1. The Old Man 4-7I

    (Tika, Fizban, Otik)

    Inn of the last home

 

(The sun is rising over the town of Solace. A picture centred on the Inn of the Last Home. Then inside the Inn. Tika is cleaning down the tables with a rag, sunlight streaming in from the stained glass windows upon her. She finishes and then begins to move the benches (chairs?) and sweep. Otik emerges from the kitchen and begins to set out mugs on a counter or bar.)

 

Otik: Should be another brisk day for business.

 

Tika: I’d like the business cooler and the weather warmer. I walked my feet off yesterday and got little thanks and less tips! Such a gloomy crowd! Everybody nervous, jumping at every sound. I dropped a mug last night and -I swear- Retark drew his sword!

 

Otik: Pah! Retark’s a Solace Seeker Guard. They’re always nervous. You would be too if you have to work for Henderick, that faint-

 

Tika: (warningly) Watch it.

 

Otik: (Shrugs) Unless he High Theocrat can fly now, he won’t be listening to us. I’d hear his boots on the stairs before he could hear me. (Lowers voice despite his confidence) The residents of solace won’t put up with much more, mark my words. People disappearing, being dragged off to who knows where. It’s a sad time. (Shakes head, then brightens) But it’s good for business.

 

Tika: Until he closes us down.

 

Otik: Even theocrats need to fill their bellies and wash the fire and brimstone from their throats. It must be thirsty work, haranguing people about the New Gods day in and day out- he’s in here every night.

 

Tika: (Stops sweeping. Serious) Otik, there’s other talk, too- talk of war. Armies massing in the north. And there are these strange, hooded men in town, hanging around with the High Theocrat, asking questions.

 

Otik: (Fondly) War. Pooh. There’s been talk of war ever since the Cataclysm. It’s just talk, girl. Maybe the Theocrat makes it up just to keep people in line.

 

Tika: (Frowning) I don’t know. I-

 

(The door opens to the inn and Fizban walks in. Tika and Otik exchange worried glances.)

 

Tika: (A whisper to Otik) I did not hear him on the stairs.

 

(Otik shakes his head as he did not either.)

 

Tika: Can I help you, Old One?

 

Fizban: Eh? You open?

 

Tika: (Hesitantly) Well…

 

Otik: (Smiling broadly) Certainly. Come in, Graybeard. Tika, find our guest a chair. He must be tired after that long climb.

 

Fizban: Climb? (Fizban scratches his beard, looks down out he window) Oh, yes. Climb. A great many stairs (Playfully swipes at Tika with his staff) Get along with our work girl. I’m capable of finding my own chair.

 

(Tika shrugs and begins sweeping again. Meanwhile, Fizban looks around the Inn. He begins rearranging the furniture. Tika stops sweeping)

 

Tika: What are you doing? That table’s always been there!

 

Fizban: (Stepping back to admire his work) There. S’posed to be closer to the fire pit. Now bring over two more chairs. Need six around here.

 

Otik: (Takes a moment to decided, but a scream from the kitchen makes him hurry. As brushing past on towards the kitchen) He’s harmless. Let him do what he wants- within reason. Maybe he’s throwing a party.

 

(Tika sighs and takes two chairs over to Fizban)

 

Fizban: Now, bring two more chairs- comfortable ones, mind you- over here. Put them next to the firepit, in this shadowy corner.

 

Tika: Tisn’t shadowy. It’s sitting in full sunlight!

 

Fizban: Ah, but it will be shadowy tonight, won’t it? When the fire’s lit….

 

Tika: (faltering) I- I suppose so…

 

Fizban: Bring the chairs. That’s a good girl. And I want one, right here (Gesture to a spot near the fire) For me.

 

Tika: Are you giving a party, Old One?

 

Fizban: (Chuckling with irony) A party? Yes, girl. It will be a party such as the world of Krynn has not seen since before the Cataclysm! Be ready, Tika Waylan. Be ready! (Pat Tika on shoulder, then slowly sits down) A mug of ale.

 

(Tika goes and gets it, then begins her sweeping again)

 

 

2. Meeting of the Companions 21-40I

    (all, Fizban, Hendrick, a child)

    (Inn patron extras, mercenaries)

    Inn of the Last Home

 

(The Inn of the Last Home is full. There are common people, mercenaries, and Seeker Guards. There is a group of rowdy human mercenaries, the High Theocrat Henderick, Tika serving the crowd, and Otik behind the bar. Fizban is where we left him be the fire. Tanis, Flint and Tas have just entered the Inn. People glace suspiciously at the group and the atmosphere of the inn is full of tension.)

 

Tanis: I wonder what’s going on.

 

Flint: Maybe our friends will know.

 

Tas: If they’re here. A lot could have happened in five years.

 

Flint: They’ll be here- if they’re alive. It was a sacred oath we took- to meet again in after five years have passed and to report what we had found out about the evil spreading in our world. To think we should come home and find evil on our very doorsteps!

 

(Several people around them look alarmed and hush at Flint)

 

Tanis: (Shaking his head) Better not talk about it here.

 

(Tas spots Caramon across the room, sitting at the table Fizban had repositioned. He yells and points.)

 

Flint: Who is it?

 

Tanis: Caramon

 

Flint: (dry and cold) Then Raistlin’ll be here, too.

 

(Tas sprints across the crowded room, acquiring things as he goes. As Flint and Tanis cross, they receive dark looks from people. Caramon greets Tas be lifting him off the ground in a hug.)

 

Flint: Caramon better look to his purse. Or count his teeth.

 

(Caramon greets Tanis in a huge hug as well; making Tanis fear his bow would be crushed.)

 

Caramon: My friend!

 

Tanis: Where’s your brother, Raistlin?

 

Caramon: (Nodding towards the shadowy corner) There. He’s changed.

 

(Tanis approaches Raistlin nervously, while Tas antagonizes the barmaids and Flint is crushed in Caramon’s hug.)

 

Tanis: Raistlin?

 

Raistlin: (Looking up and pulling of his hood) Tanis?

 

(Tanis steps back in horror, even though its not Raistlin fault he happens to be hideous.)

 

Raistlin: (Sarcastic smile) I see my appearance startles you.

 

Tanis: (Sitting down) In the name of the true gods, Raistlin-

 

(Flint has been released and comes to join Tanis)

 

Flint: (Plopping down) I’ve been hoisted into the air more times today than- Reorx! (Wide eyes when sees Raistlin) What evil’s at work here? Are you cursed?

 

Caramon: (Joining them, picking up ale. Quietly) Will you tell them, Raist?

 

Raistlin: Yess. Do you remember when we parted five years ago? My brother and I planned a journey so secret I could not even tell you, my dear friends, where we were going. I had been selected by Par-Salian, the head of my order, to take the Test.

 

Tanis: (Stunned) The Test! But you were too young. What, twenty? The Test is given only to mages who have studied years and years-

 

Raistlin: (Cold and irritated) You can imagine my pride. Mt brother and I traveled to the secret place, the fabled Towers of High Sorcery. And there I passed the Test. (Sinking voice) And there I nearly died!

 

Caramon: (Recalling the horror) It was awful. I found him in that horrible place, blood flowing from his mouth, dying! I picked him up and-

 

Raistlin: (Whip-like, hands clenched) Enough, brother!

 

(Carmon stops, gulps down his ale and glace nervously at Raistlin.)

 

Raistlin: (Drawing a breath) When I awoke my skin have turned this colour- a mark of my suffering. My body and my health are irretrievably shattered. And my eyes! I see through hourglass pupils and therefore I see time, as it affects all things. Even as I look at you no, Tanis, I see you dying, slowly, be inches. And so I see every living thing. (Gripping Tanis now, leaning forward, feverishly) But I have power now! Par-Salian told me the day would come when my strength would shape the world! I have power and, the Staff of Magius.

 

(STAFF OF MAGIUS)

 

Tanis: (Quietly) Was it worth it?

 

Raistlin: (Caricature grin) Of course! Power is what I have long sought- and still seek.

 

(Raistlin melts back into his chair. Flint breaks the uncomfortable silence)

 

Flint: Ale. Where is that kender? I suppose he stole the barmaid-

 

Tas: (Behind Flint with Tika carrying a tray of ale. Irredeemably cheerful) Here we are!

 

Caramon: (Grinning) Now Tanis, guess who this is. You too, Flint. If you can, I’ll buy this round.

 

Tanis: I give up. But then, to elves humans seem to change so rapidly that we lose track. I am one hundred and two, yet seem no more than thirty to you. And to me those hundred years seem as thirty. This young woman must have been a child when we left.

 

Tika: (Setting tray down) I was fourteen. (Laughs) And Caramon used to say I was so ugly my father would have to pay someone to marry me.

 

Flint: (Slamming fist down) Tika! You’re buying you great oaf!

 

Caramon: No fair! She gave you a clue.

 

Tanis: Well, the years have proved him wrong. I’ve traveled many roads and you’re one of the prettiest girls I’ve seen on Krynn.

 

Tika: (Blushing, but then darkening) By the way, Tanis, this arrived for you today. Under strange circumstances.

 

(Tika hand Tanis a small scroll. Tanis reads it slowly.)

 

Tanis: (Finally) It’d from Kitiara. She’s not coming.

 

Flint: (After a silence) That’s done it. The circle is broken, the oath denied. Bad luck (Shakes head) Bad luck.

 

(Raistlin and Caramon glace at each other with concern)

 

Raistlin: My sister would not break her oath unless another, stronger oath bound her.

 

Caramon: What does she say?

 

Tanis (Hesitates) Her duties with her new lord keep her busy. She sends regrets and best wishes to all of us and her love- (cough) Her love to her brothers and to- (pause, rolls up scroll) That’s all.

 

Tas: (brightly) Love to who? (Flint steps on Tas’s foot as Tanis flushes) Ouch! Oh.

 

Tanis: (To the twins) Do you know who she means? What new lord does she talk about?

