Crystals of Silveria Remastered (Season 1) - A Series by GeekyGamerZack

During what seems like just another day at work, a young man named Zed encounters a mysterious elven mage who wishes to take him on as her apprentice. But there’s more to Amethyst’s request than training a budding spellcaster: she believes that Zed is the seventh member of her team, each member of whom is entrusted with a mysterious crystal of unknown origin and significance. Will he accept the elf’s offer?

Cast

Zed Starmute - A young man with a knack for the arcane and little knowledge of the world outside his secluded community.

Amethyst Moondew – A 150-year-old elven mage who dragged her companions all the way to the faraway town to find Zed, she owns the Magenta Crystal.

Let the tale commence!

Scene 1: Zed’s House: Early Morning

The sun rises over a secluded township in the middle of a vast green plain, the citizens slowly awakening one-by-one and preparing for their day. Shops filled with all sorts of wares open their doors; bakers begin baking bread, cakes and other tasty treats; the owners of The Naked Drake tavern prepare the daily breakfast specials. In a small house on the outskirts of town, a young man is in a restless slumber, tossing and turning. His eyes suddenly fly open and he sits up in his bed.

Young man’s thoughts: Whoa, those dreams are getting even more intense than usual…

The young man swings his legs around to the side of his bed, placing his feet gently on the floor. He stands up and walks over to his wardrobe, pulling out a white long-sleeved shirt and brown pants. He pulls the shirt over his head, pushing his arms through both sleeves. He then sits back on his bed, pushing his legs through the pants, then he stands up and pulls them over his waist, zipping up the zipper and securing the button.

The man sits down once again and pulls a pair of clean socks from his drawer, separating them and pulling them over his feet. Finally, he grabs a pair of tall brown boots, checking them for bugs before pulling them onto his feet. He stands up and walks into his washroom.

The man gazes into his mirror, opening his mouth and biting onto his hand, which glows with a bright blue light, illuminating his entire mouth for a moment before dissipating. He turns on a tap and rinses a cup, then fills it with water. He takes a mouthful and sloshes it around, spitting it into the sink. He then empties the cup and turns off the tap.

Young man: There! A clean mouth for a fresh new day.

The man thinks to himself, then realises something.

Young man: Oh, my hair!

The man holds his hand over his forehead. His hand glows. As he moves it upward, his messy, bright red hair spikes vertically. He moves his hand away, and it stops glowing.

Young man: Right. Breakfast.

The young man heads downstairs, grabs a banana from his fruit bowl and eats it. He discards the peel in the compost box, then washes his hands and dries them. He picks up a pair of brown gauntlets and puts them on, then he makes his way to the door and grabs his brown sleeveless jacket. He puts it on and does up the buttons. He then opens the door and steps through it, closing it behind him. Finally, he locks the door with his key. As he turns around a bouncy ball lands next to his foot. He looks at the ball, then at the two boys running towards him.

Boy #1: Good morning, Mr. Zed!

Zed: Good morning! How are you?

Boy #1: Very good!

Boy #2: It’s my birthday today!

Zed: Ah, and this must be your present.

Boy #2: Yes it is!

Boy #1: Will you kick it over please, sir?

Zed: Sure.

Zed kicks the ball to the boys. The second one grabs it.

Boy #2: Thanks, Mr. Zed!

Zed: No problem.

Boy #1: Are you going to work then?

Zed: Yep.

Boy #1: Okay then.

Zed: Enjoy your birthday!

Boy #2: I will, Mr. Zed!

The boys run off with the ball. Zed smiles and shakes his head slightly, then makes his way into town.

***
Crystals of Silveria Remastered: A Chromaicora Adventure

***
Scene 2: Town Square: Morning

Zed makes his way through the town square. Already, people are milling about, ready to do some early morning shopping. Zed walks up to a crowd of people who are gathered around a travelling entertainer. He breathes a jet of flame through his mouth and the crowd claps. Some people deposit copper and silver pieces into a hat, which is on the ground next to the man. Zed deposits two gold pieces into the man’s hat. The man faces Zed and does a gentlemanly bow. He then picks up three balls and begins to juggle.

The crowd claps and cheers as Zed makes his way to Taylor’s Treasures. A bell jingles as Zed opens the door and walks inside, closing the door behind him. The shop’s shelves are lined with various trinkets and wondrous items. A middle-aged woman with glasses heads downstairs into the small shop.

Zed: Good morning, Mrs. Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor: Ah, good morning, young Zed. Here bright an’ early for work, are you?

Zed: I sure am.

Mrs. Taylor: That’s grand. How was your night, lad?

Zed: I had another weird dream. I kinda figure it might have something to do with my past.

Mrs. Taylor: Well, they say that dreams are the gateway to another world. Maybe your past has fled to it.

Zed laughs.

Zed: You never know, I guess.

Zed looks around the shop.

Zed: So, what am I doing today?

Mrs. Taylor: Inventory. I’m just waitin’ for the delivery man to arrive. He’s late again!

The bell jingles as the door opens. The delivery man walks in.

Deliveryman: Mornin’, Mrs. Taylor!

Mrs. Taylor: Mornin’, Mr. Deliveryman. What have you got for us today?

Deliveryman: Three big boxes o’ wondrous items for ya.

Mrs. Taylor: Oh, grand. Just leave ‘em next to the counter.

Deliveryman: Will do, Mrs. Taylor.

The deliveryman unloads the boxes next to the counter. He heads backward towards the door, opening it. The bell jingles as he retreats backwards through it.

Deliveryman: Have a good day, you two!

Mrs. Taylor: Will do.

Zed: You too.

The door closes. Zed picks up the smallest box, places it onto the counter and opens it with a small knife.

Zed: Are these bags of holding?!

Mrs. Taylor: Aye, they are, lad. They can hold many times more items than meets the eye. Perfect for the travelling adventurer.

Zed: Awesome!

Mrs. Taylor: Right, I’d like you to put ‘em on display in the shop window. Try to make ‘em look enticing for anybody who might want to buy one.

Zed: We haven’t seen any adventurers in here for months. Do you think we’ll be able to sell them?

Mrs. Taylor: Oh, I hope so. Adventurers may not often come here, but when they do, we need to be prepared.

Zed nods.

Zed’s thoughts: I wonder what it’d be like to be an adventurer…

Scene 3: Outside Zed’s House: Early Afternoon

A young elf woman with long brown hair, purple eyes and a purple robe enters town. She is carrying a silver staff, its only feature being a purple orb at one end, which is partly-engulfed by a finely-sculpted dragon. She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.

Young woman: Good morning, boys.

The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces.

Boy #1: Flip! It’s an elf!

Boy #2: I heard that the long ears of the elves can hear the voices of the faeries!

Boy #1: Wow, is that true miss?!

The young woman giggles.

Young woman: Well, I hear that children can hear the faeries’ voices…if they listen hard enough.

Boy #2: Wow! That’s incredible!

Young woman: I was wondering if you would be kind enough to assist me.

Boy #1: Of course! We’ll help however we can!

Young woman: I’m looking for the young man who lives in that house.

The young woman points the orb end of her staff at Zed’s house.

Boy #1: Oh, you mean Mr. Zed! He’s at work right now.

Boy #2: I think he works in a shop called Taylor’s Trinkets.

Young woman: Many thanks. You have been most helpful.

The young woman bows gracefully, then makes her way into town. The boys turn to each other with excitement.

Boy #2: Children can hear the voices of faeries!

Boy #1: I’m going to listen to a faery first!

Boy #2: No, it’s my birthday, so I’M going to hear one first!

Scene 4: Town Square: Early Afternoon

The young woman makes her way to the entertainer, a crowd of people still gathered around him. He performs a small dance, then stops and raises his arms into the air. As he does so, two jets of confetti seem to burst through the ground next to him straight into the air.

The young woman is amused by the entertainer’s illusion and deposits five gold pieces into his hat. The man looks into his hat, a big smile on his face, before he sings and dances excitedly. The crowd laughs as the young woman makes her way to the shop. She stops and checks the sign.

Young woman: Taylor’s Treasures…I am sure this must be the shop to which those boys were referring.

The young woman enters the shop, the little bell jingling as she opens and closes the door. Mrs. Taylor greets her with a smile.

Mrs. Taylor: Welcome to my humble shop, lass. If there’s anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask.

Young woman: Actually, I was wondering if you could assist me with locating an employee of yours. Somebody named “Mr. Zed“, I believe.

Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. One of my most dedicated staff members. I’m sorry, lass, but he’s out having lunch right now.

Young woman: Ah, I see. When he returns, would you please be so kind as to ask him to meet me in The Naked Drake?

Mrs. Taylor: The tavern? Oh, he never sets foot in there, lass. Don’t ask me why. I suppose I could pass on the message though.

Young woman: Many thanks to you, ma’am. My name is Amethyst, by the way.

Mrs. Taylor: A pleasure. I’ll pass on your message, don’t you worry.

Amethyst: Again, many thanks to you.

Amethyst bows gracefully to Mrs. Taylor, then leaves the shop, the bell jingling as she exits. Mrs. Taylor laughs.

Mrs. Taylor: The Naked Drake…I wonder how they came up with that name.

Mrs. Taylor begins to sweep the floor with a broom.

Scene 5: Taylor’s Treasures: Early Afternoon

Zed enters the shop, the little bell jingling as he opens and closes the door.

Zed: I’m back, Mrs. Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. There was a young lass in ‘ere earlier asking for you.

Zed: M-me?

Mrs. Taylor: Aye, lad. She seemed very eager to meet you.

Zed: Well that’s odd. Do you know who it was?

Mrs. Taylor: I’m not sure. All she said was to look for Amethyst at The Naked Drake.

Zed: The tavern? I don’t go in there.

Mrs. Taylor: I know, lad. She seemed sure you’d go, though.

Zed: Well, I guess I could take a look in there.

Mrs. Taylor: You do what you feel is right, lad.

Zed: Okay, I’ll go there first thing after work.

Mrs. Taylor: Well then, I think that’ll do for your shift today.

Zed: What? But I still have work to do!

Mrs. Taylor: Come now, lad. You do a lot for me. Take the afternoon off. You won’t lose pay for it.

Zed: I’m not concerned about the money. I am curious to know what that girl wants with me, though.

Mrs. Taylor: Very well. I’ll see you next week, then.

Zed: Okay. Have a good day.

Mrs. Taylor: To you as well, lad.

Zed exits the shop, the little bell jingling as he does so.

Scene 6: The Naked Drake: Afternoon

Zed walks inside the tavern. It is practically deserted, save for a couple of individuals at different tables.

Zed’s thoughts: Huh. This place isn’t so bad…

Zed walks up to the bartender behind the counter.

Bartender: Welcome to The Naked Drake. I am Warren, co-owner of this tavern. Is there anything I can get you, sir?

Zed: Uh, no thanks. I’m looking for someone named Amethyst.

Warren: Ah, you must be Zed. Amethyst is at the table just there.

Warren points to the table nearest the counter. Amethyst is seated, her staff laid out across the tabletop.

Zed: Thanks. Have a good day.

Warren: If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Zed: No problem.

Zed walks over to Amethyst. Amethyst looks up at Zed, then stands up.

Amethyst: You must be Zed.

Zed: How did you guess?

Amethyst: You’re the first person to walk up to me today, so naturally I assumed that you are the one for whom I am searching.

Zed: It’s nice to meet you.

Amethyst: To you as well. My name is Amethyst Moondew, elven mage. You…are much taller than I thought you would be. Taller than most humans I have met.

Zed: A neighbour of mine calls me “the gentle giant“.

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: I knew I would like you. Come, we must practice.

Amethyst picks up her staff and starts to head towards the door.

Zed: Practice what?

Amethyst stops and turns to face Zed, a smile on her face.

Amethyst: Your magic, of course!

Amethyst turns back and once again heads for the door.

Zed: How did you know I could use magic?

Zed starts to follow Amethyst.

Scene 7: Meadow: Afternoon

Zed and Amethyst walk to the top of a hill covered in short, green grass.

Amethyst: Okay, here we are.

Zed: This is the meadow near my house.

Amethyst: It is the perfect place to test your abilities.

Zed: I should let you know, I’m not the best at using magic.

Amethyst: Everybody is inexperienced at first. With time, your abilities will develop.

Amethyst holds up her staff. A glowing purple orb appears in mid-air ten feet in front of Zed.

Amethyst: Would you please demonstrate your use of magic missile?

Zed: Uh, okay. I’m a bit rusty, but here goes.

Zed raises his right hand, aiming it at the orb.

Zed: “Magic Missile!”

A small bright-blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the orb right in the centre. Both the marble and orb disappear in a flash of light.

Amethyst: A perfect hit! Well done!

Zed: I don’t know how I did that!

Amethyst: Okay, now for something trickier.

Amethyst holds up her staff again. Another purple orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, except this one moves slowly back and forth from left to right.

Zed: Okay, here I go.

Zed holds up his right hand, aiming it in front of him. Zed focuses on the path of the orb.

Zed: “Magic Missile!”

Another blue marble flies from Zed’s outstretched hand, striking the orb in the middle and causing them both to disappear in a flash of light.

Amethyst: Impressive! Another perfect hit!

Zed: I’m not even very familiar with magic missile!

Amethyst: Shall we try one last test?

Zed: Well…okay then.

Amethyst: Very well.

Amethyst holds up her staff again. A third orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, moving slowly clockwise in a perfect circle. Zed stretches out his hand, focusing on the orb’s path.

Zed: “Magic Missile!”

A blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the top-left of the orb. The orb falls to the ground, disappearing in a flash of light as it makes contact.

Amethyst: Not as perfect, but still a hit. I’m impressed.

Zed: Thank you.

Amethyst: I have a gift for you.

Zed: A gift? For me?

Amethyst reaches into her satchel, pulling out a wooden box with a silver clasp. She undoes the clasp, swinging the box open so that Zed can gaze upon the contents. Inside the box are seven alcoves, with one of the alcoves containing a triangular, cyan-coloured crystal.

Amethyst: This box contains the seventh in a set of crystals. My allies and I have each of our lives entwined with one of the crystals. It is my assumption that you are to be the owner of this one, the Azure Crystal.

Zed: Me? Are you sure?

Amethyst: There is only one way for me to truly be sure.

Zed: I don’t know…I don’t really see myself as being very special.

Amethyst smiles.

Amethyst: The crystal will tell you if you’re special.

Zed: Really?

Amethyst: The crystals select their owners. They see the truth of their owners’ potential. Clutch it. We will know if it is meant to be.

Zed steps forward. He reaches out his hand and picks up the crystal. As he opens his hand, the crystal’s centre glows with a bright light.

Zed: Whoa…that is awesome!

Amethyst: It seems as though your potential is greater than you realised.

Zed watches as the crystal’s light fades slightly, still glowing dimly in its centre.

Amethyst: This crystal is meant for you, Zed. When you wear it, you will form an eternal bond with it.

Zed: Like this?

Zed places the crystal around his neck. The light within its centre shines bright enough to illuminate the immediate area, before returning to a low level of constant light within the centre.

Amethyst: It would make me so happy for you to become my apprentice. Together with my allies and I, you may see the wonders of this land, and beyond. I could train you to master your talent.

Zed: I…I don’t know what to say.

Amethyst: Would you like to become an adventurer?

Zed thinks to himself briefly.

Zed’s thoughts: Maybe by adventuring, I can figure out who I truly am.

Zed: Okay, I’ll do it!

***
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***

Scene 8: Zed’s House: Late Night

Zed lies in his bed, his covers pulled up to his chest. His arms lie across his pillow. An orb of light is suspended above him, illuminating the room.

Zed’s thoughts: I can hardly believe it…soon I’ll be leaving to go on an adventure. I have no idea what I’ll be able to do, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it…

Zed reaches across to his bedside table, picking up the crystal.

Zed’s thoughts: Amethyst said I have a permanent link with this thing, but I’m still not sure what it’s for…maybe it’s meant to give me some sort of powers, or increase my arcane abilities...

Zed places the crystal back onto his bedside table.

Zed’s thoughts: I’ll ask Amethyst in the morning...

The orb of light dispels. Zed pulls his arms under his covers and turns onto his right side. He soon drifts into a shallow sleep.

***
Zed walks through a mysterious forest.

Zed: Hello?! Is anybody here?!

Almost immediately, the temperature drops. Zed’s breaths become visible as frost encrusts all of the trees.

Zed: This is bad! It’s not even close to winter!

Dwarf: It’s the Winter Festival, lad! Time for us to get drunk!

Zed: Who are you?

Dwarf: Why, it’s me, D. Wharf! The lovable rogue!

Zed: Uh…okay.

Dwarf: Say, that’s a pretty necklace. A pretty necklace for a pretty lass!

Zed: Uh, this is a special artefact. And I’m a guy, not a girl!

Dwarf: Of course you are, little boy!

Zed: What did you call me?!

A wall of water whirls around Zed, freezing solid. The walls stretch out, leaving Zed in a dark, icy room.

Zed: What’s going on?! This isn’t funny!

An evil cackle fills the room, echoing off the walls. Zed suddenly raises his hand in the air.

Zed: “LIGHT!”

Bright light quickly fills the room.

***
Zed suddenly awakens and sits up, breathing heavily.

Zed: That dream again…

Scene 9: Zed’s House: Early Morning

Zed sits in a chair, playing a wooden recorder. A knock sounds on his door. He splits the recorder in two, places the pieces into his pocket, then stands up and walks over to the door, opening it. Amethyst is standing there.

Zed: Oh…uh…good morning.

Amethyst: Good morning. Are you rested and ready for today?

Zed: I did my best, I guess.

Amethyst: That is good to hear. Come. We must make preparations for our journey.

Zed: Okay, I just need to get some things first.

Amethyst: Please take your time.

Zed: Okay, be right back!

Zed closes his door. A few moments later he opens it, stepping through and closing it behind him. He locks the door with his key.

Zed: Okay, I’m ready.

Amethyst: Excellent. Let us head into town to purchase supplies.

Zed: No problem.

Scene 10: Town Square: Morning

Zed and Amethyst walk up to a shop door. The sign above it reads Silver Buckle Clothing.

Amethyst: First, we must purchase a new outfit for you to wear.

Zed: I don’t know, this place looks expensive.

Amethyst: Never fear, Zed. A good quality outfit is just what you need.

Zed: I guess so…

Zed and Amethyst enter the shop. A well-dressed gentleman greets them from behind the counter.

Gentleman: Welcome to Silver Buckle Clothing! I am Eduardo, your guide to the world of chic fashion. How may I help you today?

Amethyst: My apprentice is in need of a new outfit.

Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit.

Eduardo: Oh yes…I see what you mean. Hm…now, what sort of apprentice is he? Knight’s apprentice, mage’s apprentice…?

Amethyst: A mage’s apprentice.

Eduardo: Of course! I might have guessed from your lovely violet tunic! It simply screams modern elven mage! And it matches your eyes perfectly! Ooh, and I just love the sash!

Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit some more.

Eduardo: Hm…we need to update your look. The whole brown-on-white thing is too archaic. Today’s young mage needs to wear something more modern and vibrant. Hm…okay, I see you wearing something…azure.

Zed: Azure’s my favourite colour.

Eduardo: Ah! I knew it! Eduardo, you are a genius!

Eduardo looks around. He plucks a pale blue shirt from a clothes rack, giving it to Zed.

Eduardo: This would make the perfect base for your outfit.

Eduardo then plucks a pair of blue pants from another clothes rack.

Eduardo: And this will add a pleasant contrast to it. Now, into the change room you go!

Eduardo motions Zed into the change room. Zed turns around.

Zed: I don’t know about this…it seems expensive.

Eduardo: Don’t worry about price! A good outfit is an expensive outfit!

Eduardo closes the curtain on the change room.

Zed: Ooh, comfy! And it fits really well!

Eduardo: You doubt my talents for choosing an outfit?

Zed: No no no, this is great!

Zed opens the curtain. Eduardo nods with his bottom lip protruding.

Eduardo: A great improvement. I think we’ll stick with your previous look, but with modern designs and more blue. Wait here while I get your leathers.

Eduardo walks into another room.

Zed: Leathers? Aren’t they…bulky?

Amethyst: Leather armour is bulky. Leather clothing is lightweight and flexible.

Zed: Ah, good. I read that mages need mobility when casting spells.

Amethyst: My curiosity has piqued. How talented are you with casting spells?

Zed: Well, I’ve always been good at cantrips, and I can do some evocations pretty well. I’ve also learned to do a bit of other magic as well.

Eduardo returns carrying some boxes.

Eduardo: I checked your old boots for size and picked out the perfect pair for you. Try these on.

Eduardo hands a box to Zed. Zed sits down, opens the box and puts on the boots, which are made of dark blue leather. Zed stands up and takes a few steps.

Zed: These are so comfy.

Eduardo: And here are the matching gauntlets.

Eduardo hands another box to Zed. Zed opens the box, removing a pair of gauntlet gloves made of thin, dark blue leather. He pulls them on and flexes his fingers and wrist.

Zed: These are better than my old gauntlets. They mould right to my hand!

Eduardo: I also have a belt…

Eduardo hands a black belt with a silver buckle to Zed.

Eduardo: …and a vest.

Eduardo hands an azure leather sleeveless jacket to Zed. Zed equips himself with the belt, attaching it to the buckle, then he puts on the jacket and does up the buttons.

Zed: This is awesome!

Amethyst: I think we have found a perfect outfit for you, Zed.

Eduardo: No.

Amethyst: No?

Eduardo: No. It is not yet perfect. It needs a certain…oomph that says modern mage’s apprentice.

Zed: Like a robe or cloak?

Eduardo: I think something more your age category would be better…oh! Wait here!

Eduardo walks away, plucking a folded piece of clothing from a shelf. He walk back and hands it to Zed. Zed unfurls it and puts it on.

Zed: A cape?!

Eduardo: Oh, yes. All the young mages in Silveria wear capes. It’s fast becoming the latest fashion trend.

Zed: Well, I guess this outfit is good. But…how much will it cost?

Eduardo: For you, I’ll give you a special deal. Just 7 gold pieces!

Zed: Well…I guess it IS for my new role as an adventurer…

Zed reaches for his coin sack.

Amethyst: Wait, Zed! I will pay for your outfit.

Zed: Are you sure?

Amethyst: Of course. A mage’s duty is to pay for her apprentice’s starting equipment.

Amethyst hands 7 gold pieces to Eduardo.

Eduardo: Thank you very much! I trust you are happy with your new look?

Zed: I sure am. Thank you!

Scene 11: Street: Morning

Zed and Amethyst walk down a street.

Zed: Thank you for buying my new clothes.

Amethyst: It is my pleasure, Zed. Now, we need to buy you the most important piece of equipment for any mage.

Zed: An implement?

Amethyst: Indeed.

Zed: I know just the place: The Budding Alchemist! Mr. Newt will have just the implement I need!

Amethyst’s thoughts: Newt…? Could it be…?!

Zed leads Amethyst to another door. The sign above the door reads The Budding Alchemist. Zed opens the door, motioning Amethyst to enter. Amethyst nods once and enters the building, followed by Zed. An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.

Gentleman: Well, if it isn’t young Zed. Why, I haven’t seen you in here since the Astral Festival.

Zed: Sorry, Mr. Newt. I’ve been busy for the past couple of weeks.

Newt: How are your dreams?

Zed: Getting even weirder. I had the ice forest one again last night.

Newt: You’ve had that one more often in recent days, haven’t you?

Zed: Yep. It seemed even more real last night.

Newt: Well, I’m sure you will learn the secret behind it eventually.

Mr. Newt notices Amethyst.

Newt: I’ve been expecting you, Amethyst.

Amethyst’s thoughts: How did he…?

Amethyst: It is a pleasure, Mr. Newt. Please excuse my bluntness, but how did you know I would visit you?

Newt: Why, the lovely Mrs. Taylor mentioned you last night over a cup of tea.

Zed: News sure travels fast in this town.

Newt: Thank you so much for taking the time to instruct Zed in the art of magic. I would myself, but I’m too old. I’ll leave it up to the younger generation.

Zed: Remember when I first came in here?

Newt: Like it was yesterday. You picked up a book of cantrips out of curiosity.

Zed: I was interested in magic but thought I was too old to learn it.

Newt: Then you started to read the cover, and turned your hair blue!

Zed: It caught your attention, but I had no idea what was going on cause I couldn’t see the top of my own head!

Mr. Newt chuckles.

Newt: Oh, I laughed for two minutes. I finally managed to tell you that you are a naturally-gifted mage, but you were too busy panicking about your hair.

Zed: Good times…oh, that’s right! Mr. Newt, I was wondering if you could help me choose my implement.

Newt: Of course, lad. Do you know what kind of implement suits you best?

Zed: Hm…I’ve never given it much thought.

