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SIDIUS

By:

Christiaan Laan











ChristiaanLaan@gmail.com

416-977-8000 Rm 1417

Copyright, Christiaan Laan, 2005

"SIDIUS"



BLACK

SIDIUS (V.O.)

Two nations remain after decades of war in the Harsien region.  They both control 
roughly half of the land and now turn to each other to takeover all of Harsien...

FADE IN:

ROLL TITLE

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

Two tall, skinny men in their late thirties, dressed in white robes stand on a wide bridge, 
WITH NO RAIL, that crosses the river.  GRAFTEN on the West side with long black 
hair, PRESTON on the East side with short, red, curly hair.

GRAFTEN

It is agreed then.  Both Empires will remain neutral for four weeks.

PRESTON

It is so.  In four weeks, the war shall continue.

They bow to one another and turn back to their respective camps.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - DAY

Preston walks through the columns of white tents to the King's red tent at the rear.  All 
around him are mages in their elemental robes: red for fire, blue for water, white for ice 
and brown for earth.

Those few of multiple elemental power wear golden robes with sage green Circlets 
holding back their long hair.

INT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

Preston walks through the front flap of the tent and kneels down, bowing his head.

Before him sits KING TRESTON IV.  He is in his mid-twenties, fair blonde hair, and 
well built.  He is adorned in a vibrant red cloak with gold trim and a gold crown.  He is 
five feet and eight inches tall.

TRESTON

Arise Preston.  Tell me...has King Artinia agreed?

Preston stands, COUGHING to clear his voice.

PRESTON

He has, my Lord.  Both sides will remain neutral for four weeks.

Treston stands up and walks to Preston.  He gives him a hug.

TRESTON

(relieved)

All is well then.  We have time to reinforce our armada.

Treston walks over to a map on a table to the side of his scarcely decorated tent.

TRESTON

I want you to go and pick five of my best elementals.  They are to each pick four mages 
to accompany them and then  scour the corners of this empire.  Any mages they find are 
to be brought back to me.

PRESTON

Yes, my Lord.

Preston bows and walks to the exit.  He lifts the flap up halfway before he is stopped.

TRESTON

And Preston, if any mage should refuse to fight, kill them.  I will be at my palace in 
Salin.  That is where they must go upon their return.

Preston walks outside and the flap closes.  Treston sits back down in his make-shift 
throne.

TRESTON

(to himself)

Let's end this war once and for all.

He slouches back in his chair and tucks his head into his chest.

EXT. ARTINIAN CAMP - DAY

KING ARTINIA II walks through his war camp, looking at the mages all dressed in their 
white shirts and brown pants, different coloured belts and short cut hair.  Tattoos mark 
their power on their forehead.

Artinia II is only five and a half feet tall and is in his late thirties.  His fair hair is shoulder 
cut, his crown tied up to his blue silk belt.  He wears his brown war cloak that conceals 
the rest of his clothing.

Across the camp, Graften walks towards him, his head high.

He kneels down on his left knee before his king.

ARTINIA

Has Treston agreed?

Graften stands.

GRAFTEN

He has, King Artinia.  We have four weeks to strengthen our ranks.

Artinia II steps up to him and puts an arm about his shoulder.  They start walking through 
the camp together.

ARTINIA

Tell me, what weakness do you see that is most apparent in this armada?

Graften carefully surveys the mages as they play with minor magic in the palm of their 
hands.  Small puffs of fire and smoke and snow flutter from their finger tips.

GRAFTEN

Morale, my King.  They do not look as if they want to fight.  This war has gone on so 
long without any give.  They think they will be here forever with no return to their 
homes.

ARTINIA

I am not a great king, Graften.  I cannot see these things in the mages.  All I see is that 
next victory...and even I haven't seen a victory from this war.  How are the men to keep 
up morale if their own king doesn't believe?

They stop walking by the river.  No grass remains.  All of it washed away by blood and 
mud.  Artinia II looks at the bridge just to the North.

GRAFTEN

What would you...

ARTINIA

(quietly)

This will be the final fight of the Artinian Empire.

GRAFTEN

What was that?  Did you just say...

Artinia II looks at him.

ARTINIA

Yes.  This is my final war.  Whether we win or lose, I will not send our mages to war 
again.

GRAFTEN

What will you...

ARTINIA

True, my son will object and probably try to overthrow me.  But then, I'd expect nothing 
less of him.  That is why he is not to know.

Graften looks back to the mages in the camp.  He looks at them carefully with an 
attentive eye.

GRAFTEN

Very well, my King.  Shall I go back to Basral and give word of the seize fire?

ARTINIA

Yes, but speak only to my wife.  She will know who to tell.

Artinia II looks over the camp.

ARTINIA

Before you go, send out mages to find us more strength.  Anyone that possesses 
supernatural powers is to be brought to me back in Basral.

GRAFTEN

Yes, my king.

Graften bows.

ARTINIA

I will return to Basral within the week.

Graften walks off briskly to the camp.

Artinia II remains by the river, looking at the bridge and then across the river to the 
Treston camp.

EXT. SALIN - DAY

Treston IV rides through the winding main street in his carriage.  The peasants watch him 
carefully, their heads low in their chests as to avoid attention.  They are all poor, wearing 
shoddy brown over coats.

EXT. SALIN PALACE - DAY

The carriage comes through the solid oak gates and stops at the bottom of a long, low 
flight of steps that lead up to the main entrance of the two-floor marble palace.

Waiting mid-flight is Treston IV's mother, QUEEN CLARISSA.  She is in her early 
forties, her skin still fair and her fiery hair still beautiful.  She is wearing a very delicate 
golden rod dress.

The driver steps down and opens the door of the carriage.  Treston IV jumps out and runs 
up the steps and embraces his mother.

TRESTON

(out of breath)

It is good to see you again mother.

Clarissa kisses his cheek.

CLARISSA

It is good to see you too, son.  Will you be staying long?

They separate, standing very close to each other.

TRESTON

Four weeks, and then this war will see its end once and for all.

Clarissa steps down next to her son.  He takes her arm in the crook of his elbow and they 
begin walking up to the main entrance.

CLARISSA

I'm glad you will be staying for a while.  This conquest of Harsien has gone on for far too 
long.

TRESTON

Victory will be ours.  I promise you that we will have peace when this is over.  For you 
and for father.

CLARISSA

How can you be so sure of this?

TRESTON

I have sent out parties to find more mages.  We will strengthen the armada and when it is 
all done, they will all be freed.

They reach the covered porch of the entrance, shrouded in shade by the high afternoon 
sun.  The doors are already open.

They step inside.

INT. SALIN PALACE - DAY

Treston and Clarissa continue walking straight from the entrance of the palace.  Another 
set of doors are in front of them, opened to a wonderful garden courtyard in the middle 
with big shady trees.

CLARISSA

And what if different threats to the empire should arise?  Will you force all of the mages 
to fight for you again?

Treston stops her half way to the door.

TRESTON

If such a time should come, I would expect the mages to fight for us of their own free 
will.

CLARISSA

How can you think that they would so easily return to fight for the legacy of kings that 
made them fight in the first place?

TRESTON

(sternly)

You forget, mother, that most of these mages agreed to fight for my forefathers when the 
call was put out for them.  I'm only forcing mages to fight for me now so that I can bring 
an end to this war.

He walks quickly towards the garden.  Clarissa runs up to his side and follows his pace.

TRESTON

I suspect that when the time should come for them to fight again, that they would fight 
for the families and people they love...not just for me.

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY

There is shade all around.  A gravel path leads to a pond with a fountain in the middle.  
They walk in and sit on a stone bench before the fountain.

CLARISSA

You are masterfully selfish my son.  Let us hope that it doesn't get you in trouble.

TRESTON

No more selfish then any of my fathers.  At least I seek an end to the beginning.

A serving lady walks up to them from the North side of the courtyard holding a tray with 
two metal goblets with wine.  

She is AZRA.  She has light brown skin, and has a shapely, average size body and 
chestnut brown hair.  She is twenty-five.

CLARISSA

Thank you.

Treston and Clarissa each take a goblet off the tray.  The servant bows and turns back the 
way she came.

TRESTON

She is very pretty.

CLARISSA

Who is?

TRESTON

That serving lady.  How old is she?...what is her name?

CLARISSA

Her name is Azra, and she is no older then you.

Treston watches her as she enters the palace and turns left around the corner whence she 
came.

Treston turns back to Clarissa.  He raises his goblet to hers.

TRESTON

A toast, to peace to come.

CLARISSA

A toast, to the king that shall make it so.

The goblets CLANG and they drink their wine.

EXT. ARTINIAN EMPIRE - DAY

Graften rides his horse across the bridge connecting Hatris Isle to the mainland.

He rides the road from Hatris to Basral.

EXT. BASRAL - DAY

Graften arrives in the capital of the Artinian Empire as the day turns over to evening.  
The sun casts long shadows over the city.

He rides up to the castle, guards wave to him from the wall and signal for the gate to be 
opened.

EXT. BASRAL CASTLE - NIGHT

Graften dismounts from his horse and walks to the big oak doors.

INT. CASTLE DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Graften enters the dining room.  Sitting at the long table, on opposite sides, is QUEEN 
VERNIA and PRINCE ALLISTER.

Vernia is thirty-five, five and a half feet tall with black hair down to her waist.  She wears 
a well decorated white dress and a silver tiara on her head.  A series of bracelets sit about 
her right wrist.

Allister is eighteen and almost six feet tall.  He wears a brown court cloak, and has a 
small silver crown on his head.  Around his neck is an ARROWHEAD shaped diamond 
on a silver chain.

Graften walks up to the table and bows low.  Vernia and Allister both stop eating.

GRAFTEN

Good evening, my lords.

Vernia rises to her feet.  Graften rises up just after her.

VERNIA

Shouldn't you be on the battle field with my husband?

GRAFTEN

I have come to tell you that there is a seize fire.  We have four weeks before we must 
fight again.

VERNIA

And where is Artinia?

GRAFTEN

He will be back within the week, my queen.

Graften bows again.

Allister stands up and shoves his chair back a little bit.

ALLISTER

How can we have a seize fire?  How could he agree to such a thing?

GRAFTEN

We've been in a stalemate, young prince.  We haven't made any ground in weeks.  This 
seize fire is so that we can replenish and strengthen the armada.  As we speak, mages are 
scouring the empire in search of reinforcements.

VERNIA

It will be nice to see Artinia back at home.  Please, Graften, won't you join us?

GRAFTEN

Sorry, my queen, but it has been a long ride and I would like to rest.

VERNIA

Very well.  You are dismissed.

Vernia sits back down.

Graften gives Allister a suspicious look and then exits the hall.

Allister watches him leave the hall and then sits down.

INT. SERVANTS QUARTERS - NIGHT

Graften is sleeping on a wooden bunk in his secluded section of the quarters.  A small 
night stand with two burning candles lies to the left and a small shelving unit with clothes 
lies to the right.

Two hands pry through the curtain and spread it open.  Allister walks up to the bunk and 
shakes Graften gently.  Graften awakes and sits up on his bed.

