FADE IN

EXT. FICTIONAL WORLD OF NARASIA – CITY OF JANAS – EVENING

The sun slowly sets on the horizon. The fictional city of Janas descends into darkness. Janas is medieval style city that sprawls for miles in all directions.

A grand castle sits at the center of the city. Soldiers, dressed in shiny armor, patrol the castle’s perimeter.

INT. KING GORDO III’S CASTLE – DINING HALL

The dining hall is lavishly decorated. King Gordo is a man of great wealth and power. Man sized statues of marble and gold stand at attention, guarding the gigantic banquet table.

Wealthy courtesans, dressed in the finest fabrics and jewels, sit at the table gorging themselves on a fine meal.

Most of the King’s guests are well fed and have the girth to show for it. KING GORDO III (58) sits at the head of the table. He is a round, moon faced man with well-groomed salt and pepper hair.

The King finishes off his turkey leg. He hands the bone to his head servant, HIGGINS (65) who in turn hands it to the dog under the table. The servant takes a napkin and wipes the king’s mouth.

King Gordo claps his hands together. The servant snatches another turkey leg. He delicately hands it to his king.

   HIGGINS
	Your leg, sire.

King Gordo bites into the leg, separating flesh from bone in a single disgusting move.

   GORDO
	And an excellent leg of turkey
	it is!
Gordo licks his fingers in satisfaction. His servant does his best to hide his distaste.

   GORDO
	Most excellent. Higgins,
	I must have more!

The king turns to his wife, QUEEN BEA (35). She, like her husband, is a bit on the portly side. Queen Bea sits on a large red cushion. This cushion elevates her above all the other guests seated at the table, including the king.

   BEA
	Yes. A most exquisite bird. Just
	as tasty as the last, I might add.

King Gordo nods in agreement.

   GORDO
	Well done! Well done indeed.

Gordo and Bea’s son the young prince, ROLAND I (11) SNORTS. He is a pudgy little boy who looks like a potato with two narrow slits for eyes.

A look of concern crosses over Queen Bea’s features.

   BEA
	What is the matter little
	precious?

Roland makes a sour face.

   ROLAND
	This tastes like Higgins’
	soiled underwear.  

A chorus of LAUGHTER erupts. The boy, amused at his own ignorance, makes another disgusted face. The bratty prince throws the half eaten piece of meat at the servant.

   ROLAND
	Blah!

Higgins forces a smile and wipes his face. He bows his head.

   HIGGINS
	And what shall please your 
	highness?

Prince Roland looks around mischievously. He smiles. It looks much like the Cheshire cat’s smile.

   ROLAND
	I command you to pick your nose
	and pat your tummy.

The dinner guests erupt into LAUGHTER once more. Higgins looks at the King in desperation. The King shakes his head.

   GORDO
	Now, now. There will be none of
	that. You mustn’t be rude to the
	servants, Roland.

The King finishes the turkey leg and throws the bone on the table, leaving it for Higgins to clean up.

   GORDO
	Anymore of this nonsense and
	you won’t get any pudding.

Roland crosses his arms, disappointed.

   ROLAND
	You never let me have any fun.

The prince glares at Higgins.

   ROLAND
	Higgins has a pickle nose and
	piggy little eyes.

Queen Bea shakes her head, trying to conceal her laughter.

   BEA
	Oh, boys will be boys!

King Gordo frowns.

   GORDO
	Honestly my dear, you shall spoil
	the boy if you indulge all of his
	mischief.

Roland pounds the table.

   ROLAND
	Bring me my pudding.

The king turns to Higgins and snaps his fingers.

   GORDO
	Bring the boy his pudding.

   HIGGINS
	As you wish, my king.

Roland narrows his eyes.

   ROLAND
	I want extra sprinkles. And
	extra whipped cream with extra
	nuts and butterscotch.

   HIGGINS
	You shall have extra of everything
	my young sire.

Higgins quickly makes his way out of the dining hall and into the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN

The kitchen bustles with activity. Chefs, servants and other kitchen staff go about the busy and never ending work of pleasing the king and his guests.

Higgins walks to the back of the kitchen. A young CHEF (22) prepares a large bowl of chocolate pudding. She is a beautiful young woman with pale skin and long jet-black hair.

Higgins approaches the pudding chef.

   HIGGINS
	Our dear prince wants extra of
	everything on his pudding dessert.

The chef looks him up and down, almost annoyed.

   CHEF
	Extra what?

Higgins snaps his fingers.

   HIGGINS
	Extra sprinkles, whipped cream,
	nuts and butterscotch. Haven’t
	you learned by now?

He pauses.

   HIGGINS
	I’ve never seen you here before.
	Who are you?

She takes a pile of sprinkles and throws it onto the gooey pudding.

   CHEF
	I’m new.

Higgins frowns.

   HIGGINS
	Ah, yes. New indeed. Well,
	you’ll soon learn the routine.
	The royal family has a very 
	regimented schedule and we must
	never deviate from it. And young
	Roland is very particular about
	his pudding. 

The chef smiles, her black painted lips glistening.

   CHEF
	Oh, I’m sure that our little 
	Prince will find his pudding very
	satisfactory. 

She throws some nuts and butterscotch onto the chocolate pudding. Finally she tops it off with a massive pile of whipped cream.

She hands the bowl to Higgins.

   CHEF
	Enjoy.

Higgins takes the bowl and makes his way out of the busy kitchen. The chef watches him leave; a tiny smile parts her lips.

INT. DINING HALL

Higgins arrives with the chocolate treat. Roland finishes off a giant chocolate chip cookie. He looks up and smiles when he sees the pudding bowl.

   ROLAND
	Give it to me!

Higgins places the bowl in front of the boy. Roland picks up a spoon and studies it. He frowns.

   ROLAND
	I want a new spoon. This one
	has your boogers on it.

Roland’s parents LAUGH at their boy’s joke.

   BEA
	Now now, be nice.

Higgins hands the boy a shiny, silver spoon.

   HIGGINS
	There you are, my young sire.

The boy snatches the spoon and digs into the pudding. He begins to shovel the pudding into his mouth.

INT. KITCHEN

The chef peeks her head through the kitchen door. Her eyes widen as he puts the first spoonful into his mouth. She watches the boy as he digs into his dessert. She smiles to herself.

INT. DINING HALL

King Gordo leans back in his chair. Higgins pours him a glass of wine. He takes a long sip and pats his belly.

   GORDO
	I’m up for some pumpkin pie. Or
	perhaps some ice cream. Better 
	make it both to be on the safe
	side.

His wife scolds him.

   BEA
	Honestly. You simply eat too much.

He looks at his wife. The King then looks over at his son who is attacking his bowl of pudding.

   GORDO
	Not just me my dear. 

Roland stops eating. He frowns and grabs his head. His parents look at him, concerned.

   BEA
	What’s wrong my precious? Aren’t
	you feeling well?

Roland holds his forehead and lets out a low GROAN.

   GORDO
	Do you have brain freeze?

Roland lets out a long, deep BELCH. He faints and he falls forward, his face landing in the pudding. The guests let out a collective SCREAM.

The King gets to his feet, SHOUTING.

   GORDO
	Quickly! Send for Doctor Cubbins!

He looks at the boy.

   GORDO
	And get him out of that bowl of
	pudding at once!

The kitchen staff lifts the young Prince’s head out of the pudding. They carry him into the prince’s bedchamber. The Queen, hysterical, follows them.

The chef watches this entire affair for another moment before slinking back into the kitchen.

INT. ROYAL PRINCE ROLAND’S BEDCHAMBER

The Prince’s bedchamber is HUGE and littered with toys. The prince is laid on his bed. The queen frets over her son. A squad of royal guards enters the room.

   BEA
	Oh my little prince! What has
	happened to you. Poor, poor 
	little sweetie!

The King looks down at his son. The boy sleeps like a baby. A sour expression is etched into the boy’s pudgy features.

   GORDO
	Oh what a noble brow you have.

He shakes his son but the boy will not wake. DOCTOR CUBBINS enters the room. He is a whimsical looking old man with a long white beard and a gigantic shock of snow-white hair sitting atop his head. It looks like a giant bird’s nest.

Queen Bea greets the doctor.

   BEA
	Please help my little darling!
	Oh my adorable little pot pie.

Doctor Cubbins walks over to the boy. He examines the boy very, very carefully. He frowns. He takes out an instrument and examines the young Prince. He then nods his head and strokes his beard knowingly.

   DOCTOR CUBBINS
	Oh my. Oh my. 

He stops and checks the boy again.

   DOCTOR CUBBINS
	Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.

   GORDO
	What is it then, good doctor?

Doctor Cubbins turns to the royal couple.

   DOCTOR CUBBINS
	It seems that the Prince has
	fallen into a deep sleep.

The royal couple exchange looks, confused. At that moment, the door is kicked in with a loud BANG. The chef enters the room. She claps her hands, smiling.

   CHEF
	Capital diagnosis doctor. Well
	done.

Higgins frowns.

   HIGGINS
	What is the meaning of this?

She waves her hand. She is engulfed in a puff of smoke. When the smoke dissipates, they see that she is no longer dressed in the chef outfit. She is now dressed in a sleek, black, form fitting sorceress outfit.

She stands before them as the SORCERESS VIVIAN.

Higgins GASPS.

   HIGGINS
	The sous chef is a witch!

The royal guards lunge at the sorceress. She freezes the guards into a giant block of ice. She CLAPS her hands. The ice block crumbles into tiny ice cubes.

She looks at Higgins. Vivian frowns in distaste.

      VIVIAN
	A witch? Oh please.

Vivian CLAPS her hand. Higgins is turned into a grotesque, blob like little creature.

   VIVIAN
	I prefer to refer to myself as
	a sorceress. It’s far more upscale
	don’t you think?

The queen faints, hitting the floor like a heavy sack of books. The king rushes to her aid. He fans the queen’s face.

   HIGGINS
	What have you done to me?!

Higgins, now transformed into a green blob, slinks into the corner of the room. He leaves a trail of slime and ooze on the floor.

Vivian LAUGHS aloud. She paces the room, looking at the royal couple. Her cute, angelic features beam with satisfaction. Her pouting lips part into a wide smile.

Queen Bea slowly wakes up. She rubs her head.

   GORDO
	Are you hurt my dear?

Vivian smiles.

   VIVIAN
	Seems you took a tumble your
	highness.

Gordo gets to his feet.

   GORDO
	I demand an explanation 
	immediately!

Vivian’s smile fades.

   VIVIAN
	You demand?

She waves her hand. King Gordo has been shrunken to four inches in height. He is trapped inside a small crystal ball.

He paces around the sphere, banging on the crystal walls.

   VIVIAN
	Now you can make all the demands
	you want from your new kingdom.

She snaps her fingers. The queen is now four inches in height and trapped inside a second crystal ball.

   VIVIAN
	This kingdom belongs to me.

She kneels down on the floor. She smiles, looking into the crystal balls.

She taps on the king’s crystal ball with her index finger.

   VIVIAN
	You mean you don’t remember me?

She puts her face close to the ball.

   VIVIAN
	How could you forget a face like 
	mine? Does the name Vivian ring a
	bell?