 

Raistlin: (shrugging) Who know with Kitiara? Last time we saw her was here, in the Inn, five years ago. She was going north with Sturm. We have not heard form her since. As for the new lord, I’d say we now know why she broke her oath to us: she has sworn allegiance to another. She is, after all, a mercenary.

 

Tanis: Yes. (Slips scroll away. To Tika) You say this arrived under strange circumstances? Tell me.

 

Tika: A man brought it in, late this morning. At least I think it was a man (Shiver) He was wrapped head to foot in clothing of every description. I couldn’t even see his face. His voice was hissinglike and he spoke with a strange accent. ‘Deliver this to one Tanis Half-Elven’, he said. I told him you weren’t here and hadn’t been here for several years. ‘He will be’, the man said. Then he left. (Shrug) That’s all I can tell you. The old man over there saw him (Gestures to Fizban) You might ask him if he noticed anything else.

 

(Fizban in meanwhile telling stories to Child)

 

Flint: (Touching Tanis) Here comes one who can tell you more.

 

(Sturm enters the Inn. All but Raistlin turn to look at him. Sturm receives dark looks from the rest of the customers. Sturm is helps Goldmoon and Riverwind inside the wind. He bows to Goldmoon.)

 

Caramon: Look at that. The gallant knight helps the lady fair. I wonder where he dragged up those two?

 

Tas: (Standing on his chair and waving to get Sturm’s attention) They’re barbarians from the Plains. That’s the dress of the Que-shu tribe.

 

(Sturm bows again to Goldmoon and then strides over to the Companions. Tanis and Sturm embrace.)

 

Sturm: And you have beard.

 

Raistlin: Greeting, Knight.

 

Sturm: (Turning solemn) Raistlin.

 

(Raistlin drew off his hood to watch Sturms shock. Sturm does well to check his exclamation.)

 

Tanis: (Irritated at the glee Raistlin has from scaring people) Can I get you something, Raistlin?

 

Raistlin: No, thank you. (Lapse back into shadows)

 

Caramon: (Worried) He eats practically nothing. I think he live on air.

 

Tas: (Returning with Sturm’s ale) Some plants live on air. I’ve seen them. They hover off the ground. Their roots suck goof and water out of the atmosphere.

 

Caramon: (Wide eyes) Really?

 

Flint: (disgusted) I don’t know who’s the greater idiot. Well, we’re all here. What news?

 

Sturm: All? Kitiara?

 

Tanis: Not coming. We were hoping perhaps you could tell us something.

 

Sturm: Not I. (Frowning) We traveled north together and parted soon after crossing the Sea Narrows into Old Solamnia. She was going to look up relatives of her father, she said. That was the last I saw of her.

 

Tanis: (Sigh.)  Well, I suppose that’s that. What of your relatives, Sturm? Did you find your father?

 

(Sturm begains his story of travels. His voice fades out as Tanis daydreams about Kitiara. Then coming back to Sturm)

 

Sturm: I heard rumors. Some say my father is dead. Some say he’s alive. But no one knows where he is.

 

Caramon: Your inheritance?

 

Sturm: (Melancholy smile) I wear it. My armour and my weapon.

 

Caramon: (Referencing to Sturm’s sword) That’s a beauty. They don’t make them like that these days. My sword broke in a fight with an ogre. Theros Ironfeild put a new blade on it today, but it cost me dearly. So you’re a knight now?

 

Sturm: (smile disappears and begins to stroke sword) According to the legend, this sword will break only if I do. It was all that was left of my father’s-

 

Tas: (Shrill whisper) Who are those people?

 

(The barbarians have sat down in the two chairs near the firepit.)

 

Sturm: I found them wandering around on the road outside of town. The woman appeared near exhaustion, the man just as bad. I brought them here, told them they could get food and rest for the night. They are a proud people and would have refused my help, I think, but they were lost and tired and (lower voice) there are things on the road these days that it is better not to face in the dark.

 

Tanis: We met some of them asking about a staff.

 

Sturm: A Seeker guard questioned me about a staff outside. Blue crystal, wasn’t it?

 

Caramon: (Nodding) One of those slimy guards stopped us. They were going to impound Raist’s staff, if you believe that- ‘for further investigation’ they said. I rattled my sword at them and they thought better of the notion.

 

Tanis: What would have happened if they had taken your staff?

 

Raistlin: (Moving away from his brothers touch, scornful smile) They would have died horribly and not by my brother’s sword!

 

Tanis: I wonder what is so important about a blue crystal staff that goblins would kill to get it?

 

Sutrm: There are rumors of worse to come. Armies are gathering in the north. Armies of strange creatures, not human. There is talk of war.

 

Tanis: But what? Who? I’ve heard the same.

 

Caramon: And so have I. In fact, I heard-

 

(Talk fades as we watch Tas see the barbarians, now listening to Fizban along with the Child. He also sees the Theocrat with several empty mugs. He calls sourly for another.)

 

Tika: (As passing the companions table) That’s Henderick, the High Theocrat.

 

(Tika brings an ale to Herderick. He complains about her service. Tika wants to reply, but refrains. Camera back to Fizban, who has just finished his tale.)

 

Child: Are all your stories of the ancient gods true, Old One?

 

(Henderick frowns. Tanis nods to Tas that he might be trouble. All companions turn to see Fizban and be ravished by Goldmoon’s beauty.)

 

Fizban: Indeed, my stories are true, child. Ask these two.  They carry such stories in their hearts.

 

Child: Do you? Can you tell me a story?

 

(Goldmoon shrinks back into the shadows, alarmed, when she realizes the companions are watching her. Riverwind hovers protectively near her, hand near sword. He glares at Caramon. Caramon’s hand stretches to his sword as well.)

 

Caramon: Nervous bastard.

 

Sturm: I can understand why, guarding such a treasure. He is her bodyguard, by the way. I gathered from their conversation that she’s some kind of royal person in their tribe. Though I imagine from the looks they exchanged that their relationship goes a bit deeper than that.

 

Goldmoon: (raising hands in protest) I’m sorry. I am not a teller of tales. I have not the art.

 

(The child is disappointed.)

 

Fizban: You may not be a teller of tales, but you are a singer of sings, aren’t you, Chieftain’s Daughter? Sing the child your song, Goldmoon. You know the one.

 

(Fizban hands her a lute.)

 

Goldmoon: How…do you know me, sir?

 

Fizban: That is not important. Sing for us, Chieftain’s Daughter.

 

(Trembling, Goldmoon takes the lute. Riverwind wants to protest, but Goldmoon ignore him. As Goldmoon sings the room falls silent, watching her. Goldmoon notices nothing, almost in a trance.)

 

Goldmoon: The grasslands are endless,

And summer sings on,

And Goldmoon the princess

Loves a poor man's son.

Her father the chieftain

Makes long roads between them:

The grasslands are endless, and summer sings on.

 

The grasslands are waving,

The sky's rim is gray,

The chieftain sends Riverwind

East and away,

To search for strong magic

At the lip of the morning,

The grasslands are waving, the sky's rim is gray.

 

O Riverwind, where have you gone?

O Riverwind, autumn comes on.

I sit by the river

And look to the sunrise,

But the sun rises over the mountains alone.

 

The grasslands are fading,

The summer wind dies,

He comes back, the darkness

Of stones in his eyes.

He carries a blue staff

As bright as a glacier:

The grasslands are fading, the summer wind dies.

 

The grasslands are fragile,

As yellow as flame,

The chieftain makes mockery

Of Riverwind's claim.

He orders the people

To stone the young warrior:

The grasslands are fragile, as yellow as flame.

 

The grassland has faded,

And autumn is here.

The girl joins her lover,

The stones whistle near,

The staff flares in blue light

And both of them vanish:

The grasslands are faded, and autumn is here.

 

(A heavy silence remains after Goldmoon finishes. Goldmoon gives back the lute and retreat to the shadows again.)

 

Fizban: Thank you, my dear.

 

Child: Now can I have a story?

 

Fizban: Of course. Once upon a time, the great god, Paladine-

 

Child: Paladine? I’ve never heard of a god named Paladine.

 

(Henderick snorts and scowls)

 

Fizban: Paladine is one of the ancient gods, child. No one has worshipped him for a long time.

 

Child: Why did he leave?

 

Fizban: He did not leave us. (Sad smile) Men left him after the dark days of the Cataclysm. They blamed the destruction of the world on the gods, instead of on themselves, as they should have done. Have you ever head of the ‘Canticle of the Dragon’?

 

Child: Oh, yes. I love stories about dragons, thought papa says dragons never existed. I believe in them, though. I hope to see them someday!

 

Fizban: (Stokes the child’s hair. Sorrowfully) Be careful what you wish for, my child.

 

Child: The story-

 

Fizban: Oh, yes. Well, once upon a time Paladine heard the prayer of a very great knight, Huma-

 

Child: Huma from the Canticle?

 

Fizban: Yes, that’s the one. Huma became lost in the forest. He wondered and wandered until he despaired because he thought he should never see his homeland again. He prayed to Paladine for help, and there suddenly appeared before him a white stag.

(SLIGHT PAUSE)

Child: Did Huma shoot it?

 

Fizban: He started to, but his heart failed him. He could not shoot an animal so magnificent. The stag bound away. Then it stopped and looked back at him, as if waiting. Huma began to follow it. Day and night, he followed the stag until it led him to his homeland. He offered thanks to the god, Paladine.

 

Hederick: (Rising so his chair crashes over) Blashphemy!

 

(Tanis puts down his cup, as does everyone else, asnd looks at the Theocrat. Henderick sways drunkenly and points Fizban.)

 

Hederick: Blasphemy! Heretic! Corrupting our youth! I’ll bring you before the counshel, old man. (Losing his balance for a moment, he staggers towards Fizban. Pompously) Call the guardsh! Have them arresht thish man and thish woman for singing lewd songssh. Obviously a witch! I’ll confishcate thish staff!