GRAFTEN

Good of you to come.

ALLISTER

What news do you have?

GRAFTEN

Your father is growing weak.  It is time that you take the throne.

ALLISTER

What do you mean?

GRAFTEN

He will not fight another war after this one.  He doesn't want you to know.

ALLISTER

I am fortunate, then.

Allister sits down on the bed a small distance from Graften.

ALLISTER

My father will be in for a surprise when he returns.  As for you, you must not draw 
suspicion to yourself.

Allister stands up.

ALLISTER

I have much planning to do before my father returns.

He walks out of Graften's quarters.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - CLEARING - DAY

A lush green forest, flowers and plant growth all around upon the gently flowing 
mountain side.  In a cleared patch of grass sits SIDIUS.

She is twenty years old, very beautiful, and five and a half feet tall.  Her hair is streaked 
black and white, her skin a pale blue tone.  She is wearing a baggy, long sleeved, white 
shirt and baggy, white pants with a long, vast black cape.

Her eyes are closed, arms resting on her crossed legs.  She is meditating.  Her energy is 
warping the air within two feet of her body.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - HILLSIDE - DAY

A group of seven male mages walk up the mountain side.  One is an elemental, one wears 
a red robe, one wears a blue robe, one wears a brown robe, two wear normal clothing and 
the last one wears a white robe.  The mage in white is EDEON.

He is twenty-two, six feet tall with short black hair.  He is quite handsome.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

At this rate, we should be able to return within two days.

RED MAGE

As long as we have it this easy all the way through.

The elemental gives him a quick grimace of a smile.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

Yes, if all groups have it as easy as we are, then we shouldn't have any trouble winning 
the war.  King Treston will be pleased.

BLUE MAGE

It will be nice to have the war done with.

NEW MAGE 2

How long has this war been going on?

The brown mage steps up beside him.

BROWN MAGE

We have been fighting in Harsien for three years now.  As for the war with the Artinian 
Empire, that has been going for over two months.

EDEON

It has been...

Edeon is silenced by the hand of the elemental.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

I sense a powerful energy.  There is a mage nearby.

The mages proceed up the mountain side.  Over the top of a hill they see Sidius 
meditating.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

This mages aura is very strong.

They stop five feet before Sidius.  Sidius's eyes are still closed, she does not move.

SIDIUS

(very calm)

Very strong is an under statement.  

She rises effortlessly to her feet, her eyes FLASH open.

SIDIUS

I knew you were coming, and I know why you have come.  I will not join you.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

I beg of you to reconsider.  You would only need to fight until the war with the Artinian's 
is over.

The mages line up three to each side of the elemental.  Sidius eyes the mages one by one.

SIDIUS

Would you fight me if I refuse?

ELEMENTAL LEADER

You wouldn't leave us much choice.

SIDIUS

On the contrary, I leave you two choices...

The elemental LAUGHS.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

And what might those two choices be?

SIDIUS

Leave me alone and live, or die where you stand.

ELEMENTAL LEADER

I'm sorry, but we can't leave.

SIDIUS

Then die.

Sidius turns around and walks up the mountain.

The elemental signals the mages, with a sweep of his arms, to attack.

The six mages all hold a stance with their legs spread apart as they brace to unleash an 
attack.

SIDIUS

You are making a big mistake.

FIRE, ICE, WATER and ROCKS shoot towards Sidius from the mages.

Sidius drops to one knee, SMASHING her left palm into the Earth.  A force field 
surrounds her and all of the attacks dissipate on contact.

Sidius jumps high into the air, spinning around with the force field around her.  Her eyes 
turn black, her hair floating in the air.

She thrusts her arms out to either side and swings them slowly in front of her.

The force field transforms into many splinters of ice and they shoot towards the mages.  
At the same time she drops back to the ground and lifts her arms above her head.

Spikes of rock and earth shoot up behind the mages blocking any chance of retreat.

Edeon quickly waves a flame wall before him.

The ice splinters pummel the line of mages, two dropping from fatal hits to the head and 
chest.  Three others fall to their knees from injuries.

Edeon's wall melts the ice before it hits him.  He is scared stiff.

The elemental throws fireballs at the spikes to knock them down.  The wall is barely 
scratched.

SIDIUS

I told you this is a mistake!

Sidius lifts her right hand up to the sky and looks up with her eyes to the light clouds over 
head.

Her arm falls and she glares behind the wall of earth.

The elemental is still throwing fire at the earth wall.  It is starting to crumble.

A CLAP of thunder.  The elemental looks up in time to see five bolts of lightning scorch 
his body.  His cooked flesh melts to the ground.

Edeon turns and runs straight into the wall of earth behind him.  He falls to the ground, 
bleeding from his forehead.

Sidius walks up to the three mages that are on their knees nursing their wounds.

SIDIUS

You will not be allowed to leave here alive.

They look at her frightfully.  All three of them are shaking in fear, tears rolling down 
their faces.

She stops right in front of them.  She puts her left palm on the first ones forehead.  He 
falls limp on the ground.

She swirls her right hand towards the other two.  Fire starts spinning around them.  It 
engulfs them, spinning tighter and tighter, burning their flesh.

They SCREAM in pain as they burn.

Sidius turns to Edeon.  He is unconscious, blood still running from his head wound.

She kneels beside him and looks upon his face.  Her right hand comes up and wipes at the 
blood running down his face.

INT. PALACE LIVING ROOM - DAY

Azra is cleaning off the low table in the center of the living room.  Two long sofas and 
two big chairs surround the table.  Light floods in from the tall glass windows.

Azra is HUMMING a song to herself.

King Treston walks up quietly behind her.  She jumps up, startled.

TRESTON

I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to frighten you.

Azra bows to him.

AZRA

No, I should have heard you coming.

TRESTON

That was a beautiful song you were humming.  Where did you learn that?

Treston sits down on the sofa to his right.  Azra continues cleaning off the table.

AZRA

(nervous)

My mother taught it to me when I was young.  She said that whenever I missed her, I 
should hum it to myself, and she would be here with me.

Treston smiles.

TRESTON

Come.  Sit by me.

Azra clumsily stumbles to the sofa and sits a few feet from him.

TRESTON

How long have you been in service to my family?

Azra is looking down at her lap where she is fumbling with the cleaning cloth.

AZRA

About a year now.  It wasn't long after your father took over Salin that I began to work in 
this palace.

TRESTON

(sympathetic)

Did...your mother die because of my fathers attack?

AZRA

No, she was sick for a long time, and it took her life four years back.

TRESTON

I'm sorry to hear that.

He looks at her face.  Azra is slightly smiling.

AZRA

I'm happy for her though.  It was hard watching her get weaker every day.  

Azra looks at Treston.  Their eyes connect.

AZRA

Now she is free from the pain.

Treston reaches over to take her left hand in his own hands.  Azra looks down and 
nervously pulls her hand back.  Treston sits back up.

AZRA

I really must get back to cleaning.

She stands up abruptly.

TRESTON

Before you do, I have a question.

Treston rises to his feet, standing a few feet from her.  She turns and looks at him.

TRESTON

Will you join me for dinner this evening?  Don't just say yes because I am the king, say 
yes because you want to...or no if you don't.

Azra smiles.

AZRA

I would really like that.

TRESTON

Very good.  I will see you at six in the dining room then.

Azra bows to him and continues to clean.

TRESTON

One more thing.

She stops and looks at him.

TRESTON

You can have the rest of the day off.

Treston leaves the living room.  Azra smiles and puts the cloth down on the table, 
watching Treston as he leaves.

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Treston is sitting at the table with his mother, Clarissa, on the other side.  There is a place 
set right next to Treston.

Azra enters the dining room and Treston stands.  Azra bows to him.  She is wearing a 
pearly white dress with short sleeves and her hair is in two pony tails tied up behind her 
head.

TRESTON

Come...sit.

Azra walks around the table.  Treston steps behind the chair for her and pulls it out from 
the table.  She sits as he pushes the chair back in for her.  He sits himself.

TRESTON

You look stunning.

Azra shies away slightly.

AZRA

Thank you.

CLARISSA

You both look wonderful.  That is a magnificent dress.

AZRA

It was my mothers.

Clarissa is about to speak but is halted from pressing on by a motion of Treston's hand.  
There is a short, awkward silence.

TRESTON

Dinner will be ready momentarily.

Clarissa gives a smile.

CLARISSA

Yes, it will be a wonderful meal.  Are you from Salin, Azra?

AZRA

I've lived here all of my life.  Don't think I will ever love a place as much.

TRESTON

This is a very nice place.  It will be even better when we can start to rebuild.

AZRA

What do you mean?

TRESTON

I mean that I would like to have this city as my home when this war is over.  This palace 
has been well maintained, and Salin is far from being as crowded as Torian is.

Clarissa looks across at Treston.  She is about to speak.

TRESTON

I know mother.  You are thinking about the Congress?

CLARISSA

Yes, I am.  What will be done about it?

TRESTON

I will have them moved here.  The only hard part would be the old texts, but those could 
be moved in a few carriages.  We can have a new Congress built right next to this palace.

Azra is intrigued by what is being said, paying close attention to the conversation.  
Clarissa gives her a quick glance.

CLARISSA

Now is not the time to speak of political matters.

AZRA

Please continue.  I find it kind of interesting.

TRESTON

Well, not only would it be not so crowded, but it will also help to bring up the economy 
of this city.  I realized on my ride in that a vast majority of the people are poor here.  I 
want to change that.

AZRA

I think it is a wonderful idea.

Clarissa looks happily at the two of them.

CLARISSA

Treston has a vision for what he wants this empire to be when the war is over.

AZRA

It must be a wonderful vision.


CLARISSA

Yes, and one day, he will have a queen to share it with.

Treston gives his mother an annoyed look.

The chefs walk into the dining room with platters of food, drawing the attention of 
Treston, Clarissa and Azra.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Edeon wakes up inside of a cave.  He is twenty feet in from the entrance, wrapped up in 
blankets, a bandage around his head.  He starts to get up.

Sidius stands up from the fire that burns between Edeon and the entrance.  She is carrying 
a cup with herbal tea and walks to him.

EDEON

Where am I?

SIDIUS

Stay down.  You need your rest.

Edeon lies back down and props his head up on his left hand.  Sidius watches him closely 
as she places the cup of tea in front of him.

SIDIUS

Drink this.  It will help to relax your muscles.

Edeon looks at the cup.  He slowly reaches for it with hesitation.

SIDIUS

If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so yesterday.

Edeon grabs the cup with his right hand and takes a sip from it.

SIDIUS

You are in my cave.  I live here.

Edeon takes another sip and puts the cup down.

EDEON

Why...didn't you kill me yesterday?

Sidius walks to the wall of the cave next to Edeon's head and sits with her back to it, 
crossing her legs.  She places her hands on her knees and closes her eyes.

SIDIUS

I'm not a murderer.  I was defending myself...I warned you not to attack me.

Her breathing is very deep and controlled.  Edeon watches her closely.