She turns to the queen.

   VIVIAN
	You mean you don’t remember the
	little girl from the Royal Magic
	Academy feast ten years ago? Black
	pigtails? Little pouting face?
	Terribly shy and sweet?

She looks back at the king. She takes the two crystal balls. She stands up. The sorceress paces the room, looking into the crystal balls, angry.

   VIVIAN
	The little girl who loved the king
	and queen? The little girl who 
	didn’t get accepted into the
	Magic Academy because she
	shattered your wonderful, 
	breakable porcelain bowl during 
	the royal pudding presentation?

She pauses a moment, smiling once more.

   VIVIAN
	It was an accident. I swear. 

Four squads of guards burst through the doors on the other side of the room.

   VIVIAN
	It was my dream to be in that
	Academy and you took it from
	me. All for the love of a bowl.

She pauses.

   VIVIAN
	Or was it the low test scores? Who
	knows? Who cares? The Kingdom
	is now mine. The king and queen
	reign from a crystal ball and the
	pudgy little prince sleeps 
	forever. Just how I like it.

She reaches her hand out. A bottle of juice flies from the table and into her open hand. She takes a long swig. She makes a bitter face. She reads the label on the bottle. The label reads:” Sour Grape Juice”.

The CAPTAIN of the guard draws his sword.

   CAPTAIN
	You are under arrest!

Vivian smiles mischievously. 

   VIVIAN
	Catch me if you can.

She bolts out of the room in a blur. The guards give chase.

INT. CASTLE

The guards chase the sorceress through the castle. It is a long chase that takes them through long hallways, up winding sets of stairs and up to the top of the castle.

Vivian throws open a door and heads outside.

EXT. TOP OF CASTLE

The sorceress runs down a long walkway. The guards chase her. She arrives at a ledge. She looks down at the ground far below.

The captain, out of breath, approaches the sorceress.

   CAPTAIN
	You’re trapped. Hand over those
	crystal balls and surrender 
	yourself at once.

Vivian stands on top of the ledge. She walks along the ledge, carefree.

   VIVIAN
	You mean these?

She juggles the crystal spheres. The king and queen, trapped in their crystal prisons, begin to SHOUT. Vivian begins to juggle faster. She tosses the spheres around, performing a set of fancy tricks with them.

   VIVIAN
	No. I don’t think so. I think
	I’ll take these as a souvenir. 
	I’ve had an enjoyable visit.

The Captain raises his sword.

   CAPTAIN
	Surrender at –

Vivian puts her finger to her lips. She smiles and shakes her head.

   VIVIAN
	Don’t say anything more. You’ll
	just spoil my moment.

The Captain’s mouth vanishes. Vivian bows to the rest of the soldiers. She tucks the crystal spheres into a purse on her belt.

   VIVIAN
	And now I must go. But I’m
	leaving a garrison here to make
	sure that you behave yourselves.

She waves her hand. Five squads of troll-like soldiers arrive. They are armed to the teeth. The trolls attack the royal guards. A giant fight breaks out.

The sorceress watches the fight in satisfaction. 

   VIVIAN
	Ta ta!

She winks her eye, leans back and falls off the ledge. As she falls, a giant black dragon materializes from thin air. She lands on the dragon’s back and flies away.

INT. TEMPLE OF BOK – AFTERNOON

An ancient coin is embedded inside a wall. Mystical hieroglyphs and strange pictures surround the coin.

A knife blade slides under the coin. A gloved hand uses the knife to try and pry the coin loose from the wall.

There is a CLICKING sound. A VOICE speaks.

   VOICE
	I know what I’m doing.

There is the CLICKING sound again.

   VOICE
	No. I really don’t care what
	the pictures say. 

The hand pries at the coin. It finally pops out. JARESH (26) adventurer and scoundrel, holds the coin to eye level. He grins in satisfaction.

He is a handsome young man. His black hair is long and rests casually on his shoulders. His dark eyes sparkle with mischief and absolute confidence. Jaresh has a lean but strong build and he is tanned from many a day spent adventuring under the bright sun.

Another CLICKING sound. Jaresh smiles. He glances at the green iguana sitting on his shoulder.

   JARESH
	What did I tell you? Now to
	deliver the goods.

He admires the coin for another moment before slipping it into the pouch on his belt. He turns around and walks down a dark, narrow corridor. ALEXANDER the iguana makes another clicking noise.

Two skeletal GHOULS rise up behind Jaresh. His sword flies to his hand and the ghouls are decapitated in two swift, smooth strokes. His sword glows with a soft, flame colored hue.

He sheaths his sword and continues walking without missing a beat.

   JARESH
	What problem?

Jaresh walks down the hall and exits the chamber through a large, broad door.

INT. TEMPLE

Jaresh walks through another dark room. In the middle of the room is a broad, deep well. He walks past the well.

Alexander makes a CLICK.

   JARESH
	I don’t hear anything.

Jaresh continues his walk through the room. There is a deep, RUMBLING sound coming from inside the well. Jaresh stops walking and listens to the sound. He slowly turns around. He looks at the well.

Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh narrows his eyes and watches the well. He nods his head.

   JARESH
	I think you’re right.

Suddenly, the room begins to rumble. Hundreds of pigmy mummy warriors scramble up from the darkness of the well.

   JARESH
	Time to go!

Alexander scampers into Jaresh’s backpack. Jaresh draws his sword and cuts down several pigmy mummies with a few quick, skillful moves.

He turns and runs out of the chamber.

EXT. TEMPLE OF BOK – AFTERNOON

The giant temple of Bok sits snug in the dense, green forest. The building is ancient and vines wrap around its stones like thick, green snakes.

Jaresh runs out of a door at the top of the temple. He scrambles down a set of steep stairs.

Hundred and hundreds of leathery brown pigmy mummy warriors chase after him.

He gets to the bottom of the stairs and runs into the forest. The warriors are in fast pursuit. They fire arrows at him as he runs.

Jaresh turns to look at the situation. Alexander CLICKS from inside his bag.

   JARESH
	I’ve got everything under control.
	Just a little change of plans.

One of the pygmies fires an arrow. Jaresh ducks, the arrow barely missing his head. Alexander CLICKS.

   JARESH
	No need to rub it in.

Jaresh turns back around and continues running.

EXT. CLIFF

Jaresh arrives at a cliff. He looks down. The ground is hundreds of feet below. The mummy pigmy warriors have almost caught up. 

Jaresh grits his teeth.

   JARESH
	Everything the hard way. Hold
	on tight.

Jaresh leaps off the cliff just as the hundreds of warriors catch up to him. He plummets toward the ground, hundreds of arrows firing on him.

A parachute opens up on Jaresh’s backpack. He glides through the air; a grin of satisfaction crosses his face. He looks up and waves at the creatures.

Jaresh and Alexander gently glide away to safety.

INT. THE CROSSROADS TAVERN – NIGHT

The homely Crossroads Tavern bustles with activity. Rowdy patrons sit at the tables clanking their mugs together and chugging down brew.

Pretty waitresses carry meals and drinks on big platters. They give out the occasional wink to gain their customer’s affection and a little extra coin.

Jaresh sits at a table near the back. His boots rest on the tabletop. He leans back in his chair, a picture of total comfort.

Alexander sits on the table. He eats fruit from a bowl. A gorgeous, well built BARMAID passes their table. Jaresh and Alexander watch her walk by.

Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh grins.

   JARESH
	I know you would.

Jaresh takes a drink. At that moment, a tall and broad man with closely cropped hair and a gray beard approaches the table. His features are stern and serious.

This is GENERAL MANTHEO (46). Jaresh looks up at the general. The general speaks with a deep, commanding Christopher Lee style VOICE.

   MANTHEO
	Jaresh the adventurer I presume.

Jaresh gives the general his best poker face.

   JARESH
	Right the first time.

   MANTHEO
	May I?

The general points to a seat. Jaresh pushes the seat out with his foot. The general has a seat. The general pauses before speaking.

   MANTHEO
	I’ve heard of your exploits. Your
	services are needed. My name is
	Mantheo, General of King Gordo
	III’s armies on the southern
	continent.

Jaresh pours himself another drink. He takes a mug and pours the general a drink as well.

   JARESH
	Well, General My fee is five
	thousand flat. Non-negotiable.
	Depending on the job, I reserve
	the right to charge more.

The general smiles and CHUCKLES a bit. He is genuinely amused.

   MANTHEO
	Is that all? How ever do you
	earn a living?

Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh rubs his chin. 

   JARESH
	I get by. 

   MANTHEO
	Indeed.

Jaresh studies the general for a moment before speaking.

   JARESH
	So let’s cut straight to it.
	Why do you need me? 

   MANTHEO
	The royal family has been abducted
	and the southern continent taken 
	over by the sorceress Vivian.

Jaresh nods his head.

   JARESH
	So I’ve heard. Where do I
	fit into all this?

   MANTHEO
	Prince Roland, heir to the throne
	has been put into a deep sleep.
	The spell that binds him is 
	powerful. Only the song of the
	ancients can wake him.

Jaresh cracks a grin. He shakes his head.

   JARESH
	I don’t sing.

   MANTHEO
	It’s not your voice that the
	Kingdom needs. It’s your
	experience and skill with the
	sword. 

   JARESH
	Go on.

Mantheo removes a parchment from inside his coat. He unrolls the parchment and spreads it on the table. Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh nods his head.

   MANTHEO
	This, as you know, is a map of
	the southern continent. It will
	guide you in your journey. Have
	you ever traveled to this land?

Jaresh studies the map.

   JARESH
	Never had the pleasure. Or the
	opportunity. This is a huge place.
	I might have to adjust my rates.
	Just a little.

Mantheo smiles. It’s a smile that is almost condescending in nature.

   MANTHEO
	The royal coffers are deep my
	young friend.

Mantheo rolls the map up. He continues speaking.

   MANTHEO
	You are to form a team and guide
	the song maiden Akina to the top
	of Mount Yaha. There she will sing 
	the song of the ancients and break
	the Sorceress’ spell.

Jaresh raises his eyebrow.

   JARESH
	And?

   MANTHEO
	And then you will defeat the
	Sorceress Vivian, return the
	royal couple to the throne and
	restore peace to the kingdom.

Alexander makes a loud CLICKING sound. Jaresh nods in agreement with the iguana. Mantheo looks at the iguana and raises his eyebrow.

   JARESH
	Boy, you got that right.

He looks at the general.

   JARESH
	Is that all?

   MANTHEO
	The pay you make will be
	considerable. You’ll never have
	to work again.

Jaresh leans back in his chair.

   MANTHEO
	Name your price.

Jaresh removes a pen from inside his pouch. He takes a little slip of paper and writes on it. He slides the paper across the table.

General Mantheo looks at the figure. He nods his head.

   MANTHEO
	The kingdom will pay you
	thirty times that amount.

Jaresh nearly looses his cool. He just manages to keep his composure.

   JARESH
	It’s a deal.

Mantheo rises to his feet. He places a piece of paper on the table, along with the map.

   MANTHEO
	Good. Read this paper. It will
	tell you where you can find the
	members of the team you are to
	assemble.

