah!

ORA

It’s Formosa!

(MORE)

KARRAS

Are you Okay???

FORMOSA

Move!!

KEVIN

Sorry, Okay!

FORMOSA

Thank you. It’s so much easier to

get down that way.

KEVIN

Wow...just wow...

ELIZABETH

So, my dear...get a better look?

FORMOSA

uhh...it’s...

ORA

How far could you see up there?

FORMOSA

Far enough. This is going to be

harder then we feared.

KEVIN

’cause our fears weren’t exactly

easy.

FORMOSA

Well, as you’ve seen from down

here, it’s about half a mile to the

front doors. But, the whole path is

rocky mountains and random cliffs.

Now...That wide road? It goes all

the way to the door. From the tree

top, I could see It get a little

more road like just over the first

incline, about 500 feet away. Less

fallen trees on the path anyway.

It’s not flat past that, but it’s

flatter then the rest. It was

almost impossible to see the whole

thing because the entire clearing

is filled with the dead on and off

the road for about 1000 feet before

the walls and the doors.

FORMOSA (CONT'D)

And they will be able to see us

coming; there is very little cover.

ELIZABETH

They must have destroyed all the

forest around to keep It from

protecting people like us - so we

can’t get too close.

KARRAS

Okay, so we just have to get to the

dead...and then past the dead.

FORMOSA

But it’s not just people. There are

animals and Lusus Naturae. We don’t

know what they can do.

KEVIN

So, how do we get to the gate

without dying? And please don’t

answer with “luck and courage” –

that’s not a plan.

ORA

I had ideas, but this terrain ruins

them all. There’s only one easy

path to the gate and there are

cliffs on either side. It’s an

offensive nightmare.

KARRAS

And many, many undead guards.

FORMOSA

Ora and I are strong climbers,

perhaps we avoid the obvious path

and scale the cliffs. We could

sneak past their defenses.

ELIZABETH

I’m afraid I’m not a strong

climber, dear.

KARRAS

And there are most likely dead on

the cliffs, too. They would not

move as fast...but neither would

we.

KEVIN

So...?

KARRAS

Isten lead us here. We’re getting

to that gate.

ORA

We’ve come too far to give up now.

At least I don’t see any of the

living around. Maybe the Dark

Guardians left the defense to the

dead rather than sticking around

themselves.

FORMOSA

They could be hiding.

ELIZABETH

Or resting. Galen said that It

takes time to recover from using

powerful magic, and for three

people, reanimating all of

Dawnwallow must have taken a lot of

power.

ORA

I know this isn’t a great plan, but

we do have the lantern. It would

keep the dead at bay and we could

make a run for It.

KARRAS

Won’t work.

FORMOSA

I agree. Even if the dead can’t

touch us while the lantern is lit,

they could shoot arrows at us or

throw weapons. Not to mention that

there are enough of them that by

numbers alone they could force us

off a cliff or we would get crushed

under a pile of immobilized ones.

KARRAS

...and there is a living creature.

ELIZABETH

What? Where? How do you know?

KARRAS

I could see It from the forest.

Look.

It’s getting dark out, but can you

see that Lusus Naturae on the

cliff, near the gate?

ORA

Are those Bat wings and a fox’s

body... how many legs does It have?

KARRAS

It’s alive. At least It seems to

be. It does not move like the

others.

FORMOSA

It’s almost...cute.

KEVIN

It’s three times the size of a

horse! A big horse!

FORMOSA

I stand by my comment. Though why

is a living Lusus Naturae helping

the dead?

ELIZABETH

See that red rope around it’s neck?

The creature is probably enspelled

to fight intruders and tolerate the

risen.

KEVIN

When in doubt, assume magic.

ORA

Everyone down!

RISEN

(Growling)

KEVIN

That was close.

ORA

They must have dead guards

regularly patrolling the forest’s

edge. I’m surprised they aren’t in

the woods, too.

FORMOSA

I can feel the forest’s hatred of

those abominations. I assume if

they ventured in too far, they’d be

attacked.

KARRAS

Then they’d only enter for a

reason.

ORA

So let’s not give them a

reason...though...hmmm....maybe we

can use that to our advantage.

KEVIN

How?