SIDIUS

Just don't think of doing anything too suddenly, cause then I might just kill you.

Edeon picks up the tea again and drinks it down.

EDEON

How is it possible that you are so strong?

SIDIUS

When what you love is lost, hate can fuel your strength to indescribable limits.  It just so 
happens that in my hate, I not only gained and began to control my powers, but also 
changed my physical appearance.

Edeon looks at her closely, the light of the fire flickering off of her face.  He looks for a 
long time at her pale blue face and her streaked hair.

EDEON

What is it that you hate so much?

Sidius opens her eyes and unfolds her legs.  She rests her arms on her knees.

SIDIUS

Why do you care?  You fight for the Treston Empire.  You fight and conquer and kill all 
those that oppose you.

EDEON

It is different now...

SIDIUS

It will never be different.  You still fight, otherwise you would not have been sent out to 
find me.

Edeon looks at the fire, the tendrils flickering lower.

Sidius flicks her hand towards the fire and it BLAZES hotter.

EDEON

(solemnly)

It was unfortunate for us to run into you.  I lost two of my good friends to you, and 
almost myself.

Sidius looks at him.  Once again, he turns to look at her.

SIDIUS

I was only protecting myself.  You would have done the same if you were in my position.

EDEON

I don't know what your position is.  I would have agreed to join the armada.

They both sit still.  Sidius crosses her legs again and closes her eyes.

SIDIUS

If it interests you to know, I'll tell you.

Still lying down, Edeon rolls onto his stomach and rests his chin on his palms.

FLASHBACK:

EXT. STARK - DAY

One year ago:  The village of Stark.  

Mages of the Treston Empire march through the village.  The two sides fight with their 
magic powers.  Before long, the villagers are all defeated.

SIDIUS (V.O.)

It was a little over a year ago.  Your king was invading Stark, my home town.  The 
villagers that could, tried to fend off the attack.  My father was among those villagers that 
tried to defend us.  It...it was a slaughter.

INT. COTTAGE - DAY

Sidius' mother closes the door to the cellar.  Four mages break into their home and attack 
her mother with their magic.  

She is first set on FIRE from the waste down, then FROZEN from the neck down.  Then 
a bolt of LIGHTNING flings forth from one of the mages hands and SHATTERS the 
body.

Her mother SCREAMING the whole while before she is shattered.

SIDIUS (V.O.)

After they broke through our mages, my mother pulled me to the cellar and said to not 
make a sound.  As she closed the door, four mages broke through our front door and 
killed her.  There was no reason for it.  She had no powers to defend herself.  The sinister 
laugh's of the mages, after her last screams died down, are still burned in my thoughts.

INT. COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY

Sidius sits in the cellar CRYING before a single lit candle.

END FLASHBACK

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius opens her eyes and stands up.

EDEON

(sympathetic)

You have lost a great deal. I don't know...

Sidius is half way out of the cave before he can speak another word.  He lies back down, 
staring at the cave ceiling.

EXT. BASRAL CASTLE - DAY

King Artinia II rides into the courtyard on his horse with a guard patrol of five mages.

They stop at the main entrance.  The king steps down from his horse and a servant runs 
up and takes the reins.  The servant bows and leads the horse off to the stables.

Artinia walks up to the oak doors.  The left side opens revealing Prince Allister.

ALLISTER

This is a most pleasant surprise.  Welcome home father.

His father embraces him.

ALLISTER

How long do you honour us with your stay?

The two separate and face each other.

ARTINIA

It will be a week at least.  As soon as the reinforcements are all rounded up, I will return 
to the battlefield.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - DAY

Vernia and Graften walk up behind Allister.  Allister turns and steps aside to allow his 
father to walk in.

Graften stops.  Vernia walks up and kisses Artinia and then hugs him.

VERNIA

It is good to see you again.

ARTINIA

And you, my dear, sweet Vernia.

INT. CASTLE BEDROOM - NIGHT

Artinia is lying in bed with his wife, Vernia.  Candles on the walls flicker and cast 
mysterious shadows throughout the room.

Artinia looks at his wife in the eyes and strokes her hair with his right hand.

ARTINIA

(tenderly)

Soon, I will never have to leave your side again.  The war will be over and we will have 
all the time in the world.

VERNIA

Graften said that the war was on hold for...

ARTINIA

Yes, four weeks.  On that day, the armada holds nothing back and when the battle ends, it 
is over.

Artinia rolls on his back and turns his head to look at her.  She watches him and rubs his 
shoulder.

ARTINIA

Who have you told of this temporary peace?

VERNIA

I have told no one.  However, I can't say the same for Allister.  I rarely...

Artinia jolts upright at the mention of Allister.

ARTINIA

How does Allister know?  Who told him?

Vernia is startled by Artinia's reaction.

VERNIA

Graften, when he got home, told us while we were at dinner.

ARTINIA

It seems that snake is loyal to my son then.

Vernia grabs his shoulder.

VERNIA

What do you mean?

ARTINIA

I told Graften to only tell you.  If he spoke to both of you, that would surely mean he has 
told Allister of my plans of peace.

VERNIA

So you think...

ARTINIA

Yes.  Allister will try to take the throne.  He has wanted nothing more then to conquer 
like I have.  I have seen it in him for the past few years now.

VERNIA

What will you do?

ARTINIA

The only thing I can do.  Tomorrow I will have the guards take Graften and Allister to the 
swamps and dispose of their bodies.

Artinia is sweating.  Vernia moves closer to him and kisses his forehead.  He tilts his 
head up and kisses her.

They lie down and pull the covers up to their necks.

INT. CASTLE DINING ROOM - DAY

Artinia and Vernia are sitting at the dining table eating breakfast.  Six mages stand guard 
around the room.

Graften and Allister enter the dining room.

ALLISTER

Good morning mother...Father.

Graften only manages half a bow as two of the mages, from beside the entrance they 
entered from, come up and grab them.

ALLISTER

What is the meaning of this?

The other four mages take the shortest route they can around the table to aid the other two 
mages.  They tie up Graften and Allister.

ARTINIA

Take them to the swamp lands and do away with them.

ALLISTER

(anguish)

Father!!!!

Artinia brushes a hand towards the entrance of the dining room, refusing to look in that 
direction.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - DAY

The six mages, with Allister and Graften in front of them, leave the castle.

EXT. BASRAL CASTLE - DAY

The six mages get on a carriage with Allister and Graften and leave the Castle.

EXT. HATRIS ISLE - DAY

The carriage leaves Basral and rides to the Southwest.

EXT. HATRIS SWAMP - DAY

Fog rolls over the swamp.  Dead trees stick out of the water and weeds grow out from it.  
Bird CRIES come from out of the water in a haunting ECHO.

The carriage stops near the swamp on bare soil.  Allister and Graften exit the carriage 
with the six mages following them.  Two of the mages walk up to them and untie the 
ropes binding their arms.

They walk down to the swamp, their feet SQUISHING in the moist ground as they near 
the swamp edge.

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY

Treston is walking with Azra in the palace's central garden.  They walk very closely 
together.

The flowers are all in full bloom and the trees provide lots of shade.  The path is made of 
a fine gravel.

AZRA

It is nice of you to let me have the day off, my king.

TRESTON

Please, you don't have to call me king.

Azra stops and looks at him.  Treston turns and looks down into her eyes.

AZRA

What would you have me call you then?

Treston smiles to her.

TRESTON

I would have you call me Treston.

AZRA

Very well...Treston.  It is nice of you to let me have the day off.

Treston turns back in the direction they were walking and moves on.  Azra follows him.

TRESTON

My pleasure.  I thought you might like a day off.

The two continue walking until the path comes up to the same pond and water fountain 
that Treston sat by with his mother upon his return.

Treston takes a seat on the stone bench to his left.  Azra walks up to the pond and kneels 
next to it, bathing her hands in it.

Treston looks at the gravel and takes a deep breath.  He shakes a little, he is nervous.

TRESTON

Azra?

Azra's hands are still swimming in the pond.  Her right hand fiddles with a heart shaped 
rock at the bottom of the pond.  She turns her head and looks at him.  She doesn't see the 
rock.

AZRA

Yes...Treston?

The rock drops out of Azra's right hand.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Vernia is sitting by the windows overlooking the castle garden.  The chair is a finely 
crafted Victorian chair of vibrant coloured fabrics.

Artinia enters the room and takes a seat next to her in his high backed chair.  It is made of 
a plain brown fabric.  He looks at his wife.

She is embroidering what appears to be the start of a sweater.  Her needles CLICK 
together as she knits.

ARTINIA

What are the days coming to, when a father must have his own son sentenced to death?

Vernia stops knitting for a few seconds and looks at him.  She returns to knitting, paying 
closer attention to her work.

VERNIA

You did what you must to protect what you believe.

ARTINIA

And Graften to betray me.  How am I to trust my own men?

VERNIA

Trust is not so easily earned, nor so selflessly given away.  Do you so truly believe that 
you need an advisor?

Artinia gets up and kneels down beside Vernia, resting his arms on the arm rest of her 
chair.

Vernia puts her needles and thread down in front of her chair and holds his hands in her 
own.

ARTINIA

The only advisor I've ever needed sits right before me.

Vernia rubs one of her hands through his hair.

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY

Treston looks at Azra.  She lifts her right hand out of the water and dries it off on her 
dress.

TRESTON

I...I have really enjoyed the time that we spend together, and...

Azra stands up and comes closer to him.  She looks questioningly at him.

TRESTON

...and, I have grown quite fond of you...

He looks down again, sweat beading down his forehead.

Azra's left hand reaches beneath his chin and gently lifts his head up to look at her own.

AZRA

You are so cute when you are nervous.

Azra GIGGLES quietly and kneels before him.  She places her arms up around his neck 
and pulls his lips to her own.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Artinia is resting on the arm rest of Vernia's chair.  She continues to rub his back and 
brush her hand through his hair.

Many sets of FOOTSTEPS come from the hall outside the living room.  The six mages 
enter in pairs and halt inside the living room entrance.

Artinia lifts his head and looks towards them.  Vernia pulls her hands back down into her 
lap, looking towards the mages.

ARTINIA

Is it done?

The left mage of the front row steps forward.

LEFT MAGE

Yes, my king.  That which was commanded has been fulfilled.

He bows and steps back to his spot next to the other mage.

Artinia gives a SIGH of relief.

ARTINIA

Well done.  You may take your leave.

The six mages bow and leave the way they came in.

VERNIA

You can sleep easy tonight.

ARTINIA

For that, I am thankful.  However, I still have a war to plan.

He stands up and turns to her.  He picks up her left hand and kisses the back of it. 

Artinia leaves the living room the same way the mages came in.

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY

Azra lifts her head away from Treston's.  Treston stands up and helps Azra to her feet.

They both smile, looking at each other with love in their eyes.

TRESTON

I know but one thing in this very moment, and that is how much I love you.

Treston holds both of her hands in his own and gets down on one knee.

TRESTON

Azra, will you be my queen, that we may share the rest of these days and those to come 
together?

Azra CRIES out in happiness.

AZRA

I will!