   JARESH
	I work alone.

Mantheo smiles again.

   MANTHEO
	Not on this one. You’ll need their
	skills. You alone are no match
	for the Sorceress. 

   JARESH
	I can handle my own.

   MANTHEO
	Have you knowledge of magic then?
	I hope so. For your sake and ours.

Jaresh grits his teeth.

   JARESH
	Fine. It’s your money. I’ll set 
	up the team.

Mantheo removes a bag from inside his pouch. He throws it onto the table. The bag is filled with coins.

   MANTHEO
	Your travel expenses. The kingdom
	is prepared to pay for anything
	you need. Only spend this money
	wisely. We dislike waste.

Jaresh picks the bag up. He nods his head.

   JARESH
	You won’t be disappointed.

   MANTHEO
	I’m sure.

They shake hands. Mantheo leaves the tavern. Jaresh grins. He opens the bag and counts through the bright golden coins.

   JARESH
	What a goldmine! This is
	the big one we’ve been talking
	about. Piece of cake.

Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh nods in agreement.

EXT. VIVIAN’S TOWER – NIGHT

The Sorceress Vivian’s tower rises like a needle out of the darkness. The walls of the tower are shaped in a spiral that leads all the way to the top. A light burns in the tower top window.

INT. VIVIAN’S TOWER

A crystal ball rolls across the wooden floor. It knocks over a set of cans. One of the cans still stands.

The king, trapped inside this crystal sphere, SHOUTS in protest. A stone golem BARKS aloud.

Vivian smiles. She holds a crystal ball like a bowling ball. The queen is trapped inside this ball.

   VIVIAN
	Oh. Too bad. Let’s see if I
	can do better.

Vivian bowls the sphere across the floor. The crystal ball hits a set of cans, sending them all flying every which way. She smiles in satisfaction.

   VIVIAN
	Looks like the girls are winning
	this one.

She SIGHS. She picks up the two spheres, holding them close to her face.

   VIVIAN
	I’m getting bored. Aren’t you?

She looks around the room. She spies a set of books. Her almond shaped eyes light up with delight.

   VIVIAN
	Want to have some real fun?

The king bangs on the crystal walls. He stamps his foot. Queen Bea fans her face, frustrated.

   VIVIAN
	Oh come on. It’ll be delicious.

She walks over and picks up one of the big, heavy books.

   VIVIAN
	I love a good book. I can
	get lost in them for hours.

She flips through the pages.

   VIVIAN
	Let’s see. What am I in the
	mood for?

She studies a page.

   VIVIAN
	Mischief? Nah.

She flips to another page.

   VIVIAN
	Destruction? Plague? Cliché.

She flips through some more pages.

   VIVIAN
	Malice and famine? Never on
	consecutive days. Pestilence?
	Can’t stand insects.

She finally comes to rest on a page that catches her interest.

   VIVIAN
	What’s this? Wrath? Ooh.
	Wrath. I even like the way
	it sounds. It rolls off the
	tongue so nice.

She walks over to a large transparent globe.

   VIVIAN
	So we’ve made up our minds then?
	Very well. Let’s go with some
	wrath.

She places the two crystal spheres in front of the globe.

   VIVIAN
	Got to make sure you don’t miss
	out on this one.

She touches the globe. An image appears. It looks like a seaside city. Vivian runs her fingers over a page in the book. She CHANTS something under her breath.

King Gordo pounds on the glass. Vivian shoots him a harsh look.

   VIVIAN
	Quiet you.

She spins the sphere around like a top. She goes back to the book.

   VIVIAN
	Where was I?

She begins chanting again.

EXT. SEASIDE CITY – NIGHT

The seaside city is quiet. Most of the citizens have gone in for the night. A few people walk around the lit city streets, going about their business.

Suddenly, there is a BOOM. A crimson-scaled creature with huge, bat like wings descends from the clouds. The creature flies over the city and lets out a giant ROAR.

It shoots fire from its mouth and begins to attack the city. People run from their houses in panic. It is total chaos.

INT. VIVIAN’S TOWER

Vivian watches the chaos. A huge smile parts her lips. She places the two crystals close to the globe so they can witness the action.

The King and Queen SHOUT from inside their prisons. The sorceress LAUGHS aloud. Her laughter fills the tower and shakes the walls.

EXT. CROSSROAD CITY – ADVENTURER’S GUILD - DAY

Jaresh stands outside the adventurer’s guild. He looks at the sign on the wall. Alexander sits on his shoulder. The iguana CLICKS.

   JARESH
	We’ll find someone in here.

Jaresh enters the guild.

INT. ADVENTURER’S GUILD

The inside of the guild is loud and boisterous. Men of all shapes and builds drink and talk loudly. Many a tall tale is born in a place like this.

Jaresh walks up to a table. He draws his sword. He bangs the hilt of the sword on the table three times. The loud noise catches the adventurer’s attention.

They stop talking. All eyes are on Jaresh.

   JARESH
	I’m told that this is the place
	to find an adventurer.

Jaresh twirls his sword effortlessly.

   JARESH
	Who among you is skilled enough
	to adventure with Jaresh? Form
	a line and let’s see what you’re
	made of.

Those who are interested form a line. Some smile, some scowl and others are poker faced. One by one they test their sword skills against Jaresh. 

Blade CLANGS against blade. Sweat drips from brows. Jaresh takes them out without effort. One by one, their swords fall. They are absolutely no contest for Jaresh.

Jaresh shakes his head, disappointed.

   JARESH
	That’s it then?

One MAN, a handsome young man (21), leans against the bar. He takes a bite from an apple. He puts the apple down and coolly, calmly approaches Jaresh. Jaresh studies his opponent.

   JARESH
	You’re a bit green. What’s your
	name?

   YOUNG MAN
	Tristan.

   JARESH
	Well then Tristan, let’s get
	this over with. I have an
	adventurer to find and time
	is short.

Jaresh gets into his stance, prepared to take the man on. The young man casually bends down and pulls the rug out from under Jaresh’s feet.

Jaresh hits the floor with a THUD. The man stands over him, holding his own sword at throat level. A sly grin crosses Jaresh’s features.

   JARESH
	You’re hired.

The young man bows his head and helps Jaresh to his feet.

INT. BLACK MAGE GUILD

Jaresh and Tristan walk through the halls of the Black Mage’s guild. The MASTER, a tall and stately woman, greets them.

   MASTER
	What can I do for you two
	gentlemen?

   JARESH
	I’m looking to hire a black
	mage.

   MASTER
	Well you’ve come to the right
	place. 

She arches her eyebrow.

   MASTER
	My mages are the best in the
	business. Our services come
	with a hefty price but it’s well
	worth the coin you’ll spend.

Jaresh holds up the heavy bag of coins along with a letter stamped with the royal seal of King Gordo III. The master smiles pleasantly.

   MASTER
	Follow me to the training room. 

The two men follow the mage master to the training room.

INT. TRAINING ROOM

The guild mages practice their spells inside the training room. Most of the black mages are young women. Jaresh and Tristan watch them in action. Tristan, ever the ladies man, gives one of the girls a wink.

The master CLAPS her hands. The mages stop what they are doing and wait for her to speak.

   MASTER
	We have an adventurer in search
	of a mage to join him on his
	quest. The pay is well worth the
	journey.

There is a BUZZ of conversation in the air. The mages begin auditioning for Jaresh. They shoot fireballs at the wooden targets. They CHANT spells and conjure all sorts of strange, elemental creatures that attack the wooden dummy targets.

A giant crow SQUAWKS from a wooden beam above the floor. Jaresh watches the mages with interest. They demonstrate all of their skills in an effort to get the job. The crow SQUAWKS loudly throughout the entire audition. 

One of the mages steps forward. JASMINE (22) pulls back the black hood covering her head. She has a beautiful face; her cinnamon brown hair is fashioned into all sorts of crazy braids.

She traces a wide circle with her hands. A giant fireball bursts from her hands. It strikes the crow with a BOOM. The bird erupts into a blast of feathers. 

She turns to the two men and gives them a sassy smile. Jaresh rubs his chin. He nods his head.

   JARESH
	Welcome aboard.

Jasmine pulls the hood over her head. She walks over to Jaresh and Tristan to join their team.

EXT. CLERIC’S TEMPLE
Jaresh and his new team stand outside the beautiful, elaborate cleric’s temple. A gorgeous fountain sits in front of the stairway leading to the temple entrance. Jasmine turns her nose up, showing her disdain for the temple.

   JASMINE
	White magic? I’m not going in
	there. 

Jaresh nods his head.

   JARESH
	You two wait here.

Jaresh ascends the steps and enters the temple. Tristan walks over to Jasmine. He extends his hand and gives her a little wink.

   TRISTAN
	I’m Tristan. And you are?

Jasmine looks at him, her face hidden under her black hood. She doesn’t shake his hand.

   JASMINE
	Jasmine.

   TRISTAN
	Jasmine? That’s a great name.
	So do you have anyone special
	in your life?

Jasmine smiles. Her smile is just barely visible under the hood.

   JASMINE
	As a matter of fact, I do.

She reaches inside her robe. She pulls out a small, odd-looking doll. It looks like a little green boy. The doll has two eyes that look like little pieces of coal. She places the doll on the ground.

Tristan stares at the doll. Jasmine SNAPS her fingers. The doll comes to life.

   JASMINE
	This is Mr. Quivers. 

She CLAPS her hands. Mr. Quivers walks five paces. He stops and shoots hundreds of tiny, razor sharp needles. They stick into a nearby tree.

   JASMINE
	He’s the jealous type.

Tristan shuts his mouth. Jasmine folds her arms and watches the water flow from the fountain.

INT. CLERIC’S TEMPLE

Jaresh walks down a long, narrow hallway. He enters a large prayer chamber. It is absolutely beautiful inside. Clerics kneel in a circle, deep in prayer.

The MASTER CLERIC greets him. He is a kindly looking old man dressed in simple white robes.

   MASTER CLERIC
	Greetings young one. Welcome to
	the temple of the White Robe.
	How can we assist you?

Jaresh bows his head.

   JARESH
	I’m in need of a cleric. Do you
	have any that may join my team?

Jaresh shows him the letter bearing the King’s seal. The Master Cleric studies the letter. He strokes his beard.

   MASTER CLERIC
	We are honored to do whatever we
	can to restore peace to the 
	Southern kingdom.

The Master Cleric takes him on a tour of the prayer chamber. He introduces him to the different clerics. The clerics chant and pray without noticing what’s going on.

   MASTER CLERIC
	All of our clerics have been
	extensively trained in the
	healing arts and other forms
	of white magic. But one of them
	shines above the rest.

He points to a lovely young woman who studies from a large book. This is PENELOPE (19). She has long, honey colored hair that is tied back in a giant ponytail. She wears a white robe.

   MASTER CLERIC
	Her gifts are unique, even for a
	cleric of the White Robe.

The Master Cleric bangs his staff on the floor. Penelope looks up. Her eyes lock with Jaresh’s. She smiles and bows her head.

Penelope gets to her feet. She speaks with a soft, low VOICE.

   PENELOPE
	Yes Master Cleric?