Newt: Might I suggest a wand? It’s portable and lightweight, and easy to equip in a pinch.

Zed: Sounds good.

Newt: The wands are right over here.

Mr. Newt leads Zed to a display containing a selection of wands.

Zed: How will I know which one is the right one for me?

Newt: You will know as soon as your eyes meet with it.

Zed looks around. He spots a silver wand adorned with a carving of a dragon at its far end. He walks over to it and picks it up. Almost immediately, a bright blue glow surrounds him. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out the crystal, which is also glowing with a bright blue light.

Newt: No…it cannot be!

The light dissipates. Mr. Newt walks over to Zed.

Newt: Zed! You did not tell me you had an artefact of the Silverian Empire!

Zed: The Silverian Empire?

Zed looks over at Amethyst.

Amethyst: I have not heard of such an empire.

Newt: Then there is much you both must learn. Come. We will discuss it further in my house.

The three people step out of the shop. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows.

Figure: So it is true. I must tell my mistress at once.

The figure turns and steps back into the shadows.

To be Continued…

***
End Credits

***

Amethyst takes Zed to meet the rest of the party at a curiously-named tavern in the middle of nowhere. Upon their arrival, however, the party leader, an orcborn warrior, sees the young wizard as completely inexperienced, and ultimately refuses to let him join them on their adventure! Can Amethyst convince Mak to change his mind?

New Characters

Mak Clay - A surprisingly-intelligent orcborn who shares leadership of the party with Amethyst, he owns the Crimson Crystal.

Emily Summers - A syl human priestess with a sweet and caring personality, she owns the Amber Crystal.

Thobrun Steelanvil - A dwarven paladin with a righteous personality and a fondness for mead, he owns the Tawny Crystal.

Bryn - A halfling rogue who hides more than his fair share about himself from everybody, he owns the Cerulean Crystal.

Brocc Farshot - A gnome bard with the brightest green hair and an apparently-terrible singing voice, he owns the Green Crystal.

“You mean I came all this way for nothing…?”

Scene 1: Newt’s Cottage: Morning

Amethyst and Zed are seated in armchairs surrounding a small table. Newt is looking through his bookcase. He pulls a book from the shelf.

Newt: Ah, yes. Here it is.

Newt walks over to the table and sits in an armchair. He places the heavy book onto the table and opens it, flipping through pages until he finds the right one.

Newt: This page contains all I know of the Silverian Empire.

Zed: It’s blank.

Newt: You are correct. Now…

Newt places his hand above the page.

Newt: “Reveal!”

The page begins to glow. As it does so, words and images appear on the page.

Zed: Incredible…

Amethyst: Indeed.

Newt: The Silverian Empire stretched beyond the borders of Ornoposia all the way to Granrelm, Tundwaldun, Gnomsland, Verdelvum, Luminelvum, Oscurelvum and Kobelia, with smaller settlements in most other continents.

Amethyst: They must have been well-known, then.

Newt: Oh, they were. The empire was made up almost entirely of Ornoposian humans, who spread their culture and customs, and indeed the Common tongue, to all corners of Junihoshi.

Zed: So what happened to it?

Newt: Like all good things it came to an end, but not without leaving behind its legacy.

Amethyst holds her crystal within her delicate fingers.

Amethyst: The crystals…

Newt: A mere fragment of a much larger collection of artefacts, many of which remain concealed within ancient ruins and other places ravaged by monsters.

Zed: So the city-state of Silveria was the capital of the empire?

Newt: That is most likely. It would have been the last bastion of the empire left in a world teeming with chaos.

Zed: Chaos?

Newt: Indeed. War had broken out across the empire as factions began to emerge, each claiming ownership of the dominion. They fought for decades, civilisation crumbling away, until only the Kingdom of Silveria remained.

Zed: So what could have protected Silveria from the chaos?

Newt: My guess is it was the Celestial Beings themselves who ceased the bloodshed, restoring order to Junihoshi.

Amethyst: Could they be allowed to interact directly with mortals?

Newt: In times of crisis they have been said to descend and lay aid to the peoples of Junihoshi. Their direct involvement was obviously the only way to bring peace to a troubled world.

Zed: And the artefacts?

Newt: Nobody knows their true purpose. Indeed, few even know of their existence.

Zed: Then there’s no way of knowing what the crystals do.

Amethyst: I know of one of their functions. They each provide a small boon to their respective owners. My crystal, for example, provides a slight increase in intellect.

Newt: If that is true, then there is a much greater goal intended for them.

Zed: Will it be possible to figure it out?

Newt: In time, you will learn the full extent of your gift.

Newt smiles at Zed.

Newt’s thoughts: Amethyst will guide you well, of that I am certain…

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 2: Town Square: Late Morning

Amethyst and Zed walk past the fountain.

Zed: Well, I guess that was slightly informative.

Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.

Zed: True. So, what boon does my crystal provide?

Amethyst: Alas, I know not.

Zed: Really? Whoa, that’s mysterious…

Amethyst: We have one more place to visit before we must go.

Zed: Oh, I have a toilet in my house if-

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: I have something else in mind. Follow me.

Amethyst walks past Zed, who begins to follow her.

Zed: Lead on, Master mage!

Scene 3: Taylor’s Treasures: Late Morning

Zed and Amethyst enter Taylor’s Treasures, the little bell jingling as the door opens and closes.

Zed: Of course. There’s no better place in town to buy adventuring gear.

Amethyst: So I have seen.

Mrs. Taylor heads downstairs.

Mrs. Taylor: Ah, I wondered if you’d pop in before you left.

Zed: You heard?

Mrs. Taylor: Of course, lad. Mr. Newt tells me everything.

Zed: Wow, news travels fast in this town!

Mrs. Taylor: I took the liberty of preparing your supplies.

Mrs. Taylor heads behind the counter, reaching under it and pulling out a box containing some adventuring gear. She places the box on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: Okay, this is your adventurer’s kit.

Mrs. Taylor pulls out a blue-coloured leather shoulder bag and places it on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: It has a collapsible bedroll, food, a pre-filled waterskin and some other bits and bobs. It’ll come in handy.

Mrs. Taylor pulls out a bag and places it on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: This is a breather. It’s a special mask for you to wear in case you run into a gas trap while exploring a dungeon. I’ve always thought the latest technology should be practical and useful.

Zed: Gotta love those zenoxans.

Mrs. Taylor: And this…this is a special gift from me.

Mrs. Taylor reaches into the box and pulls out a silver recorder and a navy blue velvet bag with drawstring.

Mrs. Taylor: I thought you could use a new flute. This one is supposed to make the most pleasant music, so I’ve been told.

Zed: Oh, Mrs. Taylor…

Mrs. Taylor: Come, lad. You do so much for me. This is my way of thanking you.

Mrs. Taylor smiles. Zed reaches into his pocket, pulling out the two halves of his wooden recorder. He assembles it and holds it out to Mrs. Taylor.

Zed: I want you to have my old flute. To remember me by.

Mrs. Taylor and Zed exchange recorders. Mrs. Taylor smiles.

Mrs. Taylor: I’ll treasure it every day, lad.

A tear rolls down Zed’s cheek. He holds out his hands. Mrs. Taylor steps forward and embraces Zed with a big hug.

Mrs. Taylor: Take care of yourself, lad. Find your place in the world.

Zed: I’ll try to come back one day.

Mrs. Taylor: You try your hardest, Zed Starmute.

Mrs. Taylor and Zed let go of one another. Zed walks over to the counter.

Zed: Should I pay for these?

Mrs. Taylor: Amethyst already took care of it.

Zed looks at Amethyst, a puzzled look on his face.

Amethyst: I put the money on the counter while you were saying your farewells.

Zed smiles.

Zed: Thank you.

Amethyst: Just doing my duty.

Zed removes his cape, places the satchel over his shoulder, re-dons his cape, opens a front pocket and places the breather inside. He picks up the flute, disassembles it, places it into the velvet bag, pulls the drawstring and places it into his pocket.

Zed: Thank you for everything, Mrs. Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor: It was my pleasure, lad.

Another tear rolls down Zed’s cheek as both he and Amethyst leave the shop, the bell jingling as they do so. Mrs. Taylor watches them as they disappear from view.

Mrs. Taylor: We will meet again, lad…

Scene 4: En Route to The Name Pending Tavern: Early Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed walk along a well-worn road, wooden fences separating it from some green meadows.

Amethyst: You seem to have a strong bond with Mrs. Taylor.

Zed: I don’t know where I would be without her.

Amethyst: Is she a family member?

Zed: No.

Amethyst: She treats you like a son nonetheless.

Zed: She was the first one to help me when I stumbled into town.

Amethyst: Oh…had something happened?

Zed sighs.

Zed: I have no memory of my life prior to walking into town. It was late one night, and I was wearing some weird clothes. I was confused, and I didn’t know what was happening.

Amethyst: That sounds awful.

Zed: Nothing felt right whatsoever. Then I came across Taylor’s Treasures. I walked inside and explained everything to Mrs. Taylor. She took me in and gave me a place to sleep and work.

Amethyst: No wonder you are very close to one another.

Zed: Mrs. Taylor took me to the best oracles when they came to town, but they couldn’t figure out which constellation I was born under. They called me a blank slate, which earned me the nickname “The Star Mute One“. It’s as though I hadn’t existed prior to that moment. And yet I know I’ve lived for a while before that.

Amethyst: So you wish to find the place from whence you hail.

Zed: That’s part of my goal, yes.

Zed thinks to himself.

Zed’s thoughts: Why am I picturing a sprig of broccoli…?

Zed: So you’re the guardian of the crystals?

Amethyst: I am indeed. On my one-hundredth birthday, my grandmother told me that I was chosen by my father to find the secret of the crystals. The crystals glowed as the box containing them was handed to me, meaning that I had indeed been chosen by them as their distributor. I was told to find the owners of the crystals and journey with them, and together we would find out their true purpose. It took 45 years before I found the second crystal owner.

Zed: And who was it?

Amethyst smiles at Zed.

Amethyst: Why don’t you wait until we reach the tavern? I am sure the suspense will lead to a much greater surprise.

Zed: Fair enough.

Scene 5: The Name Pending Tavern: Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed enter the tavern. Zed looks around and sees a few adventurers sitting at tables. Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour. The dwarf speaks with a thick Scandinavian-infused Scottish accent.

Dwarf: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek cultists. They outnumbered us two-to-one, and the rogue very nearly gave us the slip!

Fighter #1: Rogues’ll do that to ya if ya let ‘em!

Dwarf: Ye think I’d let the rogue abandon us like that? When facing evil, we all must stand together and help however we can! I’d never let’m avoid Alistair’s goals!

Fighter #2: So what did you do?

Dwarf: What else could we do? We showed ‘em who’s boss! They won’t be hurtin’ anyone anytime soon!

The dwarf drinks a mouthful of mead from his mug. Amethyst walks over to the dwarf. Zed follows behind.

Amethyst: Good afternoon, Thobrun. I gather you are telling stories of our exploits to these gentlemen?

Thobrun: Indeed I am, Amethyst. I’m teachin’ ‘em how to fight evil as best they can.

Thobrun sees Zed standing behind Amethyst.

Thobrun: And this must be the young wizard Amethyst believes is the seventh crystal owner.

Zed: H-Hi. I’m Zed.

Thobrun stands up. He stands at about two-thirds the height of Zed, though he is broadly-built to make up for it.

Thobrun: Good to meet you, Zed. Thobrun Steelanvil, son of Angus and Helga of Goldwaldun, and Paladin of Alistair Goodheart.

Thobrun bows. Zed bows right back.

Thobrun: Can I buy ye a drink, Zed?

Zed: Oh, I don’t drink alcohol.

Thobrun cringes slightly.

Thobrun: Oh, no problem, lad. I can respect that.

Amethyst: I was just going to introduce Zed to the others.

Thobrun: I think they’re in the den upstairs.

Amethyst: Are you ready to meet your future companions, Zed?

Zed: Yep. Lead the way.

Amethyst: Very well.

Amethyst climbs the stairs, with Zed following behind. Zed looks around, and sees a male halfling in dark blue leather armour, a male gnome with green hair and a blonde human girl with slightly-pointed ears wearing golden-yellow chainmail.

Amethyst: Bryn? Brocc? Emily? Allow me to introduce the seventh member of our team, Zed Starmute.

Zed waves.

Zed: Hi.

Bryn speaks with what sounds like a slightly-Cockney English accent.

Bryn: Well, well, well, how did I know it’d be another human?

Bryn walks over to Zed. He stands at roughly half Zed’s height. His slick black hair curves forward at its base. He has no facial hair.

Bryn: Name’s Bryn. The Loveable Rogue.

Bryn holds out his hand. Zed bends down slightly and shakes hands with Bryn.

Bryn: Ah, so you know the Granrelmian bow. I respect that, Zed.

Zed: Your friend downstairs said the same thing.

Brocc speaks with what sounds like a European-infused American accent which sounds slightly elevated in pitch.

Brocc: Amethyst, he’s huge! Are you sure he isn’t a giant?

Bryn: Of course he isn’t, Brocc! Look at his build. He’s definitely a human.

Brocc walks over to Zed and looks up at him. He is slightly taller than Bryn, though most of the added height is his tall, spiky hair.

Brocc: Oh, you’re right. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’m Brocc Farshot, and I’m an entertainer! A bard! A lyricist!

Bryn: You can’t sing!

Brocc: No, but I still write songs, don’t I?

Bryn: Well, I can’t argue with that logic.

Zed examines Brocc closely.

Brocc: What? Do I have something on my face?

Zed: No, it’s just…

Brocc: What?

Zed: No, it’s probably nothing.

Brocc: Oh. Okay then...

Emily walks over to Zed. She smiles sweetly and speaks with a soft, feminine voice.

Emily: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zed. My name is Emily Summers, and I am a priestess of Marilina Silverblade.

Emily curtsies. Zed bows.

Zed: Is that everyone?

Amethyst: There is still one more member you must meet.

Zed: I thought so.

Bryn: He’s in the shower.

Amethyst: Really?

Bryn: I know, we were surprised as well.

A door opens, and a male orcborn steps through. He is not wearing a shirt. He rubs his black hair with a towel, then slings the towel over his right shoulder. He walks up to Amethyst and speaks with a rough American voice.

Orcborn: Amethyst. You’re back!

Amethyst: Indeed.

The orcborn looks at Zed.

Orcborn: I thought you said you were bringing back the most naturally-talented spellcaster in that town.

Amethyst: I have. This is Zed.

Orcborn: He can’t be more than 25 years old. That’s not experienced enough.

Amethyst: Actually, he is-

Orcborn: It doesn’t matter. He’s still not experienced enough. Look…he’s got green written all over him!

Brocc: Hey, I am NOT-

Everyone looks at Brocc. A huge drop of sweat slides down the side of his face.

Brocc: I mean…uh…never mind!

Orcborn: Our mission is very dangerous. Who’s gonna protect this kid if he gets into trouble?

Amethyst: I believe that’s your job.

Orcborn: I don’t want to see another innocent get hurt.

Amethyst: Please! At least let him prove himself.

Orcborn: I’m sorry, but it’s too risky. First thing tomorrow, we’re taking him back to wherever he came from. I can’t put him in any danger.

Amethyst: But-

Orcborn: That’s final!

The orcborn returns to his room. A bitter sting of disappointment spreads across Zed’s face. Amethyst hangs her head and sighs.

Amethyst’s thoughts: I must convince him to let Zed stay…it is crucial to our quest…and to Zed’s...

***
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***

Scene 6: The Name Pending Tavern: Evening

The orcborn stands outside the tavern, watching the sun set. Amethyst steps outside and walks over to him.

Orcborn: How’s the kid doing?

Amethyst: I know not. He has yet to leave his room.

Orcborn: What’s he been doing all this time?

Amethyst: He is practising magic so he can be skilled enough to become an adventurer one day.

Orcborn: He’s got spirit, I’ll give him that.

Amethyst: Indeed.

Orcborn: But spirit alone isn’t enough for the life of an adventurer.

Amethyst: He is a naturally-gifted mage.

Orcborn: And that‘s a good thing, right?

Amethyst: I shall attempt to clarify. Most people who aspire to be mages must study for decades in order to master their craft. It takes skill and precision for us to even cast a basic spell before we master the arcane.

Orcborn: So how is Zed different?

Amethyst: Zed is one of the rare few who uses magic naturally, without needing to spend hours memorising spells from a book. I tested his use of magic missile yesterday and his accuracy was surprising. He also seems to have an…almost otherworldly quality that I cannot accurately describe. In any case, it is imperative that-

Orcborn: If you’re trying to change my mind…

Amethyst: Need I remind you that we are both leaders of this expedition?

Orcborn: I was going to say, “If you’re trying to change my mind, it’s working“. I’m still a little unsure about this…

Amethyst: The crystal responded to his touch.

Orcborn: It did?

Amethyst: It glowed the brightest shade of cyan the moment he put it around his neck.

Orcborn: You sure it wasn’t just a coincidence?

Amethyst: The crystals never make mistakes.

The orcborn thinks to himself, then sighs.

Orcborn: Alright, I’ll give the kid a chance.

Amethyst: Excellent. He will be pleased to hear the news.

Amethyst turns and starts to walk back to the door. She stops and turns around to face the orcborn again.

Amethyst: You refer to him as “kid”. You do realise that you are younger than him, do you not?

Orcborn: By adventuring standards, he’s a fledgling.

Amethyst: True.

Amethyst turns around and enters the tavern.

Orcborn: Well, I guess I’ll tell him he can stay then…

The orcborn turns and enters the tavern.

Scene 7: The Name Pending Tavern: Early Morning

Zed opens his room door and steps into the den. Amethyst is studying her spellbook in preparation for the day. She stops reading and looks up at Zed, smiling.

Amethyst: Good morning, Zed.

Zed: Good morning!

Amethyst: Well, you seem cheerful!

Zed: Your friend told me I could stay in the party!

Amethyst smiles.

Amethyst: That is good! I assume you slept well, then?

Zed: Yep, much better than usual. I had the dream again, but it’s starting to make more sense. I tried trancing before going to bed, just to see if it would help.

Amethyst: Did it have any effect?

Zed: Well, I had better control of my dream. This time I held off casting light during the ice room bit.

Amethyst: What did you see?

Zed: I saw five people at the opposite end, but it was so dark that I couldn’t make out what they looked like. They just stood there, not moving or making a sound. Then a silver dragon appeared above us and landed in front of me facing them. It roared, and the person in the middle turned into a white dragon and attacked it. They fought for what seemed like hours, although it was only mere moments. Then the white dragon grew to a massive size, and that’s when I cast light again.

Amethyst: Perhaps next time you should let the white dragon continue to grow. There is obviously some significance.

Zed: I guess so. Oh yeah…and I dreamed about this weird glowing orb that moved back and forth, shifting between shades of blue. Is that weird?

Amethyst: Dreams can be unusual. Now come. We must eat a good breakfast in preparation for the day.

The orcborn climbs up the stairs.

Orcborn: Come on, you two. Time for breakfast.

Amethyst: We will be down momentarily.

Orcborn: Okay.

The orcborn turns and climbs back down. Amethyst heads for the stairs, with Zed following behind.

Scene 8: En Route to Silveria City: Morning

The party walks along a forested path heading in the direction of Silveria City. Zed speaks to the orcborn.

Zed: Thank you for giving me a chance.

Orcborn: Amethyst says you’re great, so that’s good enough for me. Just be careful.

Zed: I will.

The orcborn smiles.

Orcborn: So you really have no idea where you came from?

Zed: That’s right. My past is a complete blank.

Orcborn: Maybe you’re from another continent.

Zed: You think so?

Orcborn: Well yes. Your accent’s definitely not Ornoposian.

Zed: Really?

Orcborn: Yeah! Amethyst thinks you’re from another world, though. Weird, right?

Zed’s eyes widen as a voice whispers in his mind.

Voice: Wanderer…

Zed: Uh…yeah…

Orcborn: As for me, I was raised in Coppelia by my father. My best friend was a koble named Knight.

Zed: I’m sorry, what’s a koble?

Bryn: You’re joking, right?

Zed: Nope, I’m serious.

Bryn: Well, they‘re reptilian people who are about the height of a bolgard.

Zed: Bolgard?

Bryn: Wow, you really can’t remember who you are, can you?

Amethyst: One of Zed’s primary goals is to learn about his past.

Brocc: I could try to help him remember with a bardic song.

Bryn: No! No singing! The last time you sung, your cat ran away for days!

Brocc: She didn’t run away! I sent her to scout for the next town.

Bryn: And did she find it?

Brocc: Well…she found somebody’s camp.

Bryn: A camp of gobbos, if I’m not mistaken? And she led them right to the village where we were staying.

Brocc: Well, I won’t make that mistake again, okay?

Bryn: Oh? Then where is your precious familiar right now?

Brocc: Uh…scouting ahead.

Bryn: My point.

Thobrun: Come on, you two. You should stop your bickering for once.

Zed: Is that your cat?

An orange tabby cat with streaks of green fur on her back walks up to the team.

Brocc: Tabby! You’re back! What did you find?

Tabby meows. A look of dread spreads across Brocc’s face.

Brocc: Uh, there’s a group of scary looking thugs at the bridge.

Emily: They were not there two days ago. What business do they have with the bridge?

Bryn: That answer your question, Ems?

Bryn points to a sign with the words “TOLL RODE” crudely written in black paint.

Thobrun: Oh, great. Barbarians.

Orcborn: Be realistic, Thobrun. No barbarian can write that well!

Emily: This is bad. Very bad.

Brocc: Emily, settle down. You’re scaring Zed!

Zed: Actually, I’m not-

Brocc: Don’t worry, my friend! There’s no need to be af-fr-fraid…

Brocc’s teeth begin to chatter.

Orcborn: Just relax. We’ve been in worse situations before.

Bryn: Name one time.

Orcborn: Gobbo siege of that village two weeks ago.

Bryn: Okay, I guess that was slightly worse…

Emily: I needed to heal a quarter of the villagers.

Bryn: Whatever. The point is that barbarians are mindless, savage-

Orcborn: Bryn, shut it! We’re here.

Bryn looks up at the barbarian guarding the bridge.

Bryn: Oh…heheh…hello!

Barbarian: The toll is 5 gold each for you to cross. So…one, two, four, five, six, eight, twelve…32 gold total.

Bryn’s thoughts: And here’s the result of today’s education system…

Orcborn: We’re not paying.

Bryn: What?!

Orcborn: Why should we pay to cross a bridge that’s free for us to cross any other time?

Barbarian: Because my club says you’re giving us gold.

Orcborn: Well my sword says otherwise.

Bryn: Now come on, be reasonable!

Orcborn: I am being reasonable, Bryn.

Barbarian: Look, just pay us the money and nobody gets hurt!

Orcborn: Can you even spell “money“?

Barbarian: M…un…e?

Orcborn: Wrong answer.

Barbarian: I AM NOT UNLITERATE! Fellas, get over here and teach these guys how to spell pain!

Orcborn: P-A-I-N!

Barbarian: RRRRRRRRAWRRRRRRRR!!

The barbarian rushes towards the orcborn and swings his club at him. The orcborn bends backwards, unsheathes his sword and slashes the barbarian’s pectoral muscle. The barbarian roars and swings his club at the orcborn, who blocks the club with his sword.

Orcborn: All of you! Get Zed to safety!

Bryn: Uh, that’s going to be a problem, fearless leader.

Four barbarians approach the group from behind.

Barbarian #2: Where do you think you’re going?

Bryn: Uh, we were just going to head back to the tavern and have a nice relaxing bath!

Barbarian #3: Nobody’s going anywhere till we’ve dealt with your leader.

Amethyst points her staff at the other barbarians.

Amethyst: “Hypnotism!”

A wave of purple light engulfs the barbarians, leaving them dazed and confused. She turns to face the barbarian leader, who is still pushing his club against the orcborn’s sword. The barbarian bellows and pushes the orcborn towards the edge of the cliff. The orcborn regains his balance, but is cornered with nowhere else to go.

Barbarian Leader: That river’s moving mighty fast. Might we be near a W-O-H-T-A-F-O-H-L?

Orcborn: A what?

Barbarian Leader: A WATERFALL!

The other barbarians regain their senses and join their leader in surrounding the orcborn.

Barbarian #4: I hope you can swim…and survive a two-foot plunge down a waterfall!

Bryn: Two feet? Could you BE any thicker?!

Amethyst: This is bad! We cannot attack them all at once!

Emily: But if we fail to do something he will be thrust into the river anyway!

Barbarian Leader: Say my regards to your ancestors for me!

The barbarian leader raises his club. Zed suddenly steps forward, pulls out his wand and points it at the barbarians.

Zed: STOP!

The barbarians turn around to face Zed. They take one look at his wand and start laughing.