 

(Goldmoon stares in disgust as Hendrick reaches for her staff.)

 

Goldmoon: (Coolly) No. That is mine. You cannot take it.

 

Hederick: (Sneering) Witch! I am the High Theocrat! I take what I want!

 

Riverwind: (rising to his feet. Harshly) The Chieftain’s Daughter says you will not take it.

 

(Riverwind pushes the Theocrat. Drunk, Hederick falls over -?????_knocking a candle down, his hand catching on fire._?????- Everyone freezes in shock except Tas who runs towards Hederick. Fizban grasps Goldmoon’s staff and gives it to Tas.)

 

Fizban: Here! Knock him down. Them we can smother the fire.

 

(Tas takes the staff and knocks Hederick down. A flash of blue light. The flames are gone and Hederick is completely fine. Hederick stares at his hand amazed.)

 

Fizban: (Loudly) It healed him! The staff! Look at the staff!

 

(The staff is blue crystal and glowing.)

 

Fizban: Call the guards! Arrest the kinder! Arrest the barbarians! Arrest their friends! O saw them come in with this knight. (Points at Sturm)

 

Tanis: (Leaping up) What? Are you crazy, old man?

 

(Through the Inn word runs to call the guards. “Did you see-? The Blue Crystal staff? We’ve found it. Now they’ll leave us alone. Call the guards!” Hederick struggles to his feet and confront Goldmoon and Riverwind, who stand together, afeared and alarmed.)

 

Hederick: Foul witch! You have cured me with your evil! Even as I burn to purify my flesh, you will burn to purify your soul! (Thrust hand into a flame, then staggers out of the Inn)

 

Tika: You’ve got to get out of here! The whole town’s been hunting for that staff! Those hooded men told the Theocrat they’d destroy Solace if they caught someone harboring the staff. The townspeople will turn you over to the guards!

 

Tanis: But it’s not our staff! (Glare at Fizban, Fizban sits down, grins and winks)

 

Tika: Do you think they’ll believe you! Look!

 

(Angry glares and weapons around the Inn. Shouts from the guards approach.)

 

Tika: The guards are coming!

 

Tanis: (Rising) We’ll have to go through the kitchen.

 

Tika: Yes! They won’t look back there yet. But hurry. It won’t take them long to surround the place.

 

(The rest of the companions have risen to their feet and drawn weapons. Except for Sturm, who is still calmly drinking his ale.)

 

Tanis: Sturm! Come on! We’ve  got  to get out of here!

 

Sturm: (Astonished) Run? From this rabble?

 

Tanis: Yes. (Pause) That man is a religious fanatic, Sturm. He’ll probably burn us at the stake! And- there is a lady to protect.

 

Sturm: The lady, of course. (Stands up, unhurriedly walks over to Goldmoon and bows.) Madam, your servant. It seems we are all in this together. Your staff has placed us in considerable danger- you moist of all. We are familiar with the area around here: we grew up here. You, I know, are strangers. We would be honoured to accompany you and your gallant friend and guard your lives.

 

Tika: (Tugging at Tanis) Come on!

 

Tanis: Get the kender.

 

(Tas is staring at the now normal staff. Tika grasps him by his topknot (he shrieks) and pulls him towards the kitchen. Goldmoon picks it up. Riverwind says something in Que-shu. Goldmoon shakes her head. He frowns and makes a slashing motion with this hand. She snaps back and he falls silent.)

 

Goldmoon: We will go with you. Thank you for the offer.

 

Tanis: This way!

 

(They exit towards the kitchen.)

 

3. To Xak Tsarith 124-127I

(all)

Darkenwoods

 

(It is in the middle of Darkenwoods.  A table is set along with chairs, at which the Companions sit at, discussing information they have just been told, over a (magical) meal.)

 

Sturm: The white stag I saw led us here perhaps to receive this advice to travel to Xak Tsaroth. But my heart lies in the north, in my homeland. If armies of these draconians are preparing to attack, my place is with those Knights who will surely band together to fight this evil. Still, I do not want to desert you, Tanis, or you, lady. (Nods towards Goldmoon)

 

Caramon: I’ll go anywhere, fight anything, Tanis. You know that. What say you, brother?

 

(Raistlin continues staring in to space. Goldmoon and Riverwind are discussing in low voices. Finally,)

 

Goldmoon: We will go to Xak Tsaroth. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us-

 

Riverwind: (Proudly) But we ask for no man’s help any longer. This is the completion of our quest. As we began alone, so we will finish it alone.

 

Raistlin: And you will die alone!

 

Tanis: (Shivers) Raistlin, a word with you.

 

(As Raistlin and Tanis walk off into the darkness of the wood, the rest of the companion wonder what they talk about.)

 

Caramon: (Uneasily) Just like the old days.

 

Flint: And look at all the trouble we got in back then.

 

Tasselhoff: I wonder what they talk about? And why can’t they discuss it with us?

 

Sturm: Because we’d probably rip Raistlin’s heart out. I don’t care what you say, Caramon, there’s a dark side to your brother, and Tanis has seen it. For which I’m grateful. He can deal with it. I couldn’t.

 

(A short pause of silence and uneasiness. Flip to the dark woods with Tanis and Raistlin, the only light Raist’s staff. Raistlin walks forward, head bowed and hands folded in his robes. Tanis, uneasy, perhaps shift his feet.)

 

Tanis: What do you know of Xak Tsaroth?

 

Raistlin: (Glittery eyes) There was a temple there- a temple to the ancient gods. It was destroyed in the Cataclysm and its people fled, certain the gods had abandoned them. It passed from memory. I do not know it still existed.

 

(There is a long pause, where Raistlin stares off into pace eerily.)

 

Tanis: What did you see, Raistlin? You look far away- what did you see?

 

Raistlin: I am magi, Tanis, not a seer.

 

Tanis: (Snappishly) Don’t give me that. It’s been a long time, but not that long. I know you don’t have the gift of foresight. You were thinking, not scrying. And you came up with answers. I want those answers. You’ve got more brains than all of us put together, even if- (Stops suddenly)

Raistlin: Even if I am twisted and warped. (Harsh arrogance) Yes, I am smarter than you- all of you. And someday I will prove it! Someday you- you, all of you, will call me master! (Clench fists as revel in thought of power, Tanis waits patiently, used to it. Calms down) But for now, I give you my advice. What did I see? These armies, Tanis, armies of draconions, will overrun Solace and Haven and all the lands of your fathers. That is the reason we must reach Xak Tasroth. What we find there will prove this army’s undoing.

 

Tanis: But why are there armies? What would anyone want with the control of Solace and Haven and the Plains to the east? Is it the Seekers?

 

Raistlin: Seekers! Hah! Open your eyes, Half-Elf. Someone or something powerful created these creatures- these draconions. Not the idiot Seekers. And no one goes to all that trouble to take over two farm cities or even to look for a blue crystal staff. This is a war of conquest, Tanis. Someone seeks to conquer Asalon! Within two days time, life on Krynn as we have known it will come to an end. This is the portent of the fallen stars. The Queen of Darkness has returned. We face a foe who seeks- at the very least- to enslave us, or perhaps destroy us completely.

 

Tanis: (Reluctantly) Your advice?

 

Raistlin: (Crooked, bitter smile, reveling in superiority) That we go to Xak Tsaroth immediately. That we leave tonight, if possible, by whatever means this Forestmaster has offered us. If we do not acquire this gift within two days- the armies of draconians will.

 

Tanis: What do you think the gift might be? A sword or coins, like Caramon said?

 

Raistlin: (Coldly) My brother’s a fool. You don’t believe that and neither do I.

 

Tanis: Then what?

 

Raistlin: (Narrow eyes) I have given you my advice. Act upon it as you will. I have my own reasons for going. Let us leave it at that, Half-Elf. But it will be dangerous. Xak Tsaroth was abandoned three hundred years ago. I do not think it will have remained abandoned long.

 

Tanis: That is true. (Pauses, Raistlin coughs softly) Do you believe we were chosen, Raistlin?

 

Raistlin: (No hesitation) Yes. So I was given to know in the Towers of Sorcery. So Par-Salian told me.

 

Tanis: (Impatiently) But why? We are not the stuff of heroes- well, maybe Sturm-

 

Raistlin: Ah, but who chose us? And for what purpose? Consider that, Tanis Half-Elven!

 

(Raistlin mockingly bows to Tanis and then starts back to rejoin their companions.)

 

4. Goldmoon’s Village 134-136I

(all)

(Dog)

Burnt Que-Shu village, forest-swamp outside Xak Tsaroth

 

(Twilight. The companions site huddled around a warmth less fire. They sit in despair and shock and horror at what they see. All around them is the burnt and devastated remains of Goldmoon’s village. –A crude sign reading: Such are the consciences. And signed: Verminaard.-*-Goldmoon, in the center of her father’s house, trying to piece back together a vase-*-A dog, the only living thing left. Caramon trying to befriend it.-*-Riverwind, holding a burnt rock and staring aimlessly in sorrow-*-Sturm staring at the sign, vowing or prayer silently.-*- Flint sternly comforting sobbing Tasselhoff-*- Goldmoon crawling through the burnt ruble, Screaming names of loved ones, listening for replies, until Riverwind convinces her its hopeless-*-Tanis in the center of town, just staring.- Raistlin touches Tanis on his arm.)

 

Raistlin: Tanis, we must leave. There is nothing more we can do and we must reach Xak Tsaroth. Then we will have our revenge.

 

(And thus Tanis wakes up from his nightmare of the past.)

 

5. Gully dwarves 193-197I

(All, Bupu)

Hall of the Dead (Xak Tasroth)

 

(They are in a dark mausoleum; the Hall of the Dead connected the Temple of Mishakal in Xak Tsaroth. The hall is pretty much in ruins. Light comes from one end of the hall, Raistlin’s staff, and a couple touches of the companions. Raistlin stands in front of Bupu, skittering a coin across his knuckles. He then makes the coin disappear, draws out a scroll makes an arcane gesture as he reads the scroll. The companions are close behind him, wondering what Raistlin in doing.)