She JUMPS on him and they both land on the gravel path, rolling, holding one another.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius walks through the forest, her body is very relaxed.  She looks all around her.  Birds 
CHIRP and SING in the trees.  She carries a hollow, foot long branch in her right hand.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Edeon wakes up.  He looks around the cave.  The fire is burning low, he is the only one 
there.

He feels his head for any bumps, but there is none.  He stands up and stretches his arms 
to the ceiling.  He yawns.

Edeon walks to the entrance of the cave and looks outside at the beautiful mountain side.

A bird SCREECHES to the left of the entrance of the cave.  Edeon turns his attention in 
that direction.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius pulls the hollow branch down from her lips and walks over to the dead bird at the 
base of a tree.  It is a decent sized bird, about the size of a chicken.

She pulls the dart out of the neck and wipes the blood off in the grass.  She picks it up by 
the feet and begins walking back up the mountain.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Edeon is still looking down the mountain from inside the cave when Sidius steps up into 
his view.  She gets closer and closer.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius looks to the cave and sees Edeon just inside the lip.

SIDIUS

I was wondering when you were going to be getting up.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius enters the cave and puts the bird down on a wooden stump near the fire.

Edeon follows her and sits down on the blankets where he was sleeping.

EDEON

I heard a bird cry out.

SIDIUS

Yes, that was this one.

EDEON

Why did you kill it?

She looks at him.

SIDIUS

Have to eat something.  Or would you rather starve?

Edeon looks at her for a bit before he gives her a small smile.

SIDIUS

I didn't think you would object.

She pulls out a small knife from a cloth bag and swings it down really hard, severing the 
head.  Then she starts ripping out feathers and cutting off skin.

Edeon turns away so he won't see what is happening.

SIDIUS

So what will you do, now that you are better?

EDEON

What do you mean?  Aren't you going to keep me here?

SIDIUS

I never said I was.  I give you two choices now, just as I did when your party first showed 
up.

Edeon looks at her again.  The bird is now mostly skinned.  Blood is on Sidius' hands and 
the knife.

EDEON

And...what might those two choices be?

Sidius LAUGHS.

SIDIUS

I believe your elemental friend said the exact same thing.

She puts the knife down.

SIDIUS

You can either return to your war now, or return to the war fighting along side me.

Edeon's face turns to shock.

EDEON

You...are going to come down and fight?!

SIDIUS

Does that really surprise you?  Someone has to end this conquering way of empires and 
that person is me.  They will all fall by my hands and Harsien will be better then ever.

Sidius gets up and starts walking towards the cave entrance with the skinned bird in her 
hand.  She looks back over her shoulder as she goes.

SIDIUS

Now if you don't mind, I have to wash dinner.

EXT. BASRAL CASTLE - NIGHT

Two shadowy figures sneak quickly up the castle's main path.  The gates close behind 
them.

They make their way to the castle's main entrance where two guards give a bow and 
allow them to pass through the door.

INT. BASRAL ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The two shadowy figures walk through the main entrance.  There is very little light inside 
the castle.

They walk to the circular stairwell that leads to the upstairs.

INT. CASTLE STAIRWELL - NIGHT

The two figures stay low as they creep up the stairs.  They reach the top.

INT. CASTLE HALL - NIGHT

When the two figures reach the hallway, they turn left and make their way to the doorway 
at the end of the hall on the right.

There is a candle flickering on the wall.  It reveals the two figures to be Allister and 
Graften.

Allister slowly opens the door.

INT. CASTLE BEDROOM - NIGHT

Allister enters the room and walks to the left side of the bed.  He stands over Artinia.

Allister reaches his left hand to his belt area and pulls out a six inch DAGGER.  It HUMS 
quietly as he withdraws it.

He puts the blade above his fathers throat and takes a deep BREATH.

He takes one of the loose pillows in his other hand and puts it over top of the blade.

Allister pushes both hands down really hard, smothering his fathers mouth with the 
pillow to prevent any sound.  

The blade cuts deep and fast through Artinia's jugular veins and throat.  Allister pulls the 
knife away, it is covered in blood.  The pillow begins to saturate with blood along with 
the sheets.

Allister wipes the dagger off on the sheets next to his fathers head and leaves the room.

INT. CASTLE BEDROOM - DAY

The morning sun shines through the window of the bedroom.  Artinia's dead body is pale 
and the bed is soaked through with blood.

Vernia wakes up.  She YAWNS and stretches her arms towards the wall by the 
headboard.  Her right arm comes down over Artinia's face and rubs against the soaked 
pillow.

She looks at her hand, blood drips from it.  She looks at Artinia and begins to quiver.

She is taking deep breaths.  She shakes Artinia.

VERNIA

(faintly)

Artinia...Artinia...wake up.  Get up.

Her face turns ash white.  Tears start rolling down her cheeks.  She stumbles out of the 
bed and falls to the floor with a THUD.

INT. CASTLE HALL - DAY

Two guards outside in the hall hear the THUD and look at each other.  They nod to each 
other and both enter the room.

INT. CASTLE BEDROOM - DAY

The guards look at Artinia's body without so much as a flinch.

Vernia's night gown is soaked with blood.  She stands up and starts crying.  Her legs are 
shaking badly beneath her.  She faints.

The guards collect her body and carry her out of the room.

INT. JAIL CELL - DAY

Vernia wakes up behind bars.  There is a fresh bucket of water in front of the wooden 
bunk where she is lying down.

She sits up on the bunk and washes her hands and face.  She wipes her hands off on the 
dry parts of her night gown and wipes her face with another dry spot.

Vernia looks straight down into the now calm water in the bucket.  She sees her 
reflection.  Her reflection starts to transform into Allister's face.

Her face turns to anger and she grabs the bucket with both of her hands and 
FORCEFULLY tips it out towards the bars of the jail.

The water spills out into the corridor.

INT. JAIL CORRIDOR - DAY

A jail guard hears the bucket HIT the floor and watches the water spill into the corridor.

He walks away to the upward spiralling stairwell.

INT. SALIN PALACE - DAY

The palace doors open and Preston, with four elementals, enters the palace.

INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM - DAY

Treston is sitting on the throne of Salin as Preston and the elementals enter.

They walk along the central carpet and bow ten feet before him.

Treston rises up from the throne and steps forward two paces.

TRESTON

Rise.

Preston and the elementals rise.

TRESTON

There is only four elementals here.  Where is the fifth?

PRESTON

He took his party to the Northeast, up into the mountains.  He should have been back two 
days ago.

Treston walks back and forth before Preston and the elementals, his right elbow resting 
on his left hand as he scratches his chin with his right fingers.

He stops after a few moments.

TRESTON

(worried)

How many more mages were recruited in the efforts of these four?

PRESTON

(concerned)

Not as many as you had hoped.  We only managed to get another fifty-three mages.

Treston throws his head back.

TRESTON

Ugh!!!

He looks deeply into Preston's eyes.

TRESTON

Send out another party to the mountains and find out what happened.  Make it twice as 
big and send all of these elementals.

Treston walks back to his thrown and sits forcefully back down.  He rests his forehead on 
his right hand.

TRESTON

You are dismissed.

PRESTON

Yes, my king.

Preston and the elementals bow and leave the room.

INT. JAIL CORRIDOR - DAY

Allister enters the corridor from the spiralling stairwell.  

INT. JAIL CELL - DAY

Vernia hears the FOOTSTEPS as they get closer.

INT. JAIL CORRIDOR - DAY

He walks until he is before the cell that his mother is in.

INT. JAIL CELL - DAY

The FOOTSTEPS stop.  Vernia doesn't lift her head.  She reaches down from her sitting 
position and grabs the tipped over bucket.

She HEAVES it at the bars of the cell and it splinters.

INT. JAIL CORRIDOR - DAY

Allister throws his arms up to prevent any splinters from hitting his face.

He takes two steps forward and grabs the bars with his hands.  He looks right at his 
mother.

INT. JAIL CELL - DAY

Vernia stands up and finally looks at Allister.

INT. JAIL - DAY

Allister takes his hands off of the bars and lets them rest by his sides.

ALLISTER

Now mother, that was no way to greet the new king of Artinia.

She glares at him.

VERNIA

(hurt)

You are no king.  Do you really think the people will follow you?  You are a murderer.

Allister smiles at her.

ALLISTER

(sinister)

Murderer?...Me?  No.  There is but one murderer in this jail, and it appears to be you.  
Or...at least that's what everyone believes.

VERNIA

How could you do this?

ALLISTER

How could I do this?  How could I do this?!  

Allister reaches through the bars and YANKS Vernia to the bars.  She hits them hard, 
trying to brace herself from the impact with her hands.

ALLISTER

Father tried to have me put away!  Thankfully for me, I convinced the mages to play for 
me long before he got home.  Do you really think father had any intentions of letting me 
become king to begin with?!

He lets go of Vernia.  She stumbles backwards and sits on the bed.

ALLISTER

You can either accept the fact that I am now king and live out your days under 
supervision or remain in this cell.  The choice is yours.  You can call for one of the 
guards when you have decided.

Allister walks quickly out of the jail.

INT. JAIL CELL - DAY

Vernia lies on the bunk with her head in her hands, CRYING.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius and Edeon are walking through a loosely populated forest area on the mountain.  
They stop in a patch of shorter grass and sit down with their legs crossed.

SIDIUS

Through meditation, we can harness natures power and further our own strengths.  Only 
then, can your power start to grow.

They both close their eyes and rest their palms face up on their knees.

SIDIUS

Listen to the sounds around you.  Feel the energies of the plants, the animals, and the 
energy flowing in the air.  Let them intertwine with your own and flow with your energy.

They both sit very still.  Sidius' energy is already, once again, absorbing space in a two 
foot radius around her.

Edeon's energy is just starting to emanate from his body.  His body starts to convulse 
with the energy.  He CRIES out and falls back into the grass.  He opens his eyes.

Sidius opens her eyes and floats into a standing position.  She turns and looks down at 
him and LAUGHS.

SIDIUS

Very good.

She extends her right hand down to him and he takes it with his right hand.  She pulls him 
up.

EDEON

Thank you.

SIDIUS

You can't be afraid of the energy.  You have to try and control it.

EDEON

It felt so awkward.  Almost like nature was consuming me.

They start walking down the gentle slope of the mountain.

SIDIUS

That will happen if you aren't in control.  The trick is to find an equilibrium between your 
energies and natures.  Once you can achieve that, you can harness far greater energy.

Sidius stops abruptly.  Edeon continues on a few paces before stopping and turning to 
her.

EDEON

What is it?

SIDIUS

Did you hear something?

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - HILLSIDE - DAY

Ten pairs of legs run through the grass up the hill.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Edeon looks at Sidius' expression.

EDEON

I didn't hear anything.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - HILLSIDE - DAY

Four elementals, two fire mages, two ice mages and two earth mages are running up the 
mountain.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Edeon starts walking down the mountain again.

SIDIUS

Stop.

Edeon walks back up to her.

EDEON

What is it?  I don't hear anything.