Barbarian #5: What can you do with that thing? Poke our ribcages?

Barbarian #4: Look, he thinks he’s a big tough man with his tiny sword!

Barbarian Leader: Put your stick away, little boy. Grown-ups are talking.

Barbarian #2: Yeah, there’s nothing you can-

Zed’s eyes begin to glow with cyan light.

Barbarian Leader: What the-

Zed: “SLEEP!”

As Zed’s word echoes, a wave pulses from the tip of his wand, engulfing the barbarians in a pale blue light. They collapse to the ground in a deep slumber. Zed’s eyes return to normal.

***
We cut to another place, where a mysterious figure in a dark robe and breather looks up.

Dark-Robed Guy: The awakening…it has begun...

***
We cut back to the bridge. The other Crystalbound stare at Zed, dumbfounded.

Orcborn: What the…?!

Thobrun: How did you do that, lad?!

Bryn: I thought you were just an apprentice!

Amethyst: As I said to you all, Zed is a natural mage.

Brocc’s thoughts: Wow, he’s even more powerful than I thought he’d be!

The orcborn steps over the barbarians and walks over to the party.

Orcborn: I guess Amethyst was right. You have talent.

The orcborn sheaths his sword and holds out his right hand. Zed grabs it and clenches. The two men release their grips.

Orcborn: Thank you for helping me.

Zed: No problem.

Orcborn: I just realised I haven’t told you my name yet. Mak Clay, warrior. And I’m happy to have you on board, buddy.

Zed: Thank you.

A woman’s voice echoes from the other side of the bridge.

Voice: Are you alright over there?

Mak: We could use some help with these barbarians over here.

Voice: We will be right over.

Bryn: We?

Four male humans, two with rounded ears and two with ears like Emily’s, and a female human with ears like Emily’s, cross the bridge. They are wearing silver armour and helmets. The female human walks over to Mak.

Woman: Cynthia Meadows, guard-captain of Silveria City.

Cynthia looks down at the unconscious barbarians.

Cynthia: Ah, I see you succeeded in apprehending the thugs. Come. We will escort you to Silveria City to organise payment for your assistance.

Scene 9: En Route to Silveria City: Early Afternoon

The party travels with the guards across a well-worn road through an open plain. The barbarians are linked together by iron chains.

Cynthia: These thugs have been causing trouble in the region for weeks.

Amethyst: Did nobody attempt to apprehend them?

Cynthia: Most people who could help were preoccupied with other quests. The few who remained were overly cautious and chose not to assist.

Mak: Well, what was the bounty on these guys?

Zed takes a mouthful of water from his waterskin.

Cynthia: 2499 gold.

Zed turns his head and spits out the water.

Mak: I’m surprised nobody wanted the bounty.

Cynthia: Well, considering you assisted us with no desire to claim any reward money for their capture, as well as the level of skill involved…

Zed takes another mouthful of water.

Cynthia: … I am obliged to double the reward.

Zed turns his head and spits out the water again.

Bryn: Careful there, Zeddy, or you’ll have no water left till we reach the city!

Zed takes a third mouthful of water.

Cynthia: That is it over there. We should arrive within the hour.

Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water again.

Zed: That place is huge!

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.

Bryn: Oh, you’re going to love it, Zed! It’s wall-to-wall shops, taverns and entertainment!

Emily: We must visit the Temple of Marilina when we enter.

Thobrun: And the Temple of Alistair.

Bryn: And a nightclub!

Mak: There’s plenty of time to explore the city once we sort out these gentlemen.

The barbarian leader spits at Mak.

Mak: Looks like Zed’s a bigger man than this guy after all!

Everybody laughs as they continue to head towards Silveria City.

Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time

The mysterious man who spied on Zed and Amethyst in The Budding Alchemist walks along a narrow blue carpet in a gigantic icy room up to a glass throne. He has tanned skin and a buzz-cut, and is wearing brown hide armour marked with black stripes. He kneels and looks up at the female figure sitting in the throne.

Man: I bring news, Mistress. The elf known as Amethyst has given the Azure Crystal to a young wizard named Zed.

Figure: So, the crystals have all found their owners. Trenton, I am sending you and Kara to retrieve Amethyst and her companions. Bring them to me.

Trent: It will be done, Mistress.

Figure: And Trenton? I want them alive. Is that understood?

Trent: Yes, Mistress.

The figure’s blue lipstick-covered lips twist into an evil smile.

Figure: Good.

***
End Credits

***

Amethyst brings Zed to Stormshroud Academy, where she soon discovers that Alek, a former apprentice of her mentor’s and one of her dearest friends, has already become an academy master at the young age of 32! While catching up with one another, they soon discover that there are mysterious events happening all over the surrounding area. Could their origin be within the academy’s walls?

New Characters

Alek Stormshroud - Amethyst’s closest friend and a former apprentice of her old mage mentor, he has apparently become the academy master of illusion at the youngest age on record. Alek is apparently causing needless destruction on the school and is dismissed. But did he do it?

Kendall Silvertooth - Alek’s apprentice and one of his brightest pupils, he is determined to find out more about these puzzling events around the academy, and to find out if his master truly is the culprit.

Laura Goldenclaugh - Kendall’s younger sister and quite the mage in her own right, she assists her brother and Zed in finding clues.

Zed’s Familiar - Zed manages to bond with a familiar of his own during this episode. What could it be?

“I sense something within her…”

Scene 1: Outside Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed stand at the gate outside the prestigious Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, an enormous campus nestled within Silveria City’s Mage’s District.

Amethyst: Here it is, Zed: Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, the most prestigious magic college in all of Ornoposia. I spent most of my time as an apprentice within these very walls, and I loved every second…

Amethyst’s thoughts: …even though it took me 35 years to master the art...

Zed: It’s incredible…

Amethyst: Shall we enter?

Zed: Yes please!

Scene 2: Entrance Hall: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon

The gigantic wooden doors swing open as Amethyst and Zed enter the main building. Zed marvels at the dark brown wooden architecture, which is carved into a number of intricate patterns and shapes.

Amethyst: I, too, marvelled at the architecture when I first came to this place.

Zed: It’s amazing…the attention to detail…it must have taken years to complete!

Amethyst: Indeed.

Male Voice: How did you enter this building?!

A man walks down the gigantic staircase and begins to head for Amethyst and Zed.

Man: Only students and faculty are able to enter this academy.

The man walks over to Amethyst. A smile spreads across his face.

Man: Of course, former students must know how to enter.

Amethyst smiles.

Amethyst: Alekzander Stormshroud. It has been too long.

Alekzander: Amethyst Lunerosée. It is good to see your sweet smile again.

Alekzander looks at Zed.

Alekzander: Is this your apprentice, Amethyst?

Amethyst: Indeed. This is Zed Starmute.

Alekzander: Good to meet you, Zed. Call me Alek. Everybody else does.

Zed: Good to meet you too.

Alek: Is there a reason you two have come here?

Amethyst: Well, I have just begun to teach Zed how to-

Voice: ALEK!

An elderly gentleman runs downstairs up to Alek.

Alek: What is the matter, Headmaster?

Headmaster: The drakes have escaped from the barn! They are running rampant around campus! They almost tackled the groundkeeper into the pool - and he cannot swim!

Alek: Then we must hurry! Amethyst? Zed? I could use your assistance.

Amethyst: We would be more than happy to assist!

Alek: Then let us go!

The three mages race out of the door.

Headmaster: Good luck to you all!

Alek: Thank you, Headmaster!

Headmaster: I certainly made the right choice by making him an academy master. Oh well, back to sorting paperwork.

The headmaster begins heading upstairs.

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 3: Entrance Hall: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon

Amethyst, Zed and Alek walk into the entrance hall from outside.

Alek: I must say that was exhilarating! I have not had this much excitement for quite some time!

Amethyst: Indeed. Your skills have improved greatly since last we met.

Zed: I thought that would be more dangerous than it was.

Amethyst: Whatever do you mean?

Zed: Well, I thought we were going to be chasing gigantic lizards with sharp teeth and claws, not…ducks.

Alek laughs.

Alek: We would not be so careless as to keep reptilian drakes inside a wooden barn on campus grounds, Zed.

Zed: That’s a relief.

Alek: No no, we keep those inside the monster enclosure. That’s it, just over there.

Alek points to a metal building at a far corner of campus grounds, surrounded by a high, jagged-metal fence and a deep moat. Loud roars can be heard from within. Zed squeals.

Zed: Th-That’s less comforting.

Alek: Relax, Zed. No monster has escaped from there in thirty years. And even that was just a minor threat.

Zed: Really?

Alek: Oh, yes. All that dragon did was eat half the animals in the barn and destroy the left side of the dormitories. And the language he used was so…colourful, to say the least. I was two years old at the time, yet I still remember the incident vividly, so there is no need for concern.

A shocked look spreads across Zed’s face.

Amethyst: Uh…why don’t we head inside and have a good meal?

Zed: D-Dragons! I-In the sch-school…

Scene 4: Temple of Marilina: Late Afternoon

Mak, Emily and Bryn enter the Temple of Marilina, a shrine dedicated to Marilina Silverblade, a human paladin who was ascended and became a Celestial Being. Bryn feels as though he is out-of-place.

Bryn: I don’t even revere Marilina. Why did you bring me here?

Mak: You know exactly why, Bryn.

Bryn: Oh, it’ll clear itself up eventually.

Mak: Are you absolutely sure?

Bryn: Well…not really, no.

Emily: Just speak with the High Priestess. She will do all she can to help.

Bryn: Fine…

***
High Priestess: I am afraid there is nothing I can do.

Mak: But what about him?

High Priestess: It will clear up eventually.

Bryn: HA! What did I tell you?

Emily: We thank you, High Priestess.

Emily bows. The High Priestess bows right back.

High Priestess: May Marilina guide you on your journey.

Bryn: Well, this was a waste of time.

Mak: Visiting the Temple of Marilina is never a waste.

Bryn: I just hope my buddy Brocc is having the time of his life.

***
Brocc is pursued through a deserted alley by two human thugs wielding big clubs.

Thug #1: I’ll teach you to sing like a screeching elbok!

Brocc: I was just trying to entertain people!

Thug #1: Well it sounded like you were deliberately mocking our voices!

Thug #2: We’ll pound you, you no-good kid!

Brocc: Oh, Thobrun! Where did you go? I need you NOW!

***
Mak: When is Brocc not having the time of his life?

Bryn: True…

Emily walks up to Mak and Bryn.

Emily: I must meditate and replenish my celestial magic.

Bryn: In that case we’ll look for the nearest nightclub.

Mak: Bryn! We are in a sacred temple!

Emily: Mak, please. The two of you should go and entertain yourselves. I will be quite a while.

Mak: Very well. We will be back here in two hours.

Emily smiles.

Emily: I look forward to it.

Mak smiles.

Mak: Okay, Bryn. Lead the way.

Bryn: With pleasure!

Scene 5: Stormshroud Academy: Late Night

Zed is asleep in bed. He is awoken by a small, bright blue orb of light hovering above his bed. The orb floats over to his door.

Zed: What the…?

Zed climbs out of bed, puts on his shirt and boots and makes his way over to the door, opening it. The orb floats out of the door and makes its way down the corridor. Zed follows it.

***
The orb floats up to a door labelled “Familiar Studies”. Zed walks up to the door.

Zed’s thoughts: I can’t go in there at this time of night!

The door swings open. Zed looks down and sees what resembles a tiny blue dragon no taller than Zed’s shin on the ground.

Zed: A dragon?

Zed hears a familiar voice from within the room.

Voice: A nanodragon, actually. One of the most elusive creatures of all.

Zed: Oh, Alek.

Alek: Please, come in.

Zed: Okay.

Zed walks into the classroom. Inside are a number of white tables and grey chairs. Posters describing various creatures cover the walls. A counter runs along the back wall with five eggs nested on top of it. A large blackboard is mounted on the left wall with the words “Master Stormshroud” and “Familiar Studies” written on it in white chalk.

Alek: I apologise for disturbing your rest.

Zed: It’s fine.

Alek: Did you like my illusion?

Zed: That thing was a spell?

Alek: Indeed. Illusion is my specialty school of magic.

Zed. Oh.

Zed looks around the room.

Zed: Why am I here?

Alek: Tell me Zed, what was the first thing you noticed in this room?

Zed: Uh…the nanodragon. Why?

Alek: When a student is ready to choose his or her familiar, they must enter this room. It is almost certain that the first thing they notice will be one of the seven posters mounted on the wall. Each one depicts an animal well-suited for being a familiar.

The nanodragon climbs up onto Alek’s right shoulder, draping its tail over his left shoulder. It looks over at Zed and speaks with a masculine voice.

Nanodragon: The animal depicted on the poster is recommended to the student as his or her perfect match. The fact that you first noticed me and not one of the posters means that your perfect match may, in fact, not be any of the animals in question.

Zed: Oh…

Nanodragon: What was the next thing you noticed?

Zed: Uh…the eggs on the bench-top.

Alek: The eggs appear ordinary, with plain, beige shells, yet you took notice of them. Why is that?

Zed: I’m not sure. I just thought they looked cool.

Alek: Pick up the first egg that caught your eye.

Zed walks up to the eggs, which he notices appear somewhat bigger than a hen’s egg. He picks up the egg between the middle one and the right-hand one.

Alek: Now speak the bottom-most word on the blackboard.

Zed: Uh… “Familiar!”

The egg begins to glow, its shell turning a shimmering silver. The egg then stops glowing.

Alek: You have now bonded with your familiar, connecting you both for eternity.

Zed: My familiar is an egg?

Alek: For now, yes.

Zed: Interesting.

Alek: You should return to your room. I trust you need to rest some more.

Zed: It couldn’t hurt.

Alek: Good. I have some business to which I must attend. Goodnight, Zed.

Zed: Goodnight.

Zed leaves the room. Alek closes the door.

Zed: Okay, I have a nanodragon egg. Hey there, little guy.

Zed's thoughts: Look at me, I'm talking to an egg. I wonder when it will hatch...

A mysterious figure lurks in the darkness, watching as Zed heads back to his room. The figure is mostly obscured, with the only visible feature being one end of a quarterstaff with fuchsia-coloured ribbons wrapped around it.

***
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***

Scene 6: Illusion Studies: Stormshroud Academy: Morning

Zed is seated at a desk in a classroom surrounded by a number of other students. Two male students of about seventeen years of age talk amongst themselves.

Student #1: Heh, get a load of the new guy!

Student #2: Yeah, what is he, a giantborn?

Student #1: Last I checked, giantborn were savage brutes. I didn’t know they could use magic.

Student #2: And he’s, like, fifty. Isn’t he a bit old to be starting magic classes?

The two young men snicker. A female student in her twenties scolds them.

Student #3: Enough! You two are worse than a couple of elboks!

Zed looks at the female student.

Zed’s thoughts: Wow, she seems…what’s the word?

Student #1: Whatever.

Student #2: Spoil-sport…

Alek walks into the classroom, his familiar perched on his shoulder.

Alek: Good morning, class.

Class: Good morning, Master Stormshroud.

Alek sits at his desk.

Alek: We have a new student joining us today. His name is Zed Starmute and he joins us all the way from-

Student #1: I think we know where he’s from, Master.

Student #2: (cocky tone) Yeah, all giantborn originated in Tundwaldun!

Zed: Tund…wahl…doon?

The student to Zed’s right, a male wolfborn, whispers to him.

Wolfborn: (I’ll explain later).

Zed: Thank you.

Alek: There are, in fact, several giantborn who live in Goldenia. But Zed is not a giantborn.

Student #2: So what is he, some oversized freak of nature?

Student #1: Ooh, nice one!

Alek: He is a human, just like the both of you.

Student #1: No kidding.

Alek: I am serious. And the two of you are wearing my patience.

Student #1: He’s really a human? Incredible…

Alek: I assure you it is quite true. Zed, why don’t you tell the class about yourself?

Zed: I’ll do my best.

Zed stands up and turns to face the class, clearing his throat.

Student #2: (mocking tone) Everybody quiet so the new guy can speak.

The female student hits the second student.

Student #2: Ow! Master Stor-

Alek points at the student, a stern look on his face. The student settles down.

Zed: Well, I don’t remember my full name, so I’ve been going by the name Zed. I don’t remember anything about my life up until just over a year ago when I wandered into a small town. An elven mage named Amethyst took me on as her apprentice, and-

Student #3: Excuse me for interrupting, but did you say you are the apprentice of Amethyst Moondew?!

Zed: Yep.

Student #3: Isn’t she your former associate, Master Stormshroud?

Alek: Indeed, and she is still one of my oldest and dearest friends.

Student #3: Then you must be quite the spellcaster by now, Zed.

Zed: Well…I’m still mastering the basics. I’m good at cantrips, but…

Student #2: (mocking tone) What’s your favourite spell?

Zed: Prestidigitation.

Student #1: Well, we’d expect nothing less from a lowly cantripper!

The two bullies laugh loudly. Alek becomes angry.

Alek: That is it! Both of you, to the headmaster’s office!

Student #2: It was worth it.

The two students head to the door. The first one turns back and looks at Zed.

Student #1: I’ll be seeing you later, cantripper!

Alek: Out!

The students leave the classroom, closing the door behind them.

Alek: Right, now we may proceed with the lesson. Zed, if you have any questions, Kendall here-

Alek gestures to the wolfborn.

Alek: -will be able to assist you.

Student #3: I would be willing to assist also, Master Stormshroud.

Alek: Of course, Laura. I’m sure Zed will appreciate the aid.

Zed: Thank you.

Alek: Now, if you open your books to chapter three, page ten, we can continue our study on summoning phantasms…

Scene 7: Campus Grounds: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon

Zed, Kendall and Laura sit on a bench underneath a tree.

Zed: …and then my hair turned blue!

Laura laughs.

Laura: That must have been quite a shock for the store owner!

Zed: Mr. Newt? He was really startled! But at least then I knew I had some kind of arcane talent.

Kendall: Well, Laura and I are from a family which is devoted to the arcane arts.

Zed: You two are related?

Laura: Well…in a way, yes. We are siblings.

Zed: Really? But…you’re a human and Kendall’s a wolfborn!

Kendall: Allow me to explain. We share the same mother, but our fathers are different. My father was a werewolf, and Laura’s is human.

Zed: Oh, okay then…

Kendall: I still have fond memories of my father. He would always stand up for me when other children teased me about my lupine features. I remember we would go camping every summer, and on the night of the full moon we would sit on the cape and howl for hours. If anybody had lived there it would have driven them mad!

Zed: He sounds wonderful.

Kendall: He was…until one night, when he simply vanished.

Zed: Oh…

Kendall: We were told by the town guards that there was no trace of him, and that he may as well have been dead. I was distraught for months. Eventually my mother remarried. At first I was unsure, but eventually I grew to love my new father. Laura’s arrival helped solidify my bond with him.

Laura: We are a very tight-knit family. The losses we’ve suffered have only brought us closer together.

Zed: I wish I could tell you about my family, but I can’t even remember my own name.

Laura: Oh, I’m sure you will remember eventually, Zed.

Zed: Maybe. Still, my new adventuring companions are like my surrogate family.

Kendall: That’s the spirit, Zed! Now, how about we proceed to the dining hall for some lunch?

Zed: Definitely!

The trio begin to head for the dining hall.

Zed’s thoughts: I need to try and figure out Laura…there’s definitely something about her...

Scene 8: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon

Zed, Laura and Kendall proceed towards the dining hall. Zed notices a glow coming from down a hallway.

Zed: What’s that?

Kendall: I know not. We must be cautious.

Zed and Kendall begin to proceed down the hallway. Kendall turns back to face Laura.

Kendall: Are you coming?

Laura: Actually, Kenny, I’ll stay here. I’ll leave the investigating to the master apprentices.

Kendall: Very well.

Laura’s thoughts: Why am I so interested in Zed’s hand…?

Zed and Kendall turn left into another hallway. They see a swath of destruction: paintings crooked, carpeting in shreds and furniture splintered and broken. Deep claw marks line the wooden walls.

Zed: What could have done this?

An eerie roar bellows from around the corner, and a gigantic, ghostly-blue monster emerges from the right-hand hallway staring straight towards Zed and Kendall. Zed begins to panic.

Kendall: What IS that thing?!

Zed: You mean you don’t know?

Kendall: I’ve never seen a creature like it!

The creature runs towards the two of them. Zed and Kendall cry out loud. Zed’s crystal lets out a bright blue glow which surrounds them both, scaring away the monster.

Zed: That was close…

Kendall: How did you do that?!

Zed: Huh? Oh, my crystal must have protected us.

Zed reaches into his shirt, pulling out the crystal and showing it to Kendall.

Kendall: Well, that is quite the artefact. It is lucky you possess it.

Zed: Yep. So…should we tell somebody about that creature?

Kendall: Yes. We should tell the headmaster.

Scene 9: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon

The old man from earlier sits in a big, brown leather chair, its sides adorned with finely-sculpted golden dragons. He takes a sip from a teacup, then rests it in a saucer which he places on his desk. A knock sounds through the door.

Headmaster: Enter.

The heavy wooden door opens with a loud groan, and Zed and Kendall enter.

Kendall: Headmaster Stormshroud?

Headmaster: Ah, Kendall, please enter. Do sit down and help yourself to a biscuit.

Kendall: Thank you kindly, but unfortunately I am unable to eat chocolate.

Kendall and Zed sit on seats facing the headmaster. The headmaster stares at Zed’s right hand for a moment, before snapping back to reality.

Headmaster: Now, what may I do for you gentlemen?

Kendall: We’d like to report a sighting of a monster within the campus walls.

Headmaster: Oh no…the dragon hasn’t escaped from his enclosure again, has he?

A look of horror spreads across Zed’s face.

Kendall: Oh no, nothing like that.

Headmaster: Frightful creature. Off his rocker, don’t you know? He was part of the janitorial staff until he snapped. Now he spends his days cooped up in his cage hollering off swears like they’re going out of fashion.

Kendall: It’s a blue phantasm.

Headmaster: A blue phantasm?

Kendall: Yes, resembling an arbour beast, only much more fearsome. It has destroyed the hall under the main stairs.

Headmaster: Well, we will look into this matter right away. In the meantime, why not head to the dining hall for a spot of lunch? It’s Stew Tuesday today. A nice bit of braised drake with fresh vegetables…delicious!

Kendall: Thank you, Headmaster.

Zed and Kendall leave the office, closing the door behind them.

Zed: I think I like drake stew...

Kendall: That is good. This school has the best drake stew in the-

Kendall’s ears suddenly stand up.

Kendall: Oh! There’s Laura!

Zed: Where? I don’t see-

Kendall: Downstairs just under our feet.

Zed: How did you know that?

Kendall: Wolfborn have an acute sense of hearing.

Zed: Oh. Nice!

Kendall heads down the hallway, with a bemused Zed following closely behind.

Zed’s thoughts: Okay, why can I suddenly feel her presence…?

Scene 10: Alek’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Evening

Amethyst and Alek sit on a couch in Alek’s office, reminiscing about their respective times serving as apprentices to their mage master, Mr. Newt.

Amethyst: …and then he singed his eyebrows!

Alek: Oh, that sure sounds like him!

Amethyst: They took years to grow back. There were still bald patches by the time I completed my apprenticeship!

Alek: I noticed them when he first accepted me as his new apprentice. He gave me a quizzical expression which seemed to read, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?”

Amethyst: And what happened next?

Alek: He asked me, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?”

The two friends laugh.

Amethyst: Oh, he was a quirky individual, wasn’t he?

Alek wipes a tear from his eye with a gloved finger.

Alek: Which only added to his charm.

Amethyst: Indeed.

Amethyst and Alek make eye contact.

Amethyst: It is so good to catch up with you again, Alekzander.

Alek: And you as well, old friend.

Three city guards burst into the office.

Guard #1: Alekzander Stormshroud?

Alek: Yes?

The other two guards approach Alek.

Guard #1: You are under arrest for extensive damages to Stormshroud Academy by way of a conjured illusory beast.

The guards grab Alek’s hands and bind them together with handcuffs.

Alek: May I ask why you believe this to be so?

Guard #2: Two students reported the destruction to Headmaster Eugolelias Stormshroud, who also claimed to have seen a bright blue illusion being controlled by an individual matching your description.

Alek: But…I did no such atrocity!

Guard #3: Come on, you can plead your case back at the precinct.

The guards pull Alek from the room.

Alek: Amethyst! Find Kendall and let him know what has happened!

The guards close the doors. Amethyst stands staring at them in a state of mild shock.

To be Continued…

***
End Credits

***

Alek has been drummed out of Stormshroud Academy, and Kendall and Zed are determined to find the true culprit. But how will they react when they learn that the mastermind behind the framing of Master Stormshroud…is Master Stormshroud?

