If You Could Read My Mind

Today, more from my b-fantasy epic RING OF THE SORCERESS:

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INT. CYMBALLINE'S CABIN -- LATER
A dark log cabin cluttered with arcane magical items: bubbling cauldrons, intricate clockworks, the skulls of unknown creatures. The door bangs open, and the witch ushers the duo in with a flourish.
CYMBALLINE
I would have set out some tea, had I been expecting visitors.
PERYL
We are on our way to Castle Ebon.
Cymballine is reaching for something from a table, her back to the pair.
CYMBALLINE
Castle Ebon? To see our gentle queen?
When the witch turns around, she is holding two pointed stakes. The pair start. Cymballine looks down at the two spikes.
CYMBALLINE (CONT'D)
It is true. When I saw you in the crystal ball, I sharpened a few new spikes. A new head on a new pike now and then give the villagers something to think about. But then again, it's not every day that a powerful sorceress and her zombie minion strolls into my wood.
Cymballine expertly spears something off the table and holds the two spikes up again. They have a number of snacks on each.
CYMBALLINE (CONT'D)
Fruit? Cheese? Or fresh pheasant?
PERYL
I am a monk, not a sorceress.
CYMBALLINE
Oh? And who is this, an archbishop?
While Peryl stands flabbergasted, the witch puts down the pair of skewers.
CYMBALLINE (CONT'D)
And why do you think the queen, who consorts with dukes and popes, will see the likes of a swordsman and an acolyte?
PERYL
I...I know not for certain.
CYMBALLINE
(nods to Shadow)
And you?
SHADOW
My mind...is not clear. But I see a black-stoned castle.
Cymballine looks at him curiously.
CYMBALLINE
Familiar, no doubt. And what of the one who dogs your every step?
PERYL
(uneasily)
And who would that be, pray thee?
Cymballine, with a wide sweep of her arm, reveals her glowing crystal orb.
SHADOW
Is this some witch's trick?
Cymballine looks at him curiously.
CYMBALLINE
This, from a zombie? Look or don't, it is of no matter.
But the pair are drawn foward.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WOODS
The flying lizard arcs across the sky. Its eyes scan the treetops.
From a high angle, it sees Boris leading his monstrous guard through a field.
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INT. CYMBALLINE'S CABIN -- CONTINUOUS
Cymballine looks on with an arched eyebrow.
PERYL
That knight, and those...creatures? Following us?
CYMBALLINE
Since he put his sword to the abbey.
Peryl is thunderstruck.
PERYL
The...abbey?
CYMBALLINE
And now, they think to enter my wood? A bold move.
Cymballine looks closer at the crystal ball. Suddenly, it glows red. Cymballine's hands rear back as if scalded.
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EXT. WOODS -- CONTINUOUS
Cymballine's lizard is shot from the sky by a red beam accompanied by a shrill KEENING. It CAWS and augers into the woods below.
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INT. CYMBALLINE'S CABIN -- CONTINUOUS
Cymballine's head snaps back as the glow from the crystal ball begins to fade. Her humorous expression fades as well.
CYMBALLINE
I raised that one from a hatchling. They will pay for that.
Cymballine begins to rub her temples, closing her eyes and concentrating. Peryl and Shadow take a step back.
CYMBALLINE (CONT'D)
I call for vengeance...VENGEANCE! From the crack of time itself!
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