ORA

If we could lure them into the

forest then we might be able to

lessen their numbers. And with

enough of them in the woods, we

could race to the gate with the

lantern.

ELIZABETH

A distraction is a good idea. In

fact, I might have a magical tool

that could help.

KEVIN

Have you been holding out on us?

ELIZABETH

I found a few things at Emilian’s.

It’s not my fault if you didn’t

know what you were looking at.

Ah ha!

FORMOSA

What is It?

ELIZABETH

Each of these little engraved

sticks is a spell that can release

a tremendous noise and a puff of

color. When magic was accepted,

they were used in the theater.

ORA

There has to be a dozen of them.

ELIZABETH

Thirteen to be exact.

KEVIN

Lucky.

KARRAS

Anything else in there we could

use? To make us faster? Or

stronger?

ELIZABETH

General offensive and defensive

items were widely sought after and

too expensive for me to trade in.

All of my items were so specialized

that most considered them useless,

like the lantern to keep the risen

away or a collar to prevent someone

from casting spells. Or like these

“storm sticks”, they’re so flashy

that if you used them the Vigiles

would immediately investigate. So,

very few people wanted to own them.

KEVIN

Though you had that bell that rings

if someone can use magic.

ELIZABETH

No one knows about that and I aim

to keep It that way.

ORA

How does this, this...what are they

called again?

ELIZABETH

Storm sticks.

ORA

Right, how do they work?

ELIZABETH

Be careful with that. They activate

when they’re chipped or broken.

That’s why the box is lined with

cotton.

ORA

When they’re chipped or broken?

ELIZABETH

If you snap the wood in half with

your hands or strike It with a

sword, for example. The problem is

if you’re too close when It goes

off It can hurt your ears and mess

with your vision. But thankfully,

the wood is just thick enough that

if you throw It the impact usually

chips It but not always.

KARRAS

An arrow would work.

ELIZABETH

An arrow would be perfect. So long

as you didn’t miss, it’s a pretty

small target.

KARRAS

I never miss.

ORA

If you and Elizabeth rode Spirit,

Elizabeth could throw up the spells

and you could hit them.

FORMOSA

It would be a good distraction.

KEVIN

And if you hit the spells from a

distance, then there’d be a chance

the dead wouldn’t find you right

away.

ORA

Look at you, participating in

making a plan.

KEVIN

I’m all for good plans when they

are needed. Always have been. Just

not foolhardy revenge plots where

we don’t survive.

FORMOSA

Will that dark trio be able to

track the magic from those sticks?

ELIZABETH

It’s an item imbued with magic.

Much harder to track, especially in

the forest. However, if Ora were to

cast a large spell, I have no doubt

they’d find us.

ORA

I promise I won’t do anything until

I get to the gate. On purpose

anyway...and I shouldn’t have to.

The stock sticks will distract the

guards, then I can rush in with the

lantern.

FORMOSA

I’ll go with you. I can defend you

while you use your power on the

gate.

KEVIN

And I’ll go, too.

ORA

Kevin, you could stay in the forest

and be our lookout.

KEVIN

Looking out for what? Besides, I’m

a terrible lookout, though I think

I’d be amazing at holding a

lantern...wait...does It work

during the day?

ELIZABETH

Yes. You can’t see the scope of the

light as well, but It works the

same.

KEVIN

That’s good, ‘cause going at night

seems like a much worse idea.

ORA

Day or night, it’s going to be

incredibly dangerous.

KEVIN

Not really a stranger to that any

more. Besides, it’s better for you

to have another person to watch

your back.

KARRAS

He should go with you!

ORA

He should?

FORMOSA AND ORA

Really?

KARRAS

Best not to argue with him, you’ll

get a headache and he’ll still get

his way.

KEVIN

Aw, Karras, I think that’s the

sweetest thing you’ve ever said

about me.

ORA

Are you sure, Kevin?

KEVIN

I’m sure.

ELIZABETH

Here. Take one of the storm sticks.

If you need us to come back, break

the wood and It will go off, then

Karras and I will know to come

back.

ORA

Thank you.

I guess we all know what we have to

do.

If we die, well, I want to tell you

how happy I am to have met you.

You’re all so strong and caring;

I’m lucky to call you my friends.

KEVIN

Oh so now you want to hold hands?

ORA

Shut up, Kevin.