   MASTER CLERIC
	This is Jaresh. He is forming
	a team and setting forth on
	a quest of great importance.
	He requires the services of
	a cleric. Show him a sample
	of your skills.

Penelope bows her head.

   PENELOPE
	As you wish Master Cleric.

She lifts her staff. Penelope closes her eyes. She waves the staff in the air three times, spinning it with great skill.

Suddenly, an ice nymph appears out of thin air. Penelope points to a stone block. The ice nymph focuses and blows a blast of frigid, arctic air. 

The block is encased in ice. Penelope bangs her staff on the floor and the block shatters. She bows her head and smiles.

Jaresh nods in approval.

   JARESH
	Not bad at all. Welcome to the
	team.

Penelope bows her head.

   PENELOPE
	It will be an honor to join you.

Jaresh exits the chamber, Penelope following behind him.

INT. VIVIAN’S TOWER – NIGHT

King Gordo sits in his crystal prison. He rubs his hands together, trying to come up with a solution to his problem. He spies the queen’s ball on a bookshelf across the room.

   GORDO
	This is just unacceptable.

The king gets to his feet. He looks around the room. It’s empty. The only SOUND comes from the ticking clock on the wall.

Gordo cups his hands together and SHOUTS in an attempt to get the Queen’s attention. 

   GORDO
	My dear! I say, my dear can you
	hear me?

She can’t here him. Gordo stamps his foot on the crystal floor, frustrated.

   GORDO
	Blazes!

He thinks for a moment. The king then begins to push on the crystal wall, in an effort to move the sphere along. After a few good pushes, it begins to move.

He is able to get a few feet ahead and then a hand takes hold of the sphere.

Vivian looks inside the sphere. She narrows her eyes.

   VIVIAN
	And where are you rolling away to
	like a royal little hamster?

King Gordo shakes his fist at the sorceress. Vivian SNAPS her fingers. Several trolls enter the room.

   VIVIAN
	So it’s exercise you want?

She tosses the crystal sphere over to the trolls.

   VIVIAN
	Then have at it.

The trolls toss the sphere around having great fun playing catch. They drop it several times. Gordo SHOUTS his protests but can’t be heard. Vivian LAUGHS.

   VIVIAN
	Trolls will be trolls.

Vivian leaves the room, allowing the trolls to play with their new toy.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD – MORNING

Jaresh stands in front of his team. It is a bright, sunny day. They are assembled and ready to go. Alexander sits atop Jaresh’s shoulder. He CLICKS. Jaresh nods.

   JARESH
	It’s down the road, past the
	forest.

Jaresh starts walking down the country road.

   JARESH
	We’re heading to York to find
	the song maiden. We should be 
	there by tomorrow.

Jaresh and team march down the road, heading for York.

EXT. ENTRANCE TO THISTLE WOOD FOREST

The group stands on the path leading into Thistle Wood forest. A wooden post stands next to the path. It reads “Thistle Wood Forest. Pay toll.” 

They walk past the post and prepare to enter the forest. Suddenly, a GNOME jumps out of the trees. He lands on top of a stump.

He wears a bright blue outfit, a pointy orange hat. He has a long, white beard. His teeth are old and rotted.

   GNOME
	I’m the owner of Thistle Wood
	Forest. Pay the toll or you may
	not pass.

Jaresh frowns.

   JARESH
	Toll? You don’t own this forest.

The gnome jumps up and down on the stump, furious. He points his gnarly finger at the group.

   GNOME
	You’ll pay my fee or else! Don’t
	you make me angry! That you don’t
	want to do!

   JARESH
	What if we refuse?

   GNOME
	Then you cannot pass. Pay my fee 
	or I’ll –

Jasmine rubs her hands together. A giant ball of fire launches from her fingertips. It streaks towards the gnome. The gnome just barely dodges the fireball. His beard and clothes catch fire. 

The gnome SHRIEKS and runs off into the forest. Penelope puts her hands to her mouth, shocked.

   PENELOPE
	That was horrible. Surly we could
	have paid him.

Jasmine shakes her head.

   JASMINE
	Clerics.

Jaresh grins. He looks over at Tristan who smiles approvingly.

   JARESH
	Shall we?

The group heads into dark Thistle Wood Forest.

EXT. THISTLE WOOD FOREST – NIGHT

The woods have grown dark. The team sets up camp near a riverbank. Tristan sets up a pile of wood. Jasmine waves her hands over the wood and starts a fire. 

Jaresh puts a plucked bird on a spit and roasts it over the fire. The team begins to eat their dinner.

Penelope takes some berries from her pack. She eats them. Jaresh looks over at her.

   JARESH
	Want some of this? There’s
	enough for everyone.

Penelope politely declines the offer.

   PENELOPE
	Clerics of the White Robe
	don’t eat animals.

Jasmine looks up. Her face is hidden under the cover of the hood. She shakes her head.

   JARESH
	Fair enough.

They continue their dinner.

   JARESH
	First time away from the temple?

The nods her head, shy.

   JARESH
	Stick with me. You’ll learn a
	thing or two. Things you’ll
	never learn in the temple.

He gives her a friendly smile and a wink.

   PENELOPE
	I don’t mean to offend. But
	Master Cleric says that your
	reputation as a scoundrel is 
	well established.

Jaresh raises his eyebrow. He LAUGHS aloud.

   JARESH
	Did he now? I’m not such
	a bad guy.

Penelope smiles.

   PENELOPE
	Oh no. Of course not. I
	can sense that.

Jaresh whispers to her.

   JARESH
	Just don’t tell anyone else
	ok?

She nods her head. She makes a zipping motion across her lips and throws away an imaginary key. She GIGGLES.

Jaresh puts his food down. 

   JARESH
	I’ll teach you your very first
	lesson right here and now. 

Penelope nods her head.

   PENELOPE
	What is it?

Jaresh draws his sword. He swings, fast as a cobra strike. His blade stops just an inch from a Wood Stick creature’s neck.

A Wood Stick creature is a little humanoid creature with thin, spindly limbs and beady red eyes. They camouflage themselves into the surrounding trees and strike unsuspecting travelers.

Penelope stares at the creature. It runs away, terrified.

   JARESH
	A lot of strange things live in
	the forest. It’s not all bunny
	rabbits and pinecones.

   PENELOPE
	What was that thing?

   JARESH
	Wood Stick creature. Blend
                    right in with the trees. They                            
	have a fascination with human 
	hair.

Jaresh makes a pulling motion with his hand. He grins.

   JARESH
	They’ve been known to yank it 
	right off the scalp and carry it
	away as a trophy.

   PENELOPE
	That’s hideous!

Jaresh LAUGHS aloud. He leans against a log and resumes his dinner. Penelope looks around the forest, wondering if anyone is looking back at her.

EXT. SEASIDE VILLAGE OF YORK – MORNING

Jaresh and his team arrive at the bustling seaside village of York. It is a small fishing community and it looks the part.

They pass a fish market. Tristan takes a deep breath and EXHALES.

   TRISTAN
	York! I’ve missed the smell of the
	fish stalls and the ocean breeze.

Jasmine puts her finger to her nose.

   JASMINE
	Yes. What a wonderful smell.

They walk down a street and turn a corner. Suddenly, a THIEF cuts Penelope’s purse string. He turns around to run off with the purse but Jaresh is too quick for him.

Jaresh grabs the thief by his hair.

   JARESH
	That’s not nice.

The thief struggles in vain to get away.

   THIEF
	Let go of me! Now!

   JARESH
	Absolutely. Hand over the
	purse.

The thief hands Jaresh the purse. Jaresh tightens his grip on the man’s hair.

   JARESH
	Now apologize.

The thief stays silent. Jaresh smiles and twists the man’s hair. He grimaces.

   THIEF
	I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

Jaresh looks through the man’s own purse.

   THIEF
	What are you doing? Get out
	of that. I gave the purse back.
	What else do you want from me?

Jaresh counts through the cutpurse’s money. He tosses a small bag of coins over to Tristan.

   JARESH
	How does it feel?

The thief starts to protest. Jaresh releases his grip and gives the man a kick in the rear.

   JARESH
	Now get out of here and get a job.

Jaresh puts his hand on his sword hilt. The thief takes off down the street. Alexander bobs his head and CLICKS his mouth.

   JARESH
	Yeah. Yeah. I know what you would
	have done.

Jasmine pulls her hood down. She looks at the iguana, curious.

   JASMINE
	You sure love that lizard.

She gently strokes the iguana’s spines. Alexander CLICKS.

   JARESH
	He likes that.

   JASMINE
	Does he have a name?

   JARESH
	Alexander.

Jasmine strokes him some more.

   JASMINE
	Alexander. A peculiar name for
	a lizard isn’t it? He speaks
	to you?

Jaresh feeds him a small piece of fruit.

   JARESH
	All the time. 

Jasmine studies the iguana. She smiles, almost as if she knows something that Jaresh doesn’t want her to know.

   JASMINE
	Interesting.

Jaresh points down the road.

   JARESH
	The Musician’s Guild is this way.

The team heads down the street.

INT. MUSICIAN’S GUILD

Jaresh and team enter the immaculate, beautifully decorates Musician’s Guild building. A soothing, pleasant CHANT serves as background music.

The GUILD MASTER, an old woman with a stern face, greets them.

   MASTER
	You must be Master Jaresh.

Jaresh grins. He bows his head.

   JARESH
	Master Jaresh? I like the sounds
	of that.

The guild master looks them over for a moment, sizing them up.

   MASTER
	I trust that you and your friends
	will provide excellent protection
	for Akina, our precious jewel.

   JARESH
	Second to none.

She nods her head in approval.

   MASTER
	Good. She is the gem of our
	guild. You will not find a
	a more beautiful voice in all
	the land. Follow me.

She takes them down a long hallway.

   MASTER
	There is no note she cannot
	sing. No range she cannot
	reach. She has the voice
	of a goddess. 

They arrive at a large wooden door. The master stops. She points at the door reverently.

   MASTER
	Akina, the only one who can sing 
	the song of the ancients, savior
	of the Southern Kingdom waits for
	you right behind this very door.

Suddenly there is a loud SHOUT. Jaresh frowns. They can hear AKINA SHOUTING at someone through the door.

   AKINA
	Where is my comb?! Which idiot
	took it this time?! I’m not
	going anywhere without it!

Jaresh and Tristan exchange looks. The Guild Master tries not to show her embarrassment. The SHOUTING and carrying on continues.

   JARESH
	Sounds like a real sweetheart.

The Guild Master opens the door. The group walks inside.

INT. AKINA’S CHAMBERS

The guild master guides the team into Akina’s room. Akina (20) is stands with her back turned to the group. She is a cute girl with poker straight black hair; straight cut bangs and ocean blue eyes. She has quite the small frame standing at five foot two and only one hundred pounds. It’s a very cute little figure.

She is dressed in her night attire. Akina turns around, shocked. She locks eyes with Jaresh and then runs behind a wall.

   AKINA
	Doesn’t anyone ever knock
	around here!

The guild master tries her best to calm the diva song maiden.

   MASTER
	Akina, this is Jaresh and his
	friends. They are to escort you
	on your journey.

Akina stays hidden behind the wall.