New Character

Alek – Stripped of his title and kicked out of the academy, Alek returns to make trouble. But Amethyst senses something wrong with her dear friend. Will the truth be revealed?

“You two are to serve my will. Now, obey!”

Scene 1: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Night

Amethyst sits in her room, trancing. A knock sounds through the door, and Amethyst awakens.

Amethyst: Please enter.

The door opens and Alek walks in. Amethyst gasps, an expression of surprise on her face.

Amethyst: Alekzander!

Alek: Pardon the intrusion. Were you trancing?

Amethyst: I was, but it was not the most restful trance.

Amethyst looks at Alek.

Amethyst: Explain what happened, if you please.

Alek: Well, the guards charged me with mindless vandalism, threw me in the slammer…

Amethyst: Yes?

Alek: …and then Kendall and Zed paid for my bail.

Amethyst: Oh, that is good news. But surely you mustn’t have caused that destruction. It isn’t in your nature.

Alek: You are correct. However…

Amethyst: Yes?

Alek: Several eyewitnesses reported seeing me conjure an illusory beast. Zed and Kendall claimed that they encountered such a beast in the hallway beneath the main stairs.

Amethyst: Then we must find the true culprit.

Alek: Amethyst…I’ve…I’ve been dismissed from the academy.

Amethyst: What?! But…you are innocent!

Alek: Indeed. That is why it is up to you, along with Kendall and Zed, to find the true culprit.

The door bursts open.

Kendall: You can count on us!

Alek: Kendall?! How long have the two of you been standing there?!

Kendall: Not long, master! Ready to be a detective, Zed?

Zed: Yeah! We’ll be just like Clayton!

Kendall: Who?

Zed shrugs.

Zed: I dunno. It just popped into my head.

Kendall: I see…

Alek: I am counting on you. Together, you should be able to find out who did this.

Amethyst: We will not let you down.

Zed’s thoughts: Really? Clayton? I need to control my quirkiness a little better…

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 2: Lush Paradise: Late Morning

Brocc lies on a deckchair on a tropical beach, sipping a fruity beverage.

Brocc: Ah! This is the life. Who’da thunk that I, Brocc Verdann Farshot, would propel to super-stardom as the greatest singer in the world? I have my own private hotel on Citrine Star Island, for crying out loud!

The picture zooms out to show a ridiculously-massive hotel in the background behind Brocc, with a green neon sign reading “Brocc Hotel”.

Brocc: Where’s that hot towel I ordered?

Voice: Hot towel for you, sir?

Brocc turns to face Mak dressed in nothing but underwear, cufflinks and a bowtie, a towel draped over his arm.

Brocc: Thank you, butle-WHOA! For the love of Midiora, put some clothes on or something!

A gigantic wave splashes over Brocc.

Brocc: GAH! I’m soaked! This outfit cost me 500 gold! It’s ruined!

***
Water splashes onto Brocc again, causing him to stir.

Voice: Are you alright? You’re babbling about citrus stars and hot owls…

Brocc: Ungh…500 gold…

Voice: Oh, thank goodness! I thought you’d never awaken!

Brocc looks up and sees a beautiful young woman standing over him.

Brocc (charismatic): Well, I’m feeling much better, thanks to your helpful assistance.

Girl: Oh, that is good news. Please, come back to my place and I’ll give you a good breakfast.

Brocc (charismatic): Oh, rescue AND breakfast? You’re really being too generous. We should…let our emotions blossom first. But if you insist…

Girl: Oh, I do insist. My new husband is a fantastic chef.

Brocc (charismatic): Well, that is rather…uh…d-did you say “husband”?

The girl smiles.

Girl: Oh, yes. I’m sure he’d be happy to cook a meal for a poor, hungry boy such as yourself.

A blank expression quickly emerges on Brocc’s face.

Brocc: Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-

Girl: Are…you okay, young man?

Brocc: Fine! Just fine! I…just remembered I have some business to take care of!

Girl: Oh…we do have a toilet…

Brocc: That’s fine! Thank you for your help. Bye!

Brocc dashes away.

Girl: What an unusual boy. Now how will I spread word-of-mouth about the restaurant? Oh well, I’ll just give the 500 gold to charity instead.

Scene 3: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning

Kendall sniffs the air in the ruined hallway.

Kendall: It’s definitely illusory…though I can hardly work out how such a creature could be manifested in a physical form.

Zed: Maybe a combination evocation-illusion spell?

Kendall turns to face Zed.

Kendall: That is brilliant! How did you come up with that?

Zed: What?

Kendall: A fusion of evocation and illusion magic could theoretically result in an illusory monster being able to cause needless destruction.

Zed: Oh.

Kendall: And whilst it is true that Master Stormshroud specialises in the school of illusion, he has trouble performing evocations. Therefore, it narrows down to two possibilities: either Master Stormshroud has been lying for years, and can in fact combine both schools into a single powerful form of magic, or…

Laura runs up to the two “detectives”.

Laura: There you are! Zed, there is a matter of-

Kendall (raised voice): MASTER STORMSHROUD WAS FRAMED!

An elderly woman walks down the hallway.

Woman: Shh!

Kendall: My apologies, ma’am.

Zed: Isn’t that the librarian?

Kendall: Indeed it is.

Zed: Huh. Now, you wanted something, Laura?

Laura: You must come with me, Zed. It is a matter of urgency.

Zed: It is?

Laura: Indeed. A bright light is emanating from your room.

Zed: A bright light? That could mean…MY EGG IS HATCHING!

The librarian walks past again.

Librarian: Shh!

Zed (soft voice): Sorry…

Laura: Wait, who’s watching the library?

***
The two bullies run around the library throwing books at each other.

Bully #1: Hey, Kel! Have a taste of My First Alchemy!

The bully throws a children’s book at Kel. Kel dodges it and picks up another book.

Kel: Oh yeah, Ned? Why not try Cantrips for Beginners?

Kel throws the book at Ned. Ned fires a magic missile at it, destroying it.

Ned: Haha! Take THAT, cantrips!

Alek’s voice: NEDFORD AND KELBORT! COME HERE AT ONCE!

Ned and Kel sheepishly walk over to Alek.

Ned: We’re sorry, Master Stormshroud.

Kel: It won’t happen again.

Alek: You’re absolutely right about that! Now come with me.

Ned: But-

Alek’s eyes glow bright blue.

Alek: Obey.

***
Kendall: I’m sure it’s fine.

Laura: Zed! We must hurry.

Zed: Agreed!

Scene 4: Zed’s Dormitory: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning

The egg rests on a table, glowing brightly. Zed walks in and runs over to it.

Zed: My egg!

Laura: What is happening?!

Zed: I have no idea!

Laura: Should we get an instructor to help?

Zed: It won’t work. Alek’s the only one who can help, and he’s not here right now.

Zed’s irises begin to glow with a soft, cyan light. Zed slowly moves his hand towards the egg.

Laura: Z-Zed? What are you…what are you doing?

Zed does not respond. As his hand approaches the egg, his crystal begins to glow brightly. Laura watches as Zed’s hand touches the egg, causing a column of light to erupt from it. Zed pulls his hand away, and the shell shatters, sending lumps of silver scattering across the table. The light from the egg dissipates, revealing a tiny, silver nanodragon coiled up on the table. The nanodragon lifts its head, opens its wings and stands to face Zed.

Laura: This is astonishing! I’ve never witnessed such an event!

Nanodragon (telepathy): What name do you choose for me?

A voice whispers in Zed’s mind.

Voice: Argen…

Zed speaks the name of his choice, his voice echoed and distorted in an almost-otherworldly tone.

Zed (distorted voice): Argen!

Zed’s irises and crystal return to normal. A puzzled look appears on Zed’s face.

Zed: What happened? I must’ve zoned out or something.

Laura: Your egg…it…

Zed: Oh…so my egg hatched? Sweet!

Argen: I am your familiar, Argen. We are now as one, Zed.

Zed: Hi, Argen!

Laura: Not once have I witnessed a nanodragon familiar being born…until now.

Zed: I’m just upset that I missed it…and yet, I don’t really think I did.

Argen: Never mind. There are probably loads of things for us to see in future.

Zed: Yep.

Kendall runs into the room.

Kendall: Laura! Zed! And…uh…

Zed: This is Argen.

Argen: Hi!

Kendall: Greetings. Uh…oh! Yes! You must hurry!

Laura: For what reason?

Kendall: It’s Ned and Kel! They are…please, just come!

Zed: Ned and Kel?

Laura: The two individuals who insulted you in class yesterday.

Zed: Really? They insulted me?

Laura: They called you…well… “Cantripper”. I’m so sorry!

Zed: That’s an insult? I just thought they were making a joke.

A quizzical look appears on Kendall and Laura’s faces. Kendall shrugs it off.

Kendall: Look, please, just hurry!

Kendall’s wolf features become more prominent. He howls as he races out the door.

Laura: Wait for us!

Laura begins to run to the door. Argen flies up to Zed’s right shoulder.

Zed: How were your first two minutes of life?

Argen: Awesome! It’s like an adventure or something!

Zed: Get used to it. I think this is your life now, buddy.

Argen: Sweet!

Zed and Argen race out the door, forgetting to close it behind them. The mysterious figure from before slips into the room from the opposite side of the hallway. She has bright pink hair tied into ponytails, bluish eyes, and somewhat revealing pink shugenja attire. She checks around the room, picking up a piece of eggshell. She examines it closely, then puts it into a pouch at her waist.

Girl: Perfect.

The girl sneaks back out of the room, disappearing down the same direction of the hallway.

***
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***

Scene 5: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon

Headmaster Stormshroud sits in his chair, reading a heavy book. The doors suddenly burst open, revealing Ned and Kel.

Headmaster: What in the world are you two doing?!

Ned and Kel’s eyes flash bright blue once. The two students walk over to Headmaster Stormshroud and hold him down by the shoulders.

Headmaster: Unhand me at once!

Alek’s Voice: Oh, I think we can arrange that.

Alek walks into the office and approaches the desk.

Headmaster: Alekzander! I thought I dismissed you!

Alek: Oh, you did, and I’m wallowing in my own self-pity at The Arbour Beast tavern.

Headmaster: What nonsense are you babbling?

Alek: Nonsense?

Headmaster: Indeed! How can you be in a tavern if you are standing right here?

Alek: You honestly fail to recognize me?

Headmaster Stormshroud’s eyes widen.

Headmaster: No! No, it cannot be! It simply cannot be!

Alek: And yet, it is. Now, we shall begin…

***
Zed, Laura and Kendall head towards Headmaster Stormshroud’s office. They hear him cry out and race inside. Alek has his arm outstretched, his hand glowing with blue energy and aimed at Headmaster Stormshroud, who is suspended in mid-air. Ned and Kel stand nearby, their faces lacking in expression. Kendall snarls at Alek.

Kendall: Master? What are you doing?!

Alek loses concentration, dropping Headmaster Stormshroud. Time seems to slow down as Laura throws a feather into the air.

Laura: “Pyxel, spirit of the Fae, answer my request: Feather Fall!”

Time seems to return to normal as Laura points her wand at Headmaster Stormshroud, who gently floats to the ground.

Headmaster: Oh, dear me!

Alek slowly turns to face Kendall.

Alek: Ah, Kendall. Kendall, Kendall, Kendall…whatever am I to do with you?

Kendall: It WAS you! YOU caused all this!

Alek: Of course I did!

Laura: But…why?

Alek: Does there need to be a reason?

Everybody stares at Alek.

Alek: Oh, fine. I’ll explain. I simply wanted to rule the academy.

Headmaster: You’ll pay for this, L-

Alek turns to face Headmaster Stormshroud.

Alek: “Silence!”

Headmaster Stormshroud loses the ability to speak.

Alek: Now, where were we? Ah, yes. I’ve been coveting the top spot for a very long time. Longer than anybody can imagine. Longer than any of you have been alive.

Kendall: But Zed and I are only a few years younger than you.

Alek: Then I’ve been coveting it since I was a baby!

Alek looks at Laura.

Alek: You appear to be fading away, and soon you’ll be less than a passing memory!

Laura: What?!

Kendall: Hey, leave my sister alone!

Alek: You defy your master, puppy?

Kendall: I don’t care who you are! Nobody insults my family nor I!

Alek: And yet here I am.

Alek looks at Zed.

Alek: Oh…

Alek continues to stare at Zed.

Alek: Yes…I sense much potential in you. You, who are not what you claim to be. You swing to and fro…going from here to there…flowing as the fastest stream, unique as a crystalline snowflake and deeper than the saltiest ocean. You have the potential to do great things. As my apprentice, I can make that happen. What say you, Zed?

Zed: Uh…but I already have an instructor.

Alek: So be it. As for the rest of you…

Alek holds his hand in the air, enveloping Kendall and Laura in a blue light. Their eyes flash once, and their expressions disappear.

Alek: You will now serve my purpose. Now, capture the cantripper for me, won’t you?

Thralls: Catch the cantripper…

Zed: What?!

The enthralled mages slowly walk over to Zed.

Thralls (repeated): Catch the cantripper…catch the cantripper…

Zed pulls out his wand.

Zed: “Sleep!”

Alek: “Dispel!”

Zed’s spell fizzles out.

Zed: Forget this!

Zed runs out of the room, heading for Amethyst’s quarters, followed by Alek and the thralls…except Laura, who snaps out of Alek’s control.

Laura: Wait…the spell didn’t work on me?

Laura’s eyes briefly glow with white light.

Laura: Oh! I must warn Master Stormshroud!

Laura leaves the room and runs down a different hallway.

Scene 6: Temple of Marilina: Early Afternoon

Brocc stumbles into the temple, gasping for air.

Brocc: I…think I…lost…those…dogs…

Priestess: Oh, welcome to the Temple of Marilina. May I offer you our services?

Brocc: Oh…I don’t…I don’t think…you can…help…I…I’m not…what you…think I-

Priestess: Oh, nonsense! The Temple of Marilina welcomes all. Now, come with me.

Emily: Oh, Brocc! Whatever happened to you?

Brocc: Bad song…thugs…dogs…drakes…five…hundred…gold…

Emily: I will take him off your hands, if you please.

Priestess: Of course, sister. By all means.

Emily and the priestess bow to each other. The priestess calmly walks away. Emily turns back to Brocc.

Emily: Now, let’s get you healed, and you can tell me all about your city-wide escapades.

Bryn pokes his head around the corner.

Bryn: Uh…Ems?

Emily: Yes, Bryn?

Bryn: The big guy wants to see you.

Emily: Okay, I will be there shortly.

Bryn: No prob.

Bryn disappears back around the corner.

Emily: I will have to hear your tale later, Brocc.

Emily bows and walks away.

Brocc: But…you didn’t…heal me yet…

Priest: Oh, my word! You poor young boy! Please, come with me at once!

Brocc: I’m…not young…I’m…an…I-

Priest: Now, now, don’t be shy. I will heal your wounds.

The priest ushers Brocc away from his spot.

Brocc: But…but…

Scene 7: The Arbour Beast Tavern: Mid Afternoon

Alek sits in a chair in the tavern drinking a mug of water. Two men at a nearby table talk amongst themselves.

Man #1: Did you hear? Stormshroud Academy’s been attacked by an evil spellcaster!

Man #2: Oh well, it was bound to happen sometime.

Alek groans.

Man #1: Apparently, he had a bronze dragon with him. I’m surprised it didn’t just destroy the school!

Man #2: No, no, no…it was a bronze nanodragon! It was tiny enough to perch on his left shoulder.

Alek: A bronze nanodragon…on his left shoulder…? No…it can’t be…

Man #1: Funny to think, innit? A dragon on a human’s shoulder.

The man looks at Alek, noticing the blue nanodragon perched on his right shoulder.

Man #1: Oh, just like his!

Laura runs into the tavern and looks around. She spots Alek and runs towards him.

Man #1: Wait…is that a student from that school?!

Laura runs up to Alek.

Laura: Master Stormshroud! Zed is being attacked by an imposter of you!

Alek: How did you-

Laura: No time to explain! We must go now!

Alek swallows the last mouthful and stands up. He faces the two men.

Alek: Sorry, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a school to save.

Alek and Laura run swiftly out of the tavern. The two men turn to face each other again.

Man #2: Far as I’m concerned, the education system today’s beyond saving. All this newfangled learning and all that.

Man #1: Agreed.

The two men grunt and nod once, before taking a mouthful from their mugs.

Scene 8: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Mid Afternoon

Amethyst sits in a chair reading a book. A frantic knock sounds through the door.

Amethyst: Oh, please enter!

The door suddenly swings open and Zed races inside, closing and locking the door behind him.

Amethyst: Oh, Zed! Is something the matter?

Zed: Alek’s gone berserk! He’s turned the others into thralls! And now he’s coming after me! And he was saying weird stuff about me, too, like I have potential to do…something, and-

Amethyst: Calm down, Zed!

Zed calms down and takes a deep breath, then exhales.

Amethyst: Now, please calmly tell me what has happened.

Zed: Well-

The door suddenly bursts open, revealing Kendall, Ned and Kel.

Thralls (continuous): Catch the cantripper…

The thralls approach Zed. Zed starts to panic again.

Alek’s Voice: That’s enough. Well done, you caught the cantripper!

Alek walks into the room.

Alek: Have you had time to consider my offer, Zed?

Amethyst: Who are you?!

Alek: Why, it’s me, Amethyst, your beloved friend Alek.

Amethyst: You are not Alek! You are an imposter!

Alek: Of course I’m Alek. Remember all the adventures we shared?

Amethyst: I know my friend, and he would never perform such an atrocious act!

“Alek” slowly shifts to a stern emotion.

“Alek”: So you’ve figured it all out, have you?

Amethyst: Who are you?

“Alek” begins to pace back and forth.

“Alek”: You know that many things have an opposite, two sides to every coin if you will.

Amethyst: Of course, it is one of the guiding principles of the spellcaster.

“Alek” turns his head to look at Amethyst as he continues to pace.

“Alek”: Well, I am Alek’s opposite. His “evil twin”, if you wish to use that awful cliché.

Amethyst: I had no idea that Alekzander had a brother.

“Alek”: Well, now you do. Aren’t you lucky, dear Amethyst?

“Alek” stops pacing and stands facing Amethyst, carefully examining her.

“Alek”: Ah, it seems that Alek is not the only one to have kept a secret. It seems that you are hiding a very big secret, Amethyst…if that even is your real name!

Amethyst: Of course it is my real name!

“Alek”: Then tell us, what are you hiding?

Amethyst: I have nothing to divulge to you.

“Alek”: So you ARE hiding something, then? Go on, tell me. I won’t tell anybody, I swear.

Alek’s voice: Leave her alone, brother!

A smile spreads across the imposter’s face.

Imposter: Ah…at last you have graced us with your presence!

The imposter spins to face Alek and Laura.

Imposter: Alekzander. Always a pleasure to see your face.

Alek: Hello, Lillian.

Lillian (childish tone): Shut up! Don’t tell them my real name!

Lillian looks at Laura.

Lillian: The spell didn’t work on you…?!

Laura: I guess you’re not as powerful as you thought!

Lillian: This coming from the prissy little adopted daughter of Jules Goldenclaugh?

Laura’s eyes begin to glow with white light.

Laura: You leave my father out of this!

Lillian: Oh dear, whatever am I going to do? The wimpy witch of Silvertooth Town is going to beautify me with her pixie magic!

Alek: Leave her alone, Lillian!

Lillian: Oh, I will! She’ll soon be long gone anyway! Don’t think I don’t know what she is becoming, Alek!

Zed’s thoughts: Metalin…why is that familiar…?

Alek crosses his arms.

Alek: Why did you do it, brother?

Lillian: Isn’t it obvious? You always got the royal treatment! You were offered a position as illusion master, a title I should have received! YOU STOLE MY POSITION IN THE ACADEMY!

Alek: You could have been master of evocation.

Lillian: Of course I could have, if evocation was my strong suit! But like you, illusion is my strongest class. We both wanted that position. After all, we’re the same in that regard, aren’t we…brother?

Alek sighs.

Alek: We were once so similar, you and I. Our skills in illusion were so alike that we often pretended to be each other. But we became unique individuals, and we are now so very different that it’s easy to tell us apart.

Lillian: Nonetheless, I will conquer this school, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Alek sighs again, and holds up his hand.

Lillian: What are you doing?

Alek: Forgive me, brother…

Alek’s hand and eyes glow, and Lillian snaps into a trance. The enthralled students snap out of their state.

Kendall: Ungh…what happened?

Alek: My brother tried to conquer the school and make you his thralls. I placed him in a trance until he is dealt with by the authorities.

The headmaster runs into the room.

Headmaster: Amethyst! I-

The headmaster looks at everybody.

Headmaster: Oh. So…

Alek: Indeed, it is all over.

Headmaster: Very well, then.

Zed looks at Laura. Laura looks back at Zed.

Zed’s thoughts: I hope Laura will be okay…

Laura’s thoughts: I just know Zed will be fine...

Scene 9: En Route to the Eastern Gate: Silveria City: Early Morning

The team heads through the city on their way to the next adventure.

Mak: So this…Lillian guy is Alek’s evil twin brother?

Amethyst: Indeed.

Bryn: Hahahaha! “Lillian!”

Amethyst: He also tried to sway Zed over to his cause.

Thobrun: It didn’t tempt ye, lad?

Zed: Of course not. No way would I serve a creep like him!

Amethyst: Fortunately, he is safely locked inside a magic-proof cell. There is no way he can escape.

***
A guard sleeps outside a cell, a ring of keys at his waist. A tiny bronze nanodragon sneaks over to the keys and carefully snatches them, taking them back to the cell. It drops the keys into Lillian’s open hand.

Lillian: Thank you, incompetent guard, for this wonderful gift.

A cruel smile spreads across Lillian’s face.

***
Thobrun: That’s a relief. So I’ve been meaning to ask ye, lad. What’s with the dragon on yer shoulder?

Zed: Oh, Argen?

Argen: I’m Zed’s familiar. Nice to meet you all.

Bryn: He…has your accent. That’s…weird.

Amethyst: Actually, it is common for intelligent familiars to take on aspects of their master’s traits.

Bryn: You mean that streak of green fur on the cat’s back isn’t fungus?

Brocc: HEY! Tabby has a luscious coat! Her fur is an extension of my OWN…uh…hair.

Bryn: Keep telling yourself that, Brocc.

The group laughs.

Zed’s thoughts: Laura Goldenclaugh…there’s definitely something about her…

Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day

The pink-haired girl approaches the throne of the mysterious woman. She holds out her hand, revealing the piece of silver eggshell she collected earlier.

Girl: Mistress, I have brought you a gift.

Woman: You have done well, Kara. Now, you and Trenton may prepare for your journey.

The girl bows her head.

Girl: It is my honour to serve you, Mistress.

***
End Credits

***

The Crystalbound are confronted by two individuals who wish to take them to their “mistress”. After a short confrontation, the party is assisted by Erik, a fellow adventurer, and his companions. The two groups agree to journey together to the next town, but the only way there is through a dangerous cave. Zed is both excited and terrified to visit his first dungeon, but Mak and Bryn suspect the expedition to be a trap. What exactly is Erik’s party hiding?

New Characters

Erik Woodhollow – An adventuring spellsword, Erik takes an interest in the Crystalbound, offering to lead them through the Giant Muddvak’s Cave, but is he hiding something?

Hop, Skip and Jump – Erik’s companions are a little bit odd, that much is clear, but what is their true purpose?

Trent and Kara – These two individuals repeatedly torment the Crystalbound, trying to capture them and take them to their “Mistress”. Will they succeed?

“We’re going into a dungeon?!”

Scene 1: Campsite: Pre-Dawn

Zed tosses and turns on his multi-layered bedroll inside his tent. We hear a woman crying out in the background.

Voice: Zed!

Zed suddenly opens his eyes.

Zed: Laura!

Zed sits up, rubbing his eyes and groaning.

Zed: Ngh…what time is it?

***
Zed exits his tent wearing his shirt, pants and boots. Mak sits on a fallen log next to the fire, poking it with a stick. He turns his head in Zed’s direction.

Mak: You’re up early.

Zed: I keep having those dreams.

Mak: The white dragon again?

Zed: Nope. This one had a friend from Stormshroud Academy in it, but it was puzzling, to say the least...

Mak: I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

Zed: I hope so.

Zed sits to Mak’s left and notices black smudge marks on him. He holds his hand towards the orcborn, which glows with cyan light. The smudge marks, as well as the sweat on Mak’s brow, disappear.

Mak: You gotta teach me how to do that.

Zed: That or how to make the perfect sandwich?

Mak: Okay, your sandwiches are good. I think I’ll stick with my gut.

Zed: Done.

Amethyst emerges from her tent.

Amethyst: My spells are prepared for the day.

Zed: Oh, I knew I forgot something! Be right back!