KEVIN

We’re not going to die. Remember,

I’m selfish, I won’t allow any of

us to die.

FORMOSA

And you say Ora’s the optimist.

KEVIN

Meh, I might complain a bit-

ORA

You? Never.

KEVIN

But I’m truly honored to know you

all.

KARRAS

You are my true family.

ELIZABETH

Wooop

KEVIN

Don’t hug us too hard, Karras. We

don’t want to die before we go into

battle.

ELIZABETH

You are all, by far, some of the

most interesting people I have met.

So, of course I’m glad to be here.

FORMOSA

I will gladly put my life on the

line for any of you.

ORA

Thank you, thank you all... We

should get some rest. Tomorrow’s

going to be a long day.

SCENE BRAKE

KEVIN

Karras and Elizabeth left a while

ago, we should’ve seen their signal

by now.

ORA

Hey. Give them time.

KEVIN

Sorry, I’m just nervous.

ORA

Don’t worry Kevin, I’ll defend you.

KEVIN

I’m supposed to be the one

defending you.

FORMOSA

Hush. We should stay quiet so we

don’t miss the signal.

KEVIN

If our talking drowns It out, then

It won’t be much of a distraction,

will It?

FORMOSA

Also, I noticed that neither of you

were claiming you’d defend me.

ORA

How’s this? We all defend each

other. Deal?

RISEN

(Roars)

KEVIN

I guess we didn’t have to worry

about missing the signal.

FORMOSA

I hope Karras and Elizabeth stay

safe.

ORA

Don’t worry, Spirit will protect

them.

FORMOSA

It looks like about a third of the

guards are taking the bait.

ORA

We’ll wait for the second spell to

go off before we make a run for It.

Maybe the sound will draw off more

of them.

KEVIN

Even if another third of them

leave, there’s still so many left.

ORA

That’s why we have the lantern. And

they seem to be more spread out so

there’s less chance of us being

overwhelmed.

KEVIN

Didn’t Galen warn of more defenses

than just risen?

RISEN

(Roars)

ORA

It’s time!

Ready?

KEVIN

Sword, ready. Lantern, On.

FORMOSA

Axes, at the ready.

ORA

Alright. Go!

FORMOSA

To your left!

KEVIN

The lantern still works. Thank the

light... Oh.. Ha.

ORA

Hurry!

Some of them are throwing their

weapons at us to avoid the light!

KEVIN

Great.

Ora! I got an idea! Stop! Get

behind me!

ORA

We have to keep going!

KEVIN

I know.

FORMOSA

Ora! Do as he says.

ORA

What are you?!

KEVIN

I may not be great with a sword,

but a shield? That I can use.

FORMOSA

He’s stopping the dead with the

lantern and their weapons with the

shield; it’s a good plan.

ORA

Well, let’s keep going, fearless

leader!

KEVIN

Fearless, ha. Right.

FORMOSA

We’re halfway there!

UNKNOWN VOICE

You should give up.

ORA

Who said that?

UNKNOWN VOICE

It’s useless.

FORMOSA

Where is that coming from?!

KEVIN

It’s a spell! Don’t listen to It!

ORA

What do you mean?

UNKNOWN VOICE

You won’t win.

KEVIN

Galen said there was a spell that

could drive one to madness.

UNKNOWN VOICE

All you do is fail.

FORMOSA

It’s...It’s saying something

different to each of us...

ORA

How do you know?

FORMOSA

Do you feel you should be dead

instead of your people, too?

KEVIN

Formosa it’s not true, it’s just

your fears.

FORMOSA

What do we do?

KEVIN

Ora what is It saying to you?

UNKNOWN VOICE

You bring death and chaos wherever

you go.

ORA

Let’s...outrun It!

UNKNOWN VOICE

How many have died because of you?

FORMOSA

It’s still there.

KEVIN

Don’t listen. The more you hear the

weaker you get and the more you...

Ugh... the more you believe.

ORA

It’s not like I can put down my

sword and cover my ears.

UNKNOWN VOICE

The world would be a better place

if you had never been born.

ORA

And it’s making some good points.

KEVIN

Ora! Keep fighting!

UNKNOWN VOICE

Give up.

KEVIN

There’s no one here to cast the

spell, so It has to be attached to

an item.