 

Raistlin: Suh tangus moipar, ast akular kalipad.

 

(When he finishes the scroll burns to ash. Bupu expression changes to complete adoration and hugs, touches Raistlin.)

 

Bupu: Friend.

 

Flint: (Muttering) Filthy things.

 

Sturm: (Quick alarm glance at Tanis.) He could have cast that spell on us at any time. (To Raistlin, suspiciously) What was that all about?

 

Raistlin: They are now spellbound. I have cast over them a spell of friendship. (Then to Bupu, soft, gentle, and so charismatic, Tanis is taken back) Yes. You are my friend. Now, tell me, my friend, where does this corridor lead? (He points east, to light end of corridor.)

 

Bupu: Corridor lead to big bosses

 

Raistlin: Thank you, my dear. (Touches her cheek) Tan-tago, musalah.

 

(Bupu, in total infatuation, sighs and gazes at him.)

 

Raistlin: Tell me, little one, how many bosses?

 

Bupu: (Concentrating hard and counting on her fingers) One. And one, and one, and one. Two.

 

Sturm: (Growling) I’m beginning to agree with Flint.

 

Tanis: Shhhh.

 

(A screeching sounds from the light end of the hall.)

 

Raistlin: What is that noise?

 

Bupu: Whip. Bosses get mad. We go. (Drags Raistlin by robes towards end of hall)

 

Raistlin: (Holding back) What is it you do for the bosses?

 

Bupu: We go. You see. We down. They up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Come. You go. We give ride down.

 

Raistlin: What is your name, little one?

 

Bupu: Bupu.

 

(Caramon snorts, and then clasps his hand over his mouth.)

 

Raistlin: Now, Bupu, do you know where the dragon’s lair is?

 

Bupu: (Astounded) Dragon? You want dragon?

 

Raistlin: No, we don’t want the dragon- just the dragon’s lair, where the dragon lives.

 

Bupu: Oh, me not know that. (Shakes head, but when sees Raistlin’s disappointment she adds)  But me take you to the great Highbulp. He knows everything.

 

Raistlin: (Raised eyebrows) And how do we get to the Highbulp?

 

Bupu: Down! You come. You come now. Go see Highbulp.

 

Raistlin: Just a moment. (Extracts himself from Bupu’s grip.) I must talk with my friends. (To Sturm and Tanis) This Highbulp is probably head of the clan, maybe head of several clans.

 

Sturm: If he’s intelligent as it, he won’t know where his own was bowl is, let alone a dragon.

 

Flint: He’ll know, most likely. They’re not smart but gully dwarves remember everything they see or hear if you can just get them to put it into words of more than one syllable.

 

Tanis: We better go see the great Highbulp then. Now, if we could just figure out what this up and down business is and that squeaking noise-

 

Tasselhoff: (Running up to them.) I know! It’s a lift, Tanis.  Like in dwarven mines. I was in a mine, once. It was the most wonderful thing. They had a lift that took rock up and down. And this is just like it. Well, almost like it. You see- They’re using a giant lard-rendering pot!

 

 

6. Plan for the dragon 229-234I

(All, Bupu)

(A gully dwarf)

Underground Xak Tsaroth

 

(In a room beneath Xak Tsaroth, gaudily decorated in dirty fabric etc., after meeting with the Highbulp. The Companion are resting and discussing the next step. Raistlin is in one corner, fixing his tea to ease his cough, and then curling up in his robes, eyes closed. Bupu eats lizards and curls up next to him. Riverwind also sits along, staring broodingly at the floor.)

 

Caramon: I don’t trust that little bastard, that Highbulp, any farther than I can stand the smell of him.

 

Tanis: I agree. But what choice do we have? We’ve agreed to bring him the treasure. He has everything to lose and nothing to gain if he betrays us.

 

(Goldmoon gets up and touches Riverwind on the arm. He does not even lift his head, so Goldmoon kneels beside him.)

 

Goldmoon: (Firmly) We must talk.

 

Riverwind: (Bitterly) Is that a command?

 

Goldmoon: (Quiet) Yes.

 

(Riverwind gets up and they walk to a wall away form the others. Riverwind does not look or speak to Goldmoon. Goldmoon lays hand on her arm.)

 

Goldmoon: (Softly) Forgive me.

 

(Goldmoons head is bowed with childlike shame. Riverwind sees her, astonished. She draws her head gently to his chest and clasps her in his arms.)

 

Riverwind: I’ve never heard you say those words before.

 

Goldmoon: I have never said them. Oh, my beloved, I am sorrier than I can say that you came home to Chieftain’s daughter and not Goldmoon. But I’ve been so afraid.

 

Riverwind: (Whisper) No. I am the one who should ask for forgiveness. (Wipe away Goldmoon’s tears) I didn’t realize what you had gone through. All I could think of was myself and the dangers I had faced. I wished you had told me, heart’s dearest.

 

Goldmoon: (Looking up at him) I wished you had asked. I have been Chieftain’s daughter for so long it is the only thing I know how to be. It is my strength. It gives me courage when I am frightened. I don’t think I can let go.

Riverwind: (Smoothing down strands of her hair) I don’t want to let you go. I fell in love with Chieftain’s Daughter the first moment I saw you. Do you remember? At the games held in your honour.

 

Goldmoon: You refused to bow to receive my blessing. You acknowledged my father’s leadership but denied that I was a goddess. You said man could not make gods of other men. How tall and proud and handsome you were, talking of ancient gods that did not exist to me then.

 

Riverwind: And how furious you were and how beautiful! Your beauty was a blessing to me in itself. I needed no other. You wanted me thrown out of the games.

 

Goldmoon: (Sad smile) You thought I was angry because you had shamed me before the people, but that was not so.

 

Riverwind: No? What was it then, Chieftain’s Daughter?

 

Goldmoon: I was angry because I knew when I saw you standing there, refusing to kneel before me, that I had lost part of myself and that, until you claimed it, I would never be whole again.

 

(Riverwind press her against his chest in reply)

 

Goldmoon: Riverwind, Chieftain’s Daughter is still here. I don’t think she can ever leave. But you must know that Goldmoon is underneath and, if this journey ever ends and we come to peace at last, then Goldmoon will be yours forever and we will banish Chieftain’s Daughter forever.

 

(A thump at the door. Tanis answers it a gully dwarf thrust a crumbled piece of paper in the door.)

 

A Gully Dwarf: Map!

 

Tanis: Thank you. And extend our thanks to the Highbulp.

 

A gully dwarf: His MAJESTY, the Highbulp.

 

(The gully dwarf departs. Tanis spreads the map flat and every gathers around it. Flint snorts in derision when he sees it and walks back to his couch.)

 

Tanis: (Laughs ruefully) We might have expected it. I wonder if the great Phudge remembers where the ‘big secret room’ is?

 

Raistlin: (Sitting up form his corner) Of course not. That is why he never returned for the treasure. However, there is one among us who knows where the dragon’s lair is located. (Looks at Bupu, as does everyone else.)

 

Bupu: (Glares back defiantly, then) You right, I know. I know secret place. I go there, find pretty rocks. But don’t tell Highbulp!

 

Tanis: Will you tell us?

 

Bupu: (Looks at Raistlin, who nods) I tell, give map.

 

(As the others are engrossed in the map, Raistlin beckons his brother over.)

 

Raistlin: Is the plan still the same?

 

Caramon: Yes. (Frown)  And I don’t like. I should go with you.

 

Raistlin: (Hiss) Nonsense. You would only be in my way. (More gently) I will be in no danger, I assure you. Besides, (Glance around) there is something you must do for me, my brother. Something you must bring me from the dragon’s lair.

 

Caramon: (Drawing back from Raist’s burning touch) What is it?

 

Raistlin: A spellbook!

 

Caramon: So this is why you wanted me to come to Xak Tsaroth! You knew this spellbook would be here.

 

Raistlin: I read about it, years ago. I knew it had been in Xak Tsaroth prior to the Cataclysm, all of the Order knew it, but we assumed it had been destroyed with the city. When I found out Xak Tsaroth had escaped destruction, I realized there might be a chance the book survived!

 

Caramon: How do you know it’s in the dragon’s lair?

 

Raistlin: I don’t. I am merely surmising. To magic-users, this book is Xak Tsaroth’s greatest treasure. It may be certain that if the dragon found it, she is using it!

 

Caramon: (Slowly) And you want me to get it for you… What does it look like?

 

Raistlin: Like my spellbook, of course, except the bone-white parchment is bound in night-blue leather with runes of silver stamped on the front. It will feel deathly cold to the touch.

 

Caramon: What do the runes say?

 

Raistlin: You do not want to know….

 

Caramon: (Suspiciously) Whose book was it?

 

Raistlin: You have never heard of him, my brother. Yet he was one of the greatest of my order. His name was Fistandantilus.

 

Caramon: The way you describe the spellbook-(Hesitates, swallows, continues) this Fistandantilus- did he wear the Black Robes?

 

Raistlin: (Hiss) Ask me no more! Trust me, Caramon. It is not a particularly powerful spellbook, one of the mage’s early books, in fact. One he had when he was very young, very young indeed. But it will be valuable to me, nonetheless. You must get it! You must- (Starts to cough)

 

Caramon: Sure, Raist. Don’t get worked up. I’ll find it.

 

Raistlin: Good Caramon. Excellent Caramon. (Sinks back down into his corner) Now let me rest. I must be ready.

 

(Caramon stares at his brother for a moment, then turns around, tripping over Bupu who is staring at him supicously. He returned to the rest of the group.)

 

Sturm: (Gruffly) What was all that about?

