SEASON 1, EPISODE 10
Senn and Igneous are walking along, talking to eachother. Timber follows up the rear.
IGNEOUS
I once read in a book that Guardians are some of the oldest species in Ardonia-older than even the Glacians.
SENN
What were they doing though? They nearly drowned me!
IGNEOUS
They were probably trying to figure out which Ardoni clan you’re from. As their name implies, they guard some of the most ancient and treasured locations from unwanted intrusion. Ataraxia must be important if it has Guardians defending it.
They continue up the path and come into a very small town, built very naturally in the style of the Ardoni. It’s quite empty, but a few Ardoni walk here and there.
IGNEOUS
Well I guess this is Ataraxia. It’s a bit smaller than I expected, but nice to be in an Ardoni city for once. So what is it we should be looking for again?
Timber whinnies to get their attention. They stop suddenly as they nearly walk off the edge of a cliff. They look up and are surprised at what they see.
IGNEOUS
Oh my…
The camera turns and reveals the city of Ataraxia, floating on large chunks of land between the mountains, with small rope bridges connecting some of the largest chunks.
SENN
amazed It’s incredible.
IGNEOUS
Come on. Let’s find a place for Timber and go check it out.
Cuts to them walking into the center plaza of Ataraxia. A few others are walking about. An Ardoni is speaking to another two Ardoni.
HUBRIS
Their attacks were just the beginning. The Voltaris are indeed returning and we need an army to face them.
ZULIUS KALTARIS
Did you not hear? We have been gathering Ardoni and are attacking the Voltariswithin a fortnight.They will threaten the clans no longer.
HUBRIS
This is bigger than that! We need to be ready to defend all of Ardonia.
HADION MENDORIS
Hmph, you exaggerate.
ZULIUS KALTARIS
I am disappointed you will not join us. Let us go, Hadion.
Zuliusand Hadion leave. Senn pipes in.
SENN
I agree with what you said.
Hubris looks down at Senn.
SENN
My village was destroyed by the Voltaris, and I know what they’re capable of.
Hubris looks over at Senn suspiciously.
HUBRIS
Interesting, I’ve never met an Ardoni without a clan before. I am Hubris Nestoris. Your turn.
SENN
I’m Senn, this is my companion Igneous.
IGNEOUS
Greetings!
HUBRIS
A clanless Ardoni and a Magnorite. pause You two could work.
Hubris approaches them more closely.
HUBRIS
I am recruiting for a new resistance group known as the Knights of Ardonia. We could certainly use a Magnorite in our ranks.
Senn looks away for a moment thinking.
SENN
That’s a tempting offer… but I have some things to take care of first.
HUBRIS
The Knights of Ardonia will always be recruiting. Seek us out if the opportunity presents itself. Good day.
Hubris leaves.
IGNEOUS
What a strange fellow. So! Where to next, Senn?
Senn looks around.
SENN
Well, I’m not quite sure what we’re looking for… or why-
Igneous has already walked off.
SENN
Igneous wait up!
Senn hurries after Igneous and they arrive inside what appears to be a blacksmith.
An Ardoni is facing away from them working on an anvil. He calls out in a familiar voice.
GALLEOUS
Have you come for fresh tools, or do you require repairs of your own?
Galleous strikes his tool with a hammer.
SENN
in awe Thalleous…?
Galleous stops mid-swing with his hammer and turns around, resembling Thalleous nearly identically. He is a bit intrigued by the stranger referring to him as his brother.
GALLEOUS
Thalleous is my brother. I am Galleous… although most in this city should know that…
SENN
I didn’t know Thalleous had any surviving brothers.
GALLEOUS
Yeah… I get that a lot.
He turns and strikes the tool again.
GALLEOUS
He never spoke about me, nor I him. While he is out there adventuring and exploring- I just live the “mundane” life.
Senn is silent for a moment, unsure of how to break the news.
SENN
Galleous, sir. Your brother… Thalleous is dead. He was killed in a Voltaris ambush.
Galleous sets his hammer down slowly.