SIDIUS

There is definitely someone coming, and at speed.

Sidius sits down in the grass.

EDEON

Shouldn't we try and hide then?

SIDIUS

(confidently)

No.

Edeon sits down next to her in the grass.

SIDIUS

They are mages, just like your group was.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - HILLSIDE - DAY

The ten mages slow down to a walking pace.  They turn more towards the North.  Sitting 
in the grass up ahead is Sidius and Edeon.

The ten mages stop right before Sidius and Edeon.  One of the elementals steps forward.

ELEMENTAL

You there.

The ELEMENTAL points to Edeon.

ELEMENTAL    

I recognize you.  You are a mage of Treston.  Where is the party you were assigned to, 
Edeon?

Edeon stands up and gets ready to speak.  Sidius reaches up and tugs on his arm.  He 
looks down.  Sidius is already standing without any effort.

SIDIUS

(calm)

If you don't want to meet the same fate as the rest of his party did, I suggest you return to 
your king.  Edeon is free to return with you, if he so pleases.

ELEMENTAL

What do you mean, same fate?

Edeon steps up to him.

EDEON

(clearly)

Her power far exceeds any, and all, of you.  We didn't stand a chance, nor will you.

The elemental looks at the others, confused.

ELEMENTAL

(demanding)

Why would she spare you?

Sidius gives the elemental a menacing smile.

SIDIUS

I am not heartless.  He was rendered unconscious in the battle, so I nursed him back to 
health.

She walks right up into his face.  Edeon takes a step back to give her room.

SIDIUS

I was only protecting myself.  Would you make me do it again?

She looks coldly into the elementals eyes.  His arms start to fidget by his sides.  He 
breaks eye contact and turns his gaze to the grass off to the left.

The wind starts to pick up, the grass swaying in the breeze.

SIDIUS

Then go back to your war.  Your time will come soon enough.

Sidius turns and walks steadily back up the mountain, her head high.

Edeon watches her go.  He begins to follow her.

One of the other elementals, ELEMENTAL TWO, comes up to the first elemental.

ELEMENTAL TWO

(whispers)

What are you doing?  You can't just let her go.  We have our orders.  You can't believe 
what she just said, can you?

ELEMENTAL

I wouldn't believe it, but Edeon said it, so it must be true.  He wouldn't want us to get 
hurt.

Elemental two steps away, putting some room between him and the other elemental.

ELEMENTAL TWO

Can't you see that he follows her now.  She must have brainwashed him.

Edeon stops in his tracks.  Elemental two starts walking forward.

ELEMENTAL TWO

(commanding)

We must follow orders.

ELEMENTAL

(under breath)

No...

Sidius stops walking.  She slowly raises her hands level with her shoulders.

Elemental two braces himself.  He spreads his legs apart and stretches both of his hands 
in front of him.  Energy starts building in between his palms.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Allister is sitting in his fathers chair drinking a goblet of water.

A palace guard walks in and whispers in his ear.  Allister puts his goblet down on one of 
the small side tables and follows the guard out of the room.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

An ICE SPIKE impales his body and elemental two flies back ten feet, dead.

Sidius lets her arms drop and runs up to Edeon's side.  Edeon has sweat running down his 
face.  He is breathing deeply.

The rest of the mages, including the first elemental line up.

ELEMENTAL

(disgusted)

How could you do that?

Edeon takes a few deep breathes.

EDEON

(tired)

Leave her alone.

ELEMENTAL

You are one of us.  You serve King Treston.

EDEON

Not anymore.  I don't want to fight for a tyrant any longer.

ELEMENTAL

Then our orders leave us no other options.

Sidius pulls Edeon back towards a tree.  She sets him down to rest his back against the 
trunk, then walks back to the mages of Treston.

SIDIUS

What cowards.  You would fight and kill a man when he is too worn out to defend 
himself?

ELEMENTAL

He has committed treason.  That in itself is punished by murder.

Sidius extends her left arm towards Edeon, behind her.  She doesn't take her eyes off of 
the mages.

She raises her arm up above her shoulders and a wall of ROCK and EARTH surround 
Edeon.

SIDIUS

If you want him, you will first have to come through me.

Sidius spreads her legs slightly and puts her arms ready by her sides.  Her eyes don't 
leave the mages.

SIDIUS

So...you just going to stand there?

INT. JAIL - DAY

Allister walks up to Vernia's cell with the guard.  The guard takes a key ring off of his 
belt and fumbles through them.

ALLISTER

Glad to hear you have come to your senses.

The guard selects one of the keys and opens the cell door.  Vernia steps out, not making 
any eye contact with Allister.

ALLISTER

You are welcome.

The guard takes hold of one of her arms and leads her to the stairwell.  Allister SLAMS 
the cell door shut and follows behind them.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

The six mages and three elementals have Sidius surrounded.  She slowly turns around 
paying close attention to each of them.

A bolt of FIRE comes flying towards her from one of the fire mages.

Sidius spins around once, quickly, and erects a FORCE FIELD around her.  The bolt 
grazes off of the side of it and hits the earth wall around Edeon.

The wall starts to crumble.

Sidius stops, facing the fire mage that attacked her.  She thrusts her left arm towards him 
and sends a flurry of FIREBALLS at him.

The mage is too slow to dodge and gets hit by many fireballs and falls to the ground in 
flames.

At the same time, Sidius thrusts her right arm in the opposite direction and then jumps in 
the air spinning.

Bolts of fire and ice from the mages, and lightning from the elementals, fly towards her.  
Spikes of earth break the surface beneath her, rocks fly towards her.

Sidius jolts her head back and arcs her back, closing her eyes.  She brings both of her 
arms down behind her, palms facing the ground.  A big semi-circular force field stops the 
attacks.

The force of the attacks destabilize her and she falls hard to her knees.  She opens her 
eyes.  More spells are coming towards her.  She puts her arms out to either side and 
grimaces as she erects another force field.

Again, attacks bounce off of it, some hitting the earth wall around Edeon, further 
weakening the barrier.  

She is able to hold the force field up.  She closes her eyes again and CRIES out in 
anguish.

Her force field starts to pulse outwards, draining her power.  Her skin starts turning 
white.

Elemental one stares in horror.  He starts to back off.  The rest of the mages and 
elementals are still throwing spells at the ever increasing force field, but they keep 
bouncing off.

Edeon hears the CRIES.  He touches the wall of earth.  It budges, but not enough.  He 
channels the moisture in the air into the earth and then freezes it.  The ice expands.

Sidius' force field is almost to the mages and elementals now.

Elemental one hides behind a tree where he can still see what is happening.

Elemental three starts to back off a little.  The rest of the mages still flinging spells.

Sidius gives off one last PIERCING SHRILL.  The force field flies into a tight, bright 
yellow and red ball around her.  She is curled up tight.

With a sudden flash, the tight ball of energy EXPLODES in all directions.  Insane 
amounts of energy pulse through the air, eliminating all of the mages and the fourth 
elemental.

Elemental three dives behind a nearby tree, avoiding most of the shock wave.  Elemental 
one high tales it down the mountain.

The earth wall around Edeon resonates from the shock wave.  Edeon pushes through, 
landing on his hands and knees, breathing deeply.

Sidius is sprawled out on her side.  She doesn't move, her skin is ash white.

Elemental three gets up in a bit of a daze.  He shakes his head and holds it for a moment.  
His head clears and he sees Sidius lying still.

He walks over to her, unaware of Edeon still at the base of a tree.

Elemental three stands over Sidius' body.  He extends both hands towards her.

ELEMENTAL THREE

Never again shall you see the light of this world.  The dark gates of Iforius await your 
soul.

Five spikes of ice PENETRATE through elemental three's back.  Blood spurts 
everywhere.  He starts COUGHING up blood and falls to the side of Sidius' body.

Edeon is sweating profusely.  He stumbles to Sidius' side and lowers his ear just in front 
of her mouth.  She still breathes.

INT. BASRAL THRONE ROOM - DAY

Allister is sitting on the throne.

Graften enters and walks down the long red carpet.  He stops before Allister and bows.

ALLISTER

What news do you bring?

Graften stands.

GRAFTEN

The mages have returned with hundreds more for the armada.  Surely we will be a mighty 
force to reckon with.

ALLISTER

Then what are we waiting for?  We leave for the camps this afternoon.

GRAFTEN

What about the four week peace?

ALLISTER

What about it?  I aim to win this war by any means necessary.  Even if that means 
breaking my father's word.

Allister stands up.  He walks briskly past Graften down the red carpet.  Graften chases 
after him.

ALLISTER

Pack anything you need.  We leave after lunch.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - BEDROOM - DAY

Vernia sits on the freshly made bed.  She is wearing a normal dress, brushing her hair.

The door opens.

Allister enters and stands just inside the doorway.

Vernia gives him a disgusted look, still brushing her hair.

ALLISTER

I trust you will be good while I'm gone.  The servants and guards will be around if you 
should need anything, but don't even think about leaving the castle.

Vernia stops brushing her hair and rests her hands in her lap.

VERNIA

Is it absolutely necessary to have me living as a prisoner in my own home?

ALLISTER

It is my home now, mother.  You may still be queen, but you have no power now.

Allister turns to the door and looks back over his shoulder.

ALLISTER

There is plenty for you to do around the castle.  Take care...mother.

Allister leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

EXT. BASRAL - DAY

Allister and Graften lead the pack of hundreds of mages through the main streets of 
Basral.  Allister and Graften on horseback.

EXT. HATRIS ISLE - DAY

Allister, Graften and the hundreds of mages march Westward across the island.

EXT. SALIN - DAY

Treston is walking down one of the market streets in Salin holding Azra's hand in his 
own.

All of the merchant stands are in rough shape, the buildings are old and crumbling.  
Women are dumping pails of dirty water out of their windows onto the street below.

Treston and Azra stop in front of a cloth merchant.

AZRA

It isn't that the materials here aren't any good.  It is just that there hasn't been any money 
in this city for a long time.  Everyone trades to get what they need and are too busy trying 
to provide for their families...

Treston cuts her off.

TRESTON

So they have no time to fix their homes.

He picks up a beautiful piece of dark blue silk.  He eyes it closely.

AZRA

That is correct.

Treston grabs a leather pouch from his belt and opens it.

TRESTON

How much for this piece of silk?

The MERCHANT looks at the piece of silk, then at Treston's crown.

MERCHANT

For you, my lord, it is free.

TRESTON

Nonsense.

Treston pulls three gold coins out of his leather pouch.

TRESTON

That's twice what this would go far back in Torian.  Spend it well.

He folds up the silk and drapes it over his right arm.  He looks up to see the merchant's 
mouth agape.

The merchant grabs Treston's left hand and starts kissing it repeatedly.

MERCHANT

(mumbling)

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Treston pulls his hand back quickly and gives Azra a surprised look.

TRESTON

I hope all merchants aren't this friendly.

AZRA

They haven't seen gold in so long.

Treston and Azra continue through the market.  Treston puts the silk over his left arm and 
holds Azra's left hand in his right.

