Summer and Lightning

For those keeping track, my daughter's prom went well, and I kept my murderous rage at her date's black fingernail polish in check, always a good thing. The next day I had to go to a funeral (not his), always tough. When I left the funeral home I saw a young woman testing out a motorcycle at a house across the street. I couldn't help but think that one day the motorcycle will be discarded and useless, the sunny spring day will turn to winter, the smiling woman will be touched by tragedy. But what's the alternative? Eh, not so good.

At any rate, here's a bit more from RING OF THE SORCERESS today, closing in on its semi-to-partially startling conclusion:

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CASTLE EBON (HALLWAY) -- LATER
Boris strides through the tapestry-laden hall. Desmond, stil puffed up with importance after presiding over the earlier executions, tries to bar his way.
DESMOND
Sir Boris, what is the meaning of this affront? Your orders--
With a deft move, Boris unsheathes his sword and runs the aide through. The other two look on in amazement as Boris calmly puts away his weapon.
BORIS
I've wanted to do that for a long time.
He strides forward.
CUT TO:
INT. CASTLE EBON (QUEEN'S CHAMBERS) -- MOMENTS LATER
Boris enters the chamber and bends his knee to the queen, who is sitting at her dressing table and looking at herself in a mirror.
BORIS
My lady.
ESME
Were you successful, Sir Boris?
BORIS
(beat)
I present the queen with her son, Prince Kelvin.
Shadow and Peryl shoulder into the room.
SHADOW
Mother?
Esme turns and looks at the trio without expression.
ESME
Once I feared this scene, though now I know not why. For I am glad you are here.
SHADOW
Is it you?
ESME
Of course...though I have undergone a few...changes since last we spoke. You as my son should appreciate that.
SHADOW
I understand the nature of my own changes...treachery and murder. Yours I do not.
Esme smiles a cold smile.
ESME
Your father the king was often gone, defending our borders...the nights were long and cold...but soon my empty nights were filled with dreams. In these dreams I was visited by a kind friend and teacher. My dream-friend told me to go into the catacombs carved by my grandfather King Leto beneath the castle, catacombs which have been shunned since my his time. Soon I learned why. When digging the tunnels, my grandfather uncovered this ring, deep within the earth. He feared its power...but I fear nothing.
She flourishes the glowing band, which draws all eyes to it.
ESME (CONT'D)
When I wore the ring, my dreams grew stronger. Then one day this friend arrived on the steps of the castle, sailing a ship of bright steel, offering his assistance in the flesh.
Boris' hand unconsciously goes to the hilt of his sword. Shadow looks on intently.
ESME (CONT'D)
He came from a far-off land, farther than any land we had mapped. He brought with him knowledge...of things man had never spoken of.
SHADOW
Mayhaps for good reason.
ESME
Ayob told me of things, and places, that made the people of this land seem like nothing more than rats scuttling in cellars.
PERYL
Ayob...I have read this name. Written in a witch's own blood.
Esme finally acknowledges Peryl's presence.
ESME
His name will be written in blood on every wall of the land...in letters a hundred hands tall. Let your blood help write the word.
Esme's eyes glow with unnatural red hues as a STRANGE HUMMING fills the air. The two men look on with surprise.
Then Esme's ring SHOOTS a BURST of corrosive fire.
Suddenly, Peryl's talisman, given her by the ghost of her master Silverthorn, glows white-hot, deflecting the unholy red flame.
Esme squints her eyes against the glare and ceases her alien-enhanced assault.
ESME (CONT'D)
Later, perhaps. Now I must know why my son the prince stands alongside a common priestess.
SHADOW
A more pertinent question would be, why you are in league with a...person such as this Ayob?
Esme raises her head high.
ESME
He is my leader, my teacher...my lover. And I will be his queen over this world and many others.
Shadow takes this news ill.
SHADOW
Many others? Mayhaps I should meet my new king and father. Where might I find him, mother?
Esme points to the curtained alcove.
ESME
He dwells below.
SHADOW
Rats in cellars, indeed. That seems hardly fitting for such a noble person.
ESME
There are some things about our land that are ill-suited to him. That is all.
Shadow nods and moves toward the alcove. Suddenly, Boris is at one elbow and Peryl at the other.
BORIS
Prince Kelvin, I believe I have seen this Ayob. Mayhaps I should accompany thee on this visit.
Shadow puts his hand on Boris' shoulder.
SHADOW
Your job is to guard the queen. Do so, Sir Boris.
Boris nods.
BORIS
As you command.
Shadow turns to Peryl.
SHADOW
I must do this alone.
PERYL
I know.
She squeezes his hand, and with a long look back at the little group, disappears behind the curtain.


Hopefully I'll have news on a new project shortly. Until then, give me a shout at johnoakdalton@hotmail.com.