Zed enters his tent. Amethyst sits to Mak’s right and looks at the sky in front of them. The horizon is lined with pink.

Amethyst: The sun will rise soon.

Mak: I’ll start preparing breakfast then.

A silhouette of a large bear watches the campsite through the trees.

Amethyst: What will we be eating for breakfast, Master Chef Makkmak?

Mak: I was thinking trail ration surprise. The surprise is those eggs I found back in Silveria City.

Amethyst: That sounds positively delectable.

The bear’s eyes glow bright green, before it turns and disappears back into the woods, stepping on a twig as it does so. Amethyst is alerted to the noise and turns to face behind her.

Amethyst: Did you hear that?

Mak: Hear what?

Amethyst: I am certain I heard a noise.

Mak: It was probably a badger or something.

Amethyst: I am sure you are right.

Zed’s Voice: Um, Amethyst?

Amethyst: Yes, Zed?

Zed’s Voice: I’m having trouble choosing between feather fall and expeditious retreat. Which do you suggest?

Amethyst: For today, I suggest expeditious retreat.

Argen’s Voice: And Mak?

Mak: Yes, Little Guy?

Argen: Which sandwich filling do you suggest? Chicken or duck?

Mak: Uh…I have no idea.

Argen: Good, cause we have neither chicken nor duck. Also bread.

Mak: That’s fine, we can buy supplies in the next town. Then you can have all the sandwiches you want.

Argen: I don’t eat food. Zed eats food which, in turn, nourishes me. It’s kinda like I’m an extra appendage, except I’m more like a soul-bound companion and not an extra appendage.

Mak: That’s great.

Mak turns to face Amethyst.

Mak: Kids.

Scene 2: Woodland: Pre-Dawn

The bear walks up to Trenton and Kara. It roars loudly.

Trenton: My animal companion has located the Crystalbound.

Kara: Excellent. Soon, our Mistress will have them in her court. Shall we strike now, Trent?

Trenton shakes his head.

Trent: Not yet, Kara. First we must wait for them to begin travelling. Then, we make our move.

Kara: Very well.

***
The mysterious woman watches her lackeys through a mirror suspended in mid-air in front of her throne.

Woman: Yes, that’s right. Bide your time, and then strike. Soon, Amethyst, Mak and all their little friends will be mine. After all these years, I, the Sorceress of Winter, will at last have my revenge.

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 3: En Route to the Next Town: Morning

The party walks along a path through an open woodland. Zed notices a group of five creatures nearby. They have large, rotund bodies covered in short brown fur, three blunt ridges running across their back, four short, stubby limbs with no toes or claws, a gigantic, bulbous tail and a giant mouth filled with blunt, triangular teeth. Their eyes are not visible. The creatures eat plants which are on the ground.

Zed: Whoa, what are those?

Amethyst: They are muddvaks, gentle herbivores who live in woodlands and open plains.

Zed: I think they look incredible.

Amethyst: Oh, I assure you they are quite real.

The smallest muddvak notices the adventurers and runs up to them. It stands almost as tall as Bryn and Brocc despite being a baby.

Brocc: Aw, isn’t it cute? Hey there, little guy!

The baby muddvak makes squeaky noises. It lets out a roar which sounds more like a loud, extended squeal.

Brocc: Aw, it thinks it’s all grown up!

Emily: Baby animals are so cute.

Brocc: Oochie-woochie-woo! Oochie-woochie-boochie-coochie-

Bryn: Eh, I can take or leave it.

Emily: Bryn? How can you resist such an adorable creature?

Brocc: He hates children.

Bryn: Of course I don’t hate children! I…I just…(mumbles)

Brocc: What was that?

Bryn: I’m scared of muddvaks, alright?

Some of the party members gasp. Brocc bursts out laughing.

Brocc: Oh, that’s fantastic! Finally, after all this time I can tease YOU about YOUR fears!

Bryn: Excuse me, but I’m not the one who’s afraid of toast.

Zed: Toast?

Brocc: I explained why I’m afraid of toast.

Bryn: I believe your words were “I don’t know”.

Brocc: That’s a perfectly valid reason!

Bryn: And then there’s your fear of bubbles, your fear of moustaches, your fear of people using the word “phantasm”-

Brocc: HEY! Don’t say that word!

Bryn: Phantasm! Phantasm! Phantasm!

Brocc: Oh yeah?! How’d you like me to kick you all the way back to Granrelm?!

Bryn: I’m not even FROM Granrelm, you dumdum!

Brocc: How DARE you call me a dumdum, you stupid-

Thobrun: Okay, give it a rest, the two o’ ye.

Brocc: Grr…fine.

Bryn: Fine…phantasm.

Brocc points at Bryn with his eyes wide open.

Brocc: He said it again! You all heard him!

An adult muddvak notices the baby away from the herd and lets out a roar. The baby notices and runs back to the herd. Bryn lets out a big breath.

Bryn: Phew, that’s a relief.

Suddenly, a big bear with light brown fur and dark brown stripes runs from the trees and faces the group.

Bryn: Oh, come on!

Brocc: What’s wrong? Afraid of anything big, brown and hairy?

Bryn: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am!

Brocc: Does that include Thobrun?

Bryn: Well…

Brocc: Hahahaha! You’re afraid of Thobrun!

Thobrun: I didnae think I was scary!

Bryn: Can we please just deal with the bear?!

Trent runs from the trees and joins the bear, standing and facing the party.

Trent: At last, we have found you.

Kara lands silently behind the party, causing them to spin around.

Kara: You must come with us.

Mak: Who are you?

Trent: We are servants of a great sorceress. She has requested an audience with you.

Mak: And who exactly is this sorceress?

Kara: We have been informed not to reveal her identity.

Mak: Then we must politely decline her invitation.

Trent: Oh no, you misinterpret. It is no invitation. We are to bring you to her no matter your decision.

Mak: I see. Then may we prepare for our journey?

Trent: Of course.

Mak: You heard the guy. Everybody prepare.

The party draws their weapons and implements.

Trent: You threaten us?

Mak: I believe you’re the ones who made the initial threat.

Trent: I have no desire to harm any of you, but if it is a fight you wish, then it is a fight you shall have.

Trent makes a grunting sound. The bear runs up to Mak and swats him with his paw, knocking him to the ground.

Mak: You just made a big mistake, pal!

Mak leaps to his feet and runs towards Trent, his sword ready to be swung. Whilst Mak is focused on Trent, Kara runs over to Emily and trips her up, causing Mak to become distracted.

Mak: Ems! Are you alright?!

Amethyst: Watch out, Mak!

Mak: Huh?

Trent points his staff at Mak. A wave of green energy releases from it and engulfs the orcborn, inflicting pain and causing him to drop his sword.

Mak: YAAAAAH!

Kara stands over Emily, pinning her to the ground with her foot.

Kara: I thought you would be more of a challenge than this.

Emily: My role is more supportive, but that doesn’t mean I am entirely without defenses!

Emily holds up her hand, releasing a beam of bright light which washes over Kara, sending her stumbling backwards.

Kara: So bright!

Emily stands up and faces Kara. Mak, meanwhile, stands facing Trent, panting heavily.

Mak: Why are you doing this? What could some random spellcaster want with us?

Trent: Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that.

Mak: Then why are you attacking us?

Kara: You drew your weapons first. We merely defended ourselves.

Mak points to Trent.

Mak: But YOU made the first move!

Trent: You are…correct. I am a disgrace to my circle.

Trent approaches Mak and holds up his hand.

Mak: What are you doing?

Bright green light engulfs Trent’s hand. He places it onto Mak’s chest, repairing his injuries. He pulls his hand away, and the light stops glowing.

Mak: Okay, now I’m confused.

Trent: I am a druid, a priest of nature. I am able to call on Naturia’s might to assist me in battle, and to defend the bounty of nature itself. But I am also able to heal.

Mak: That’s…not why I’m confused.

Kara: We wish you no harm. All we want is to take you to our Mistress.

Amethyst: If we go with you, you assure that no harm will come to us?

Trent: You have our word.

Amethyst and Mak face each other. Mak turns to face Trent.

Mak: Very well.

Trent: Good. We leave shortly.

Thobrun speaks softly to Amethyst.

Thobrun: Are ye sure we can trust these people?

Amethyst: They are clearly not evil. Therefore, there is a chance that their Mistress is also not evil.

Thobrun: I know, but they attacked us.

Amethyst: To be fair, we were the first to draw our weapons.

Thobrun: I suppose…

Amethyst: They gave their word that no harm would befall us.

Thobrun: You don’t suppose their Mistress…

Amethyst: Of that I cannot be certain.

Thobrun: But there’s still a chance?

Amethyst pauses.

Amethyst: All will be well.

Thobrun: I certainly hope so, Amethyst.

Amethyst’s thoughts: As do I, dear Thobrun…

Scene 4: En Route to an Undisclosed Location: Late Morning

The party walks along a road through the open woodland, with Kara in front and Trent and the bear following behind. Bryn turns to look at the bear, which roars at him. A look of fear spreads across his face and he turns away.

Mak: So how far away is…wherever we’re going?

Kara: It is quite far.

Mak awaits a response.

Mak: So…it’ll take us days? Weeks?

Kara: Quite a while.

Mak: Well, you certainly get to the point, don’t you?

Trent: Kara is a woman of few words.

Mak: So maybe you could shed some light on our travel time?

Trent: Kara is most correct. It will take us some time before we reach our destination.

Mak (sarcasm): Great. Glad you could detail the trip with more words.

Trent: It is my pleasure, Makkmak.

Bryn: What’d he just call you?!

Mak: Drop it, Bryn.

Bryn: Makkmak? What kind of name is Makkmak?!

Mak (slightly elevated tone): I said drop it!

Bryn: Fine then!

Just then, four round objects fling from the trees, landing on the ground surrounding the party.

Mak: What the…?

Bryn: Oh no…

The objects burst open, releasing a thick mist into the air which engulfs the party. One by one, the party members pass out and collapse to the ground. As the mist dissipates, four individuals dressed in differently-coloured robes and breathers emerge from the trees and face the party. The dark-robed one speaks.

Dark Robed Guy: Ah, so we have found them at last. Let us get them to safety.

Green Robed Guy: What about the other three?

Dark Robed Guy: Eh, just leave them there. They are of no use to us.

The dark-robed guy looks into the sky in a mysterious pose, sunlight glinting on his breather’s black lens.

***
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***

Scene 5: Campsite: Late Night

Zed stirs and opens his eyes. The dark robed guy stands over him, breathing heavily through his breather.

Zed (groggy): Are you my Mummy…?

Dark Robed Guy: Relax, my friend. The mist should completely wear off…now.

Zed rubs his eyes.

Dark Robed Guy: Oopsie! Maybe I overdid it a little. Still, I am confident that it should wear-

Zed suddenly regains his senses. A look of surprise appears on his face.

Zed: Did you kidnap me?!

Dark Robed Guy: What? No! I saved you!

Zed sits up, swings his legs to the side of his bedroll and stands to his feet.

Zed: Wait…so those two people who were taking us somewhere were actually-

Dark Robed Guy: -leading your party to a cruel fate.

Zed: Oh…ew.

Dark Robed Guy: Those two serve a dangerous sorceress who suddenly took over an area in the northeast seemingly overnight. She is quite evil. Once, I heard she froze an entire flock of birds solid just to hang in a room of her ice fortress as decorations.

Zed: Wow, that’s cold!

Dark Robed Guy: Indeed. And if she wants an audience with you…well, let’s just say results may vary, and it will NOT be pleasant.

Zed: So how do you know all this?

Dark Robed Guy: I have lived in a town near that area. Her servants – those two – often go there for supplies.

Zed: So…you’re not a robot?

Dark Robed Guy: A robot?

Zed: An artificial life-form. The thought popped into my head the moment I looked at you.

Dark Robed Guy: You were still recovering from the mist at the time. Strange thoughts often cross the minds of the semi-conscious, after all. For one thing, you called me “Mummy”.

Zed: Then you’re something else?

The dark robed guy removes his cape and breather, revealing him to be a round-eared human.

Zed: Oh, you’re a human.

Guy: Yes. Herikios Woodhollow, also known as the Kelpie. My friends call me “Erik”.

Zed: My friends call me “Zed”, partly because I can’t remember my own name.

Erik: Well then, Zed…

Erik kneels and bows his head to Zed.

Erik (dramatic): It is an honour to have found you at last.

Zed: Uh…

Erik: If there is anything I may do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Zed: Well, I’d like to know what time it is.

Erik stands to his feet.

Erik: It is late night.

Zed: But…it was just morning!

Erik: As I said, I may have used a teensy bit too much mist. You have slept for many hours.

Zed: And yet not a single dream…

Erik: It will be dawn in a few hours. I shall introduce you to my allies at that time.

Zed: Okay then.

Scene 6: Woodland: Early Morning

Trent awakens and stands to his feet. Kara is meditating nearby.

Trent: What…happened? Whoa!

Trent stumbles.

Kara: Careful. The potion must wear off.

Trent: Well…how long until-

Trent regains his senses.

Trent: Where are the Crystalbound?

Kara: Gone.

Trent: Gone?

Kara: Yes, gone.

Trent: Then we must find them.

Kara: I tried. They covered their tracks well.

Trent: Then we must try harder.

Trent’s thoughts: I underestimated them, and I let my guard slip. If we fail to find them, Mistress will freeze us and throw us in the vault.

Scene 7: Campsite: Morning

The Crystalbound stand facing Erik and the three multicoloured robed guys.

Erik: I am Erik Woodhollow, the Kelpie.

Brocc: I thought I recognized your name!

Mak: You’ve heard of him?

Brocc: Sure! I mean…I know OF him, at least…

Amethyst: As do I.

Erik smiles.

Erik: It’s nice to be known. These are my companions, Hop…

The red robed “guy” speaks with a soft female voice.

Hop: Greetings.

Erik: …Skip…

The green robed guy speaks with a soft, deep male voice

Skip: Hello.

Erik: …and Jump.

The blue robed guy remains silent.

Erik: He doesn’t say much. Any questions?

Mak: I have one. How do we know we can trust you?

Bryn: Yes, I would also like to know of the answer to the question of which my associate is asking about.

Erik: A very good question…with possibly one too many prepositions, but I digress. The short answer is, you shouldn’t trust me. I must first earn your trust, and that is something I intend to do.

Mak: Okay, that works for me.

Erik: Any other questions?

Zed slightly raises his hand.

Zed: Um…I have a question.

Erik: Yes, Zander, what is your question?

Zed’s thoughts: “Zander”…?

Zed: Uh…how come you knelt before me back in my tent?

Erik: Ah, yes, a very good question indeed. Are there any other questions? Brocc?

Brocc: I have a question. Why did you call Zed “Zander”?

Erik: Ah…another superb question. I guess you could call it a nickname of sorts.

Brocc: But how do you get “Zander” from “Zed”?

Erik: Another good question. Both names start with the letter “Zed”, do they not?

Brocc: But-

Erik: Any more questions?

Thobrun: What’d ye do with the two individuals who captured us?

Erik: I left them there.

Amethyst: Couldn’t they track our whereabouts?!

Erik: Not to worry. Hop, Skip and Jump are excellent at covering tracks.

Mak: See, that just adds to our suspicions.

Erik: Fear not, Mak. I trust them all completely. After all, I reac- Uh…I mean…they won’t harm you. They’re too…what’s the word…

Emily: Pacifistic?

Erik: Exactly! They wouldn’t hurt a muddvak.

Bryn: Neither would I, but I’m no pacifist.

Brocc flaps his elbows and makes chicken noises.

Brocc (continuous): Bwok! Bwok bwok bwok!

Bryn: Keep it up if you want to taste my dagger!

Mak: Bryn! Brocc! Let the nice man talk!

Bryn and Brocc calm down.

Bryn and Brocc: Sorry…

Erik: Ahem. Anyway, today we will be journeying through the Giant Muddvak’s Cave, which is said to contain a great treasure.

Zed: We’re going into a dungeon?!

Bryn: Oh no! No, no, no! Nobody said anything about this in the Adventurers’ League!

Amethyst: But dungeons are a natural part of an adventurer’s lifestyle.

Bryn: I’m not worried about dungeons! Just…dungeons filled with muddvaks.

Brocc: Bwok-

Bryn: One more “bwok” and the hair gets it.

Brocc: EEK! Not my hair!

Erik: There are no muddvaks in the cave. There is merely a giant sculpture of a muddvak forged from gold. It must date back hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of years.

Bryn: Then it could be a snouvak, or a santvak, or even a sumpvak.

Erik: Yes, I suppose it could. Anyway, the cave also happens to be the quickest path to Platinia.

Zed: That’s another country, right?

Erik: Indeed. It also happens to contain the largest city on the continent.

Zed: Wow…that must be one huge city…

Erik: Okay, is everybody clear on our objective?

Emily: Pardon my interruption, but is Zed allowed to set foot in a dungeon?

Amethyst places her hands on her cheeks.

Amethyst: Oh dear! Zed is not registered into the Adventurer’s League!

Erik: Not to worry! I just so happen to be able to induct Zed into the league as a probationary member. As long as he remains with a fully-qualified adventurer at all times, he will not be penalised.

Mak: Can we see your credentials?

Erik: Here is my card.

Erik hands his membership ID to Mak. Mak examines the card.

Mak: Hm…yep, he’s a Class-S licensed inductor.

Erik: Indeed.

Mak’s thoughts: Wait…this was issued to Erik in…? But…he can’t be more than 25 years old, though…can he…?

Mak hands the card back to Erik.

Brocc: Now, let us leave for…ADVENTURE!

Brocc performs a dramatic pose.

Bryn: Oh, brother…

Scene 8: Entrance to Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Late Morning

The combined party approaches the entrance to the cave.

Erik: Well, here we are.

Zed: Whoa…

Erik: The tunnel splits off into three paths partway into the cave. We will be able to cover more ground quickly if we split up into three groups. Group 1 will consist of Mak, Emily and Jump. Group 2 will consist of Amethyst, Bryn and Skip. Group 3 will consist of Thobrun, Brocc and Hop.

Mak: What about you and Zed?

Erik: Ah, we will take the above-ground path.

Amethyst: For what reason?

Erik: I cannot reveal at this time.

Mak frowns.

Mak: See, that just reeks of suspicion.

Erik: I assure you that no harm will befall Zed for as long as he accompanies me. You have my word.

Mak: Not good enough. You need to shake on it.

Erik: Very well.

Mak and Erik lock hands and shake gently. Mak pulls Erik up to his face.

Mak: If I hear that you hurt my buddy in any way, I’ll make sure you have a long journey through the sands of Kobelia without food or water. Is that clear?

Erik: Crystal!

Mak: Okay then.

Mak releases Erik, who stumbles backwards and regains his composure.

Erik: Well then, we will see you on the other side.

Amethyst: Stay safe, Zed.

Zed: You too.

The party enters the cave.

Bryn: Any words for us, Jump?

Skip: You must forgive Jump. His vocals do not work very well.

Bryn: Ah, he’s missing something, just like Zed.

Mak: Bryn! Zed is still standing within earshot!

Bryn: Whoops. I’ll make it up to him later.

Erik turns to face Zed.

Erik: Okay, let us go.

Zed: Right behind you.

Erik’s thoughts: Zed…I sense it…the potential within…

Erik and Zed walk left. The bear stands and watches them, before it turns and follows the path back.

To be Continued…

***
End Credits

***

The party, now divided, continues to traverse through the Giant Muddvak’s Cave, led by the three mysterious, multicoloured individuals, but what will the party do when their guides suddenly switch to a different objective? Meanwhile, Erik leads Zed on an adventure through a wooded path above the dungeon, and it becomes apparent that the spellsword is hiding much from the young wizard. Just who is the Kelpie?

“And the spellcaster of a different walk, with fiery red hair,
Would join as the Seventh.”

Scene 1: Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Late Morning

The combined party makes their way through the tunnel, with the robed guys leading in front. A bat screeches and flies over Brocc’s head. He screams and flails his arms.

Brocc: EEK! Bat! Bat!

Amethyst: Relax, Brocc. It is gone.

Brocc: Huh? Oh, phew. That scared the pants off me!

Mak: It’s getting a little dark in here.

Amethyst holds up her staff.

Amethyst: “Light!”

An orb of bright light appears in front of the party.

Bryn: That’s better. Now I can see what I’m looking-

Gleams of different colours catch Bryn’s eye.

Bryn: -at…are those gems embedded in the wall?

Bryn walks up to the wall.

Bryn: They are! Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, topazes…and amethysts!

Mak: You may take one of each.

Bryn: Aw, just one?

Amethyst: By my estimation, there are at least ten different types of gemstone embedded in the wall of this tunnel, though there may be as many as twelve.

Bryn’s thoughts: Okay, Bryn, time to choose carefully…

Bryn spots a particularly large ruby. He pulls out his dagger and carefully pops it out of the wall.

Bryn: It seems to be a natural formation.

Emily: So many types of gemstone in one place…how is that possible?

Amethyst: I know not. But they are clearly separated into groups based on type and colour. My reasoning is that they formed over thousands of years entirely independent of each other.

Thobrun: Ye’re right, lass. The age of these rubies predates that of these other gemstones.

Bryn: Thobrun? Since when were you such an expert geologist?

Thobrun: Geology’s in me blood, la- uh…Bryn.

Bryn: Oh, right. Dwarf. Gotcha. Ooh, this one looks particularly meaty.

Bryn removes a large emerald from the wall.

Brocc: Emeralds are my favourite.

Bryn (sarcastic): Good, then maybe Mak will let you pick one of your own.

The three robed guys talk to each other.

Hop: They find joy in shiny trinkets.

Skip: I, too, am baffled by their gem-lust.

Hop: Is now the time?

Skip: No. We should wait for the group to separate.

Hop: Understood.

Skip: Indeed.

Jump speaks with a monotone voice.

Jump: Affirmative.

Scene 2: Above Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Late Morning

Zed and Erik walk through the woodland on top of the cave.

Zed: …and then I turned my hair blue!

Erik: That must have surprised the owner of the shop!

Zed: Oh, he was hysterical!

Erik: HAHAHAHAHA! Oh, you wizards.

Zed: So you’re not a wizard?

Erik: Me? No, I’m a spellsword. I cast spells through swings of my blade.

Erik stops walking and turns to face Zed, which prompts Zed to stop walking as well.

Erik: It’s funny…when I first saw you, I thought you were-

Erik pauses.

Zed: What?

Erik’s thoughts: No, now is not the time to mention it…

Erik: Never mind. It’s probably just me.

Zed: Oh.

Erik and Zed continue walking.

Erik: I cannot believe I have found you. It’s right out of the Prophecy of Septix no Velvitra.

Zed: Prophecy of Septix no Velvitra? What’s that?

Erik: It’s an age-old poem which tells the tale of the coming of the Crystalbound. I was specifically referencing the verse which mentions you:


Zed: I had no idea that I was in legend.

Erik: Indeed. And from the moment I saw you, I knew that you were the one, the Azurebound.

Zed: Is…that why you bowed to me before?

Erik: Well…there are other reasons. But you will find out in due time.

Zed: Okay, I guess that’s fair enough.

Kara lands behind the duo.

Kara: Aha!

Erik and Zed spin around.

Kara: We have found you.

Erik: “We”?

Trent and the bear approach Zed and Erik from behind.

Trent: Yes, all three of us.

Zed gets a fright when he notices Trent.

Zed: Whoa! How did you do that?!

Trent: When one dwells within nature, one learns to be as silent and as swift as a panther.

Erik’s thoughts: Zed…I must protect him…

Erik: You shall not take Zed! Begone at once!

Kara: Never.

Trent: We only wish to take him to our Mistress.

Erik: Fine. If that’s the way you wish to play, so be it!

Erik gestures to his pouch. Zed nods and reaches into his pack.

Trent: What are you doing?

Erik: This.

Quick as a flash, Erik pulls out an orb and slams it into the ground with one hand and pushes his breather to his face with the other, just as Zed pulls out his own breather and puts it on. Trent, Kara and the bear succumb to the mist and collapse to the ground, unconscious.

Erik: Come. Let us go!

Erik and Zed run out of the mist cloud and away from Trent and Kara. Erik pulls his breather away from his face. Zed pulls his wand from his belt and holds it up.

Zed: “Expeditious Retreat!”

Zed and Erik suddenly run very swiftly.

Zed: What is in those orbs?!

Erik: A mixture of modern technology and an ancient treatment for pain from North Dryantel.

Zed: You’re Dryanish?

Erik: No, but my mother hails from there.

Zed: That is awesome…

Erik and Zed stop running. Zed removes his breather and puts it in his pack. Erik clips his breather to his belt.

Erik: We should be safe now.

Zed: Wait…can you hear buzzing?

A loud buzzing draws closer, and three large, winged creatures approach Zed and Erik.

Zed: BUGS!