GALLEOUS
Was he…? angry scoff I always told him to stay away from the Voltaris.
He picks up the hammer again.
GALLEOUS
But no… why listen to Galleous… Galleous who never leaves his workshop?
He strikes his tool loudly.
GALLEOUS
And now I am the last of my family!
He strikes the tool again but misses slightly and the tool flies off the anvil with a loud clang. He throws his hammer down onto the anvil with another clang and storms out of the room.
Galleous walks towards a railing overlooking the beautiful city of Ataraxia. He leans on the railing and swells up with sadness.
Senn walks up behind him slowly.
GALLEOUS
avoiding showing sadness I have not seen him in many years. My brother and I never… agreed on much, but despite our differences…. I am going to miss him.
Galleous turns back towards them.
GALLEOUS
composing himself You must be Senn,the clanless Ardoni whom Thalleous rescued. And who might you be?
IGNEOUS
Hello sir, my name’s Igneous!
SENN
He’s a friend.
Galleous nods affirmingly.
GALLEOUS
Let us take this conversation to the lower level, we will be more comfortable there.
They head down below. There’s a forge full of lava. Senn spots a Song sitting on top a shelf which gains his interest before Igneous suddenly notices the forge.
IGNEOUS
excited Oh, lava, thank goodness!
Igneous runs over to the forge and sticks his face in the lava and begins drinking thirstily. Senn is surprised for a moment, then looks back to Galleous.
SENN
Thalleous never gave me any final words, but he did speak of this place, of Ataraxia, just before the ambush.
GALLEOUS
I know what he would have wanted. There is a war coming… that much is certain. We must prepare for it as best we can. We will not get any help from the Kingdoms, with Cydonia and K’arthen locked in their conflict.
Before Senn can respond, Igneous interrupts and they turn towards him.
IGNEOUS
I’ve actually… always wanted to visit K’arthen. Perhaps I can help with that issue?
SENN
Igneous? But, we’ve only just arrived.
IGNEOUS
I’m a traveler, Senn, and if I can end this conflict I may end the oppression of Magnorites everywhere.
GALLEOUS
Cydonia and K’arthen have the two largest armies of Ardonia. Uniting them is a necessity, and who better than a Magnorite to do it?
IGNEOUS
Sounds good to me. It really was nice meeting you Senn, I’m going to miss the only friend I’ve ever had.
Igneous turns and starts leaving.
SENN
Wait Igneous? You’re going to leave just like that?
Igneous continues to remain positive and happy.
IGNEOUS
Hey, I have a short lifespan remember? There’s not a moment to waste.
GALLEOUS
A bit of patience may save you even more time, my young friend. The borders of K’arthen are closed and the people suspicious. However, I have a contact in Cydonia who can aid you. Take this gold, sail to Meridian, and find Aren the Fletcher.Be cautious, Magnorites are not welcome in Cydonia.
Galleous hands Igneous some gold.
IGNEOUS
Thank you Galleous. I hope we’ll see each other again Senn.
SENN
I think we will. Goodbye Igneous, and good luck!
Igneous turns and walks off.
Fades to Abbigail. She sticks a wooden shovel in the dirt, and stands by her work.
It is night time, and she has made a small grave for Sam.
She lowers down onto her knees in sadness.
ABBIGAIL
sad, but not in tears I’m sorry Sam.
She puts her hand on the dirt above his grave.
Slowly a light can be seen growing in brightness behind Abbigail. She turns around and sees the Enderdragon egg glowing brightly. She stands up as energy begins swirling around the egg.
Suddenly the egg explodes and Abbigail holds up her hands to protect herself.
When she removes her arms the egg is gone.
ABBIGAIL
to herself What happened?
She goes over to where the egg was. Nothing is there.
Just then, an animal noise is heard to the side.
Abbigail turns and sees a baby Enderdragon climbing onto a nearby rock. Her eyes open wide.
The dragon climbs higher onto the rock.
ABBIGAIL
No wait, wait come back!