 

Caramon: (Mumble, guilty flush) Oh, nothing

 

Tanis: What is it, Caramon? Anything wrong? (Rolls up map and buts in his belt)

 

Caramon: N-no- It’s nothing. I- uh- tried to get Raistlin to let me go with him. He said I’d just be in the way.

 

Tanis: He’s right, you know, Caramon. Raistlin won’t be in danger. Bupu will be with him. She’ll bring him back here to hide. He’s just got to conjure up some of his fancy pyrotechnics, create a diversion to draw the dragon away from her lair. He’ll be long gone by the time she gets there.

 

Caramon: Sure, I know that. (Forced chuckle) You need me anyway.

 

Tanis: (Seriously) We do. Now is everyone ready?

 

(Grimly and silently, everyone rises. Raistlin joins the circle, hood low and hands in sleeves: Scary and powerful.)

 

Tanis: (Clears throat, to Raist) We’ll give you a five hundred count. Then we’ll start. The ‘secret place’ marked on the map is a trap door located in a building not far from here, according to your little friend. It leads beneath the city to a tunnel that comes up under the dragon’s lair, near where we saw her today. Create your diversion in the plaza, then come back here. We’ll meet here, give the Highbulp his treasure, and lie low until night. When it’s dark, we’ll escape.

 

Raistlin: (Calmly) I understand.

 

(Tanis shakes his head)

 

Bupu: (Anxiously) We go now?

 

Tanis: We go now.

 

 

7. Goldmoon’s Birth 259-261I

(All, Bupu)

Mishakal’s Temple at Xak Tsaroth, maybe Hall of the Dead

 

(The temple of Mishakal. (Maybe Hall of Dead? Or other?) This room is quiet and pristine, empty except for a tall statue of Mishakal in the center. The companions are thrashed and breathing harshly, just completed a battle of sort with the dragon. Raistlin lies on a bench, breathing quickly and shallowly. His brother stands above him. Sturm has his pack with the Disks of Mishakal and is slumped against the wall next to them. Flint is leaning against the wall, exhausted. Tasselhoff is staring up at something. Tanis burst into the room.)

 

Tanis: Where’s Riverwind?

 

(Caramon and Sturm exchange glances, then lower their eyes. Tanis staggers up, but Sturm blocks his way.)

 

Sturm: It’s his decision, Tanis. It is the way of his people as it is the way of mine.

 

Tanis: Get out of my way.

 

(Tanis pushes Sturm out of the way, but now Flint stops him.)

 

Flint: (Gentle) Sit down, lad. If your elven head cannot understand, then listen to your human heart for once.

 

(Tanis closes his eyes for a moment in pain. A cry of Riverwind sounds. Tanis Thrust the dwarf aside a finally comes to Riverwind.)

 

Tanis: (Crying) I cannot believe in you! What kind of gods are you, that you demand a human sacrifice? You are the same gods who brought the Cataclysm down on man. All right- so you’re powerful! Now leave us alone! We don’t need you!

 

(Tanis runs towards Riverwind, crying. He can see Riverwind, knelt in front of the statue, sword ready to kill himself. Then he sees Goldmoon at the base of the statue, sleeping peacefully. Her hair drifts around her face and the staff she once carried is no apart of the statue. But the statues necklace, now adorn Goldmoon’s neck.)

 

…

 

Goldmoon: I am a true cleric now. I am a disciple of Mishakal and, though I have much to learn, I have the power of my faith. Above all else, I am a healer. I bring the gift of healing back into the land.

 

(Goldmoon, touches Tanis’s forehead, giving him strength and peace.)

 

Flint: We’ve got a cleric, now, and that’ll come in handy. But from what we hear, this Lord Verminaard’s a cleric, too, and a powerful one at that. We may have found the ancient gods of good, but he found the ancient gods of evil a lot sooner. I don’t see how these Disks are going to help much against hordes of dragons.

 

Goldmoon: (Softly) You are right. I am not a warrior. I am a healer. I do not have the power to unite the people of our world to fight this evil and restore balance. My duty is to find the person who has the strength and the wisdom for this task. I am to give the Disks of Mishakal to that person.

 

(Silence for a while)

 

Raistlin: We must leave here, Tanis. Listen.

 

(The shrill sound of horn can be heard.)

 

Tanis: (Softly) The armies. War had begun.

 

 

8. Bupu’s Gift 261-263I

(Bupu, Raistlin [with ‘all’ sleeping])

Swamp/forest outside Xak Tsaroth.

 

(It is just before dawn in the swamp forest outside Xak Tasroth. The companions are all sleeping, except from Flint, who is keeping watch. The camera is on Raistlin. His eyes have open at the sound of sobbing. He sits partially up, mutters ‘Goldmoon’, and begins to go back to sleep. He then catches sight of Bupu, curled up in a blanket not far away, blubbering. He glances around to see no one watching and goes to her, Kneeling down to touch her on the shoulder.)

 

Raistlin: What is it, little one?

 

(Bupu rolls over to see Raistlin. Her eyes are red, her dirty face streaked with tears. She sniffles and wipes her hand across her nose.)

 

Bupu: I don’t want to leave you. I want to go with you, but I– oh- I will miss my people! (Begins to sob again and buries her face in her hands.)

 

Raistlin: (Strokes Bupu’s hair. Infinite tenderness) Bupu, you have been a good and true friend to me. You saved my life and the lives of those I care about. Now you will do one last thing for me, little one. Go back. I must travel roads that will be dark and dangerous before the end of my long journey. I cannot ask you to go with me.

 

Bupu: (Lifts head, lightened, then darkens) But you will be unhappy without me.

 

Raistlin: (Smiling) No, my happiness will lie in knowing you are back with your people.

 

Bupu: (Anxiously) Are you sure?

 

Raistlin: I am sure.

 

Bupu: Then I go. (Stands up.) But first, you take gift. (Rummages in bag)

 

Raistlin: (Expecting a lizard) No, little one, that’s not necessary-

 

(Bupu finds what she was looking for and pulls it out. The SPELLBOOK OF FISTANDANTILUS.)

 

Raistlin: The spellbook of Fistandantilus!

 

Bupu: (Shyly) You like?

 

Raistlin: (Trembling, takes book) Yes, little one! Where-

 

Bupu: I take from dragon when blue light shine. I glad you like. Now, I go. Find Highbulp Phudge I, the great. (Slings bag over shoulder and turns to go. Then stops) That cough, you sure you not want lizard cure?

 

Raistlin: (Rising) No, thank you, little one.

 

(Bupu looks at Raistlin sadly. She then, with great daring, catches up Raistlin’s hand and kisses it swiftly. She then turn, head in hands sobbing. Raistlin lays his hand on her head and prays silently.)

 

Raistlin: If I have any power at all great one, power that has not been revealed to me, grant that this little one goes through her life in safety and happiness.

 

(Then to her.)

 

Raistlin: Farewell, Bupu.

 

(Bupu stares at Raistlin with adoring eyes, and then runs off as fast as she can. Flint comes over.)

 

Flint: What was all that about? (Then catching light of Bupu) Oh. So you got rid of your pet gully dwarf.

 

(Raistlin only stares at him with such malevolence that Flint shivers and leaves. He then sits down, sighing, as her admires the outside of the spellbook. He then slips the book in with his other book. A moment. Raistlin looks to the west. Alarm. He runs to Tanis and wakes him.)

 

Raistlin: Tanis! Wake up!

 

Tanis: (Waking and grapping his dagger) What-

 

(Raistlin points west. A trickle of smoke snakes into the sky.)

 

Tanis: (Gripping Raistlin) No! No, it can’t be!

 

Raistlin: Yes. Solace is burning.

 

 

9. Tika’s Despair 271-272I

(Tika, Otik)

(Evil Dude)

Inn of the Last Home

 

(Open on Solace, now broken and burnt. The Inn of the Last Home has survived, only now it is on the blackened ground. Closer. Then inside the Inn. Right before opening, Tika is finishing up sweeping soot stained floor. Tika dries her eyes and nose on her apron.)

 

Tika: I’m all right now. I haven’t cried once, since that night. (More to herself) And I’ll never cry again!

 

Otik: (Trying to be cheerful) Nearly opening time. Maybe we’ll have a good crowd today.

 

Tika: (Flaring) How can you take their money!

 

Otik: (Pleadingly) Their money is as good as anyone else’s. Better than most these days.

 

Tika: Humpf! (Strides across the floor and jabs her finger at Otik.) How can you laugh at their crude jokes and cater to their whims? I hate the stench of them! I hate their leers and their cold, scaly hands touching mine! Someday I’ll-

 

Otik: (Begging) Tika, please! Have some regards for me. I am too old to be carried off to the slave mines! And you, they’d take you tomorrow if you didn’t work here. Please behave- there’s a good girl!

 

(The door swings open and a evil dude enters. He throws the ‘closed’ sign into a corner.)

 

Evil Dude: You’re open.

 

Otik: (Weak grin) Yes, certainly. Tika…

 

Tika: (Dully) I see him.

 

 

10. Captured 273-284I

(all, Tika, Gilthanus)

(Inn patron extras, three humans, two north mercenaries, Toede, Dezra)

Inn of the Last Home

 

(It is dusk and the Inn is not crowded. There are three crude humans at one table, mercenaries. A few Solace residents huddle together at another table. Two north mercenaries sit at another table. Gilthanus enters the Inn, heavily cloaked and hood drawn low. He is fatigued and sinks into a dark table. Tika walks over to him.)

 

Tika: What will you have?

 

Gilthanus: (Pulling down his hood further) Nothing, thank you. Is it permissible to sit here and rest? I’m supposed to meet someone.

 

Tika: (Smile) How about a glass of ale while you wait?

 

Gilthanus: Very well, I am thirsty. Bring me your ale.

 

(Tika goes to the bar and gets and ale. The companions enter. Not able to turn around, Tika just says)

 

Tika: Just a half second. Sit anywhere you’ve a mind. I’ll be with you soon as I can! (She then glances over her shoulder. Surprise. But must not give them away. Caramon almost says something but Tika shakes her head and glances at the humans.) Sit down anywhere, strangers.