TRESTON

That will change in time.  I'll have the builders from Torian come and make this city like 
new.  This empire will be strong and rich.

AZRA

Is it possible?

TRESTON

Of course it is.

The market street comes to an end on the main road through Salin.  They both stop, 
looking towards the edge of the city.

There are some kids chasing each other, LAUGHING.

Many people walk the streets carrying goods for trade.

Treston smiles as he watches the children running.

TRESTON

Yes.  This empire will know no better times then those to come.

Azra grabs his right arm, gently, with both of her hands and rests her head on his 
shoulder.  She watches the children running.

INT. SALIN PALACE - DAY

Treston and Azra enter the palace.  Standing before them is Preston and elemental one.

Treston closes the door behind them.

TRESTON

Azra, can you excuse us for a moment?

Treston looks at Preston, eyes unwavering.

Azra kisses his cheek.

AZRA

Of course.

She walks off towards the Palace Garden, stepping between Preston and the elemental.

Treston steps closer to them.

TRESTON

What is it?

PRESTON

Apparently a very powerful mage wiped them out.  Worse yet, a mage from the last party 
was helping her.

Treston grabs the elemental's shoulders firmly.

TRESTON

Is this true?  Did one mage manage to defeat all of you?

ELEMENTAL ONE

(shaking)

As he said, my king.  It was a female mage and Edeon of the armada.  This female mage, 
though, she seemed like a ghost.  She was unafraid, and said she was only protecting 
herself.

Treston lets go of the elemental.

TRESTON

No more mages.  I'm going myself.

PRESTON

King Treston, I must protest.

TRESTON

No!  I'm going to see her myself.  If what you say is true, I pose no threat to her.  She will 
not harm me, and if she does...Well, then I'm a fool.

PRESTON

What should we do while you are gone?

Treston looks at Preston, his eyes now calm.

TRESTON

Gather the mages that were brought in.  Head to the river and start preparing for the war 
at hand.

PRESTON

Yes, my king.

Preston and the elemental bow.

Treston walks between them towards the palace garden.

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY

Treston takes a seat next to Azra.

He sweeps her bangs back behind her ear with his hand.

TRESTON

(tenderly)

Azra, you are truly a goddess to be.

Azra takes hold of his hands.

AZRA

Where are you going?

Her eyes are pleading to him.

TRESTON

To the mountains, then to the war camp.

Treston lifts his hands up with hers holding them.  He kisses the back of her right hand.

AZRA

I want to go with you.

TRESTON

I can't allow that.

AZRA

Why?

TRESTON

I need you to stay here and take care of my mother.  Tell her where I have gone.

AZRA

Why must you go now?

Treston loosens his hands and hugs her close to his body.

TRESTON

If I do not, the very existence of this empire could be at stake.  Be strong for me...For 
both of us.

He kisses her softly on the cheek and holds her tight, resting his head on her shoulder.

EXT. SALIN GATE - NIGHT

It is evening.  A lone horse rides out from Salin to the Northeast.

EXT. ARTINIAN EMPIRE - DAY

Allister, Graften and the mages march across the bridge connecting Hatris Isle to the 
mainland.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius turns feverishly under her blankets.  She is not too far from the smoking embers of 
the nights fire.  

On the other side of the fire lies Edeon fast asleep.

Sidius opens her eyes and sits up.  She is sweating, her skin is still not back to its normal 
pale blue.

She throws off the blankets, struggling to stand.  She is wearing only a brown robe down 
to her knees.

She looks around the cave.  Her eyes stop, fixed on a pile of clothing near the wall behind 
her.

Sidius walks over to the pile and picks it up, revealing her regular outfit.  Her clothes are 
clean, white and black as ever.

She looks at Edeon in the dim light of the cave.  He continues to sleep soundly.

She walks out of the cave with her clothes in hand.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Treston gallops up the mountain through the forest.

EXT. MOUNTAIN STREAM - DAY

Sidius is kneeling by the stream, still in her brown robe.  She tips her foot into the water 
and withdraws.

She steps in the stream, removing the robe as she lowers herself into the stream to bathe.

EXT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius approaches the cave in her regular apparel.  Her hair is wet, she carries the brown 
robe over her shoulder.

The fire is going again and a horse is tied to a nearby tree.

She continues to approach cautiously.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius enters the cave.

Sitting behind the fire is Edeon and Treston.

She tosses the brown robe to the side.

Edeon gets up and bows to Treston, then walks towards Sidius.  He pauses next to her 
and lowers his head towards her right ear.

EDEON

(quietly)

I'll leave you two alone.

Edeon leaves the cave.

Sidius approaches Treston.  He stands up and turns to her.

TRESTON

You have inconvenienced me greatly.  Might I inquire as to why?

Sidius' face stays calm, but her eyes glare at him.

SIDIUS

That crown tells me who you are, for I have seen it before.  Although you may be a king, 
I am not one of your people, nor will I ever be.

She sizes him up, looking him over.

SIDIUS

You possess no magical powers, thus you pose no threat to me.

Treston backs off from her cold stare and sits by the fire again.

TRESTON

If I pose no threat, then have a seat.  Let us talk.

EXT. ARTINIAN CAMP - DAY

Allister and Graften halt at the tent in the rear of the encampment.  The mages continue 
on, spreading out among the tents of the camp.

Allister and Graften dismount and walk in the tent.

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - DAY

There is a big wooden table with battle plans drawn out on sheets of paper.  Behind it lies 
a wooden chair and further beyond, a wooden bunk with a heap of blankets in disarray.

Allister walks around the table and sits in the chair, quickly glancing over the drawings.

Graften stands on the other side of the table.

ALLISTER

See to it that I am brought more paper and ink.  After that, go through the camp and get 
the mages ready.  We attack when the Treston Camp goes dark.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius and Treston sit side by side behind the fire, looking out through the entrance.

TRESTON

I'm not my father.  I want this war to end.  There is one battle left to fight, that is all.

SIDIUS

The same blood flows in you.

Sidius stares intently at the flames of the fire.  The tendrils of flame move in a controlled 
manner, not freely.

SIDIUS

Why have you come?

One tendril brushes right before Treston's face.  He leans back and throws an arm in front 
of his face to protect it.

The flame doesn't even come close to his skin.

TRESTON

(pleading)

I came to ask for your help.  Not by force, just as a king, seeking aid.

Treston looks at Sidius, his face innocent.

SIDIUS

It's funny how you seek aid from a mage when you are in need, but will kill them at the 
instant they refuse to help.  All for power...all for greed.  I offer you only one thing...

She turns to him and looks him deathly in the eyes.

Treston's eyes open wide with fear.

SIDIUS

(angry)

I offer you the pain of one that has lost everything to the Treston Empire!!

Sidius' hand shoots forward and grabs his forehead.  Treston's head jolts back, his eyes 
turn pearl white, his body convulses from the energy.

VISION:

Treston sees:

EXT. STARK - DAY

Hundreds of Mages from the Treston Empire march into Stark lead by King Treston III, 
an older version of Treston IV.  A small group of Stark villagers stand before them, no 
more then forty.

Treston III and a villager have a short exchange before Treston III turns around and 
sweeps his right arm towards the villagers.  He disappears into the mages.

INT. COTTAGE - DAY

Sidius and her mother look out of their window towards the mages.  The two sides start 
flinging magic towards each other.  King Treston III can be seen walking away from the 
village with his head held high.

EXT. STARK - DAY

The battle is easily won.  The Treston mages start entering buildings, burning them down, 
killing anyone they see.

INT. COTTAGE - DAY

Sidius' mother grabs her arm and runs her to the hidden cellar door.  She kisses her hand, 
tears rolling down her cheeks.

INT. COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY

Sidius looks up at her mother, her face stricken with grief.

The cellar door closes...

BLACK

INT. COTTAGE - DAY

Sidius' mother stands in the middle of the cottage when the door breaks open.  Four 
mages enter.

She is first set on FIRE from the waste down, then FROZEN from the neck down.  Then 
a bolt of LIGHTNING flings forth from one of the mages hands and SHATTERS the 
body.

The faces of the mages are all smiles and laughter.

They leave the building.

INT. CELLAR - DAY

Sidius is CRYING before a single lit candle.

END VISION

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius' hand falls from Treston's forehead.  Tears rolling down her cheeks.

Treston's body is still convulsing.  He inhales deeply, WHEEZILY, then falls on his side.  
His hands come up and hold his throat.  

His eyes return to normal and tears start running from them.

Sidius gets up and walks around the fire to the outside of the cave.

Treston watches her through the fire.  He CRIES.

TRESTON

(quietly)

I'm sorry... I'm... sorry...

Sidius is gone.

INT. BASRAL CASTLE - BEDROOM - DAY

It is mid-afternoon.  Vernia is lying down, asleep, on the bed above the blankets.

There is a light KNOCKING from the door.

She stirs, but does not get up.

The door CREEKS open slowly.  The same guard from the jail cell walks into the room 
and walks over to Vernia.

He shakes her gently.

JAIL GUARD

(whispering)

It is time.

Vernia turns over and opens her eyes.

The guard steps back and Vernia gets up from the bed.

She walks over to the dresser against the far wall and opens the top drawer, pulling out a 
shall.

She throws it over her shoulders and follows the guard out of the room.

INT. CASTLE STAIRWELL - DAY

The jail guard leads Vernia down the stairwell.

JAIL GUARD

There is an emergency escape at the end of the jail that leads to an old dock.  I can get 
you across the to the mainland from there.

INT. JAIL CORRIDOR - DAY

The guard and Vernia walk quickly down the corridor.  It leads them around a corner to 
the left, no lights down it.

The guard yanks one of the torches off of the main corridor walls and leads her on.

Old, rusted out jail cells line the dim corridor, eerie shadows cast in all directions from 
the torch light.

Water DRIPS rhythmically.

The guard pulls Vernia on.

EXT. BASRAL CASTLE - HIDDEN DOCK - DAY

An old dock juts out from the rock wall at the base of the castle foundation.  There is an 
old wooden door.

The door slowly opens.  The guard and Vernia step out from the castle, down the dock.

The guard dips the torch in the water, putting out the flame.  He tosses the torch back 
inside the door.

He walks up to the boat and helps Vernia get in.

She takes a seat in the back.

The guard looks up the castle wall.

There are no guards.

He unties the ropes to the boat and pushes off as he steps in it.

The oars HIT the water and the boat starts to move, Northward, to the mainland.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius walks through the forest, looking high into the trees.  The SOUNDS of the forest 
all around her.

She sits down hard against a tree trunk.  She folds her arms on her knees and drops her 
forehead on her arms.  Her body shakes slightly as she WHIMPERS.

EXT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

The sun is starting to set in the West.

Edeon is helping Treston to prepare his horse outside of the cave.

Sidius approaches from the forest.

Treston mounts up on his horse.

Sidius comes up and stands next to Edeon.

Treston looks at her, grief in his eyes.

TRESTON

There is nothing I can say or do to make better what my father has done to you, or anyone 
that has fallen victim to our Empire.  I asked you for something that I should never expect 
anyone to give.  Everyone should be free to make a choice.  If by some chance you 
should come to forgive me, my heart may rest easier.