   AKINA
	Thanks for volunteering me.

   MASTER
	It is for the good of the land
	my dear.

   AKINA
	Oh whatever.

   MASTER
	Please don’t be rude. They’re
	here to help you. Come out from
	there. Don’t make master Jaresh
	wait.

They can hear Akina stumbling around behind the wall.

   AKINA
	I’m getting dressed. If you
	had bothered to have my clothes
	washed I would have more
	than one outfit.

Jaresh smiles pleasantly. It is an obviously fake smile.

   JARESH
	Oh, I’m going to enjoy this.

Akina emerges from behind the wall. She stands in front of them, arms crossed. She looks at the group in front of her.

   AKINA
	My bags aren’t ready so you’ll
	have to wait.

Jaresh rubs his chin, annoyed.

   JARESH
	Bags?

   AKINA
	Clothes. Make up. Shoes.
	I’m not going out there
	into the world with just one
	outfit.

She folds some clothes and places them in a bag. 

   AKINA
	You adventurer types wear the same
	outfit day after day. It’s
	really smelly and gross.

Jaresh shakes his head.

   JARESH
	We travel light. Pick an
	outfit and go with it. Time
	is short. We have to go.

Akina attempts to stare him down but it doesn’t work. It never does. She finally backs down.

   AKINA
	This is so stupid.

Alexander emerges from inside his pouch. Akina SCREAMS.

   AKINA
	What is that? Get that thing
	out of my room!

Alexander CLICKS.

   AKINA
	Get it out! Now! It’s
	disgusting.

Jaresh frowns. Now he’s mad.

   JARESH
	Hey! That’s my dad you’re talking
	about!

Akina is about to say something but stops in mid sentence. She looks at him incredulously.

   AKINA
	Your father is a green lizard? Now
	that you mention it, I can see the
	resemblance. 

Jaresh grits his teeth. Akina starts to LAUGH. It is a long, agitating laugh intended for maximum annoyance.

   AKINA
	I’m being protected by a man who 
	thinks his father is a lizard? 
	This is bonkers. 

Jasmine smiles. She leans in close to Jaresh.

   JASMINE
	The Wizard Walpole did this?

Jaresh nods his head, agitated.

   JARESH
	I’d rather not talk about it.

Alexander CLICKS and bobs his head, angry. The guild master tries to restore order to the situation.

   MASTER
	You will do as master Jaresh asks.
	You will follow his orders to the
	letter.

Akina looks at her master, deciding whether she should challenge her authority.

   MASTER
	Do I make myself clear?

Akina narrows her eyes but says nothing. Jaresh bows his head.

   JARESH
	We leave at two this afternoon.
	Be ready.

Akina turns her back to him and the rest of the group. Jaresh motions for his team to follow him out of her chambers. They exit the room.

EXT. YORK – DOCKS

The team walks along the busy dock, looking for the ship that will take them to the southern continent. Akina walks with the group. She is silent. She pouts and rolls her eyes as they walk.

Tristan looks at her. He smiles and walks alongside her. He holds his hand out in a greeting. Akina ignores him.

   TRISTAN
	I’m just trying to introduce
	myself. My name is Tristan.

Akina steps up her pace. She leaves Tristan in the dust.

   AKINA
	No.

Tristan shrugs his shoulders and keeps walking.

EXT. DOCKS – AFTERNOON

Jaresh and crew stand in front of an old fishing ship. The name on the ship reads: Sugar Lady. The CAPTIAN, an older man with tan skin that’s covered with tattoos, greets them.

   CAPTAIN
	Jaresh and company? Get on
	board. The Sugar Lady be ready
	to take you to Napooloo
	island.

Akina curls her lips.

   AKINA
	We’re going on that pile of
	rotten planks? I’d rather
	swim.

The captain gives her a stern look.

   CAPTAIN
	Young lady, you talk about me
	ship that way again and you
	will.

Akina steps back. She frowns. Jaresh and his group board the ship. Akina stands on the dock. Jaresh foils his arms, waiting for her.

   JARESH
	Any day now, your majesty.

Akina huffs and puffs for a moment.

   AKINA
	I might fall in the water.

Jaresh rolls his eyes. He leaves the deck and walks back onto the dock.

   JARESH
	May I?

Without waiting for her to answer, he picks her up. She SHRIEKS. She pounds on his shoulders with her little fists.

   AKINA
	You’ll wrinkle my pants!

   JARESH
	Forget the pants.

He boards the boat and sets her down on the deck. Akina glares at him.

   AKINA
	So rude!

She stomps over to the other side of the ship. Penelope watches her.

   PENELOPE
	Should I go talk to her?

Jaresh shakes his head.

   JARESH
	Spare yourself the horror.

The captain hoists the sails and the ship sets off for the southern continent.

INT. VIVIAN’S TOWER – DAY

Vivian watches her new kingdom from her globe. A few trolls fight over a piece of meat with a mangy dog. She lets out a SIGH and walks over to the mantle piece.

She looks at the two crystal spheres containing the king and queen.

   VIVIAN
	Running a kingdom is so dull.
	What did you people do with
	yourselves all day?

Vivian picks up the spheres.

   VIVIAN
	Royalty is so useless.

She carries them over and places them in front of the globe. She watches some farmers toiling in a field. It is a hot summer day. One of the farmers takes his hat off and fans his face.

   VIVIAN
	Have either of you ever sweated
	before?

She thinks of something and a big smile crosses her face.

   VIVIAN
	Care to see what its like?

She lights a candle and carries it over to the table. She sets the candle down.

   VIVIAN
	It’s good for the pores. You’ll
	like it.

She picks up the queen’s ball and holds it over the flame. King Gordo SHOUTS from inside his prison. 

   VIVIAN
	Don’t worry your majesty.
	You’ll get your chance.

The queen fans her face. She speaks but her VOICE goes unheard. After a moment, the queen gets to her feet. She hops around as the flame begins to heat up the crystal.

   VIVIAN
	There you go! Dance for me.
	Let me see you sweat.

Vivian smiles as she watches the queen dart around the sphere.

EXT. OCEAN – DAY

The Sugar Lady sails the open sea. It is a bright, sunny day. There isn’t a single cloud in the sky.

EXT. THE SUGAR PIRATE CANDY KANE’S DECK – DAY

A flag flutters in the ocean breeze. In the middle of the flag is a skull. Two candy canes cross over the grinning skull.

CANDY KANE, a sugar pirate, stands on the deck of his ship. He watches his target, the Sugar Lady. 

He wears a large, wide brimmed black hat, an eye patch and a pirate uniform that it striped like a candy cane. He speaks with a typical pirate accent.

   CANDY KANE
	The Sugar Lady. Now that be my
	type of cargo.

He turns to the sugar skeleton piloting the big wheel.

   CANDY KANE
	We be boarding that ship.

Candy Kane gathers his skeletal crew and prepares to launch an offensive. Kane takes an ivory staff. He places the staff into a groove on the deck. A bubble appears around the ship.

EXT. DECK OF THE SUGAR LADY

Jaresh looks out at the open ocean. Alexander sits on his shoulder, enjoying the view. Jasmine joins him. She pulls her hood down. Jaresh looks over at her.

   JARESH
	How did you know about Walpole?

Jasmine strokes the iguana’s back.

   JASMINE
	I trained under him for a
	summer while I was on the
	eastern continent. I
	recognize his handiwork.

Alexander bobs his head.

   JASMINE
	It’s his signature spell. He
	detests lizards.

Jaresh nods.

   JARESH
	Good detective work.

   JASMINE
	What did he do to make the
	old wizard so angry in the
	first place?

Jaresh rubs his chin. He grins.

   JARESH
	Ever see the wizard’s daughter?

Jasmine LAUGHS aloud.

   JASMINE
	Walpole always was the 
	overprotective type.

   JARESH
	My father was the best
	adventurer in the land. No
	one was better. He taught me
	everything I know.

Alexander CLICKS angrily. He bobs his head up and down.

   JASMINE
	What did he say?

Jaresh grins.

   JARESH
	He said I still am you bloody
	idiot.

They both LAUGH. Suddenly, there is a loud BOOM. Jaresh looks out over the waters. He sees Candy Kane’s ship heading toward them.

The captain rushes over to the railing. He takes his telescope and has a look at the ship.

   CAPTAIN
	That’s Candy Kane’s flag.

Akina comes on deck to have a look at what’s going on. Jaresh takes the telescope and has a look for himself.

   AKINA
	What’s all that noise? I’m
	trying to get some sleep.

   JARESH
	Candy Kane?

   CAPTAIN
	A sugar pirate.

Akina turns around and heads back into the ship.

   AKINA
	Pirates! Good-bye!

She runs down below deck. Candy Kane’s ship fires another volley as the Sugar Lady. Jasmine puts her hands together.

   JASMINE
	Let’s see how they like this.

She launches a fireball at the ship. The fireball bounces off the protective bubble. The ship is unharmed.

She grits her teeth.

   JASMINE
	A staff of blocking. I don’t
	have enough time to break his
	shield.

Jaresh draws his sword.

   JARESH
	Then we’ll take them one by one.

Tristan and Penelope join him on deck. Tristan draws his own weapon, an impressive katana. 

   TRISTAN
	That won’t be a problem.

The team braces itself as the pirate ship draws near.

EXT. CANDY KANE’S SHIP

Candy Kane’s pirates surge toward the railing as the two ships meet. 

   CANDY KANE
	This ship is ours for the
	taking!

The ships clash. 

EXT. THE SUGAR LADY

The sugar skeleton pirates storm the ship. Jaresh and company begins the fight. 

   JARESH
	Here’s where the fun begins!

Jaresh and Tristan demonstrate their great sword skills. Jasmine uses her magic to blast skeletons into pieces.

Six sugar skeletons encircle Jaresh. They have him completely surrounded. Jaresh smiles.

   JARESH
	Come on then. 

They advance on him. In a flash, six skulls hit the deck. The sugar skeletons crumble. He is just that quick and lethal.

INT. SHIP CABIN

Akina has locked herself inside a cabin. She places furniture in front of the door. She tries to push a big trunk against the door.

   AKINA
	Oh come on! What’s in this
	thing?

A horde of skeletons begins BANGING on the door. Akina lets out a SCREAM. She takes cover under the bed.

The skeletons kick the door in. They start to tear the room up.

   AKINA
	Go away!

They turn the bed over. Akina is cornered. At that moment, Jaresh enters the cabin. He dispatches the entire horde with some fancy sword work. He grins, gives her a little nod and exits the room as fast as he entered.

Akina watches him leave, out of breath and breathing hard.

EXT. CANDY KANE’S DECK

Candy Kane watches as Jaresh and team hack his sugar pirates to pieces. He stomps his foot on the deck. A scowl crosses his features.

He turns around and storms below deck.

INT. CANDY KANE’S SHIP 

Candy Kane stands in front of a large, well-oiled machine. He presses a few buttons on the machine. He pulls a large lever.

   CANDY KANE
	Time for reinforcements.

The machine shakes and convulses. It begins to churn out dozens of sugar pirate skeletons. Candy Kane LAUGHS maniacally. 