 

(The companions are mud-stained, tired, and downcast. Raistlin leans heavily on his staff and coughs while Goldmoon has her hand linked in Riverwind’s arm.)

 

Human 1: More refugee scum. The humans look healthy, though and all know dwarves are hard workers. Wonder why they havn’t been shipped out?

 

Human 2: They will be, soon as the Fewmaster sees them.

 

Human 3: Perhaps we should take care of the matter now.

 

Human 1: Naw, I’m off duty. They won’t go far.

 

(They all laugh and go back to drinking. Many empty glasses sit before them already. Tika  hurries and brings Gilthanus his ale, then goes over to the companions.)

 

Tika: (Coldly) What’ll you have?

 

Tanis: (Low and husky) Ale and food. And wine for him. (Nods ate Raistlin who is still coughing.)

 

Raistlin: (Shakes head) Hot water.

 

(She goes into the kitchen and grabs a skillet of potatoes.)

 

Tika: (To Dezra) Ale all around and a mug of hot water!

 

Tika: (Glances to see the humans are absorbed in their drink, then flings her arms around Caramon with a kiss) Oh, Caramon. I knew you’d come back for me! Take me with you! Please, please!

 

Caramon: (Patting Tika awkwardly and glancing at Tanis for help) Now, there, there.

 

Tanis: Tika, calm down. We’ve got an audience.

 

Tika: (Briskly) Right.

 

(Tika begins dishing the food out and Dezra brings over the ale and water.)

 

Tanis: (Choked) Tell us what happened to Solace.

 

Tika:  {NEED STORY} And so, every week, the slave caravans leave for Pax Tharkas, except now they’ve taken almost everyone- leaving only the skilled, like Theros Ironfeild, behind. I fear for him. (Lower voice) He swore to me last night that he would work for them no more. It all started with that captive party of elves-

 

Tanis: (Too loudly) Elves? What are elves doing here?

 

(The humans look supicously and Gilthanus raises his head a bit. Tanis hunches down until they went back to their drinks. A human calls for ale.)

 

Tika: I better go. I’ll leave that here. Finish them off.

 

(The companions eat tastelessly, Raistlin drinking his tea. Caramon watches Tika thoughtfully. One of the humans throws his arm drunkenly around Tika’s waist)

 

Human: We may not be men like you’re accustomed to, sweetie. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways of making you happy.

 

(Sturm glowers and puts his hand to his sword. Caramon rumbles. Tanis puts his hand on Sturm’s arm.)

 

Tanis: Both of you, stop it! We’re in an occupied town! Be sensible. This is no time for chivalry! You, too, Caramon. Tika can handle herself.

 

(Tika slips away from the human and flounces angrily into the kitchen.)

 

Flint: (Grumble) Well, what do we do now? We came back to Solace for supplies and find nothing but enemy. My house is little more than a cinder. Tanis doesn’t even have a vallenwood tree, much less a home. All we’ve got are platinum Disks of some ancient goddess and a sick mage with a few new spells. (Raistlin glowers) We can’t eat the Disks and the magician hasn’t learned to conjure up food, so even if we knew where to go, we’d starve before we got here!

 

Goldmoon: (To Tanis) Should we still go to Haven? What if it is as bad as this? How do we know the Highseeker Council is even in existence?

 

Tanis: (Sighs and rubs his eyes) I don’t know the answers. But I think we should try to reach Qualinesti.

 

(Meanwhile, Tasselhoff is bored again looks around for something interesting. During this, Goldmoon’s and Tanis’s debate fades to un-understandable. Tas notices Gilthanus watching them intently. We catch Tanis say ‘Qualinesti’ to loudly and Gilthanus slams his mug down .Tas turns to mention this, but Tika returns from serving the humans.)

 

Caramon: Could I have some more potatoes?

 

Tika: Of course. (Smiles, picks up the skillet and goes to get more food.)

 

(Raistlin looks at Caramon, who begins to play with his fork.)

 

Tanis: In Qualinesti-

 

(Tanis voices raises, arguing with Sturm who wants to go North. Gilthanus gets up and begin to walk over the the companions.)

 

Tas: Tanis, company.

 

(All conversation at the table stops. The humans stick out a foot and Gilthanus stumbles to the ground. They laugh loudly until one catches sight of Gilthanus’s face. He pulls of his hood.)

 

Human: Elf!

 

Gilthanus: (Backing up and hands raised) Let me pass. I was only going to exchange greetings with these travelers.

 

Human: You’ll exchange a word of greeting with the Fewmaster, elf.

 

(He grabs Gilthanus by the collar and forces him against a table. The other humans laugh. Tika, on the way to the kitchen with the companions skillet. Stalked over the humans.)

 

Tika: Stop this! Leave him alone. He’s a paying costumer. Same as you.

 

Human 1: (Shoving Tika aside) Go about your business, girl!

 

North Mercenary: Ah, kill him. Make him screech, like the others!

 

Human 1: (Drawing his sword) I’ll cut his slanty eyes out his head, that’s what I’ll do!

 

(At this point, Sturm and the others jump up to stop the human. But they are too far away. Gilthanus is going to die. Sob.)

 

Sturm: This has gone far enough!

 

(Tika brings down her skillet on the human’s head with a shill cry of rage, knocking him cold. The floor breaks into a fight. Gilthanus draws a knife as the other two humans reach for Tika. Sturm gets there and clubs one with his sword while Caramon throws the other one behind the bar. The two north humans leap up and run towards the door.)

 

Tanis: Riverwind! Don’t let them out the door!

 

(Riverwind catches one, but the other escapes out the door, shouting for guards.)

 

Goldmoon: (Grasping Raistlin’s arm) Use your magic! Do something!

 

Raistlin: It is hopeless. I will not waste my strength.

 

(She glares at him in fury, but then runs over to Riverwind with the disks of Mishakal in her pack. Horns sound in the distance.)

 

Tanis: We’ve got to get out of here!

 

(The human has come to and has wrapped his arm around Tanis’s neck, dragging him to the floor. Tas leaps up on a table and starts throwing mugs at the human, almost hitting Tanis. Flint in the midst of chaos points at Gilthanus.)

 

Flint: I know you! Tanis, isn’t this-

 

(One of Tas’s mugs hits Flint, knocking him cold.)

 

Tas: Oops.

 

(Tanis throttles the human, who falls unconscious. He kneels by Flint, who is awaking.)

 

Flint: Tanis,that elf- (Blinks groggily) What hit me?

 

Tas: (Pointing) That big guy, under the table!

 

Tanis: (Looking at the elf Flint indicated) Gilthanus?

 

Gilthanus: (Coldly) Tanthalas. I would never have recognized you. That beard-

 

(Horns, this time closer)

 

Flint: (Groaning and staggering to his feet) Great Reorx! We’ve got to get out of here! Come on! Out the back!

 

Tika: (Wildly, still with the skillet) There is no back!

 

Toede: (In the door way, silhouetted) No, there is no back. You are my prisoners.

 

(Torchlight. Toede, who actually not that menacing in figure, stands backed up by mercenaries. The unconscious ones in the inn come too and draw their weapons. Sturm prepares to attack the way over numbering enemy.)

 

Tanis: (Placing a hand on his arm) Sturm, don’t be a fool!

 

Tanis: We surrender. (Sturm glares at him) Please, Sturm. Trust me. (Sturm hesitates) This is not our time to die. (Sturm put his sword away, Tanis was right)

 

(Toede deems it safe to enter the in. Tas gulps.)

 

Tas: Surely he won’t recognize us. It was dusk when they stopped us, asking about the staff.

 

Toede: (Seeing Sturm’s emblem) More refugee scum from Solamnia.

 

Tanis: (Lying quickly) Yes. We have journeyed long days from the north. We did not intend to cause trouble. These creatures started it-

 

Toede: (Impatiently) Yes, yes. I’ve heard this before. (Noticing Raistlin) Hey, you! What are you doing, sulking back there? Fetch him, lads!

 

(Toede backs behind the door as several humans leap towards Raistlin.)

 

Human: On yer feet!

 

(Raistlin slowly gathers up his robe and staff. One of the humans grabs his shoulder.)

 

Raistlin: (Drawing way) Touch me not! I am magi!

 

(The Humans hesitate and look to Toede.)

 

Toede: Take him! Bring him here with the others. If every man wearing red robes was a magician, this country’d be overrun with rabbits! If he won’t come peaceably, stick him!

 

Human: (Jabbing a spear at Raistlin.) Maybe I’ll stick him anyway.

 

Tanis: (To Caramon) Your brother can take care of himself.

 

(Raistlin raises his hands as if to surrender.)

 

Raistlin: Kalith karan, tobanis-kar!

 

(Bright light streams from his fingers into the human, who falls writhing with a cry of agony.)

 

Toede: Don’t kill him, you fools! Lord Verminaard pays a handsome bounty for magic-users. But, (Suddenly inspired) the Lord does not pay a bounty for live kenders, only there tongues! Do that again, magician, and the kender dies!

 

Raistlin: (Snarl) What is the kender to me? (Long silence, Tanis mentally curses Raistlin. Toede is taken back and looks pleadingly at Raistlin. Raistlin shrugs) I will come peacefully, just do not touch me.

 

Toede: (Mutter) No, of course not. Bring him. Is that everyone? Then take their weapons and their packs.

 

(The humans look uneasy. Tanis lays down his bow, as the other also lay down their weapons. Sturm does not, who folds his arms against his chest and Goldmoon.)

 

Goldmoon: Please, let me keep my pack. I have no weapons in it, nothing of value to you. I swear!

 

(There is a strained silence. Riverwind steps in front of Goldmoon, his bow laid down but not his sword. Raistlin steps up and lays down all his stuff. He stretches his hands to Goldmoon)

 

Raistlin: (Gently) Give the pack. Otherwise they will kill us.