Treston bows his head to Sidius, then looks at Edeon.

TRESTON

Are you ready?

EDEON

Not quite.

Edeon turns to Sidius, she looks back at him.

EDEON

Sidius, you gave me two choices a while back.  While I am grateful for your care and 
helping me to train myself to be a better mage, I feel my duty is with the rest of the 
Empire.  I don't know what you will do, but I must try to preserve what King Treston 
wants because I believe it is the right thing.

SIDIUS

Your companionship was something I have missed for a long time, and for that, I thank 
you Edeon.

Sidius embraces Edeon and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

SIDIUS

Take care of yourself.

Sidius pulls away from Edeon.  Tears start rolling from her eyes.

Edeon turns from her, hiding his face.

EDEON

Let's go.

Edeon gets up on the horse behind Treston and they ride off down the mountain.

Sidius, staring after, tears still rolling down her face, which is now back to its regular pale 
blue.

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Two lanterns on either end of the table illuminate the tent.  Allister takes a drink from a 
tin cup, the pen still in his other hand.

He drops the pen in the empty ink bottle.

Dozens of intricately drawn battle plans decorate the table.

ALLISTER

(to himself)

The day has finally come.

He leans back in his chair and takes another gulp from the cup and throws it aside.

Graften enters the tent and bows to him.

GRAFTEN

Night time is upon us.

Allister jumps up to his feet.

ALLISTER

Excellent!  Come forth.

Graften walks up to the table.

ALLISTER

I have completed the battle plans.  All you have to do is get them to the captains and 
everything will take care of itself from there.

Allister piles the plans into various piles.

GRAFTEN

As simple as that, is it?

ALLISTER

It is.  I have spent all my time in the castle studying battle strategy and coming up with 
my own.  It will be flawless.

Allister grins.

GRAFTEN

Sounds very promising.

ALLISTER

Oh, it is.  Now quickly, get those plans out to the captains and let us make quick work of 
these scum.

GRAFTEN

As you wish.

Graften smiles, then bows to Allister.

He turns and marches out of the tent.

Allister jumps on the messy bed and lies down.

ALLISTER

(to himself)

This world is mine...

EXT. ARTINIAN CAMP - NIGHT

The Artinian mages are in formation throughout the tents.  Four wide and twenty long.

Dozens of groups of mages are lined up through the hundreds of tents.  Camp fires 
provide the only source of light.

EXT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Graften stands with Allister just outside of his tent.  Both stand with their heads high, 
hands clasped behind their backs.

GRAFTEN

Everything is set.

ALLISTER

Now the part I can't stand... waiting.

Allister looks around.

ALLISTER

Are the recovery tents all prepared?

GRAFTEN

Everything is exactly the way you had them drawn up.

ALLISTER

Excellent.

A young mage wearing a yellow belt with a lightning bolt tattooed to his forehead runs 
up to Graften.  He bows, then stands perfectly straight, hands at his sides.

YOUNG MAGE

The last of the lanterns have gone out.  All that remains are camp fires.

GRAFTEN

Thank you.  You can return to your formation.

The young mage bows, and runs off through the tents.

ALLISTER

We will wait a little while, give them time to sleep.  Then we strike.

EXT. ARTINIAN CAMP - NIGHT

The Artinian Armada marches towards the bridge.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - NIGHT

The formations cross one formation at a time.  A few formations remain on the Artinian 
side of the river.  All of them are lightning mages.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - NIGHT

Two mages stand guard at the edge of the camp.

A giant black SHADOW swarms from the direction of the bridge.

One of the mages shoots a FIRE BALL into the sky, illuminating THOUSANDS of 
mages from the Artinian Armada.

The mage shoots off more fire balls into the sky illuminating the camp before being 
burned to a CRISP from a FIRE BOLT.

The other mage that was at guard runs off through the camp raising the alarm.

GUARD MAGE

(screaming)

We're under attack!  We're under attack!

He bolts straight for King Treston's tent.

INT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - NIGHT

Preston is already up and dressed.  CRIES and mage ACTIVITY can be heard outside.

The guard mage enters the tent, PANTING.

GUARD MAGE

(out of breath)

We... are under... attack.

Preston picks up a cup from the table and hands it to the mage.  The mage drinks it down.

PRESTON

So I have gathered.

Preston walks towards the exit of the tent.

PRESTON

(over his shoulder)

Hurry along now!  We have to get organized.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - NIGHT

Mages are scurrying left and right.  They all run to towards the river.

Dark smoke shadows the night sky from burning tents.

Mages SCREAM as they die.

Preston rallies a few of the elementals closest to him.

PRESTON

We have no time to arrange a strategy right now.  All we can do is work our best to hold 
them back for now.  Each of you organize teams and spread out around the camp.  Do 
whatever you can to take them out.

The elementals disperse in different directions.

Preston grabs the shoulder of the guard mage.

PRESTON

See to it that the healers are prepared and then rally together a team to bring back 
whatever wounded you can find.

The mage takes off to the Southeast of the camp.

Preston stands still, watching the battle unfold.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - NIGHT

The front few rows of tents of the Treston camp have been destroyed.

Artinian mages control the whole East bank of the river.

The war has come to a steady halt as the Treston's regroup.

Bolts of FIRE, ICE, LIGHTNING and STONES of Earth exchange fire.

Mages SCREAM, die.  Both sides are taking heavy casualties now.

Injured and dead are being dragged back across the bridge to the Artinian camp.

The war lasts all night.

EXT. VALOREN - DAY

It is early morning.  Overcast sky, mist in the air.

Vernia and the jail guard have landed at the docks in Valoren, the port town near the 
battle zone.

The guard helps Vernia step up onto the dock.

JAIL GUARD

You shouldn't have any trouble getting to the camps from here.  Just head North.  I have 
to return to Basral, otherwise someone might suspect something.

Vernia kneels down and gives the guard a kiss on the cheek.

VERNIA

Thank you, for all of your help.

JAIL GUARD

Anything to rid this Empire of that greedy child.

A moment of silence.

JAIL GUARD

Be careful.

The guard pushes off from the dock with an oar.

Vernia watches the guard disappear into the mist, then walks towards the town.

EXT. TRESTON EMPIRE - DAY

Treston and Edeon ride through the misty air around the outer walls of Salin to the 
Treston Camp.

EXT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

Graften steps out of the tent to the sounds of WAR.

The battle ever creeping closer towards him.

He grabs the shoulder of a mage running by.  It is the same mage that raised the alarm.

PRESTON

How do things look?

GUARD MAGE

Not so good.  They still have many mages sitting back by the river, and our camp is half 
taken.  Many are dead and wounded.

King Treston comes to a sudden stop next to the tent and he and Edeon dismount from 
the horse.

Preston wheels on the spot.

PRESTON

(startled)

My king, it is good to see your return.

TRESTON

What happened to the seize fire?  There is still a week remaining.

PRESTON

They attacked in the night, shortly after curfew.

TRESTON

I thought King Artinia was a better man then this.

Treston ties his horse to a stake next to the tent.

Edeon looks anxiously on towards the battle.

TRESTON

Edeon, I do not expect any miracles this day.  Perhaps you should have stayed in the 
mountains.

Edeon faces him.

EDEON

I pledged my loyalty to this Empire.  I will do what I can for its cause.

He bows and runs off to the battle.

TRESTON

I'm going to check on the medical tents.  Keep me posted.

INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius stands  before the fire, staring out into the misty mountain.  It starts to DRIZZLE.

She walks out.

EXT. MOUNTAIN CAVE - DAY

Sidius lifts her face and lets the rain drops hit her face.

After a moment she lowers her face again, the rain now wetting her hair.

A bolt of lightning is seen off in the distance to the West, followed by a clap of 
THUNDER.

She smiles.

She starts to run to the Southwest.

EXT. TARN MOUNTAIN - DAY

Sidius runs quickly like the wind, almost appearing to float effortlessly through the air.

Her hair trails behind her head, her arms tucked in by her sides as she sprints very low to 
the ground.

All the while, a smile on her pale blue face.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - DAY

Edeon is in the midst of a major battle in the middle of what was the Treston Camp.

Tents are on fire, rocks littering the ground.

Edeon gathers moisture from the air around him and sends an ICE STORM towards the 
oncoming mages.

A ROCK spike comes flying towards him.

He sends a quick ICE BOLT in its direction, deflecting it.

More mages fill the spot his ice storm cleared.

A wave of FIRE flies towards him from the new mages.

He flows the moisture into a WALL of WATER.  The wall barely blocks the fire and is 
fully evaporated.

Edeon uses the wall to fall back.

EXT. MEDICAL TENTS - DAY

Edeon stops outside of the first medical tent he sees.  He takes deep breathes.

King Treston steps out from a tent nearby and runs up to him.

TRESTON

Are you alright?

Edeon sits down on the ground.

EDEON

(breathless)

I've been better.  Even with all of the moisture in the air with the onset of a storm, I have 
dehydrated myself.

At that a BLAST of lightning bolts strike on the river just North of the battle.

THUNDER rocks the Earth.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

Floating in the air fueled by the storm, Sidius rocks the river again with a flurry of 
LIGHTNING BOLTS.

Her fingers extend forward, bolts of LIGHTNING extend from the tips, each finding a 
target.

Ten mages fall.

She falls into the river, her ENERGY field parts the water around her.

Her arms go off to either side.

The river parts around her.  Two WALLS of water form on either side and crash on the 
riverbanks on either side.

She passes under the bridge.

Mages from the Artinian Empire try to get her with attacks from above.  They reflect off 
of her energy field.

EXT. MEDICAL TENTS - DAY

The waves of water can be seen from where Edeon and Treston are.

TRESTON

(dismay)

What is going on?

EDEON

That is far too much destruction for any mere mage.

TRESTON

We have to do something!  She is attacking everyone!

Treston starts freaking out.

EDEON

I can't do anything to stop her, nor do I think I would.

TRESTON

My family is to blame and now we are paying for it.

Treston falls to his knees.  He sinks down, his head low.

TRESTON

(empty)

Edeon, tell Preston to return to Salin.  They are to keep a close eye on what is going on 
here.  If things get to bad, I want them to evacuate.

Edeon runs to the king's tent.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

Sidius steps up onto the East shore of the river.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - DAY

She enters the Treston Camp.  The fires on the tents start to dampen in the rain.

Mages battle before her, oblivious to her silent approach.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

Five more formations of the Artinian Armada chase after Sidius.

INT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

Preston sits in the makeshift throne.

Edeon enters the tent, wet from the rain.

EDEON

Preston, King Treston bids you return to Salin.  If this war takes a turn for the worst, he 
wants the city evacuated.

Preston gets up and leans on one of the arm rests.

PRESTON

Rain washes away the blood, but not the enemy.  The hope of victory dwindles with each 
passing hour.

Preston takes a cloak from the back of the makeshift throne and throws it over his 
shoulders.

Preston walks up to Edeon and places an arm on his shoulder.

