Latest revision as of 20:14, 8 June 2010

Part 3 | Story Info Page | WBM Home Page | Part 5
by haren

Games of Divinity, Act 3

Act 3, Scene 1

(Darkness When All is Bright (Darkness) is sitting alone in dim light.)

Darkness: Why must I wait when that upstart is free? He takes the woman and even now is gathering glory.

(Mask of Winters enters stage left, wearing the comedy mask. He pulls it away to reveal tragedy under its surface.)

Mask: Now the stage is set, we may move on to the next scene. All that is wanting is to give our star his script.

(The Mask pulls a book from his robes and approaches Darkness.)

Mask: Child, I bring you a gift. Soon shall vengeance be yours.

Darkness: A gift? That is naught but a book. It is useless to me. I have no desire to read while my foe wanders free.

Mask: *chuckles* Child, you have much to learn. This is not a book, but a weapon. One specially made to destroy the one you seek vengeance against. It has been dipped in a bitter poison and waited many long years for one worthy to use it. That time is now, that man is you.

(Darkness looks at the book curious as the Mask holds it out to him. He takes it and begins to read as the light fades to darkness.)

Act 3, Scene 2

(Cailus stands holding his blade pointed towards Hannuk Dur. Wang Fu is standing behind and to the right of Hannuk Dur, angered and held back only by Hannuk’s upheld hand. Rosimund is whispering to Cailus with a look of glee.)

Cailus: Dog, as I said, grant my inheritance to me or face the wrath of one of the Chosen.

Hannuk Dur: Your eyes speak of strength and determination. It seems I have been mistaken. Perhaps you are ready and worthy of what I have to grant. Just let me talk to my friend here and explain that you will not threaten us.

Wang Fu: (growls out the words with worry in his eyes) I do not trust this one. He might not be so dangerous, except for one thing…

Hannuk Dur: Yes, I know, the girl. I think though that what I have planned may deal with her, at least so far as this child is concerned. But, that bridge is in the future. We must watch our current path, lest we never reach that crossing.

Wang Fu: But what of the inheritance? You’ll give it to someone you don’t feel is worthy? I know your moods better than that.

Hannuk Dur: (chuckles) I’m amazed you noticed with Rosimund around. Yes, I am giving him something, but not what he thinks. I can say no more. Perhaps you would help with Rosimund later on?

(Wang Fu grins widely as Hannuk Dur turns and walks back over to where Rosimund is whispering to Cailus in choleric tones.)

Hannuk Dur: If you are ready, I can lead you to where we shall find what is yours to take.

Cailus: Lead on, we shall not lag behind, loyal servant.

Act 3, Scene 3

(The scene opens on a small room filled with books. It is obviously a home, but filled with a number of books strange and mundane fill the area, tables, and shelves. A beautiful young man, tall with a vaguely birdlike appearance enters from further within the house. This is the Wordsmith of Phantasies (Wordsmith). He speaks agitatedly and quick.)

Wordsmith: Now where did I place the second volume? I really must find it. Even if it were not one of my greatest creations, I did make a promise. Certainly, I never expect it to be needed, but a promise is a promise.

(There is a polite knocking at the door.)

Hannuk Dur: It is I, Hannuk Dur, most revered Wordsmith of Phantasies. I have come to visit with friends.

(Wordsmith looks frightened and works to compose himself carefully even as the knocking continues. Then he goes to open the door with a lopsided smile.)

Wordsmith: Hannuk Dur, my old friend. It has been ages. I believe the last time you came to visit was over a score years ago. Who should I conduct prayers to in thanks to find you gracing my home today?

Hannuk Dur: I have come for the books you made those many years ago for myself. The special volumes of Zael Light-Bringer?

Wordsmith: Ah yes, won’t you come in and relax. If you would join me, Hannuk Dur, I can provide you with satisfaction I hope. (As they move into an adjacent room, Wordsmith picks up a book with gilded title and illuminations.) Hannuk Dur, I’m embarrassed to admit this, but it seems that the second volume has been… misplaced.

Hannuk Dur: That is unfortunate, but I believe you wouldn’t have simply lost it. I suspect someone stole it to prevent my duty. While it will be difficult, I believe we can do this without the second volume here. You have kept your promise, so worry not about that. All I ask if for all cooperation so that we might find the second volume without undue time lost.

Wordsmith: Yes, of course. I wish the book returned here as much as you!

(Hannuk Dur returns to the other room with the Wordsmith in attendance. He hands the book to Cailus who is relaxing in a plush chair.)

Hannuk Dur: The keys to the glory of your inheritance lie within. Read if you would have it, for I can not speak of the wealth the book represents.

(Cailus looks skeptical and begins reading, the lights dim except for one on him as he rises and walks past the other room.)

Cailus: As I read, I found the world around me to fade away. It was as dust washed away by the truth and wonders of the words before me… but it was more than that, for the words created worlds with their power. I remembered the days of a life lived before laying before me.

(The light shines on a solitary figure on a golden throne, regal and armored like a king. Cailus narrates and his words prompt movement and sound from the scene of the king.)

Cailus: I lived as a hero, one blessed by the gods to save the people from a life doomed to obscurity. I felt like there was no need for breath nor food nor water as long as their cheers surrounded me. Their prayers sustained my great might, and my hand brought peace and riches to those who lay under its control.

Chorus: All hail the Light-Bringer! May we live in his light and glory forever!

Cailus: I saw women so beautiful that tears ran down the faces of gods and goddesses in furious envy. These women prostrated themselves before me. And one above them all I took as my wife. She was a daughter of the moon, much as I was child of the sun.

All this and more was mine. I saw so many visions of light and joy that I thought the sheer power of it was a fire with which the power of sight would be burned from mine eyes and head. Then all became dark….

(The lights darken… and turn on illuminating the scene at the Wordsmith’s house, unchanged, Cailus still sitting there.)

Cailus: And I awoke to see the horror of what the world had become and how I might return the world to what it was.

End Scene 3

Part 3 | Story Info Page | WBM Home Page | Part 5
by haren