 

Toede: (Hastily) Listen to him, my dear. He’s an intelligent man.

 

Goldmoon: (Clutching the pack)  He’s a traitor!

 

Raistlin: (Hypnotically) Give them the pack.

 

Goldmoon: (Weakening) No! (Choke) This is our hope-

 

Raistlin: (Staring intently into her eyes.) It will be all right. Remember the staff? Remember when I touched it?

 

Goldmoon: (Blinks. Murmur) Yes, it shocked you-

 

Raistlin: Hush. Give them the pouch. Do not worry. All will be well. The gods protect their own.

 

(Goldmoon stares at Raistlin, then gives him the pack. He lays it down on the weapons. He then touches Sturm’s arm.)

 

Raistlin: I will insure its safety.

 

Sturm: (Withdrawing from his grasp) How?

 

Raistlin: I do not explain my ways to you. Trust me or not, as you chose.

 

(Sturm hesitates)

 

Toede: This is ridiculous! Kill the knight! Kill them if they cause more trouble. I’m losing sleep!

 

Sturm: (Strangled) Very well! (He lays it reverently with the other weapons)

 

(Toede has a vision of walking into Lord Verminaard’s audience with Sturm’s sword on.)

 

Toede: Ah, truly a beautiful weapon. Perhaps I should take that into custody myself. Bring it-

 

(Before he can finish, Raistlin steps up to the weapons. A bright flash of light comes form his hands and he mutters strange words, his hand hovering over the pile.)

 

Toede: Stop him! (No one dares to.)

 

Raistlin: (Standing up and staring around the common room.) Know this! I have cast a spell upon our belongings. Anyone who touches them will be slowly devoured by the great worm, Catyrpelius, who will rise from the abyss and suck the blood from your veins until you are nothing more than a dried husk.

 

Tas: (Shining eyes) The great worm, Catyrpelius! That’s incredible. I’ve never heard of- (Tanis claps his hand over Tas’s mouth.)

 

(Everyone backs away from the weapons)

 

Toede: Get those weapons, somebody!

 

A human: (Mutter) You get ‘em.

 

Toede: Very well, take the prisoners away! Load them into cages. And bring those weapons, too, or you’ll wish that worm what’s-its-name was sucking your blood!

 

(The humans prod the companions towards the door, although all avoid Raistlin.)

 

Caramon: (Low) That’s a wonderful spell, Raist. How effective is it? Could it-

 

Raistlin: It’s about as effective as your wit!

 

(Shows sign of flash powder on his hand)

 

Caramon: (Grim smile) Flash powder.

 

Tanis: (Casting one last look around the ruined Inn.) I almost wish I had died before I saw this.

 

 

11. Admire Qualinost 331-314I

(all, Tika, Gilthanus, Fizban)

(Porthios?)

Forest above Qualinost

 

(Scene opens looking over Qualinost. The companions are at the top of a hill, after a long march, overlooking it.)

 

Goldmoon: I have never imagined such beauty existed.

 

Gilthanus: Rest here. The journey had been long, and for that I apologize. I know you are weary and you hunger, (Caramon looks up hopefully) but I must beg your indulgences a few moments longer. Please excuse me. (He bows and leaves)

 

(Caramon sighs and rummages through his pack again for a bit of food he might have missed. Raistlin studies his spellbook, while the others marvel at Qualinost’s beauty. Riverwind and Goldmoon lean against each other, at peace for a moment, while Tika watches in envy. Tasselhoff meanwhile tries to draw a map to Qualinesti. Fizban is sleeping against a tree. Flint and Sturm watch Tanis in concern, until Sturm lays a hand on Tanis’s arm.)

 

Sturm: Coming home isn’t easy, my friend, is it?

 

Tanis: No, I thought I had left this behind long ago, but now I know I never truly left at all. Qualinesti is part of me, No matter how much I want to deny it.

 

(Gilthanus approaches Tanis)

 

Flint: Hush, Gilthanus.

 

Gilthanus: Sainir maatin ruainith ath ya ulredein. Idka kaseldi rogin uleth edith- omni udith- muns dath Taro Solast. If then-nus kibuth elth. Dath quida ida vid ulth ath udan- (Translation: Runners were sent ahead and now they have returned. My father has asked to see you- all of you- at once, in the Tower of the Sun. I cannot permit time for refreshment. In this we seem crude and impolite-)

 

Tanis: Gilthanus, my friends and I have been through unimaginable peril. We have traveled roads where- literally- the dead walked. We won’t faint from hunger, (Glance at Caramon) some of us won’t at any rate.

 

(Caramon sighs and tightens his belt.)

 

Gilthanus: (Stiffly) Thank you, I am glad you understand. Now, please follow as swiftly as you can.

 

(Everyone hastily gathers up their things and wakes Fizban. Fizban awakes and trips over the tree root. He whacks the tree with his staff.)

 

Fizban: (To Raistlin) Big lummox! There- did you see it? Tried to trip me!

 

Raistlin: (Slipping his precious book back into his pouch) Yes, Old One. (He then helps Fizban up and lets him lean on his shoulder.)

 

(Tanis thinks Fizban in a dotard. He remembers when Raistlin awoke with terror to find Fizban leaning over him. He then walks over to Gilthanus.)

 

Tanis: (Haltingly) Tall id, Gilthanus. Quod kanth ad? Id trum tolth. (Translation: Tell me, Gilthanus. What’s going on? I have a right to know.)

 

Gilthanus: (Glancing at Tanis. Harshly) Nu udith trum? Nu udith detsi quod alikath o thalal uleth? Udith tella idka tullus pare! (Translation: Have you? Do you care what happens to elves anymore? You can barely speak our language!)

 

Tanis: (Angrily) Kestus, id detsi. Udith idka thalath, etim! (Translation: Of course, I care. You are my people, too!)

 

Gilthanus: (Gesture to beard) Quein, nu quare udith osten udithka sumananth dedca? Id taelthve udith doreusinsa- (Stops, biting lip and flushing) (Translation: Then why do you flaunt your human heritage? I would think you would be ashamed- )

 

Tanis: (Nod grimly) Eath, id doreusinsa, ath quidi su quare iid ulsainin. Tamen sin id doreusinsa- litasi korioin talis? (Translation: Yes, I was ashamed, and that’s why I left. But if I was ashamed- who made me so?)

 

Gilthanus: (Shaking head) Imor id, Tanthalas. Quod id tellain suin troth ath, roxas, id siniiifus. Y anthum quidi… sin udith anthim tathra ida doler. (Translation: Forgive me, Tanthalas. What I said was cruel and, truly, I did not mean it, It’s just that… if you only understand the danger we face!)

 

Tanis: (Practically shouting) Tall id! Id kaditus tathrasa! (Translation: Tell me! I want to understand!)

 

Gilthanus: Ida enoste Qualinesti. (Translation: We are leaving Qualinesti)

 

Tanis: (Stop. Stare.) Leaving Qualinesti? (Companions hear him and look. Fizban darkens and tugs on his beard. More soft) You can’t mean it! Leaving Qualinesti! Why? Surely things aren’t this bad-

 

Gilthanus: (Sad) They are worse.

 

12. Tanis’ agony 324-327

(all, Laurana, Tika, Fizban, Gilthanus)

(Elfmaids?)

forest in Qualinost

 

 

(The companions are seated in a forest, sunny grove with a feast laid before them. Laurana walks around, being a charming host. Only Tanis is completely agonized, he refuses all food and paces.)

 

Laurana: Flint Fireforge, isn’t it? (Flint blushes) I still have some of the wonderful toys you made me. We have missed you, these many years. (Embrassed Flint drinks an entire mug of water.) You are Tika?

 

Tika: (Huskily) Tika Waylan.

 

Laurana: Tika, what a pretty name. And what beautiful hair you have. (Touches her curls)

 

Tika: Do you think so? (Blushing, seeing that Caramon watches her.)

 

Laurana: Of course! It is the colour of flame. You must have a spirit to match. I heard how you saved my brother’s life in the Inn, Tika. I am deeply indebt to you.

 

Tika: (Softly) Thank you. Your hair is real pretty, too.

 

(Laurana continues to be a charming hostess, but her eyes constantly strayed to Tanis. Finally he throws down an apple and stalks off into the woods.)

 

Tas: (To himself) Ah, now I’ll find out what’s going on! (Slips after Tanis)

 

(Laurana flows Tanis.)

 

Laurana: (calling) Tanthalas Quisif nan-Pah! (Tanis turns at the sound of his elven name. She flings her arms around his neck and kisses him. Teasing and drawing back) Ugh. Shave off that horrible beard. It itches! And you don’t look like Tanthalas anymore.

 

Tanis: (Gently pushs her away) Laurana-

 

Laurana: (Pouting, pleading) No, don’t be mad about the beard. I’ll learn to like it, if you insist. Kiss me back. No? Then I’ll kiss you until you cannot help yourself. (Kisses him again until he breaks free.)

 

Tanis: (Harshly, turning away) Stop it, Laurana.

 

Laurana: (Catching his hand) Why, what’s the matter? You’ve been gone so many years. And now you’re back. Don’t be cold and gloomy. You are my betrothed, remember? It is proper for a girl to kiss her betrothed.

 

Tanis: That was along time ago. We were children, then, playing a game, nothing more. It was romantic, a secret to share. You know what would have happened if your father had found out. Gilthanus did find out, didn’t he?

 

Laurana: (Hanging head, looking up through her lashes.) Of course! I told him. I tell Gilthanus everything, you know that. I didn’t think he would react like that! I know what he said to you. He told me later. He felt badly.

 

Tanis: (Griping her wrists)  I’ll bet he did. What he said was true, Laurana! I am a bastard, a half-breed. Your father would have every right to kill me! How could I bring disgrace down on him, after whathe did for my mother and me? That was one reason I left- that and to find out who I am and where I belong.