EXT. THE SUGAR LADY – DECK

Tristan finishes off a few more skeletons. He wipes his brow. He notices a fresh horde of skeletons coming his way.

   TRISTAN
	There’s no end to this!

Jaresh grits his teeth.

   JARESH
	I’m boarding that ship.

Jaresh hacks his way through the skeletons. He makes it to the railing and jumps on board the pirate ship. He fights through dozens of skeletons. Sugar limbs fly left and right.

He finally manages to grab the barrier staff. The bubble barrier shield goes down. Then, Candy Kane himself confronts the adventurer.

   CANDY KANE
	You dare to defy me, Candy Kane?

Jaresh grins. He twirls his sword.

   JARESH
	Is that spelled with a C or a K?

Kane, enraged, draws his sword and attacks. He is no match for Jaresh. It is a rather pathetic fight. Jaresh performs a move that disarms the pirate captain.

Kane panics and runs below deck. After a moment, hundreds of skeletons begin to make their way onto the pirate ships deck.

Jaresh takes off, returning to the Sugar Lady. The hundreds and hundreds of skeletons give chase.

Jaresh points at the ship.

   JARESH
	Blast that ship!

Jasmine closes her eyes and focuses. She launches a giant ball of flame. The ball strikes the ship. The ship catches on fire.

The skeletons run through the flames in a panic. Penelope takes her staff and twirls it three times.

   PENELOPE
	Water nymph. Do my bidding.

A column of water rises from the ocean. It morphs into the shape of a lovely water nymph. Penelope points at the skeleton crew. The nymph sprays the sugar skeletons with water. They begin to melt.

Jasmine fires another ball of flame at the ship. The ship explodes and begins to sink.

Candy Kane himself scramble from below deck and dives into the sea. He can’t swim and begins to drown.

   CANDY KANE
	Help me!

Jaresh folds his arms. He shakes his head.

   JARESH
	So this is the most fearsome 
	pirate in all the land?

Candy Kane tries to tread water.

   CANDY KANE
	Please! Help me! (Gurgle)

Jaresh throws him a rope.

   JARESH
	Pathetic. Take him to the brig.    
Tristan hauls the humiliated pirate captain onto the deck. He takes him below. Akina walks onto the deck. She takes a look around at the carnage.

   AKINA
	Finally.

   JASMINE
	Nice of you to join us.

Jaresh grabs a mop and bucket. He hands it to her.

   AKINA
	And what am I supposed to do with
	this?

   JARESH
	We cook. You clean. Get to
	work.

Her jaw drops. She stares at him, almost too furious to speak.

   AKINA
	How dare you talk to me that way!
	You’re no boss of mine.

   JARESH
	Have you forgotten what your
	guild master said?

Akina grits her teeth. After a moment, she snatches the bucket and mop.

   AKINA
	I’m going to tell her all 
	about you. Just you wait.

She throws a sugar bone into the bucket. Jaresh smiles.

   JARESH
	Hope you have a sweet tooth. 

Akina scowls as she gets to work cleaning.

EXT. NAPOOLOO ISLAND – DAY
The Sugar Lady docks at lush, sunny Napooloo Island. Jaresh and team disembark. Jaresh points to a location.

   TRISTAN
	Where are we going?

   JARESH
	We have a flight to catch.

Tristan looks nervous.

   TRISTAN
	I don’t really like flying.

Jaresh frowns.

   JARESH
	You’re an adventurer aren’t you?

Tristan nods his head.

   JARESH
	Then you can’t let a little
	thing like flying scare you.

Jaresh begins walking. He smiles.

   JARESH
	What’s the worst that can happen?
	We crash and burn. Big deal.

Tristan GULPS. The group of adventurers follows Jaresh up the beach.

EXT. AIR FIELD

They arrive at a field. A massive, giant bird stands in the middle of the field. A cabin is strapped onto the bird.

Jaresh speaks with the PILOT, a strange but friendly looking old man. Jaresh finishes his conversation and approaches his group.

   JARESH
	All aboard.

Jasmine climbs the stairs leading to cabin. Tristan hesitates. She pulls on his arm. 

   JASMINE
	Come on tough guy.

He reluctantly follows her. Akina looks at the massive bird. She turns up her nose. Jaresh hands her a ticket. She glances at the ticket.

   AKINA
	Coach? I’ve got to fly on this
	big stinking bird? In coach?

   JARESH
	Don’t worry your whine-ness, 
	there’s plenty of leg room.

   AKINA
	Rude and crude. I can see why
	you’re still single.

Jaresh gives her a wink.

   JARESH
	That’s why you like me.
	
Akina’s mouth drops open for a moment. She shakes her head. Akina climbs the steps leading into the cabin. 

She sits at the window watching Jaresh, almost admiringly. She quickly looks away when he turns in her direction. Jaresh and Penelope are the last to board.

The great bird takes flight into the bright sunny sky and on its way to the southern continent.

EXT. CITY OF CANTERBURY – SOUTHERN CONTINENT – NIGHT

The beautiful city of Canterbury celebrates the annual harvest festival. Colorfully dressed citizens walk the streets and enjoy the night’s festivities.

High above the city, in the black night sky, a black-feathered dragon descends from the clouds.

Vivian sits on the dragon’s back. She looks down at the festivities.

   VIVIAN
	The annual harvest festival. The
	perfect opportunity to drop in
	and introduce myself to my new
	subjects.

The dragon swoops down on the unsuspecting citizens. Vivian jumps off the dragon’s back. Vivian stands up. She does a back flip and jumps off the dragon. She plummets toward the ground.

EXT. CANTERBURY

The citizens watch a harvest play taking place on a grand stage. A man dressed as a FARMER bows before a pompous royal PRINCE.

   FARMER
	Your tribute my royal lord.

The prince inspects the wheelbarrow filled with colorful fruits and vegetables.

   PRINCE
	Is that all? Surly you jest.
	No pumpkin? Where is the eggplant?
	Your bounty is simply not good
	enough. No. Not good enough
	at all.

Suddenly, there is a loud BOOM. Vivian emerges from a thick cloud of black smoke.

   VIVIAN
	Pumpkin you say? Well then.
	If it’s pumpkin you want, then
	It’s pumpkin you shall have.

She puts her hands together and forms a fist. A horde of pumpkin headed creatures emerges from a brilliant flash of light. They attack the actors on stage. The audience lets out a SCREAM.

Vivian watches the chaos with a satisfied smile. She paces the stage.

   VIVIAN
	You’ll be talking about this
	festival for years to come
	good citizens of Canterbury.

She opens a barrel and takes out a tomato. The sorceress bites into it. She savors it.

   VIVIAN
	Homegrown Canterbury tomatoes.
	Juicy. I love a juicy tomato.

She taps the barrel. The fruit and vegetables are transformed into strange creatures. They begin to torment the scattering citizens.

   VIVIAN
	There’s a new queen in town.
	And this one believes in a more
	hands on approach.

A SOLDIER draws his sword. He confronts her. Vivian looks at him, mildly amused.

   VIVIAN
	You want to challenge me to a
	duel? What sport.

She draws her katana from its sheath.

   VIVIAN
	Come and get me.

The solider charges the sorceress.

   SOLDIER
	You foul villain!

She dodges his attack. Metal clangs against metal. She evades his attack. Her movement is faster than a blur. She LAUGHS in his face.

He attacks again but of course he is no match for the sorceress.

   VIVIAN
	How cute. Is this your first day 
	on the job?

She makes a quick move and sends the soldier’s sword flying. She flicks her finger. The soldier gets tangled in a spider web.

Vivian lets out a YAWN.

   VIVIAN
	I’ve got to make this more
	interesting. This is getting
	really boring, really fast.

She looks around and shrugs.

   VIVIAN
	Oh well. I’ll think of
	something.

She LAUGHS aloud. Vivian spins around and disappears in a cloud of smoke.

INT. FLIGHT CABIN

Akina sits in her seat inside the flight cabin. She looks out the window, daydreaming. A little BOY sits next to her. He lets out several long, deep COUGHS. He coughs right on Akina.

She rolls her eyes. The boy SNEEZES. He wipes his hand on the armrest next to Akina. She looks at him, annoyed.

She looks over and steals a glance at Jaresh. She watches him sleep for a moment. 

The bird makes a steep bank to the left. Tristan grips his seat and closes his eyes. Penelope puts her hand on his shoulder. She smiles compassionately.

   PENELOPE
	Everything is going to be fine.

Jasmine turns around. She LAUGHS.

   JASMINE
	Tristan the adventurer, afraid
	to fly.

Tristan opens one eye.

   TRISTAN
	I get sick during flights.

She smiles.

   JASMINE
	Oh. I see.

She turns back around, smiling to herself. The pilot’s VOICE comes over the speaker.

   PILOT
	We’re now flying over the
	Southern Continent. If you
	look out to your left, you’ll
	see what used to be the city
	of Parthas. 

Penelope looks out the window. She can see a small city in complete ruins.

   PILOT
	Parthas was burnt to the ground.
	Yesterday. By trolls.

Penelope puts her hand to her mouth.

   PENELOPE
	Oh my.

EXT. SKY

The great bird descends. She comes to a landing on a small field next to a road.

INT. CABIN

The passengers begin to disembark. Akina gets up from her seat. She admires Jaresh’s looks for a moment before nudging his shoulder.

   AKINA
	We’re here.

Jaresh doesn’t wake up. She lets out her breath, exasperated. She pulls on his arm.

   AKINA
	Wake up! I want to get out
	of this disgusting cabin.

Jaresh still fails to wake up. Akina rolls her eyes. She leans down, cups her hands and SHOUTS into his ear.

   AKINA
	Hello!

His eyes snap open. He looks around.

   JARESH
	We’re there already?

Akina walks down the aisle.

   AKINA
	That’s why we’re on the ground 
	isn’t it?

Jaresh gets up from his seat. Alexander bobs his head and CLICKS his mouth. 

   JARESH
	Charming as usual.

Jaresh follows her out of the cabin.

EXT. ROAD

Jaresh and his team stand on a soggy, muddy road. Jaresh studies his map. 

   JARESH
	This road takes us to Lyons.
	We’ll get a room there and
	spend the night.

He begins walking up the road. Jasmine, Tristan and Penelope follow him. Akina stays put on the side of the road. She crosses her arms.

Jaresh turns around.

   JARESH
	What’s the problem this time?

   AKINA
	I’m not walking in the mud. 

   JARESH
	Why not?

   AKINA
	My shoes will get filthy. I’m
	not getting mud all over my
	good shoes.

Jaresh lets out a low GROAN.

   JARESH
	For the love of.

Penelope walks over to the side of the road.

   PENELOPE
	I can help you. Give me
	your shoes.

Akina looks at her, surprised.

   AKINA
	Give you my shoes?

   PENELOPE
	You can trust me. 

Penelope smiles at her. It is a sweet, innocent and disarming smile. Akina nods her head.

   AKINA
	Very well. You’re the only
	normal person here.

She takes off her shoes and hands them to the cleric. Penelope takes a small bag from her backpack along with a small bowl.

She puts the powder into a bowl. She places a yellow leaf inside the bowl and begins to mix the ingredients together.