UNKNOWN VOICE

You can rest if you give up.

FORMOSA

What could It be attached to?

KEVIN

Anything that doesn’t look like It

belongs on this road - something

out of place.

UNKNOWN VOICE

Why even try? You always fail.

ORA

Why even try? I always fail.

FORMOSA

What is It, Ora? Kevin, wait!

UNKNOWN VOICE

The cliff is right there.

ORA

I got us into this.

UNKNOWN VOICE

Rest is right there.

ORA

The cliff...

UNKNOWN VOICE

Jump. Jump.

ORA

I should just...

UNKNOWN VOICE

Jump.

KEVIN

You can’t, Ora! You promised me

you’d live. If you jump off that

cliff! I’ll kill you

RISEN

(Growl)

KEVIN

Aaaaa!

ORA

Kevin? KEVIN!

KEVIN

I’m fine, I’m fine...

FORMOSA

The Lantern!!

ORA

Sorry!!

KEVIN

Thanks, I’ll take that back now.

FORMOSA

There! It’s a statue with runes

along the base.

KEVIN

Where?

FORMOSA

To the right behind Ora, by the

edge of the cliff!

KEVIN

YES! Destroy It!

ORA

I got this!

KEVIN

And we got you!

UNKNOWN VOICE

You are weak. You are a failure.

Give up and die.

ORA

I. Am. Not. Weak!

UNKNOWN VOICE

Nooo!

ORA

Yes!

UNKNOWN VOICE

You can’t stop me with a sword.

ORA

It won’t stop...

UNKNOWN VOICE

I am your voice! I am your fears!

KEVIN

Ora! Hurry!!

ORA

Well, if you are me, then you

already told me what to do!

KEVIN

Ora!

UNKNOWN VOICE

AAAAAaaaa....

KEVIN

(Laughs)

You did It! It stopped!

FORMOSA

As much as I’d love to celebrate...

ORA

Sorry!!

FORMOSA

We have to keep moving, we are too

vulnerable here.

ORA

We’re almost there!

LUSUS NATURAE

(Roar)

KEVIN

Oh no.

ORA

The Lusus Naturae! It is alive! It

can get within the lantern light!

Aim for its wings! If we can cut

them off and push It off the cliff,

it’ll die.

FORMOSA

No! It’s enspelled, we can’t kill

her!

KEVIN

Then what are we supposed to do?!

FORMOSA

The red rope around her neck, I’m

going to hack It off and free her!

KEVIN

You know, even freed, It might

still attack us.

FORMOSA

I know. You two just keep the dead

off of me.

LUSUS NATURAE

(Roar)

FORMOSA

I’m trying to help you.

LUSUS NATURAE

(Roar)

FORMOSA

I did It.

KEVIN

It’s going to attack!

FORMOSA

I’m sorry...

KEVIN

It didn’t kill us.

FORMOSA

No she didn’t.

ORA

I almost thought It would...

KEVIN

It’s...it’s coming back!

ORA

Where do we go?!

KEVIN

Stay in the light!!

ORA

DUCK!!

FORMOSA

So be It...

ORA

What!

KEVIN

Ha...AHAHAHA! It...It missed us!

ORA

I...was sure...what was that?!

KEVIN

I can’t believe It missed us!!

FORMOSA

It didn’t miss...look.

ORA

It cleared the path...

KEVIN

How...?

It...

We...?

FORMOSA

Shut up and run!!

KEVIN

I...I can’t believe we made It.

FORMOSA

Do It, Ora.

ORA

I didn’t know It would have images

and words carved into It. It’s

beautiful.

KEVIN

Of course it’s beautiful, that’s

pure silver.

The gate’s so cold to the touch.

ORA

Quiet. I’m trying to concentrate.

KEVIN

I don’t think It will work.

ORA

Shut up.

FORMOSA

Hurry up. They’re coming!

KEVIN

I don’t think It-

ORAAND

It will work! It has to!

FORMOSA

They’re here. Keep trying, I’ll

defend you.

ORA

Maybe I need to knock or push on

It.

KEVIN

I’m so sorry.

ORA

Wait... wait the words on the door.

KEVIN

What about them?

ORA

NO!! It can’t be!! It’s another

Prophecy.

END OF EPISODE 27

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