The dragon stops on the top of the rock and makes a silhouette against the bright moon which it gazes towards.
Abbigail stops to admire it.
ABBIGAIL
Luna…
Camera cuts back a bit, shows a messenger bird sitting by watching, which flies off.
Cuts to Niika. She’s sitting in a park at Riverstead. She looks up suddenly and seems a bit worried, and sniffs the air. Music becomes suspenseful.
NIIKA
sniffs the air
Cuts to the Felden armies, they enter the tunnels of Mt. Tempus and make it to the Necrobase. As they charge in though, the camera spins around slowly and reveals the place empty.
Back to Niika, she walks to the edge of town, still looking concerned. Some nearby farm animals begin to get very worried and panicky.
Cuts back to Lucan, he looks towards Kiyoshi realizing the worst.
LUCAN
We’re too late…
Cuts back to Niika, camera turns slowly to show what she’s looking at.
Suspenseful music cuts out with a loud boom as it reveals the Necrolord standing just outside the city.
Niika turns and runs.
The Necrolord holds his staff up slowly with the Wither skull on top.
Undead begin walking out of the shadowy cave beneath him.
Cut to black.
Back to Galleous and Senn eating.
GALLEOUS
I see you have quite the appetite.
SENN
I haven’t had much to eat since… well… since everything happened.
GALLEOUS
You may feast and rest easy now. As long as you are here you will be under our protection.
SENN
Thank you. eats then pause Galleous… if the Voltaris were nearly wiped out in the Great War, why do you believe such drastic preparations are necessary?
Galleous doesn’t respond, then gets up and walks to the side of the room and looks out over Ataraxia.
GALLEOUS
Times are changing, and Thalleous knew it before the rest of us. I myself may not get around much, but acquiring information has been somewhat of a specialty of mine.
As Galleous says these next things, it shows them happening. We see Riverstead destroyed as the Felden armies arrives back, too late. Lucan and Niika meet back up. The Ardoni warriors ride on horseback across the wilderness. Igneous is sailing south on a ship. Abbigail walks off into the wilderness with Luna on her shoulder.
GALLEOUS
At this very moment, the armies of Felden have begun their war against the Necromancers. A dark shroud will soon spread across the kingdom of Felden. The Ardoni clans have called many warriors south to exact revenge on the Voltaris and destroy them once and for all. Your friend Igneous travels to K’arthen to settle a civil war between kingdoms. And, most exciting of all, there have even been reports that the first Enderdragon has been hatched in over a hundred years.
Back to Galleous talking to Senn.
GALLEOUS
If we are to prevent a Second Great War, we are going to need everyone.
Senn stands up and walks towards Galleous.
SENN
I will gladly fight. What must I do?
GALLEOUS
I will train you Senn, as Thalleous would have. Now come with me, there is something I must show you.
Galleous starts walking off. Senn follows.
GALLEOUS
Even though I avoided the battles and ignored my brother’s warnings… part of me believed in him.
Cuts to a trapdoor opening. Galleous climbs down a ladder. Senn follows and looks around surprised.
GALLEOUS
I donot just make tools Senn. I have been preparing for the Voltaris in my own way.
The camera slides away down the room. It is filled with high-quality weapons and armor, some even diamond.
Cuts to the mountain clearing where Thalleous first met the Voltaris and Hawken died. There is a large and mysterious energy sphere in the center.
Voltaris surround the event.
TYGREN
How long has it been…? Oneand a half centuries?
Tygren turns around.
TYGREN
Well what are you all gawking at?! Stand firm. Our days of hiding in the shadows are at an end, my brothers.
Cuts to the side of the clearing. Camera slides to reveal a pair of feet. The feet start walking forward into the clearing.
Tygren turns to see Zulius Kaltaris.
ZULIUS KALTARIS
Voltaris… even after all this time, you do not know when to admit defeat. You continue to harness dark magic and slaughter the innocent. For this, you must be destroyed.
TYGREN
You traveled all this way for us… I’m flattered. However, you should have come better prepared.
Tygren draws Thalleous’ sword out.