Erik: They are cakeflies. They must have been attracted by the commotion.

Zed: Why are they called cakeflies?

Erik: Because they are usually attracted to baked goods such as cakes.

Zed: I have a cake in my bag! I never travel without one in case I get hungry!

The three cakeflies screech and zoom towards Zed. Erik pulls his sword from its hilt and swings it, sending a wave of fire at the cakeflies and driving them away.

Erik: Are you alright?

Zed: I think so…but I’m terrified of bugs.

Erik: Actually, cakeflies are more closely related to pixies.

Zed: Oh. So they’re fae?

Erik: Indeed. Seems odd that they happened to appear here, in the Material Plane…

Zed: Uh…maybe we should go?

Erik: Ah, yes. I think we’ve had enough excitement for one morning.

Erik and Zed resume their trek.

Scene 3: Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Early Afternoon

The party approaches the fork in the cave.

Mak: Well, here it is. Emily? Thobrun? Ready your rods of Sol.

Emily and Thobrun each pull a golden-coloured rod from their packs. They twist the rods through the middle, and they glow brightly, illuminating the immediate area.

Mak: Okay, which way do you all want to go?

Bryn: I call middle!

Brocc: I call mid- Aw…

Thobrun: We’ll go right, lad.

Brocc: Okay.

Mak: And that leaves left for Emily, Jump and me.

Amethyst: Stay safe, everybody.

Mak and Thobrun: We will.

The party separates and begins walking through their respective branches. Mak and Emily begin talking.

Mak: Well, looks like it’s just you and me, Ems.

Emily: What about Jump?

Mak: Oh, right. I keep forgetting about him cause he doesn’t speak.

Emily giggles.

***
The trio enters a section of tunnel which glows with bluish bioluminescence. Emily twists her rod of Sol slightly back to its original configuration, and it dims to a soft glow.

Emily: It is so beautiful…

Mak: Not as beautiful as- Uh!

Mak suddenly turns his head away.

Emily: Hm? What is the matter, Mak?

Mak: Oh, nothing! Just…nothing.

Mak blushes and smiles.

***
Amethyst, Bryn and Skip proceed down a section of tunnel covered in pungent greenish-brown slime. Bryn pinches his nose.

Bryn (nasally): Pwoh! What’s that horrible stench?!

Amethyst: I believe the slime on the walls is emitting the smell.

Bryn unpinches his nose.

Bryn: How can you be so calm?! Can’t you use your wizardly magic to cover up the smell?!

Amethyst: I could cast prestidigitation.

Bryn: Then would you please be so kind as to do so?

Amethyst holds up her staff. The gem at the end glows with purple light, and the scent of the slime changes.

Amethyst: There. I have covered up the smell of the slime.

Bryn sniffs the air.

Bryn: Smells like…roses? Dearest Ammy, didn’t you know that the smell of roses causes my kind to itch uncontrollably?!

Amethyst: Oh, I did not. Please accept my apologies, Bryn.

Bryn: Well, can’t you change the smell? Ow, so itchy!

Bryn begins to scratch himself.

Amethyst: Unfortunately I cannot reconstitute the prestidigitation until it dispels.

Bryn: Well, how long until it dispels?!

Amethyst: Approximately two hours.

Bryn: TWO HOURS?! Blast this leather armour! I can’t scratch myself!

Bryn sobs.

Bryn: Oh, why did I choose the middle path? I should’ve went right!

***
Thobrun and Brocc make their way down a tunnel lined with gold nuggets. Brocc laughs and screams excitedly as he plucks nuggets and puts them into his pack.

Brocc: AHAHAHAHA! GOLD! So much GOLD!

Thobrun: Dinnae take any more than ye can carry, lad.

Brocc: Oh, just wait’ll I tell Bryn about THIS!

Hop’s thoughts: It is time to enact our plan.

Hop suddenly stops and turns around to face Thobrun and Brocc.

Thobrun: Any particular reason ye suddenly stopped, lass?

A sword made of glowing red crystal suddenly flashes into Hop’s left hand.

Brocc: Uh…Thobrun?

Thobrun: Yes, lad?

Brocc: I’m starting to think that Mak and Bryn were right not to trust them.

Thobrun: I agree.

***
Skip suddenly stops and turns to face Amethyst and Bryn.

Amethyst: What is happening?

Bryn: Oh no…

A sword made of glowing green crystal suddenly flashes into Skip’s right hand.

Bryn: I knew it!

***
Mak: Ems…I…I like…

Jump suddenly stops and turns to face Mak and Emily.

Emily: What is happening?!

A small sword made of glowing blue crystal suddenly flashes into each of Jump’s hands.

Mak: Yep, I was right. These guys were just pretending to be our allies.

Mak’s eyes widen.

Oh no…what about Zed?!

***
Zed and Erik arrive at another cave entrance. Erik beckons Zed to enter.

Erik: After you.

Zed: Oh…uh…thank you.

Zed enters the cave. Erik pulls his sword from its hilt. Zed turns around to face Erik.

Zed: What are you doing?

Erik: Taking care of something important.

Erik approaches Zed.

***
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***

Scene 4: Top Entrance: Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Early Afternoon

Erik raises his sword in the air over Zed, who stands bowing his head.

Erik: And so, I hereby induct you into the Adventurer’s League as a probationary member.

Erik sheathes his sword. Zed lifts his head.

Erik: Here is your identification card. It signifies that you are a member who is not yet assigned to a guild. Please be careful not to lose it.

Erik hands the card to Zed.

Zed: I’ll be careful.

Erik: Now, let us go. The Hall of the Giant Muddvak is not too far.

Zed: Right behind you!

Erik and Zed proceed into the cave.

Scene 5: Giant Muddvak’s Cave: Early Afternoon

Skip stands motionless facing Amethyst and Bryn, his sword pointed towards them.

Bryn: Why is he just standing there?

Amethyst: I know not.

Bryn takes a step forward.

Bryn: Listen, Skip-

Skip: Approach no further!

Bryn raises his outstretched hands.

Bryn: Okay, okay, we cool.

Bryn pauses.

Bryn: Aren’t you gonna attack us?

Skip: No. You are not our target.

Amethyst: Then who is?

Skip quotes the Prophecy of Septix no Velvitra.


Amethyst: That is a quote from the legend of old.

Bryn: The Tale of the Drunken Skunk?

Amethyst: No, the Prophecy of Septix no Velvitra.

Bryn: Oh…my bad.

Amethyst: That passage seems to reference Zed.

Bryn: So what, these goons are after Zed? What for?

Amethyst: They must be trying to halt the approach to his chosen fate!

Bryn: Is that true, Skip? Are you really trying to change Zed’s fate?!

Skip: They must be stopped…before it is too late.

Bryn: That’s it, buddy! You just lost your share of the loot!

Skip looks up at the ceiling.

Skip: The moment is now.

Skip turns and runs in the opposite direction.

Bryn: Hey! Come back! Don’t hurt our friend! I’ll…I’ll give you whatever you want!

Amethyst: Come, Bryn. We must hurry.

Amethyst begins chasing after Skip.

Bryn: Wait for me, Ammy!

Bryn follows closely behind.

Scene 6: Hall of the Giant Muddvak: Early Afternoon

Erik and Zed descend down a gently-sloping ramp into a great hall carved from pale grey rock. In the centre of the room is a wide, circular platform, and atop the platform is a gigantic muddvak made from solid gold.

Zed: Whoa…

Erik: Impressive, is it not?

Zed: It’s the biggest sculpture I’ve ever seen…uh…I think.

Erik: This muddvak is a mystery. Nobody knows how it could possibly have been forged. Studies indicate it to be thousands of years old.

Zed approaches the statue. As he does so, his crystal begins to glow brightly.

Zed: My crystal’s glowing!

Erik: Then the legend is true…

Zed: You mean the Prophecy of Septix no Velvitra?

Erik: The title translates as “Prophecy of the Seven Crystals”. It is derived from an ancient language known to few in this day and age.

Zed: So this was first known many centuries ago…

Erik: Most people treat it as old folklore, seeing it as nothing more than a fable.

Zed: What about you?

Erik: I knew the legend was real. An encounter with an old friend of mine made me consider that I might eventually be the wise one within its words. Until this day I was not entirely convinced…but now…

Zed: You believe that you’re the wise one?

Erik: It is all so clear to me now. Which means…oh no.

Zed: What?

Erik: The next part of the legend:


Zed: Life lost? Oh no!

Erik looks at Zed’s hand.

Erik’s thoughts: Even now…his subconscious mind still prevents him from-

Suddenly, Hop, Skip and Jump approach Zed and Erik, their weapons drawn.

Erik: So it is you three…I could not have anticipated this.

Zed: What is it? Who are they?

Erik: They are…automatons.

Zed: So they ARE robots?

Erik shakes his head.

Erik: Automatons are constructs of ancient times animated by magic. Some have reactivated recently, with fully sentient minds, as do others on a regular basis. I reactivated these three myself, however, meaning they are mindless drones, most likely following whatever orders they were given by their cruel masters!

Hop, Skip and Jump stop walking just short of Zed and Erik.

Skip: They must be stopped.

Erik: You shall not harm Zed!

Hop: Their goal is to destroy. We must eliminate them before it is too late.

Erik: We have no desire to destroy anything! Can you not understand a single word of which I speak?!

Jump: The humans and the creature must be eliminated.

Bryn’s voice: Nobody TOUCHES the giant golden delectable muddvak!

The other party members approach the three automatons.

Brocc: So the only reason THIS muddvak doesn’t scare you is because it’s crafted from solid gold?!

Bryn: Brocc, you know the allure of gleaming gold better than the rest of us put together!

Brocc: Hey, you can’t prove I obsessively filled my bag with chunks of deliciously-shiny gold in that tunnel!

Bryn: I…implied no such thing…?

Brocc: Oh. Never mind, then.

Bryn’s thoughts: Okay, tonight I’m gonna rummage through Brockie’s bag while he’s not…oh…I have a weird feeling in my-

Jump: Do not stand in our way. Our task must be completed.

The others draw their weapons.

Mak: You hurt them, you have us to answer to.

Skip: All they wish is to destroy.

Emily: That is not true! Their intentions are pure!

Brocc: You leave my buddy alone!

Hop: If you wish to protect them, then we must stop you.

A bead of sweat appears on Brocc’s brow.

Brocc: Erik, do something!

The automatons approach the party. The party members ready their weapons. Erik sighs.

Erik: I suppose I must-

Kara’s Voice: Everyone is present. Good.

Erik and Zed notice Kara, Trent and the bear, who are standing nearby.

Zed: Seriously, how do you keep sneaking up on us?!

Trent: Please, just come with us. We have no desire to harm you.

The automatons swirl around and approach the pedestal again.

Hop: At last, they have arrived.

Skip: We must protect the Crystalbound.

Trent notices the automatons approaching and scowls.

Trent: Artificial abominations! How dare you threaten a warrior of Naturia!

Trent fires the green energy beam at Hop, who screams as though she is in pain.

Hop: I…did…my…best…

Hop collapses to the ground. Erik cries out.

Erik: Hop!

Kara leaps over to Skip, hitting him with her quarterstaff with such force that his chest breaks.

Skip: No…regrets…farewell…my siblings…

Skip collapses to the ground, and a gooey, white liquid oozes through the cracks in his chest.

Erik: Skip! No!

Erik turns to face Trent, a look of both anger and sorrow on his face.

Erik: You monster! How could you do this?

Trent: Those mockeries of nature did not deserve to exist.

Erik: They had a consciousness! Emotions! They…had…feelings!

Erik looks at their broken bodies.

Erik: I realize this now. How could I have been so blind?

Erik glares at Trent and Kara.

Erik: You will all pay for what you have wrought. Mark my words: the Icon will be the downfall of the Sorceress of Winter!

Trent: The what…?

Jump looks at Hop, then at Skip. He drops his swords, and his voice becomes like that of an adolescent male.

Jump: Sister? Brother? Why…?

Jump rips off his cloak and breather, revealing an automaton constructed from a blue metal alloy. He looks at Trent, then at Kara, then back at Trent. His face seems emotionless, but there is clearly pain in his yellow optic sensors. He picks up his swords.

Jump: By the Twelve Spires…you…will…be…PUNISHED!

Brocc’s thoughts: “Twelve Spires”…shouldn’t he mean “Twelve Stars”…?

Jump swings his swords, releasing an arc of electricity at both Trent and Kara. The two individuals are struck, falling backwards and collapsing as electricity ripples through their bodies. They scream in pain.

Jump: May you feel the pain you have inflicted on my family, and my new brother Erik!

Bryn: Yes! Begone, you…thugs…

Trent and Kara stand to their feet and run down another tunnel, with the bear following closely behind. Erik walks over to Jump.

Erik: How do you fare?

Jump: It will take time for my wounds to heal.

Erik: That is the price of emotions, brother.

Erik’s thoughts: But Hop and Skip…what will become of them…?

Amethyst: What should we do with the bodies?

Emily: We must give them a proper burial.

Mak: Is that wise? I mean, will these two even reach the Celestial Planes?

Emily turns to face Mak.

Emily: Anything with its own mind, whether flesh-and-blood or constructed, can find enlightenment.

Just then, the bodies of Hop and Skip begin to glow, and glowing orbs of light emerge from them, floating up and through the cavern ceiling.

Brocc: Was that…?

Amethyst: They ascended, becoming Immortals within the Astral Sea.

Mak: I guess you were right, Ems.

Emily: You doubted me?

Mak blushes and smiles.

Mak: I could never doubt you, Ems.

Emily blushes and smiles. Zed turns his head to face Erik.

Zed: I’m sorry about Hop and Skip.

Erik looks up at the ceiling.

Erik: There is no need to be, Zed. They have become Immortals. Hop the Knight and Skip the Paladin…

Erik looks over at Jump.

Erik: …but at least I still have Jump.

Jump: Two spellsword brothers, off on a grand adventure of our own.

Erik turns to face Zed, placing his right hand on Zed’s left shoulder.

Erik: One day, you will find your place in this vast world.

Zed smiles.

Zed: Count on it.

Erik’s thoughts: I sense it…the mark…it will soon be exposed…

Scene 7: The Shifty Ferret Tavern: Early Evening

The group walks up to the tavern.

Amethyst: It was a beautiful ceremony.

Erik: I agree. Welcoming my adoptive siblings into the realms of the Immortals…I’m glad I was in such good company.

Mak: Likewise.

Mak smiles. Argen appears from thin air and lands on Zed’s right shoulder.

Argen: Woo! That was one long nap. So, what’d I miss?

Bryn: Let’s see…we were attacked three times by these two goons who work for some witch somewhere…we witnessed our first Immortal induction ceremony…and we learned some verses of an ancient legend about us.

Argen: Oh, man…and I missed it?

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: There is always next time, Argen.

Erik: Speaking of which, this is where we must part.

Zed: Already? But we only just met!

Erik: Never fear, Zed. When needed, I will be there to guide you. We will meet again in Platinia City for the Dragon Parade, for it is an experience that you are sure to enjoy.

Zed: Okay then.

Erik: Farewell, Crystalbound. May your legend be as enduring as the Immortals in the Astral Sea.

Erik and Jump start to walk down the road. Erik turns back to face Zed.

Erik: I look forward to meeting you again, Zed.

Zed: Me too. Until next time.

Erik and Jump continue down the road.

Erik’s thoughts: The awakening…how long must it take…?

Zed: Farewell, Herikios.

Bryn: What did you call him? Okay, does everybody have a long and complicated name around here?!

The party enters the tavern.

Scene 8: The Shifty Ferret Tavern: Night

Thobrun sits at a table surrounded by adventurers, a tankard of mead in his hand.

Thobrun: And then the automatons became Immortals!

Knight: You’re ‘avin’ us on! I know it!

Huntress: Surely constructs such as those couldn’t become Immortals.

Thobrun: Tha’s what I thought. But, honest-to-goodness they did!

Huntress: Really?

Thobrun: Paladins cannae lie!

Warrior: Fine, we believe you.

***
Zed walks down the hallway to the men’s bathroom wearing his shirt, pants and boots. He is carrying a towel. Mak approaches him.

Zed: Have you seen Bryn?

Mak: Yeah, he’s in the bathroom taking a shower.

Zed: Thanks.

Zed enters the bathroom. A shower in one of the cubicles is running, which Zed presumes to be Bryn.

Zed: Bryn? I heard from Amethyst that you have something to tell me.

A high-pitched woman’s voice replies to Zed.

Voice: Uh, now’s not a good time.

Zed: Oh, sorry! I thought you were my friend!

The door to the cubicle opens slightly, and a dark-haired female halfling pokes her face around the door. Her shoulder-length hair is wet. Zed immediately becomes embarrassed as he sheepishly looks away.

Woman: Seriously, you need to leave!

Zed: Uh…I think you have the wrong bathroom. The women’s one is down the hallway.

Woman: Well, I was a man when I came in, and now I’m a woman.

Zed: I don’t…I don’t quite…

Woman: Honestly, Zed! Don’t you recognize me?

Zed looks at the halfling’s face. A look of surprise appears on his face.

Zed’s thoughts: Wait…no freaking way…

Zed: Bryn?! You’re a girl?!

***
End Credits

***

The party has arrived in Platinia City, the old “stomping grounds” of Bryn. Upon their arrival to the vast megalopolis, Bryn is struck in the arm by an adamant-tipped crossbow bolt, indicating that someone is targeting her. She decides to visit the Thieves’ Guild, followed by an ever-curious Brocc, where she runs into her old friend Gazzo. But will the short-statured individuals find the assailant? Meanwhile, Zed discovers some of the joys of the annual Dragon Festival, with the other party members serving as his chaperones. Several people are taking an interest in the young wizard, however, which seems to indicate something far greater than his status as a Crystalbound. Will he learn the truth?

New Characters

Gazzo Dragonbait – A bolgard thief and Bryn’s long-time friend, he intends to help the Greatkin find her would-be attacker.

Rowen – The leader of the Thieves’ Guild in Platinia and Bryn’s only brother, this Greatkin apparently has no idea of the assailant’s whereabouts, but could a well-timed visit from a certain someone reveal some clues?

Ceras of the Full Moon – A mysterious hedge magic shop owner who takes notice of Zed, she reveals a secret hidden upon the young wizard, one which has something to do with what he is becoming.

“This is my city! It will always be my home!”

Scene 1: Guild Quarter: Platinia City: Late Morning

The party walks through a busy street. Bryn has a big smile on her face. She opens out her arms.

Bryn: My friends and acquaintance, welcome to the great city of Platinia!

Brocc’s thoughts: Acquaintance…? Hey, wait a minute…?!

Brocc: What did you call me?!

Bryn: My…friend?

Brocc: Oh. Then…who’s the acquaintance?

Bryn: I’d rather not say. A girl’s gotta have her secrets, y’know.

Mak: A thief, you mean.

Bryn: Yes, which goes double for me because I’m both a thief AND a girl.

Thobrun: I think Zed gets that ye’re a lass by now, Bryn.

Argen: Actually, he’s still having trouble processing it.

Zed: I just can’t work out how you could change into a guy in the first place.

Bryn: Well, in most cases I’d say it was an enchantment, but in this circumstance…

Brocc: Bryn drank a magic potion which “changed her into a guy”, as you so described it.

Zed: There are potions that can do that?

Brocc: Oh, there are trick potions for everything! Some that change your gender, some that make you smell like old cheese, and even some that turn your hair blue.

Zed: Like a potion of prestidigitation, you mean?

Brocc: Yeah, but much longer lasting.

Zed: I see…

Bryn inhales deeply through her nose, then exhales through her mouth.

Bryn: Ah…just smell that city air.

Brocc sniffs the air as he walks past a manure cart.

Brocc: Smells like horse dung.

Bryn: What?! How can you say that about my city?! I don’t complain about…uh…w-where you come…from…

Brocc: Do you even know where I’m from?

Brocc’s thoughts: Heh…she’ll NEVER get THAT question right!

Bryn: Well, judging by your hair, you obviously grew in the grass, like a carrot.

Brocc’s thoughts: HA! I KNEW it! Hey, wait a minute...?!

Brocc: Did you just call me a carrot?!

Bryn: Maybe.

Brocc: Why, I oughta-

Just then, a crossbow bolt strikes Bryn in her left upper arm. She cries out in pain.

Bryn: OW!

Brocc pauses.

Brocc: …It wasn’t me! You can’t prove I did it! STOP ACCUSING ME!

Mak: Of course it wasn’t you, Brocc. You couldn’t hurt a pixie.

Brocc’s thoughts: Even Mak knows I’m too cowardly to…hey, wait a minute…?!

Brocc: Are you implying that I’m afraid of faeries?!

Bryn: Well, you freaked out last night when that sylph accidentally landed on your stew.

Brocc: That’s because something other than my mouth was eating it! NOBODY but BROCC eats BROCC’S stew! Especially not SVEN!

Bryn: Brocc, that sylph was a vegetarian! AND he was insanely apologetic! Need I remind you of that enormous, custard-filled gift of appeasement he gave you after you chucked an epic wobbly?

Brocc: Okay, okay, sorry! I’m just freaking out after my Best Platinian Friend was shot in the arm is all!

Bryn: Aw... thanks, Brocc... teehee!

Amethyst: Did anybody see from whence the bolt came?

Mak: Hm…no, it happened too quickly. Bryn would know.

Bryn: Of course I’d know! And no, I didn’t see who did it.

Thobrun: Then we have a mystery on our hands.

Emily: You should come with me to the Temple of Marilina. We’ll get you all healed up there.

Bryn (childish whinging): Oh, do I have to?

Emily: Of course. I must treat your wound.

Bryn (childish whinging): But I wanna go to the Temple of Rhyanna!

Emily: If you come with me, I’ll give you a shiny ruby.

Bryn: A ruby?! Yay!

Mak: Bribery. Nice one.

Emily: I took care of some Greatkin children in Granrelm during my early travels. It is surprising how young-at-heart their race remains into adulthood.

Amethyst: I am concerned for Bryn, however.

Thobrun: I agree. Whoever harmed her must be found out at once.

In a dark room inside a nearby building, a shadowy figure watches the party as they leave the area. A crossbow is in the figure’s hand. The figure turns around and walks back into the shadows.

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 2: Temple of Marilina: Early Afternoon

Bryn sits on a stretcher inside a room of silvery-grey brick. Emily stands nearby holding a cloth soaked with alcohol.

Bryn: OOOOOOOOWOWOWOWOW! It stings!

Emily: I have yet to apply the cloth to your wound.

Bryn: Oh. Okay then.

Emily applies the cloth to Bryn’s arm.

Bryn: Oh, that doesn’t sting anywhere near as much as I thought it wou-

Bryn’s eyes suddenly open wide.

Bryn: OOOOWOWOWOWOW! It stings!

Emily gently rubs the wound with the cloth.

Emily: There we go…the wound is clean now.

Bryn: Okay Ems, work that healing magic of yours!

Emily: I am afraid that I cannot at this time.

Bryn: WHAT?! Why not?!

Emily: Priests are discouraged from using magic within the walls of a city during a festival. Therefore, we would need to leave the city in order for me to-

Bryn: A festival? Oh, the Dragon Festival! WOO-HOO! We’re just in time for my favourite festival of the year!

Mak walks into the room.

Mak: I thought your favourite festival was the Party Festival because, and I quote, “I can do whatever I want without consequence”.

Bryn: I’m a Greatkin! I enjoy every festival no matter what! I can’t choose just one favourite!

Mak: Tell that to the giantborn you passionately kissed during the previous Party Festival.

Bryn: HEY! He looked like a halfling from a distance, and I wasn’t wearing my glasses!

Mak: You don’t wear glasses.

Bryn: Hm, good point. And might I add…*razzes*

Emily: And…your wound is dressed.

Bryn looks at her arm, a surprised look on her face.

Bryn: Wow, how did you do that without me noticing?!

Emily: The serum I used to treat your wound is quite potent. Your arm will be numb for a few hours.

Bryn: WHAT?! Then…how will I eat my dumpling noodles in Ryokoro Town?!

Mak: You’re right-handed, Bryn.

Bryn: Oh yeah. Silly me! I guess that’s why they call me the Ruvvable Logue!

Bryn giggles. Mak looks over at Emily.

Mak: Uh…what’s with her?

Emily: I gave her a remedy to ease the pain. It seems I may have made it a little bit too strong.

Bryn looks over at Mak. A smirk appears on her face.

Bryn: Oh, I get it! You’re just messing with me! You are one funny guy, Brocc! Wait a minute…BFFFFFFFFAHAHAHAHA!

Mak (to Emily): A “little bit” too strong?

Bryn laughs uncontrollably.

Bryn: I called you “Brocc”! I’m sorry I offended you like that! HAHAHAHAHA!