PRESTON

Fight hard, Edeon.  Whatever you have left in you, give it for the people.  Send some to 
Iforius for me too, will you?

He pats him on the shoulder and leaves the tent.

Edeon follows a moment after.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - DAY

Sidius is smack in the middle of the war.  Artinian mages all around her and what's left of 
the Treston army not twenty feet to the East.

EXT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

King Treston runs over to Edeon.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - DAY

Sidius FEEDS her power from the storm.  Her ENERGY field holds strong.

She channels the rain into a FLURRY of HAIL.

The hail takes out a radius of ten feet around her.

She FLOATS over the bodies of the dead.

EXT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

King Treston is horrified.  Edeon looks on towards Sidius in despair.

TRESTON

(sickly)

Why?  Why won't she stop?  She's obliterating us.

Tears run through the rain drops on his face.  He is struggling to stand straight.

Edeon braces Treston and looks at Sidius.

EDEON

(pleading)

Sidius!  Sidius, please hold!  We need you!

Tears start to well in Edeon's eyes.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

Sidius clears a path to the kings tent with another ICE storm.

She is starting to sweat, her skin beginning to pale.

She floats straight to the tent, attacks from mages all around barely impacting her energy 
field.

EXT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

Sidius stops before Edeon and Treston.

SIDIUS

Tell your mages to leave me alone so I may at least hear you out.

TRESTON

Leave her!  Defend us as long as you can!

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - DAY

The dozens of Treston mages that remain do as instructed, forming a wall between the 
Artinian's and the king's tent.

EXT. KING TRESTON'S TENT - DAY

More lightning and THUNDER.  The storm is intensifying, the sky getting darker.

Treston drops to his knees at Sidius' feet.

TRESTON

I beg of you to help.  We are finished.  Look at us.  

He is crying UNCONTROLLABLY.

Edeon looks at her, his eyes searching for an answer.

More mages CRY in death at the battle.

TRESTON

(faint)

Please...

Sidius' calm, cool face gives way to sadness.

SIDIUS

You have shown yourself to me King Treston.  No hint of lies, no sign of treachery or 
deceit.  You are a truer king then any could imagine.  My powers shall serve you this 
once, but never again.

TRESTON

Thank you.

Treston gets up and wipes the tears from his face.

He kisses Sidius' hand and retreats into his tent.

Sidius looks at Edeon and gives him a smile.

SIDIUS

Are you ready?

EDEON

It would be an honour.

They walk side by side, with their heads held high, towards the battle before them.

EXT. ARTINIAN CAMP - DAY

Vernia approaches Allister's tent cautiously through the Southern portions of the Artinian 
Camp.

The clouds have darkened considerably, the rain starts pouring much harder.

Vernia sneaks up to a tent near Allister's and freezes.

A set of hurried FOOTSTEPS can be heard approaching.

She peers around the corner of the tent she is behind.  She sees Graften stomping through 
the mud, heading for Allister's tent.

Vernia withdraws a KNIFE from under her garments.

She goes as quietly and quickly as she can around the other side of the tent.

EXT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Graften nears the tent.  He still walks briskly through the rain and THUNDER.

GRAFTEN

(through the rain)

Allister!  We are...

A KNIFE tip juts out through his rib cage, through his HEART.

His mouth drops, he GASPS for air.

The knife is YANKED back out, blood flowing like a river from his deathly wound.

He manages to turn around and see Vernia standing there, soaked and sinister.

The rain is quickly washing the blood from the knife.

His eyes go wide and he falls to the ground, SPLASHING in the mud.

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Allister is lying down on the blankets.  He opens his eyes, and looks around.

ALLISTER

Graften?

It is quiet, save the RAIN hitting the tent.

He gets up and sits at the table, now clear of battle plans.  He grabs his cup and pulls a 
bottle out from under the bed, pouring himself a drink.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - NIGHT

Very few Treston mages remain.

They fall back as Sidius and Edeon make their way through the Artinian Armada.

There are still a few formations remaining, a few hundred mages.

The tents are but smoldering rubble now.

Edeon streams ICE BOLTS before him, mages IMPALED, dying.

Sidius sends ENERGY BALLS from her finger tips.  Mages fall by the dozens.

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Allister takes one last swig from his cup.

He gets up and turns to his bed, his back to the entrance.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - NIGHT

Sidius and Edeon are both tiring.  There movement has slowed.  No more then one 
hundred mages now stand before them.

Edeon puts both of his hands before him, palms towards the on coming enemies.

Sidius has her energy field around both of them.  It fluctuates from the spells hitting it, 
and Sidius' weakening strength.

The colour in her face is starting to fade again.

The rain in front of Edeon is being channelled by his hands into JETS of WATER, 
crashing into the enemy.

It wavers a few mages, but is otherwise useless.

Sidius takes a leap into the air, STATIC ELECTRICITY holds her just above the ground, 
her arms out to the sides.

There is an EAR SHATTERING clap of THUNDER.

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

An EAR SHATTERING clap of THUNDER.  Allister stops in his tracks, covering his 
ears with his hands.  The THUNDER stops.

He uncovers his ears and straightens back up.

Vernia now stands just inside the entrance.  She lifts the KNIFE above her head and 
sprints at him.

Allister ducks low and spins on the spot.  His arms come up, one grabbing the wrist with 
the knife, the other grabbing her throat.

He stands up straight and looks her in the eyes.

EXT. TRESTON CAMP - NIGHT

Edeon stands firm, the water still flowing in JETS towards the enemy.

Sidius floats in the air, BOLTS of LIGHTNING surround her, and stream from the earth 
and sky.

The last of the Artinian Armada stare on in disbelief.

Edeon fans his water jets out a little.

Sidius' eyes go MARBLE WHITE, then flash BLACK.

The electricity flows from her onto the water from Edeon.

The Artinian Armada is electrified, EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM.

Sidius is glowing, the lightning subsides from her body.

Edeon drops to one knee, unable to maintain the water jets.

Sidius falls to the ground on her stomach.  She lays still a moment.  Finally she gets back 
up, her energy field is gone, her skin WHITE.

EXT. SALIN PALACE - NIGHT

From the highest tower on the palace, Preston watches towards the war.  Azra and 
Clarissa stand with him in the rain.

He sees the lightning fade.  There is no more movement on the battle field.

PRESTON

(relieved)

I think it is over...

INT. ALLISTER'S TENT - NIGHT

Allister looks his mother in the eyes.  His own eyes seem to darken as he looks at her.

He squeezes her wrist harder and shakes it.  The knife drops to the floor.

He pushes her back onto the table and leans over her, his face close to hers.

His ARROWHEAD DIAMOND flops out and jingles against the silver chain.  It hangs 
just above Vernia's heart.

ALLISTER

(hurt)

I let you live, even after you supported father in his plans to rid me of life and kingdom.  
Now you see fit to do as father did.  You are dead to me now, mother.

She is semi-choking from his hand that TIGHTENS its grip.  Tears start welling in her 
eyes.

She struggles beneath his grip.

ALLISTER

I rid myself of any ties to you.

His hand comes off of her wrist and grabs the diamond around his neck.  He YANKS on 
it, the chain breaks.

Vernia continues to squirm.

He puts his head to her ear.

ALLISTER

(whispering)

There is no asking for forgiveness.

His hand with the diamond comes up to her throat.

He slides it under his other hand which comes up and covers her mouth.

He forces the tip of the diamond into her JUGULAR vein with his index finger.

He pushes down hard and pulls it across her THROAT and other jugular.

Vernia's CRIES are muffled with his hand, blood going everywhere.

Tears run from Allister's eyes.  He kisses her forehead.

She stops twitching and he backs off, looking at the dead body before him.

EXT. BATTLE ZONE - NIGHT

Sidius, Edeon and Treston  step onto the bridge.  Lightning flashes up river.  A distant 
THUNDER.

Allister steps onto the bridge from the other side.

They all meet in the center of the bridge, a ten foot gap between the sides.

TRESTON

It is over, there are no mages left to defend you.

Allister smirks.  His hands go behind his back and stay there, holding one another.

ALLISTER

You must be the young King Treston.  How you defeated me I don't know, nor do I really 
care.  Here we stand, the joining of our two empires, at the end.

TRESTON

Who are you?

ALLISTER

I am King Allister, son to Artinia the second and I choose not to go quietly into the dark 
as you walk through my land.

Quickly Allister's right hand comes forth and whips the same KNIFE his mother used at 
Treston.

Edeon pushes Treston aside and is in the path of the knife.

Sidius is already between the knife and Edeon.

The knife CUTS into her side, just below her rib cage.

She falls to the ground, blood starting to well from her wound.  She pulls out the knife 
and throws it behind her, then places her hands on her wound, applying pressure.

Edeon drops down next to Sidius trying to help her.

Allister walks towards Treston, his hands CLENCHED into fists.

Treston gets up, the KNIFE in his hand.

Allister swings at Treston, Treston dodges to the left and THRUSTS the knife into his 
stomach.

He twists the knife around.

Allister's face twists in pain.  He grabs Treston's arm tightly and pulls it out with the 
knife.

He twists the arm, the knife drops.

Treston KICKS him in the back of the leg, Allister drops to the ground.

Treston PUNCHES him hard in the back of the head.

Allister scrambles to his feet, his face bleeding.

Treston kicks him one last time and Allister goes FLYING off of the bridge into the 
FAST flowing river.

Treston watches as his body BOBBLES in the water a little, then disappears beneath the 
RAPIDS.

Edeon props Sidius on his shoulder.

EDEON

You took the knife for me.

She looks at him, a smile on her pained face.

SIDIUS

Just returning a favour.

ONE MONTH LATER

EXT. STARK - DAY

The sun shines bright overhead, a beautiful day.

Sidius and Edeon walk down what was the main street in Stark.  Rubble from the 
invasion everywhere.

Only one house is still partially standing.

They walk up to it.

SIDIUS

This was my home.  Now but a memory of the past.

The floor of the house is still intact.  The roof is all gone.

They walk on that floor, then stop.

Sidius bends down and pulls away an old, rotting rug, revealing a metal handle.

She pulls up on the handle, a door.

She drops it open, light flooding into the cellar.

INT. CELLAR - DAY

They step into the cellar, filled with light from the sun above.

In the one corner is a candle burned down to the base.

The rest of the cellar is made out to be like a spiritual room.  Books and incense lay on an 
old desk.  The walls covered with tapestries of landscapes.

There is one tapestry that is different.  It is above the desk, a man and woman woven into 
it.

Sidius smiles at the tapestry.

Edeon's hand slips into hers.

She looks down at her hand, then clasps his as well.  She smiles to him.

EXT. STARK - DAY

They both come out of the cellar and walk out to what would be the front porch of the 
house.

There they stand, hand in hand, as Stark transforms into:

SIX MONTHS LATER

The village is rebuilt.  People pulling carts on the main street, the CHATTER of people 
throughout.

From the Southern edge of the village comes King Treston and Queen Azra.

They walk up to Sidius and Edeon on their front porch.

They all embrace and greet one another.

FADE OUT

THE END

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