She takes the powder and sprinkles some of it on the shoes. She hands the shoes to Akina.

   PENELOPE
	Put them back on.

Akina puts her shoes back on.

   PENELOPE
	Now, say the word “Levitas”.

   AKINA
	Levitas? Why?

At that moment, Akina rises off the ground. She hovers two feet off the grass. Penelope smiles.

   PENELOPE
	Now you don’t have to walk in the
	mud.

Akina tries moving around and finally gets the hang of it.

   PENELOPE
	When you want to get back on
	solid ground, just say “Pedias.”

Jaresh CLAPS his hands.

   JARESH
	Any more demands or can we get
	going?

Akina hovers past them.

   AKINA
	I’ll let you know.

They start their journey down the long, winding road. Akina turns around and gives Penelope a little smile. She mouths the words “Thank You.”

EXT. ROAD TO LYONS

The group walks over an arched stone bridge. They pass a giant, ancient looking tree. A great big, bulbous pod hangs from one of the tree’s branches.

A BUZZING sound comes from inside the pod. Tristan studies it.

   TRISTAN
	What’s inside this thing?

Jasmine looks at it.

   JASMINE
	Bees?

Tristan starts to tap it with the point of his sword. Akina lets out a SCREAM.

   AKINA
	Don’t you dare let those bees out!

Jaresh walks over to the pod.

   JARESH
	I’ve never seen a bee hive like
	this before.

He draws his sword and gives it a gentle poke. The BUZZING gets louder. He studies the strange, cryptic writing on the pod’s surface. Tristan pulls on the pod, breaking the cord attaching it to the branch.

The pod hits the ground and splits open. Thousands of strange, colorful dragonfly people swarm out of the pod.

The dragonfly people swarm around the group. They fly into their hair and faces. They pull their hair and pinch their skin. One of them lands on Akina’s nose.

The dragonfly person smiles impishly and makes a funny face. Akina lets out a SCREAM.

Jaresh covers his face.

   JARESH
	Just keep walking. 

They cover their faces and continue walking up the road. The dragonfly people follow after them like a great, BUZZING cloud.

Penelope tries to shoo them away with her hands. One of the dragonfly people lands on Jasmine’s hand. He makes a face at her and sticks out his tongue. 

   JASMINE
	We’ll see about that.

Jasmine brings down her other hand. The dragonfly man lets out a shrill SCREAM before he is squashed into goo.

She frowns and wipes the goo on the grass. This really angers the dragonfly people. Their BUZZING intensifies. They attack the travelers. 

   JARESH
	That wasn’t such a good idea.

He draws his sword and swings at the cloud. The dragonfly people land on their arms and legs, biting into them angrily.

Akina SCREAMS as a horde of dragonfly people rip the necklace off her neck. They carry it away triumphantly. 

The group alternates between fighting and running. More and more dragonfly people join the swarm. They swarm around Tristan’s face. He SHOUTS. One of them flies into his mouth. He CRUNCHES it with his teeth.

   TRISTAN
	I think I just ate one of them!

He tires to spit it out. Jasmine manages to shake one of the dragonfly people swarms. She balls her fist and punches it into her open palm.

   JASMINE
	Noxious! 

A green cloud rises from the ground. It engulfs the dragonfly people swarm. Many of them drop to the ground instantly. The others flee for their lives.

Jaresh points down the road.

   JARESH
	Let’s go before they regroup.

The travelers take off down the winding road.

EXT. TOWN OF LYONS – EVENING

The group arrives at the sleepy town of Lyons. The rain is coming down hard. Penelope has cast a protection bubble over the group that keeps them dry. 

They find Le Chat Gros Inn. Akina turns up her nose at it.

   AKINA
	Looks like a real roach motel.

Jaresh grits his teeth, annoyed.

   JARESH
	Would you prefer to sleep on the
	road then?

   AKINA
	Whatever.

They enter the inn.

INT. INN

Jaresh and his band walk up to the front desk. The INNKEEPER greets them with a wide, toothy smile. He has an almost slimy, sleazy look about him.

   INNKEEPER
	Ah a party of five! Welcome
	to Le Chat Gros Inn.

Jaresh points to Alexander.

   JARESH
	Party of six.

   INNKEEPER
	Of course.

The innkeeper notices Akina standing close to Jaresh. He smiles mischievously.

   INNKEEPER
	Will that be one bed for the
	two of you?

Akina’s mouth drops open. Her face glows red with embarrassment. 

   AKINA
	How DARE you!

Jaresh holds his hand up before she can say another word.

   JARESH
	One room for the ladies. One
	room for the men.

   INNKEEPER
	As you wish. Thirty royal
	crowns.

Jaresh takes out his coin bag and pays the innkeeper. The innkeeper spies the letter with the royal seal stamped onto it. He arches his eyebrow. 

The innkeeper hands them their keys.

   INNKEEPER
	Enjoy your stay. Don’t hesitate
	to ask for anything you may need.
	Le Chat Gros is your home away
	from home.

Jaresh takes the keys.

   JARESH
	Yeah. Yeah.

The group walks down the hallway to find their rooms. The innkeeper watches them. He narrows his eyes. He walks into a small room behind the front desk.

INT. ROOM

Akina and Penelope sit on a bed. Akina works on Penelope’s hair, weaving a few braids. It’s a girl bonding sort of thing.

   PENELOPE
	May I ask you something?

   AKINA
	Sure, go ahead.

   PENELOPE
	Why do you give Master Jaresh
	such a hard time?

Akina frowns.

   AKINA
	Oh please. He’s the crudest
	person I’ve ever come across.

   PENELOPE
	How so?

She pauses.

   AKINA
	He just is. How dare he try
	and tell me what to do.

Penelope looks in the mirror. She looks into Akina’s eyes and smiles.

   PENELOPE
	But you like him, don’t you?

Akina blushes.

   AKINA
	I do not!

She weaves another braid and ties it off with a ribbon. She smiles a little.

   AKINA
	But he does have nice hair. I
	wonder what shampoo he uses.

Penelope LAUGHS. Akina shakes her head.

   AKINA
	An adventurer using shampoo?
	No, I don’t think so.

They both LAUGH together.

INT. LE CHAT GROS INN – NIGHT

Jaresh, Tristan and Jasmine sit at a table playing a game of cards. Tristan studies his hand. He shakes his head and throws the cards on the table.

   TRISTAN
	I’m out.

Jaresh looks at his cards. He grins.

   JARESH
	Raise.

He throws another coin in the pile. Jasmine looks at her card and adds a coin.

   JASMINE
	Let’s see them.

They lay their cards down. Jaresh GROANS. Jasmine gives him a little wink. She takes the cards and performs an intricate card shuffle trick.

She takes a Jack of Spades and flips it. The card transforms into a Queen of hearts.
   JASMINE
	Cards are our specialty.

She scoops the coins up.

   JASMINE
	Live and learn.

They hear a SCREAM coming from outside the inn. Jaresh gets to his feet. He draws his sword.

   JARESH
	Let’s go.

Jasmine and Tristan follow him out of the inn.

EXT. IN FRONT OF THE INN

A very pretty YOUNG WOMAN stands against a tree terrified. She is completely surrounded by a fierce pack of giant ugly orcs. She sees Jaresh and calls out to him.

   YOUNG WOMAN
	Help me!

Jaresh and his team prepare for a fight. The orcs attack. Three orcs rush toward Jaresh, their battle-axes swinging.

Jaresh leaps into the air, performs a flip and swings his sword with grace and skill. Three orc heads hit the ground with a THUD.

Tristan proves his worth and skill, taking on a pack of orcs and finishing them off.

Jasmine finds herself surrounded by four orcs. She dodges their attacks. She backs away and draws a quick line in the sand.

She stamps her foot into the Earth.

   JASMINE
	Liquid flame.

A burst of red liquid envelops the orcs and sets them on fire. The orcs run around the street, MOANING in agony. Another orc confronts her.

She removes Mr. Quivers from her robe. She kisses the doll, smiles and sets it on the ground.

   JASMINE
	Do my bidding.

Mr. Quivers takes five quick steps. The orc stares at the doll, confused. Mr. Quivers lifts his little green arms and launches a thousand needles. The needles embed themselves into the orc, destroying him.

The last three orcs attack Jaresh. Three quick moves and they are lying on the ground in pieces.

He walks over to the young woman.

   JARESH
	Looks like we solved your little
	orc problem.

The young woman, filled with gratitude, smiles at him.

   YOUNG WOMAN
	Oh, thank you. Thank you
	sir!

Jaresh grins. He bows his head.

   JARESH
	No need for gratitude. I
	rather enjoyed the exercise.

She removes a ring from her finger.

   YOUNG WOMAN
	Please take this as a token
	of my thanks.

Jaresh tries to stop her.

   JARESH
	It’s not necessary.

She presses him.

   YOUNG WOMAN
	Please take it, I insist.
	You saved my life.

Jaresh takes the ring.

   JARESH
	Thank you. Be careful. You
	shouldn’t be out at night.

   YOUNG WOMAN
	I’m going home right away.

Penelope and Akina step outside. Akina watches the woman talking to Jaresh. A pang of jealousy crosses her features.

   AKINA
	Who is she?

Akina looks at the pile of dead orcs on the ground. She makes a face.

   AKINA
	Gross. Uhg.

The young woman bows her head and walks away. Jaresh looks at the pretty little ring. He walks over to Penelope. He takes her hand and places the ring on her open palm.

   JARESH
	This is for you.

Penelope beams. She tries it on. It fits perfectly.

   PENELOPE
	Oh. Thank you. I love it.

Jaresh goes back inside the inn. Akina takes Penelope’s hand. She studies the ring, envious. She HUFFS.

   AKINA
	I don’t like it anyways.

She goes back inside the inn, pouting.

EXT. TRAIN STATION – MORNING

Jaresh and team walk down a narrow dirt road. They arrive at an old train station. They are the only passengers in the station. Jaresh checks his map.

   JARESH
	We take this train to Grove
	City.

He buys the tickets and hands them out to each of the group members. Akina SIGHS.

   AKINA
	This is the longest journey
	ever!

   JARESH
	It hasn’t even begun my
	lady.

   AKINA
	Uhg!

Akina follows him into the train. The whistle BLOWS and the train begins its journey to Grove City.

INT. VIVIAN’S TOWER

Vivian sits in front of her giant transparent globe. She watches Jaresh and his team as they take their seats on the train.

   VIVIAN
	So who are these people? And
	why do they have a letter with
	the royal seal on it?

She watches Jaresh. She smiles.

   VIVIAN
	Not bad. The leader I suppose.

She turns to King Gordo who watches the action from inside his crystal prison.

   VIVIAN
	So what do you think they’re
	up to? Any guesses?

She watches Akina complaining about her seat.

   AKINA
	I want a window seat.

She crosses her arms and refuses to budge. Jaresh gets out of his seat next to the window. He bows as Akina takes a seat.

Vivian smiles.

   VIVIAN
	She’s quite the diva. I like
	it.

Jaresh takes a seat. The train starts to move. Jaresh turns to Tristan.

   JARESH
	The sooner we get her to Mount
	Yaha, the better.