Scene 3: Kisetsu Town: Early Afternoon

Zed, Amethyst, Thobrun and Brocc sit at a table in a Kisetsuese restaurant. The smells of various dishes tantalise their noses. Zed is eating a bowl of noodles with fried sweet bean curd.

Zed: This is delicious! I love udon!

Amethyst: I am glad. Many thanks for recommending this meal to Zed, Brocc.

Brocc: What can I say? I live for culture!

Zed: So how many dishes are in this meal?

Brocc: Five, though the order is randomly-determined. You still need to try the Tanuki Yaki, Kappa Don and fried batter plate.

Thobrun: Fried batter? By itself?

Amethyst: I understand that it is a favourite snack of the fabled spirit, the Tanuki.

Zed: So…what’s this brown stuff on top?

Brocc: Ah, that is inari, a fried sweet bean curd.

Zed: Oh. Well, it’s delicious.

A woman at another table turns to face Zed.

Woman: Forgive me for interrupting your meal. Did you consume miso, followed by Kitsune Udon?

Zed: Uh…y-yes, I did.

Woman: It is said that one who begins the Meal of Three Spirits in that order will learn a great truth about themselves.

Zed: Really?!

Woman: Indeed. And there is more. I sense something about you, almost as though the power of the meal is influencing that which is concealed.

Zed: Whoa…

Mak: I don’t believe in superstition.

Mak and Bryn unexpectedly stand at the table.

Brocc: EEP! How did you do that?!

Mak: To quote Zed, “A wizard never reveals his secrets”.

Amethyst: I believe Bryn is teaching Mak how to be “stealthy”.

Mak: Amethyst! I said wizards don’t blurt out secrets!

Amethyst: My apologies. Brocc appeared frightened, so I aided in easing his fear.

Mak: Anyway…look, lady-

Woman: My name is Ceras of the Full Moon.

Mak: Whatever, the point-

Mak’s eyes suddenly widen. He suddenly points at the woman.

Mak: Wait a minute…I know you! You were my school teacher!

Ceras smiles.

Ceras: Ah, Makkmak Clay.

Mak: Actually, I go by “Mak” now.

Ceras: “Mak”…in any case, it is good to see you again.

Mak: You too, Miss Ceras.

Ceras: As I was saying, this young man here has a secret kept from him. If you would be so kind, I would like to discover it back at my shop.

Zed slurps the last of his udon as a waitress wearing fox ears and tail places a plate of Tanuki Yaki in front of him.

Zed: Arigatou Gozaimasu! (Thank you very much!)

Waitress: Doitashimashite! (You’re welcome!)

The waitress bows, as does Zed. Zed turns to face Ceras.

Ceras: After you finish your meal, of course.

Zed: Thank you.

Zed examines his dish, consisting of various types of seafood tempura on top of fried udon. Zed notices a particularly-large tempura prawn.

Zed: Ooh, a prawn!

Zed stabs the prawn with his fork and takes a bite.

Scene 4: Thieves’ Guild: Early Afternoon

Bryn enters the Thieves’ Guild, her left upper arm tightly-bandaged. The room is filled with many roguish individuals from a multitude of races, most notably humans and halflings. Bryn seems to be looking for someone.

Bryn’s thoughts: Okay, where can I find…aha! Perfect!

Bryn walks up to a bolgard, who has his back facing her. Bryn taps him on the shoulder with her right hand.

Bryn: Oi! Snotface!

The bolgard turns to face Bryn. He is about Bryn’s height, with olive skin, a large nose and a small tuft of dark grey hair on top of his head. A scowl is spread across his face.

Bolgard: Who are ya callin’ “Snotface”, Wit-for-Brains?!

Both individuals scowl at each other, seemingly in a standoff of intimidation. Then both individuals laugh heartily and briefly clench each other’s right forearms.

Bolgard: Bryn! It’s so good to see ya again!

Bryn: Gazzo, me old mate! How’ve ya been?

Gazzo: Oh, ya know…steal from the wealthy…donate ta the less-wealthy…keep the rest for meself. The life of the thief.

Bryn: Good, good.

Gazzo: An’ how about you? You look decidedly more female than last we met!

Bryn: Yeah, the enchantment wore off. Which reminds me…

Bryn punches Gazzo in the arm.

Gazzo: OW! Is THAT how ya greet an old friend?!

Bryn: THAT’S for slippin’ that potion of gender-flipping into my drink! I was a man for over a year!

Gazzo: Well, I…oh, heheh…I guess I deserved that, then.

Gazzo examines Bryn’s arm.

Gazzo: What happened ta you? Have a run-in with a cakefly again, did ya?

Bryn: Firstly, that wasn’t a cakefly. It was an accident-prone faery with a tiny sword. Secondly, this wound is why I’m here. I need your help.

Gazzo: Aw, ya came all the way here ta look for me?

Bryn: Of course not! I had no idea where you were!

Gazzo: Gee, thanks, “friend”…

Bryn: I need the guild’s help. Specifically, this chapter’s help.

Gazzo: Ah, ya heard your brother’s our new guild leader then?

Bryn’s eyes widen.

Bryn: Rowie’s our new boss?!

Gazzo sighs.

Gazzo: Never mind. So what happened, anyhow?

Bryn: A crossbow bolt struck me in the arm.

Gazzo’s eyes widen.

Gazzo: But who’d want ta hurt you?

Bryn: That’s what I intend to find out. It gets weirder, though. Look.

Bryn removes the crossbow bolt from her belt. It is entirely made of metal, which glistens and sparkles beautifully.

Gazzo: Wow, it’s so shiny!

Bryn: I knew you would like it, Gazzo. You’ve always had a soft spot for things with a certain…sparkle.

Gazzo: I’ve never seen anythin’ like it. Literally. The design’s like nothin’ on record.

Bryn: I must show this to Rowie at once.

Gazzo: Can I keep it when you’re done with it?

Bryn: That depends. Are you gonna keep it or sell it?

Gazzo chuckles.

Gazzo: That’s for me ta know, Brynnie…me ta know...

Scene 5: Guild Leader’s Chamber: Thieves’ Guild: Mid Afternoon

A halfling with short, wavy, dirty-blonde hair sits on a rather ornate chair. The doors at the far side of the room swing open, revealing Gazzo and Bryn. The two thieves approach the chair and stand facing the halfling. Gazzo clears his throat.

Gazzo: Guild Leader Rowen, I present the Lady Bryn of Platinia.

Bryn punches Gazzo in the arm.

Bryn: I’ll “lady” you, Gazzo!

Rowen leaps to his feet and walks over to Bryn. He smiles and opens his arms wide. Bryn smiles back and opens her arms, and the two siblings embrace. They let go of each other.

Bryn: It’s so good to see you again, brother.

Rowen grins widely.

Bryn: I see you still can’t talk, then.

Rowen nods.

Bryn: Never mind. I’m sure your voice’ll recover one day.

Brocc suddenly stands next to Bryn.

Brocc: So what, he has a sore throat or something?

Bryn cries out.

Bryn: Brocc?! How long have you been standing there?!

Brocc: The whole time. You’re not the only one who knows the art of “stealth”, you know. We forest gnomes invented that!

Bryn: But…how-

Brocc: I followed you here, and then I snuck into the room using an ancient gnome trick.

Bryn: Is that trick a garment of concealment?

Brocc: Nope, because you stole, and then promptly sold, mine months ago.

Bryn: Oh yeah…

Brocc: Besides, forest gnomes can turn invisible naturally, albeit for a minute or so. My sister Katalina can do it for five whole minutes. She’s kind of a celebrity, you know. I decided to follow in her footste-

Rowen quietly clears his throat, a stern look on his face.

Brocc: Oh, heehee, my bad. I interrupted.

Bryn: The reason my brother is unable to speak is because he became mute some years ago due to a CERTAIN bolgard’s trick potion…

Gazzo holds his right hand behind his head and grins, a large drop of sweat sliding down the left side of his face.

Gazzo: Sorry, my bad..

Brocc: Oh, a shame, that. I’d be devastated if I lost the ability to speak, especially because I have such a fantastic singing voice!


Bryn trips up Brocc.

Brocc: -AAAAAAAAH! *THUD*

Bryn: As I was saying...

Brocc stands to his feet.

Bryn: …I would like you to examine this crossbow bolt.

Bryn hands the bolt to Rowen, who examines it closely.

Bryn: The tip is composed of adamant, the hardest known pure metal, but the rest seems to be made of a metallic substance like none I’ve ever seen.

A puzzled look spreads across Rowen’s face.

Bryn: You don’t recognize it either, do you?

Rowen shakes his head.

Bryn: I was afraid you’d say that.

Erik’s voice: Stellar alloy.

Erik enters the room and approaches Rowen. The halfling hands the bolt to him. Erik examines it.

Bryn: “Stellar alloy”? I’ve never heard of such a substance.

Gazzo: Me either. Is it valuable?!

Erik: Stellar alloy is an incredible material that seems to possess otherworldly qualities. I did not expect to find an object made from it all the way out here.

Bryn: You mean it’s not found in Ornoposia?

Erik: I mean it is not found in-

Erik pauses.

Erik: The fact that there is stellar alloy here at all must suggest that the assailant hails from very far away. Farther than you can imagine, in fact.

Bryn: You mean the zenoxan homeworld?

Erik: No…no, this doesn’t add up at all. I’m afraid I must take this.

Gazzo: WHAT?! But…she said I could keep it!

Erik hands a coin purse to Gazzo.

Erik: 5,000 gold. A fair price, I’m sure you will agree.

Gazzo: Five grand?! Woohoo! I’m takin’ the rest of the day off!

Gazzo races out of the room.

Gazzo: All-ya-can-eat dim sum, here I come!

Erik: He sure seems happy.

Erik turns to face Brocc.

Erik: Your presence suggests that Zed is within the city walls.

Brocc: Yep, but he’s on his way to some weird hedge magic shop.

Erik’s thoughts: The mark…I must go to Crescent Moon Reagents before...

Erik: I must seek him at once. It is important.

Erik turns to face Rowen.

Erik: I’m afraid that I must do your guild evaluation tomorrow.

Rowen nods. Erik looks at Bryn.

Erik: I’ll see you at the parade, Bryn.

Bryn: Oh sure, me go to a parade while an otherworldly assailant’s on the loose and targeting me!

Erik: You will be safe as long as you are in my presence.

Bryn: And how do I know you’re not the one who’s after me? Or your weird metal friend?

Erik: Jump is otherwise engaged, I’m afraid. “Within the bubble”, so to speak.

Bryn: Uh…ooookay then.

Erik looks at Brocc.

Erik: I would appreciate it if you came along, Brocc.

Brocc: Uh…sure.

Erik: Bryn, Rowen, I bid you both good day.

Erik bows and leaves the room, followed by Brocc. Bryn turns to face them, then turns back to face Rowen.

Bryn: That wasn’t half-odd, was it?

Rowen shrugs.

Bryn: That’s what I thought.

***
Commercial: Come on down to The Eight Mercenaries tavern, where we have comfortable beds, award-winning meals and live entertainment every night! Visit us during the Dragon Festival and take part in our Vocal Challenge*, where you will compete with other amateurs in a battle of musical proportions! Remember our name: The Eight Mercenaries!

*Bards are ineligible to compete in the Vocal Challenge. We apologise in advance.

***

Scene 6: Crescent Moon Reagents: Mid Afternoon

Ceras opens the door to Crescent Moon Reagents & Bric-a-Brac, a little bell jingling as she does so. She enters, followed by Zed, Mak and Amethyst. Zed immediately notices a large number of items on different shelves, from antique collectables and souvenirs to ingredients for different forms of hedge magic.

Ceras: Well, here we are.

Zed: Whoa…it’s amazing.

Mak: I didn’t know you were a hedge mage, Miss Ceras.

Ceras: Please, Mak, there is no need for an honorific. Call me “Ceras”.

Mak: I’ll try.

Ceras: I have studied the craft of hedge magic for a number of years. After five years of teaching in a preschool, I decided it was time to enrich my life with a new hobby. In time, that hobby became a lifestyle, and I opened this shop.

Zed: A friend of mine at Stormshroud Academy is a hedge mage. She’s quite powerful, too!

Zed’s thoughts: What Lillian said, though…I hope Laura’s okay…

Ceras: Well, I dabble in the craft, but I wouldn’t call myself a “hedge mage”. No, I am a shopkeeper first and foremost.

A man with short, black hair and glasses walks into the room.

Man: Ah, Ceras. You have returned.

Ceras: Greetings, Ceros.

Ceros: I see we have customers.

Ceras: Oh, this is Mak, Amethyst and Zed. Mak is one of my students from my teaching days.

Ceros: It’s a pleasure, Mak. Ceras has told me much of you.

Mak: Really…? Heheheh…how much, exactly?

Ceros: Enough to know that you were quite the rapscallion.

Mak becomes worried.

Mak: Heheh…great…

Amethyst: I am impressed with the variety of items in your shop. I see a number of relics from my people.

Ceras: We have a modest collection of items from all three elven cultures. If you like, feel free to browse.

Amethyst: My thanks to you.

Amethyst begins browsing the shelves. Mak stares at Ceras and Ceros.

Mak: Why exactly are we here?

Ceros: Ceras was right. You are indeed slow to trust.

Mak: I had a bit of a rough childhood. It was just me and…look, just tell us why we’re here.

Ceras: I believe this young man here is special.

Zed: Oh…

Zed reaches into his shirt and pulls out his crystal.

Ceras: It is much more than that, Zed. Remove your right glove.

Zed: Okay then…

Zed removes his right gauntlet, exposing his hand.

Zed: Now what?

Ceras places both hands over Zed’s, and closes her eyes.

Ceras: Now watch…

Spirit of the fae…spirit of the moon…
Pyxel…Luna…reveal that which is concealed.

Silvery light envelops Zed’s hand.

***
We cut to Erik, who walks briskly through the city streets.

Erik’s thoughts: The mark…?!

Erik looks around.

Erik’s thoughts: Where did Brocc go…?

***
We cut back to Crescent Moon Reagents. Ceras removes her hands, revealing a pattern on the back of Zed’s hand: a ring of twelve circles, surrounding a second, smaller ring of eight circles; four circles are nestled between the rings, and another circle is located in the centre. A number of dots are scattered throughout the pattern.

Zed: Wh-What the…?

Ceras: I have revealed that which has been hidden from you, Zed.

Zed: What is it?

Ceras: It is-

Erik: -a very important mark.

Erik is suddenly standing in the room.

Mak: WHOA! How did you do that?!

Erik: A wizard never reveals his secrets.

Mak: So you’re a wizard?

Erik: Well, not exactly…

Mak: Then spill it.

Erik: The mark on Zed’s hand is…well, it is his place in the world.

Mak: His place in the world?

Erik: That is all I can reveal for now.

Mak: Great, another mystery to add to our growing list of mysteries.

Amethyst: I believe Herikios has Zed’s best interests at heart.

Mak: Oh? And how can you be so quick to judge, Amethyst?

Amethyst: Elves are renowned for being excellent judges of character.

Mak: Well, I guess orcborn are slower to trust, then.

Erik: I can let you know one last thing about that mark, Zed.

Zed: What’s that?

Erik: Keep it hidden. If others see it, they might ask about it. The only ones who should know of the mark are the people in this room.

Mak: Does that include that guy?

Everybody looks over at a koble who is standing in the doorway.

Koble: Uh…I was just leaving! Yes! See you!

The koble flies out of the door.

Erik: Strangely, yes. It includes him as well.

Amethyst: Do you know him, Herikios?

Erik: He’s a wandering merchant with whom I’ve bartered in the past. You should look for him while in the city.

Mak: Uh, yeah. Great advice.

Zed: So the mark needs to be hidden with another spell, right?

Erik: I’m afraid that it is now permanent. You will need to wear a glove most of the time.

Brocc: Sounds like the viewers want to know more, am I right?

Brocc is suddenly standing in the room.

Erik: Ah, Brocc. There you are.

Mak: Dang it, Brocc! Stop doing that!

Brocc: Doing what? Being stealthy or breaking the fourth wall?

Mak: Both!

Brocc: Got it. But just for the record, you were the first one to be stealthy this epis-

Mak: What did I just say?!

Brocc: My bad.

Mak: NGH! You’re impossible!

Erik: Anyway…I would advise against anybody else learning of that mark, at least for now.

Zed: No problem.

Zed dons his gauntlet.

Erik’s thoughts: Perhaps now, Zed can at last commence his true awakening…

Erik: Now, since I’m here, shall we go and watch the parade?

Brocc: Yes please!

Scene 7: Busy Street: Late Afternoon

Bryn and Gazzo make their way through a crowd of people.

Bryn: I don’t really need an escort, Gazzo.

Gazzo: Nonsense. As your best friend, confidante and fellow Thieves’ Guildmate, it is my duty to guard you no matter what!

Bryn: If you say so.

Gazzo: Besides, this guy’s all kinds of dangerous. Who knows what other mysterious devices and traps he has planned?

Bryn: If you say so.

Gazzo: You know, you’re starting to get repetitive.

Bryn: If you say so…

Gazzo scans the immediate area and notices a shady figure in a dark cloak. Gazzo points to him.

Gazzo: There. That’s the guy we’re meeting.

Bryn: Is he a member of the Thieves’ Guild?

Gazzo: Nope, the Shadow Guild. He’s a dark paladin.

Bryn: And he’s standing out in the open on a busy street in broad daylight?

Gazzo: I guess that’s his thing. The ol’ intimidation tactic. Nobody’s gonna walk up to him except the people he’s meeting.

Bryn: You honestly expect me to believe that?

Gazzo grabs Bryn by the forearm and pulls her over to the dark paladin. Gazzo clears his throat, and the dark paladin looks down. His face is concealed by shadow. He speaks with a calm voice.

Dark Paladin: Aren’t you a little short for warriors?

Gazzo: Yeah, I lied. We’re thieves.

Dark Paladin: You lied?

Gazzo: What? We’re thieves! It’s in the job description.

Bryn: Actually, it’s listed as “stretching the truth”.

Gazzo: You’re not helping.

Gazzo addresses the dark paladin.

Gazzo: Look, Shady Guy…I can call you “Shady Guy”, can’t I?

Dark Paladin: Well, actually, my name is Guy.

Gazzo: Whatever. Look, dude-

Guy: It’s “Guy”.

Gazzo: Bottom line: my friend here was attacked by a mysterious assailant who shot at her with this.

Gazzo hands the crossbow bolt to Guy, who examines it carefully.

Guy: Hm…it’s made of a rare metal.

Gazzo: We know that already. Where does it come from?

Guy: I cannot easily say.

Gazzo: Cannot, or won’t not?

Guy: “Will not”.

Gazzo: Oh, and why won’t you?

Guy: No, you used a double-negative. I was merely correcting you.

Gazzo: Correcting me?! Why, the nerve!

Bryn: Get over it, Gazzo.

Gazzo: Mph…fine.

Guy: I can show you where it comes from, but it’ll cost you.

Gazzo sighs.

Gazzo: Fine…how much do you want? I can give you no more than 500 Gold and a couple of gems. Not rubies, those are expensive. And certainly not diamonds! What do you take me for, a jewel-thief?!

Guy: No no, I don’t need money. I merely wish to speak with the one you call, “Mak”.

Gazzo: “Mak”? Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.

Bryn: I think he was talking to me, Gazzo.

Bryn looks up at Guy.

Bryn: Sure, I’ll take you to Mak. Why do you ask?

Guy: Makkmak and I used to be squires to the same master.

Bryn: Wait, wait, wait…you were a squire…so that would mean you’re a knight!

Guy removes his hood, revealing his face. He is a handsome male human with short, dark hair and bright blue eyes. A scar cuts across part of his left cheek. Bryn slowly faces Gazzo.

Bryn: Gazzo…why would you say that Guy is a dark paladin?

Gazzo: Yeah…I lied about that, too.

Bryn becomes agitated.

Gazzo: Well, I knew you wouldn’t come if I told you he was a knight!

Bryn: You’re darn right I wouldn’t! You know my problem with knights!

Guy: If my presence troubles you, I could-

Bryn: No, no, no! Just…stay there. What’s done is done. Now, you said you had information?

Guy hands a folded piece of paper to Bryn. She opens it and reads it aloud.

Bryn: “Celia Moon, live in concert. Come and see one of the world’s rising young stars as she sings her latest hits.”

Bryn looks up at Guy.

Bryn: Why would you give me this?

Guy: I believe the assailant who attacked you is connected to her.

Bryn: But who is she? I’ve never heard of “Celia Moon”.

Guy: There is a good reason for that.

Bryn: I’m all ears.

Guy: Well, she is from-

Another bolt whizzes from behind Guy straight past his head. He draws his sword from its sheath and spins around to face another cloaked figure, though this one wears an indigo hood decorated with sparkles; the sparkles become more crowded near its base.

Guy: By decree of the Knights of Cuprumo, I command you to-

The assailant turns and flees. Guy lets out a big sigh.

Guy: Why do they always run? Come on, let’s chase him!

Guy begins pursuing the assailant.

Bryn: I never would’ve thunk it…me helping a knight...

Bryn and Gazzo begin to follow Guy.

To be Continued…

***
End Credits

***

Kendall meets up with the party for the Dragon Parade, a grand spectacular featuring a number of stories of the world. This year, however, the tale of the Crystalbound is featured, which impresses most of the party members, though Bryn is repeatedly disruptive during the show. Meanwhile, the identity of the cloaked figure is revealed, though it seems that there is a much more dangerous individual in the area! Can the true mastermind be brought to justice?

New Characters

Astyr Moon – A mysterious woman of otherworldly origins, she is being pursued by the servant of a terrible man, and is ultimately saved by Erik and the party.

Merchant – A koble merchant who is replenishing supplies in Platinia City, he gives a strange horn to Mak, encouraging him to blow through it whenever in need of supplies.

“There are very few who resist Lord Songsend and remain unharmed!”

Scene 1: Outside Crescent Moon Reagents: Late Afternoon

Zed, Amethyst, Mak and Erik stand outside Crescent Moon Reagents. Mak looks at Zed.

Mak: So…any particular reason we’re just standing here?

Zed: I received a message from someone. He said to meet him here.

Mak: Well, did he say when he was gonna-

Zed: Kendall!

Kendall’s Voice: Zed!

Kendall walks up to the group.

Zed: How have you been?

Kendall: Well, I’ve graduated! I’m now a fully-fledged spellcaster!

Zed: Well done! I knew you could do it!

Kendall: My thanks!

Kendall greets Amethyst and Mak.

Kendall: Mak, it’s been a while.

Mak grins.

Mak: Hey there, Kendall.

Kendall: And it’s always a pleasure to see you, Miss Lunerosée.

Amethyst smiles.

Amethyst: Bonjour, Kendall.

Zed: Oh, vous parlez Luminelv, Amethyst? (Oh, you speak Light Elvish, Amethyst?)

Amethyst smiles at Zed.

Amethyst: Je parle de nombreuses langues, cher apprenti. (I speak many languages, dear apprentice.)

Zed: Wow, I can barely speak five!

Amethyst: I think your Luminelv is impressive. Tres bien! (Well done!)

Zed: Merci. (Thank you.)

Amethyst: You are most welcome.

Mak: So Kendall, what’s been happening?

Kendall: I’ve been having dreams of my sister lately.

Zed’s eyes widen.

Zed: You mean Laura? Is she okay?!

Kendall’s thoughts: Laura…? What is Zed talking about…?

Kendall: Well, actually-

The assailant comes running past, followed by Guy, Bryn and Gazzo.

Guy: We must hurry if we hope to catch-

Guy spots Mak and waves as he rushes past.

Guy: Oh, hey, Makkmak!

Guy, Bryn and Gazzo continue to chase the assailant.

Mak: Guy? Hey, wait!

Mak starts to run after the group.

Amethyst: Mak?! Oh dear…

Zed: Who was that?!

Erik: I’m wondering the same thing…in any case, let us head to Kisetsu Town.

Amethyst: I am looking forward to the Dragon Parade.

Erik: As am I.

Erik’s thoughts: I sense it…Zed’s potential…his journey will soon commence…

***
Opening Credits

***

Scene 2: Kisetsu Town: Late Afternoon

Zed, Amethyst, Erik and Kendall arrive in the middle of a marketplace. Various stalls are selling food from every Ryokorese nation.

Zed: Wow, look at all of those dishes! Jangurese…Moriese…Ninoichish?

Brocc: Ah, the cuisine of the Ninoichi Islands...

Brocc is suddenly standing there.

Brocc: …so tasty and full of flavor.

Kendall: How did I not smell you coming?!

Brocc’s eyes widen.

Brocc: Hey, are you saying that I sti-

Brocc sniffs the air.

Brocc: Oh yeah…well, that’s what I get for having too much garlic in my gourmet Verdelven pasta! Amethyst, you’re a wood elf, right?