Zulius draws his sword as well, and suddenly other Ardoni reveal themselves around the outcrop as well, drawing swords.
Tygren looks worried, but just then the energy sphere in the middle expands rapidly and begins resembling a portal.
Tygren turns to look at it, then turns back to Zulius.
TYGREN
On second thought, you should have comesooner! Even your combined forces are too late to stop the coming doom!
ZULIUSKALTARIS
We will soon see which of us is doomed.
Zulius raises his sword up.
ZULIUS KALTARIS
Ardoni!
The Ardoni charge down the outcrop and engage battle with the Voltaris. Tygren and Zulius charge each other. Trygren fires his offensive song. Zulius jumps over it as it soars below him. He lands and continues running. They clash with the portal behind them. It’s an all-out battle.
The good Ardoni appear to be losing however, and many are dying. At one point Zulius fires his offensive Song in desperation at Tygren which grazes him and knocks him down.
When he gets back up, Zulius and Hadion are standing side by side.
Tygren backs up towards the portal.
Suddenly a deep bass noise is heard, and Hadion and Zulius look towards the portal. Tygren turns around.
Suddenly the portal explodes outwards, breaking the obsidian.
The portal is now opened, and through it they are able to see a different looking image of the same location.
HADION MENDORIS
worried It cannot be…
ZULIUS KALTARIS
realizing The Great War….
The camera does a continuous pan across the portal and the scene transitions from their dark snowy mountaintop to the exact same mountaintop seamlessly, however the snow is lacking and a bright red sun shines over a scorched terrain, with a large battle going on below the mountain.
On the mountain top, two figures fight, and a few dead bodies are scattered. The figures are not yet identifiable, but they fight with such ferocity and elegance that has not been seen before.
The Deathsinger knocks Tidesinger down, and his staff falls a bit out of reach, showing the Deathsinger’s superiority.
He finally speaks as the Tidesinger regains himself.
DEATHSINGER
slightly winded They call me… Deathsinger, yet it was they who slaughtered my people and denied me the Prime Songs which were rightfully mine. Why, Achillean, do they call you Tidesinger?
The Tidesinger gets back up and faces Deathsinger.
TIDESINGER
Because I have united the people of Ardonia against this nightmare you have created.
They fight a bit more and the Tidesinger fires a song at the Deathsinger causing him to back up a bit and deflect.
DEATHSINGER
You certainly have improved your ability to wield the Songs. I wonder… what you would have done had you been given the Primes.
TIDESINGER
The Prime Songs have always been your desire, not mine. I would have refused them, for no one should wield their combined power.
DEATHSINGER
That is what they all say… until you have felt them for yourself.
The Tidesinger attacks again, but the Deathsinger keeps him held back.
TIDESINGER
What are you doing here Ingressus? What sort of magic are you attempting to unleash? You have already lost.
DEATHSINGER
You are right… I have lost this war… but you havenot defeated me. You are my greatest adversary, Achillean. You united the clans, allied with the Enderknights, and brought together an army which I could never have hoped to destroy. pause And you- you Achillean, stood between me and the Prime Songs. Do you remember who it was? who suggested I enter the tournament in the first place?
The Tidesinger remains silent, but looks slightly hurt.
DEATHSINGER
I cannot win this war- not now. But I will return… long after this battle is over and I have been forgotten, when Ardonia has grown weak and my enemies are gone, and when you are no longer there to stop me.
Deathsinger attacks the Tidesinger one last time and forces him off over the edge of a cliff.
Deathsinger turns and goes towards the portal. Through it you can see Tygren, Hadion, and the other Ardoni from present time all watching with awestruck eyes.
As the Deathsinger approaches the portal, his Songs are stripped away and land on the ground. He looks down at them, then continues. The camera slides down to the Prime Songs laying on the ground, just as they had been in the opening narration of Episode 1.
Music is rising and becoming tense. The Deathsinger walks through the portal and steps out of the past into present time.
Camera slides back as music crescendos.
To be continued in Season 2.
Higher life 