Vivian’s eyes light up. 

   VIVIAN
	Mount Yaha. Where have I heard
	that name before?

She runs over to her bookshelf. The sorceress looks through the different volumes. She finds a giant blue tome entitled “Myths, Legends and Ancient Tales from the Southern Continent.”

She takes the book off the shelf. She flips through the pages.

   VIVIAN
	Mount Yaha. That name rings a
	bell.

She finds the page she is looking for. She reads it. Her face darkens. She narrows her eyes.

   VIVIAN
	I see what your game is.

She slams the book shut.

   VIVIAN
	Spoil my fun will you?

Vivian storms out of the room.

INT. TRAIN - NIGHT

Jaresh feeds Alexander a piece of fruit. The iguana bobs his head in appreciation. Jasmine sits in silence, her hood pulled over her face.

Akina stares out the window, bored. Tristan whittles a piece of wood. He looks over at the song maiden.

   TRISTAN
	Why don’t you sing us a song?

Akina looks at him, annoyed.

   AKINA
	Sing you a song? Why should I?

   TRISTAN
	I’d love to hear your voice.

Jaresh LAUGHS to himself.

   JARESH
	Haven’t you heard enough of it
	already?

Akina folds her arms.

   AKINA
	Just for that I won’t sing.

   PENELOPE
	Oh just one song? Please?

Penelope smiles at her. Akina tries to keep frowning but Penelope’s smile is just too hard to resist. Her features soften.

   AKINA
	Well, one part of a song.
	For you.

   PENELOPE
	Deal.

Jasmine GROANS. She plugs her ears. Jaresh grins. He tucks his face into his coat and shuts his eyes. Alexander CLICKS.

Akina CLEARS her throat. She opens her mouth and is about to sing when she notices Jaresh falling asleep. She rolls her eyes.

   AKINA
	Well if that’s the way you’re
	going to be then forget it.

Akina turns back to the window.

EXT. GROVE CITY – STATION

The train pulls into Grove City Station. The group disembarks from the train. They walk around the city. Grove City is as quiet as a ghost town.

   PENELOPE
	Where is everyone?

   JARESH
	Good question.

They walk down a long street. Tristan notices some little black footprints on the pavement. There are many of these little footprints.

   TRISTAN
	Have a look at these.

Jaresh studies the prints. He touches one of them. Alexander CLICKS. Jaresh nods his head.

   JARESH
	That’s what it looks like to
	me.

He follows the prints up the street. The prints lead to a giant fruit grove. Akina points to a strange little creature.

It looks like it is made of tar. It jumps up and down on the ground.

A large group of these strange tar creatures dance in a big circle, not far from the travelers.

Jaresh nods.

   JARESH
	Bog babies.

   AKINA
	Bog baby? This is creepy.

Jaresh draws his sword.

   JARESH
	They grab onto you and suck you 
	into their bodies. That’s why
	you don’t see anyone around.

   TRISTAN
	You mean?

   JARESH
	They’ve been completely absorbed
	by the bog babies.

Akina shudders.

   AKINA
	Oh my God. This trip gets better
	by the minute.

   PENELOPE
	This is horrible!

One of the bog babies spots the group. They let out a loud WHOOP. The bog babies attack.

Jaresh dodges the onslaught. He swings his sword. The sword gets stuck in the bog babies’ head. It lets out a big SCREAM. The bog baby splits into two bog babies.

They try to suck Jaresh’s leg into their belly. He manages to break loose.

   JARESH
	Swords won’t kill these things.

Jasmine weaves her hands together. She launches a fireball at one of the creatures. The bog baby catches fire. Several other bog babies jump onto it and absorb it into their own bodies.

This bigger bog baby links up with a few others to become an even bigger bog baby.

   JARESH
	I think we’re in trouble.

Jasmine fires another, bigger fireball at the growing bog baby. It lets out a loud, frightening GROAN. A horde of bog babies merge with it and it becomes even larger.

The giant, burning bog baby lumbers after them. Jaresh grabs Akina. He puts her on his back.

   JARESH
	Everyone run!

They follow after him. The bog baby gives chase. It gets bigger and bigger. It is soon over fifty feet in height.

Jasmine stops. She rubs her hands together.

   JASMINE
	Static!

A bolt of lightning shoots from her hands. It strikes the giant bog baby. It writhes for a few moments before continuing the chase. It is a giant ball of tar and flame.

A large group of little bog babies chase after the bog baby giant. They merge with it. The beast becomes a titan. It is soon well over one hundred feet in height.

Penelope stops running. She turns around to confront the great tar giant. Jaresh calls out to her.

   JARESH
	What are you doing?

Penelope grits her teeth, determined. She draws a circle on the ground. She steps into the circle. The white mage waves her staff.

   PENELOPE
	Pragamus, absorb this giant
	and protect us from its wrath.

A great winged Angel appears. It spreads its wings over the entire group. The giant bog baby lifts its leg and brings it down on the travelers.

Pragamus absorbs the tar creature. The bog baby lets out a loud GROAN before it disappears in a blast of black smoke.

Penelope collapses to the ground. She is utterly exhausted.

Tristan runs over to her.

   TRISTAN
	Penelope!

He gently lifts her head up and cradles it in his hands. Jasmine puts her hand on the white mage’s forehead.

   JASMINE
	That spell exhausted her. She’s
	completely drained.

Jaresh picks the girl up. The group follows him back into the city.

   JARESH
	We have to find a place for
	her to rest.

He takes her to an old building. They follow him inside.

EXT. GROVE CITY

Vivian holds a crystal in her hand. She watches Jaresh as he lays Penelope down on a sofa. She puts her hand to her heart.

   VIVIAN
	Oh the self sacrifice. Taking
	one for the team. I’m glad
	to see that altruism is alive
	and well.

She puts the crystal into her pouch.

   VIVIAN
	I think its time I introduced
	myself.

Vivian heads toward the old building in search of Jaresh and his team.

INT. BUILDING

Jaresh puts a cold wet cloth on Penelope’s forehead. The girl is still out like a light.

   JARESH
	Stay with us Penelope.

Akina joins him.

   AKINA
	Is there anything I can do
	to help?

Jaresh hands her the canteen.

   JARESH
	Keep this cloth wet. She’s
	burning up.

Jasmine takes the girl’s arm. She feels for her pulse.

   JASMINE
	That spell was too powerful.
	Even for her.

Akina wipes a small tear from her eye. Vivian enters the room. The sorceress smiles devilishly.

   VIVIAN
	Now that is what I call drama.

Jaresh draws his sword.

   JARESH
	Who are you?

Vivian lifts her arm. Jaresh’s sword flies into her waiting hand.

   VIVIAN
	You don’t know who I am?

She snaps her fingers. Jaresh finds himself tangled in a web.

   VIVIAN
	Then allow me to introduce myself.

Jasmine puts her hands together preparing to cast a spell. Vivian CHANTS a spell.

   VIVIAN
	Bondage.

Vivian binds the mages arms together with a thick rope. The mage’s mouth is gagged with a piece of cloth.

She snaps her fingers. Tristan finds himself wrapped up like a mummy.

   VIVIAN
	Now if I may continue.

She paces the room.

   VIVIAN
	I’m the mastermind behind the plan
	that you so foolishly sought to
	thwart. The architect of the
	entire clever scheme. But you
	can call me Vivian.

Vivian walks over to Akina. 

   VIVIAN
	Looks like you got in over your
	pretty little head on this one.
	Don’t you just hate when that
	happens?

Jaresh struggles to break free from the web.

   JARESH
	Keep your hands off her witch!

The sorceress narrows her eyes.

   VIVIAN
	Why or why do people keep calling
	me that?

   AKINA
	Leave me alone! Don’t touch me!

She takes the frightened song maiden by the neck.

   VIVIAN
	It’s not you I’m after.

Vivian’s hand begins to glow. It is a bright, white glow. She releases her grip after a moment. Akina tries to speak but nothing comes out.

Vivian LAUGHS.

   VIVIAN
	It belongs to me now.

Vivian removes and orb from inside her robe. Jaresh tries to speak. She puts her finger to her lips and shakes her head.

   VIVIAN
	Not now. You’ll have plenty
	of time for that where you’re
	going.

She looks at Penelope. 

   VIVIAN
	Want to know how I found you?

She lifts Penelope’s hand and shows them the ring on the girl’s finger.

   VIVIAN
	Ingenious isn’t it?

She pulls the ring off Penelope’s finger.

   VIVIAN
	Men are such suckers for a pretty
	woman in distress.

She shrugs her shoulders.

   VIVIAN
	Oh well. Let’s get going, shall
	we?

Vivian grips the orb. She speaks a strange CHANT and they all vanish into thin air.

INT. CELL - PRISON

All is black. After a few moments, Jaresh slowly opens his eyes. He looks around. He is locked inside a small, metal prison cell.

He tries to move but finds that he is chained to the wall. Alexander sits in a little cage not far from him.

Vivian’s VOICE speaks to him from somewhere.

   VIVIAN
	Good morning! Or should I say
	good afternoon. Hard to tell from
	way down here.

   JARESH
	Where am I?

Vivian LAUGHS.

   VIVIAN
	Why you’re in prison of course!

   JARESH
	And the others?

   VIVIAN
	Oh don’t worry. I’ve taken care
	of their accommodations. 

He struggles against his chains.

   JARESH
	You can’t hold me forever.

   VIVIAN
	And where are you going to go?
	Even if you broke out, it’s a
	long swim to the surface.

Jaresh continues to struggle.

   VIVIAN
	Oh when are you going to learn?

Jaresh’s shackles are magically opened. He falls to the metal floor.

   VIVIAN
	You’ll just end up hurting
	yourself. Haven’t you
	done enough of that
	already?

Jaresh stands up.

   JARESH
	My friends, where are they?

Vivian SIGHS. The cell door unlocks and opens up. 

   VIVIAN
	I’m not the type to repeat
	myself. Why don’t you have a
	look for yourself?

Jaresh cautiously exits his cell. He enters a large octagon shaped room. There are many other cells just like the cell he was in.

He walks up to one of the doors and looks inside. He finds Tristan sleeping on a cot. Jaresh looks in another cell and sees Akina pacing back and forth.

He calls out to her.

   JARESH
	Akina!

She runs over to the door. She tries to speak but cannot. She pulls on the cell door. It is locked tight.

Jaresh checks another cell and finds Jasmine and Penelope. The white mage is still unconscious. Jasmine takes care of her.

   VIVIAN
	You see? They’re all here.

Jaresh walks around the room. He looks up and sees a set of stairs leading to other rooms just like the one he is in. Each room is lined with prison cells.

   JARESH
	I’ll find a way out.

Vivian LAUGHS.

   VIVIAN
	Amusing. Well, I’ve got to
	go. I have a kingdom to
	run. But don’t worry, I’ll
	be leaving you in capable
	hands. He’ll take care of
	you.

Jaresh clenches his fists in frustration.

   VIVIAN
	You’ll be meeting the warden
	very soon. Well, ta ta for
	now!

Vivian leaves the prison. Jaresh sits on the metal floor pondering his next move.

FADE OUT