Amethyst: Well, I-

Brocc: Tell me: how much garlic is too much before the pasta is destroyed? Because I think mine was well and truly ruined.

Amethyst: I’m afraid I cannot-

Brocc: Oh, is it one of those famous “secrets of the verdelv” or something?

Amethyst: If you will excuse me, I must take care of some business elsewhere.

Brocc: Say no more, although I think too many people mention toilets in this series.

Amethyst: Zed-

Brocc: Yep, he was the first one to do so.

Amethyst: -would you be so kind as to join me?

Zed: I guess so.

Amethyst and Zed walk away.

Brocc: Huh? Wait…is everybody going to the-

Erik: Nobody needs the toilet, Brocc.

Brocc: Shows what YOU know, Captain Seahorse, ‘cause I happen to need the little gnome’s room. BRB!

Brocc runs off. Kendall appears puzzled.

Kendall: Bee-ar-bee?

Erik: I believe it means “be right back”. Or perhaps “bright-red beans”.

Kendall: Red bean cakes?

Erik: You read my mind.

Erik and Kendall proceed to a stall.

Scene 3: Zen Garden: Late Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed find a quiet zen garden in which to talk. Bonsai trees dot the area. No-one else is present.

Amethyst: Zed…

Zed: Yes, Amethyst?

Amethyst: I must confide in you a secret.

Zed: Well, I think I must be a secret magnet.

Amethyst giggles.

Zed: Your secret’s safe with me.

Amethyst: You must understand that I share this with you because I feel that a master should not conceal anything from her apprentice.

Zed: Of course.

Amethyst: I…am not really a wood elf.

Zed: Oh.

Amethyst: I hail from a light elven community in the continent of Luminelvum.

Zed: So that’s how you know the Luminelv language…

Amethyst: On my one-hundredth birthday, I awoke to find that I had been transformed into a true elf, my golden locks shifted into a shade of brunette most common amongst the people of Verdelvum.

Zed: That must have been a shock.

Amethyst: Indeed it was. I rushed to my grandmother for aid, but she could do nothing to break the enchantment placed upon me. This day was also to be the day when I had begun my duty as the first Crystalbound, seeking the others one-by-one for some unknown purpose.

Zed: So what happened?

Amethyst: Well, as you know already, I kept to my duty, as any luminelv would. However…

Amethyst sighs.

Amethyst: The entrances to luminelv citadels are protected by enchantments which only allow luminelv to pass inside. Without possessing certain qualities, members of any other race are magically “blocked out”.

Zed: So once you left, there was no way for you to return.

Amethyst: Correct. It has been 50 years since I last communed with my grandmother and sister. I miss them terribly.

Zed: That’s understandable.

Amethyst: But poor Zed…you do not even have a family.

Zed pauses.

Zed: …no. That’s wrong.

Amethyst: Oh?

Zed: You, and Mak…and Emily, Thobrun, Bryn and Brocc…even Argen, Kendall, Erik…and Laura…

Amethyst’s thoughts: Laura…?

Zed: …you’re my family. We may be of different races, but we are definitely family for sure.

Amethyst: Well said, Zed. That makes me feel better.

Amethyst and Zed look at the sky, which has a tinge of pink on the horizon.

Zed: It’s getting late.

Amethyst: Indeed. Shall we head to the Dragon Para-

The assailant runs through the zen garden, chased by Guy, Bryn, Gazzo and Mak. Guy makes a leap for the assailant and knocks them to the ground, marking their robe with silvery grass stains.

Guy: Okay, it’s time to see who you really are!

Guy pulls down the robe’s hood, revealing a young woman with shoulder-length chestnut hair and long, golden bangs.

Guy: You…you’re not what I was expecting.

Woman: Unhand me, vile one!

The woman wrestles to her feet, panting heavily.

Guy: Who are you?

Bryn: And why did you shoot me?!

Woman: I struck you by accident.

Bryn: Well, my aching wound says otherwise! It might even scar!

Woman: My apologies, ma’am.

Bryn: What, now you’re being courteous?!

Woman: I am being pursued by a servant of a very cruel man.

A disappointed look emerges on Guy’s face.

Guy: Hey, I’m not cruel. Why would you thi-

Erik: She did not refer to you.

Erik and Kendall approach the group.

Guy: And you are…?

Erik: Herikios Woodhollow.

Guy: Wait…you’re THE Erik Woodhollow?!

Guy races over to Erik.

Guy: I idolise you, dude! You’re the reason I dilettanted as a spellsword!

Erik: I didn’t realise I was so…popular.

Guy: Yeah, yeah! My sword’s even a replica of yours! Look!

Guy unsheathes his sword. Erik unsheathes his and holds it up next to Guy’s.

Erik: Remarkable…

Guy: Isn’t it? I know it’s a knockoff, but-

Erik: These two swords are part of the same set.

Guy: Wait…it’s real? My sword’s real?!

Erik: Indeed. But…how did you come to possess it?

Guy: It was a gift…from a friend.

Mak blushes.

Mak: Well…I didn’t know its significance. I just saw it and thought, “You know who’d like this? Guy.”

Erik: Mine, too, was a gift from a friend.

Woman: I have seen those swords before.

Erik: Really? These are rare treasures, are they not?

Woman: Well, actually…

The woman sighs.

Woman: They are mass-produced swords which sell for about 100 apiece.

Guy and Erik collapse to the ground, their legs pointing awkwardly into the air.

Woman: Yes, the blades are roughly 50% stellar alloy.

Erik leaps to his feet.

Erik: Stellar alloy?

Woman: Indeed.

Erik: But if you know of this metal, then…

The woman holds the clutch of her robe.

Woman: Indeed, I am not from this place. My name is Astyr, of the Starweyne Clan of Moon, and Markborn native of the Almve sphere of-

A stellar alloy crossbow bolt whizzes past the woman’s head. Everyone faces the assailant, who is dressed from top to toe in black, including a black cloth mask covering his nose and mouth. The assailant approaches the party. Guy leaps to his feet and readies his sword, as do Mak and Erik.

Assailant: Astyr Moon, you are requested an audience with Lord Songsend.

Astyr: And if I refuse?

Assailant: Well…let’s just say that people might notice if a certain singer becomes a one-hit wonder. You care for your sister, do you not?

Astyr holds her hands up to her face.

Astyr: Celia…!

Assailant: I trust you will come with me quietly, then?

Astyr: I…I…

Erik: She refuses.

Everyone looks at Erik.

Assailant: Oh, and you are so quick to defend this girl, of whom you know nothing?

Erik: Yes, I am. And she is no mere "girl", as you so describe.

Mak: Look, Erik, I know you want to help, but…do you really know what you’re doing?

Erik faces Mak and smiles.

Erik: Trust me.

Mak: Well…just this once, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Erik: Well, then…I guess it’s time to intervene.

Erik leaps forward, standing right in front of the assailant. Both individuals stand-off for a short while.

Erik: Tell me, what rank do you take in the army of this “Lord Songsend”?

Assailant: Well, I…

Erik: Yes?

The assailant sighs.

Assailant: I’m just a grunt.

Erik: Really? And Lord Songsend authorised you to chase Miss Moon all the way out here?

Assailant: Well, no…

Erik: Then, please tell me…what was racing through your mind when you decided to chase her?

Assailant: I thought…when I saw her spying on us, I thought that I would catch her for my boss, and that he’d give me a promotion for sure!

Erik: So you attacked her, but to what end?

Assailant: Well, I meant to hit her with these…

The assailant holds out two stellar alloy bolts.

Erik: So your reasoning was that you should bring her down, even though your boss would want her unharmed?

Assailant: Oh yeah…

Erik: Do you even want to work for Lord Songsend?

Assailant: Not really. He’s a bad man! He…well, it’s too awful to mention.

Erik: So why not just quit?

Assailant: Are you kidding?! He’ll come after me, and…and…

Erik puts his right hand on the assailant’s shoulder.

Erik: Relax. You know you’ll be safe here, right?

Assailant: But I- Oh…yeah, you’re right. A new life!

Erik: If you’ll come with me, I’ll find you somewhere to live.

Assailant: Th-thank you, sir!

Erik: Miss Moon, if you please?

Astyr: Of course.

Astyr looks at Bryn.

Astyr: I must profoundly apologise for hitting you, ma’am.

Bryn: Well…okay, I’ll let it slide. Besides, I now have a battle scar to wear!

Astyr: I am glad.

Astyr joins Erik and the assailant.

Bryn: What a nice girl.

Brocc: I agree.

Brocc is suddenly standing there.

Mak: Brocc…!

Brocc: Oopsie, heheh…sorry!

Mak: Sorry? I’ll give you “Sorry”!

Mak starts chasing Brocc.

Brocc: STOP! I swear I’m sorry!

Mak: Come here you little-

Brocc: AAAAAAAH!

Scene 4: Empty Alleyway: Evening

Erik, Astyr and the assailant proceed down a dark alleyway.

Erik: Now then, this alley may seem creepy, but it is a shortcut to the finest tavern in this city. You may both stay there until next week.

Astyr: Thank you.

Assailant: Oh…thank you, sir! I-I really do appreciate you looking after me.

Erik: It is my pleasure…Kurtiss, was it?

Kurtiss: Y-Yes, that’s right. I’m happy that you trust me, even after what I did.

Erik: Well, it’s not fair to judge someone without getting to know them.

Kurtiss: W-Well, thank you for being so trusting all the same.

Kurtiss secretly pulls one of Erik’s mist bombs from his pouch and throws it to the ground. Both Erik and Astyr fall to the ground, unconscious.

Kurtiss: That was a mistake, buddy. Do you honestly think a grunt would be able to figure out how to pursue somebody over such a vast distance?

Kurtiss stands over Erik.

Kurtiss: Now, before I claim my prize, I guess I’ll have to put an end to you.

The mist clears as Kurtiss pulls out his hand crossbow and readies a bolt. He points it at Erik.

Kurtiss: Say hello to whatever Celestial Being you revere for me, won’t you?

Kurtiss fires his crossbow.

***
Commercial: Don’t miss this year’s Dragon Parade and Fireworks Show, located in the Grand Plaza of Kisetsu Town! There’s food, gifts and demonstrations of the shugenja arts, and just for the kids, a visit from Kabooki Kooky! The Dragon Parade and Fireworks Show – It’s fun for the whole family!

***

Scene 5: Empty Alleyway: Evening

Kurtiss fires his crossbow, but the mechanism becomes jammed. Quick as a flash, Erik leaps to his feet and slices the crossbow in two with his sword.

Kurtiss: But…how…?

Erik: Do you honestly think I would not train myself to overcome my own mist bombs?

Kurtiss: I…I thought…?

Erik: I’m not as gullible as you think, am I? I simply held my breath the very moment you snatched it from my pocket.

Kurtiss: But I’m able to steal from everybody without them noticing! How did you-

Erik: Oh, Kurtiss. There are more mysteries in this world than you can ever comprehend. I’m sure that from whichever place you come you are a skilled pickpocket-

Kurtiss: Pickpocket?! I’m-

Erik: -but here? You’re nothing. Less than nothing.

Kurtiss: Well, I’ll tell my boss everything!

Erik: You? A grunt?

Kurtiss: Heh, you are gullible. I am second-in-command to Lord Songsend, and I’m sure he’d notice if I “disappeared”.

Erik: Oh, you may return to your homeland.

Kurtiss: Really? You’re letting me go, even in the knowledge that I’ll be able to lead my boss here?

Erik: Of course.

Kurtiss: Heh, I guess you really are gullible then.

Erik: It would seem so.

Kurtiss: Well then, I guess I’ll be-

Erik reaches into his pocket.

Kurtiss: Oh, come on. You know that those things won’t work on me as long as I wear my mask.

Erik pulls out a small orb.

Erik: Oh, this? You think it is a mist bomb?

Erik slams the orb near Kurtiss’s feet, knocking him to the ground.

Erik: That was a force bomb. It simply let out a pulse of air which brought you to your knees.

Erik approaches Kurtiss.

Kurtiss: What are you doing?!

Erik: I apologise for what I am about to do…

Kurtiss begins to panic and tries to scramble to his feet. Erik places his right hand onto Kurtiss’s forehead and closes his eyes. After a moment, Erik’s eyes open, glowing with bright light which shifts across a spectrum of colours; at the same time, bright white light emerges from Erik’s palm. After a few seconds, Erik’s eyes and palm return to normal, and Kurtiss slumps to the ground, unconscious. Astyr awakens and sits up.

Astyr: What’s…what…happened…?

Erik: Easy now, you’ve just been unconscious for a moment.

Astyr snaps back to reality and looks at Kurtiss.

Astyr: What happened to him?!

Erik: I erased his memories of this place. If his organisation ever found it…

Astyr: Oh, I see. Does that mean you have to-

Erik: No. I can trust you to keep this world secret.

Astyr: Are you sure? You don’t even know who I am.

Erik closes his eyes and smiles.

Erik: Reveal your left forearm.

Astyr: My...? Oh...

Erik opens his eyes and nods once. Astyr pulls up her left cloak sleeve, revealing the same mark as on the back of Zed's right hand.

Erik: As I suspected. It is easy to distinguish a Puer de Chromaicora from those without the mark.

Astyr smiles.

Astyr: You are he, are you not? The one known as Kelpie.

Erik: I am.

Astyr: Then…you are the one who guides Celia from afar.

Erik: Indeed...

Erik’s thoughts: ...though I can think of none better to support her in-person, gentle starweyne…

Astyr: I...appreciate the compliment, fair Kelpie, though I feel that Celia would most benefit from-

Erik: Fear not, Astyr. I will meet her in person quite soon...one the seeds begin to sprout.

Astyr: Oh…well, this sphere of vivid Halcae will remain within my heart…and secret from all.

Erik: That is wonderful to hear. Now, shall we head to the Dragon Festival?

Scene 6: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day

We cut to a view from slightly behind the Sorceress of Winter’s icy throne. Kara is dressed in traditional shugenja ceremonial attire as she performs several disciplines. The Sorceress and Trent watch the ceremony.

Trent: This is most impressive.

Sorceress: Watch…the best part is yet to come.

Kara leaps into the air, her arms enveloped in flames which take the shape of a dragon’s wings. As she nimbly lands on the ground, she holds up her arms and opens her mouth, releasing a jet of flame for a few seconds. Then all the flames dissipate. Kara stands straight and bows to her mistress. We cut to the Sorceress’ blue lipstick-covered mouth.

Sorceress: Impressive. Be sure to use that technique next time you encounter the Crystalbound.

The Sorceress smiles cruelly.

Scene 7: Kisetsu Town: Late Evening

The Crystalbound, Erik, Kendall, Astyr and Gazzo enter the area in which a great play is to be performed. Everybody except Bryn and Gazzo is wearing a traditional Kisetsuese kimono matching the colour associated with their crystal; Erik’s is blue, Kendall’s is white and Astyr’s is pink. Both Zed and Erik wear fingerless gloves. The exposed skin on Astyr's hands, forearms, neck and face displays a faint, star-like shimmer in the ambient lighting.

Zed: I thought that the Dragon Parade was going to be a…well…a “parade”.

Amethyst: It is actually several legends woven together into a grand story, so I suppose it is a parade of sorts.

Astyr: It’s impressive! We have no such show in…where I come from!

Mak: Which is where, exactly?

Zed's thoughts: Astrumium...?

Emily: Oh, lighten up, Makkmak! Just relax and have fun!

Mak smiles.

Mak: Well, I guess I could…

Gazzo and Bryn: I’m hungry!

Thobrun: How can ye think of food after eating such a big meal?

Bryn: You know my metabolism is faster than a gnome running from a flower!

Brocc: Oh, come on! That was one time! And it was huge, and it looked carnivorous!

Bryn: It was a pansy.

Brocc: A huge, hungry pansy!

Kendall: Oh, it’s starting!

The group sits in their seats as the lights dim.

Narrator: We now present for you…the Dragon Parade!

***

Twelve large puppets, four larger than the others, stand in a circle on the stage. Several people dressed as dragons mill around in the middle.

Zed: Whoa, those costumes are impressive!

Astyr: They must have taken weeks to assemble!

Brocc: Here comes my favourite part!


One of the dragons flaps to the middle of the stage and curls up. A column of light erupts around it for a moment, and then the dragon is gone.

Astyr: Where did it go?!

Erik: Impressive, is it not?


The dragons leave the stage, and people from many cultures enter it, including humans, dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, orcborn and ryukoni, humanoid dragons with monkey-like tails.

Astyr: What are those?

Erik: Ryukoni, the people of Ryokoro.

Astyr: They have monkey tails.

Mak: Uh…where did you say you were from, again?

Emily: Makkmak.

Mak: Sorry.


The Titans begin to move about chaotically, causing the people to panic. A dragon descends upon the stage.


A beautiful woman in an elegant white robe walks onto the stage, and joins Celeste.

Zed: Is that Naturia?

Erik: Yes, it is.

Zed: I had no idea she was so beautiful.

Amethyst: There are many interpretations of how she appears. This is the most commonly recognised one.

Zed: I see…

Celeste and Naturia raise their arms in the air. The Titans curl up into balls and retreat to twelve circles surrounding the outer stage.

Astyr: Those are the Elemental Planes, yes?

Erik: Correct.

Astyr: Then these “Elemental Titans” are trapped within them?

Erik: You shall see.


The Titans begin to shake violently.

Astyr: Oh dear…


A koble walks into the middle of the stage and curls up in a ball. A column of light surrounds him, and he is gone.

Astyr: No, really…where do these people go?

Mak: Here comes the best part of the play!

Emily: It isn’t like you to be so excited, Makkmak.

Mak: This play’s always excited me since I was a boy! My mom…uh…w-well…it’s just exciting is all.

Emily smiles sweetly.

Emily: Oh…I am glad.


Twelve people from a multitude of races move to twelve points on the stage. Columns of light surround all of them; when the light dissipates, their outfits have transformed into gleaming bronze, silver, gold and white.


The Immortal Twelve each turn to face a different Titan. The Titans writhe and struggle, then curl up tightly into balls. Their bright colours dull to more greyish tones.

Astyr: Now, that IS impressive!

Zed: I agree!


Columns of light surround the Immortal Twelve. The light dissipates, and the Immortal Twelve are gone. Celeste and Naturia leave the stage.

Astyr: Well, that show was most enjoyable indeed.

Erik: Oh, it isn’t over yet.

Astyr: Pardon?!

Erik: That was merely the first act. The Dragon Parade consists of several stories, with examples such as the Sealing of the Titans and the Silverian Empire, all leading up to a brand-new act.

Mak: Which is?

Erik: Oh, I think you will be most delighted…

***

Zed: That’s us!

Bryn: Very good, Zed!

Mak: Bryn! What have I told you about being condescending?!

Bryn: Not to?

Mak: Then why-

Bryn: It’s only natural for me to be condescending.

Mak groans.

Mak: Just…shut up and watch the play.

Bryn: Fine.

A young woman walks onto the stage, holding several pieces of paper.

Bryn: Oh, don’t tell me they’re just going to read the poem directly.

Brocc: I doubt they’d have time to rush together an elaborate show at the last minute, Bryn.

Bryn: Oh, and you would know?

Brocc holds up a gigantic sign which reads “BARD”.

Bryn: Oh yeah…my bad.


Zed: Why does that name sound familiar…?

Bryn: Perhaps because the prophecy’s title has “Vel” in it?

Mak: Bryn!

Bryn: Shutting up, as requested.

Zed: No, that’s not it…it’s like I knew it…but I still have yet to know it…

Erik’s thoughts: So it begins...

Thobrun: That’s…quite mysterious, lad.

Amethyst: I am sure that, in time, you will be able to figure it out.

Zed: Maybe…


Bryn: Two origins?

Mak: Sh!

Bryn: Shutting up.


Bryn: Oh, how creative, “two origins” twice in one poem! I guess Emily is of “two origins” as well?

Mak: Sh!

Bryn: Shutting up.


Mak suddenly coughs loudly.

Mak: Sorry, shutting up.


Bryn: Oh, two “lineages”. Now THAT’S creative!

Mak clears his throat with a “shut up” tone.

Bryn: Shutting up.


Bryn: And so on. The next morning…

Mak: Bryn!

Bryn: What? Brocc’s allowed to break the fourth wall, so why can’t I do it just this once to transition the-

Scene 8: Kisetsu Town: Morning

The screen wipes into the next scene. The stage area is deserted, leaving Bryn alone.

Bryn: -scene? Hey, where did everyone go?

Brocc’s head suddenly pops up onto the screen.

Brocc: With great power comes great responsi-

Bryn wallops the side of Brocc’s face with her fist.

Bryn: SNEAK ATTAAAAA-

Bryn suddenly gets a shock.

Bryn: Oh, sorry, Brocc! I thought you were attacking me! You should know never to sneak up on a thief.

Brocc’s Voice: Nngh…I’ll…ack!...keep that in mind…

Scene 9: Kisetsu Town: Late Morning

Mak walks past some stalls. He notices a koble at one stall who is selling various wares.

Mak: Hey, I know you! You’re that koble who was eavesdropping on our conversation yesterday!

Koble: Eavesdropping? No, no! I was merely scouting out the competition! Yes, yes!

Mak: What kind of merchant sells hedge mage reagents and…fried octopus balls?

Koble: Oh, I sell anything! Yes, yes! I sell whatever the moment wants me to sell!

Mak: Oh, so you’re, like, a merchant who’s a cut above other merchants?

Koble: Oh, yes, yes! That’s me, a world-class travelling merchant!

Mak: So what’s your name?

Koble: Why, Merchant, of course!

Mak: You’re a merchant named “Merchant”?

Koble: Oh, yes, yes! Many kobles are named for their vocations!

Mak: Figures. I once had a koble friend named Knight because he wanted to be a knight.

Koble: And did he become a knight?

Mak: Actually, I heard he became a merchant.

Koble: And then he changed his name to Merchant, yes?

Mak: I have no idea. I haven’t seen him in years. I wonder whatever happened to him…

Koble: Well, I once had an orcborn friend of my own. He became a fine knight, or so I’ve heard.

Mak: He sounds like one fine individual.

Koble: But your garb clearly identifies you as a warrior and not a knight, so you couldn’t possibly know him. Oh, no, no!

Mak: Ehehe…yeah…“warrior”…right.

Mak looks away.

Koble: Wait a minute…Makkmak?!

Mak: Yeah?

Mak’s eyes suddenly widen.

Mak: Knight? I-Is that really you?!

Koble: I did not recognise you at first! Oh, no, no! You’ve become quite a tough-looking man! Much different from that whiny crybaby of a-

Mak: Shut up! People are looking at us!

Koble: Well, do I have a deal for you? Here!

Koble pulls out a small, pinkish-coloured seashell.

Mak: What is it?

Koble: Blow on this, and I’ll be right there! Oh, yes, yes! Anytime you need an item, I’ll be present with it in stock! And with an old friend’s discount!

Mak: Really?

Koble: Oh, yes, yes!

Mak: Well…okay.

Mak takes the shell.

Mak: So how much do I owe you?

Koble: Oh, no, no! Consider it a gesture on my part!

Mak: Thank you.

Koble: Any time you need an item, or if you just want to talk to me-

Mak: -I just blow into it and you’ll be there.

Koble: Indeed!

Mak stares at the shell.

Scene 10: Platinia City: Late Morning

Amethyst, Zed and Kendall are sitting outside a café. Mak joins them.

Amethyst: What kept you?

Mak: Oh, I was just…catching up with an old friend.

Amethyst: That sounds wonderful.

Mak: Yeah…

Mak’s thoughts: I wonder if that shell really works…?

Mak takes the shell out of his pocket and places it to his lips. He blows through it, causing it to emit a fart sound. Mak’s face becomes blank, his eyes half-shut.

Mak: Only Knight would give me an object that makes such a ridiculous sound...

Mak looks around, expecting Merchant to show up, but nothing happens.

Mak: I guess this thing doesn’t work, th-

Merchant dashes up to Mak at a ridiculously-fast speed.

Merchant: You called, Makkmak?

Mak: Oh, I was just testing out my shell! I don’t need anything right now, thanks.

Merchant: Understood. Bye-bye!

Merchant dashes off. Mak slips the shell into his pocket.

Mak’s thoughts: Welp, I’M not gonna use that thing again...

Mak: So where’s Erik?

Zed: He had to take Astyr and that shady guy back to their homeland.

Kendall: Uh, Zed?

Zed: Yes, Kendall?

Kendall: Why is your glove glowing?!

Zed looks at the back of his right hand. The pattern is shining through his glove with cyan light. Zed panics.

Zed: What the…?!

Amethyst: Oh dear…this may be a problem.

Kendall: Problem?

Amethyst: Kendall…what we are about to tell you must be kept secret from everyone…

***
End Credits

***