 

Laurana: You are Tanthalas, my beloved, and you belong here! (Breaking free and holding up his hand.) Look! You wear my ring still. I know why you left. It was because you were afraid to love me, but you don’t need to be, not anymore. Everything’s changed. Father has so much to worry about, he won’t mind. Besides, you’re a hero now. Please, let us be married. Isn’t that why you came back?

 

Tanis: (Gentle, but firm) Laurana, my returning was an accident-

 

Laurana: (Pushing away) No! I don’t believe you.

 

Tanis: You must have heard Gilthanus’s story. If Porthios had not rescued us, we would have been in Pax Tharkas now!

 

Laurana: He made it up! He didn’t want to tell me the truth. You came back because you love me. I won’t listen to anything else.

 

Tanis: I didn’t want to tell you, but I see that I must. Laurana, I’m in love with someone else- a human woman. Her name is Kitiara. (He falters, Laurana’s face drains) That doesn’t mean I don’t love you, too. I do- I do love you, Laurana. But, you see, I can’t marry you, because I love her, too. My heart is divided, just like my blood. (He takes of the ring and gives it to her.) I release you from any promises you made to me, Laurana. And I ask you to release me.

 

(Laurana takes the ring, speechless. She looks at Tanis pleadingly, but sees only pity. She shrieks and throws the ring away. It lands at Tas’s feet, who picks it up. Laurana sobs wildly.)

 

Tanis: (Taking her into his arms) Laurana, I’m so sorry. I never meant-

 

(Tas slips away from the scene)

 

Tas: Well, now at least I know what’s going on.

 

(Tanis awakes to find Gilthanus over him. He gets to his feet.)

 

Tanis: Laurana?

 

Gilthanus: (Quietly) She is all right. Her maidens brought her home. She told me what you said. I just want you to know I understand. It was what I feared all along. The human half of you cries to other humans. I tried to tell her, hoping she wouldn’t get hurt. She will listen to me now. Thank you, Tanthalas. I know it cannot have been easy.

 

Tanis: It wasn’t. (Swallows) I’m going to be honest, Gilthanus- I love her, I really do. It’s just that-

 

Gilthanus: Please, say no more. Let us leave it as it is and perhaps, if we cannot be friends, we can at least respect each other. (Face is drawn and pale in the setting sun.) You and your friends must prepare yourselves. When the silver moon rises, there will be a feast, and then a High Council meeting. Now is the time when decisions must be made. (He leaves)

 

13. Laurana 362-363I

(all, Tika, Gilthanus, Laurana, Fizban)

(Drow)

Outside Sla-Mori, Sla-Mori [Kith-Kanan’s throne room], Pax Tharkas cellar

 

(Outside the entrance to Sla-mori.  They enter. A little way in they come to a crossroad. They study the ways, and Riverwind kneels to examine some tracks.)

 

Riverwind: They are human, but they are not human. There are animal tracks as well- probably rats. The dwarf was right. I see no sign of draconians or goblins. What is odd, however is that the animal tracks end here right where the paths cross. They do not go to the left.

 

Tanis: Well, which way do we go?

 

Eben: I say we don’t go either way! The entrance is still open. Let’s turn back.

 

Tanis: (Coldly) Turning back is no longer an option. I would give you leave to go yourself only-

 

Eben: (Cutting off) Only you don’t trust me. I don’t blame you, Tanis Half-Elven. All right, I said I’d help you and I meant it. Which way- left or right?

 

Raistlin: The evil come from the right.

 

Tanis: Gilthanus? DO you have any idea where we are?

 

Gilthanus: No, Tanthalas. Legend says that there were many entrances from Sla-Mori into Pax Tharkas, all secret. Only the elven priests were allowed down here, to honour the dead. One way is as good as the other.

 

Tas: (Whisper to Tika) Or as bad. (Tika gulps and stands closer to Caramon.)

 

Tanis: We’ll go left since Raistlin feels uneasy about the right.

 

(Tanis turns around to find Laurana standing there. Everyone else is surprised and uneasy.)

 

Tanis: What in the name of the Abyss are you doing here, Laurana? Has something happened in Qualinost?

 

Laurana: Nothing happened. I….I….just came.

 

Gilthanus: (Yelling angrily) Then you’re going right back! (Grabs Laurana who breaks free.)

 

Laurana: I’m not either going back. I’m coming with you and Tanis and….the rest.

 

Tanis: (Snap) Laurana, this is madness. We’re not going on an outing. This isn’t a game. We could be killed!

 

Laurana: (Pleadingly) I know, Tanthalas. You told me that there comes a time when you’ve got to risk your life for something you believe in. I’m the one who followed you.

 

Gilthanus: You could have been killed-

 

Laurana: (Defiantly) But I wasn’t!

 

Tanis: (Angrily) It’s not serious training-

 

Laurana: (Glancing at Sturm) I followed you, didn’t I? Skillfully?

 

Sturm: Yes. Still that doesn’t mean-

 

Raistlin: (Coughing in the bad air) We are losing time. And I for one do not want to spend any longer than I must in this dank and musty tunnel. The girl has made her decision. We can spare no one to return with her, nor do we dare trust her to leave on her own. She might be captured and reveal our plans. We must take her.

 

Tanis: (Glares at Raistlin for being right. Then yanks Laurana to her feet, almost hating her. Quietly) You are on your own. I can’t hang around, protecting you. Neither Gilthanas. You have behaved like a spoiled brat. I told you once before- you’d better grow up. Now, if you don’t, you’re going to die and probably get all the rest of us killed right along with you!

 

Laurana: (Avoiding his gaze) I’m sorry, Tanthalas. But I couldn’t lose you, not again. I love you. I’ll make you proud.

 

(They continue down the left by the light of Raist’s staff. They come into a large room. As they enter, Caramon lets out a strangled cry. Raistlin shines his staff over there. A throne stands majestically (albeit covered in dusty cobwebs) against the wall. A skeleton sits upon it. Gilthanus falls to his knees.)

 

Gilthanus: Kith-Kanan. We stand in the Hall of the Anceints, his burial tomb. None has seen this sight since the elven clerics vanished in the Cataclysm.

 

(Tanis stares, then sinks to his knees.)

 

Tanis: Fealan thalos, Im murquanethi. Sai Kithkananoth Murtari Larion.

 

Tas: What a beautiful sword. (Tanis glances at him sternly. Tas looks wounded) I’m not going to take it! I just mentioned it as an item of interest.

 

Tanis: (Rising to his feet) Don’t touch it.

 

(Raistlin approaches the sword with Tas following. He moves his hand over it.)

 

Raistlin: Tsaran korilath ith hakon. (Smile) It’s enchanted.

 

Tas: (Gasp) Good enchantment? Or bad?

 

Raistlin: I have no way of knowing. But since it was lain undisturbed for so long, I certainly would not venture to touch it.

 

(Raistlin turns away while Tas struggles with the temptation. Meanwhile. Flint is giving a lecture on dwarven architecture while he and Sturm examine a door on the far wall.)

 

Flint: Tasselhoff, you worthless kender, this is your specialty. At least you’re always bragging about how you found the door that had been lost for one hundred years which lead to the great jewel of the something or the other.

 

Tas: (Forgetting the sword and skipping over) And it was in a place like this, too. (Examines the door) There’s the catch. (Grin at Flint) The dwarves slipped up. This is a false door that looks false.

 

Flint: (Flatly) And therefore not to be trusted.

 

Eben: Bah, dwarves had bad says just like everyone else (He bends to open the catch.)

 

Raistlin: (Suddenly) Don’t open it!

 

Sturm: Why not? Because you want to alert someone before we find the way into Pax Tharkas?

 

Raistlin: If I had wanted to betray you, knight, I could have done so a thousand times before this! I sense a power behind that door greater than any I have felt since- (Stops, shuddering)

 

Caramon: (Gently) Since when?

 

Rasitlin: The Tower of High Sorcery. I warn you, do not open that door!

 

Gilthanus: The way through to Pax Tharkas is through this door. (Quickly opens the catch.)

 

(The door swings open. Blackness, Cold. A Drow. She hands in the door way for a moment.  Horror.)

 

Caramon: (Drawing his sword) What is it?

 

Sturm: (Gasp) I don’t know!

 

Raistlin: I do! It is the spirit of a dark elf! I warned you not to open that door..

 

Eben: (Stumbling backwards) Do something!

 

Raistlin: Put up your weapons, fools!  You can not fight her! Her touch is death, and if she wails while we are within these walls, we are doomed. Her keening voice along kills. Run, run all of you! Quickly!

 

(They all run, stumbling as the darkness of the elf over takes them. Raistlin’s staff tumbles to the floor ruining the light. The elf stretches forward. Her hand brushes Eben cheek and he screams and falls. Sturm drags him. Raistlin grabs his staff and they make it into the next room. The terrible keening of the elf starts. They slam the door shut.)

 

Eben: That won’t stop her!

 

Raistlin: No. Her magic is powerful, more powerful than mine. I can cast a spell on the door, but it will weaken me greatly. (He puts his palms upon the door.) Kalis-an budruin-

(The dark elf is counter acting his spell. Images of his tests. He cannot remember the words. Fistandantilus helps.) Kalis-an budruin kara emarath!

 

(The door holds, and the elf wails in failure. Raistlin collapses. Fizban and Tas are missing. The room they are in as crates marked Solace and Gateway.)

 

Gilthanus: (Looking around, Grimly victorious) This is it. We’re inside the fortress. We stand in the cellar of Pax Tharkas.

 

Tanis: (Slumping down) Thank the true gods!

 

14. Wedding 431-439I

(all,  Laurana, Tika)

(Elistan, Refugees)

Valley [Last day of Autumn]

 

(Sunset. Elistan stands at the crest of a gentle hill. The refugees gather at the foot of the hill.  Tika and Laurana proceed, carrying torches. Then came Goldmoon, hair down and crowned with autumn leaves. The medallion of Mishkal at her neck and her carried her bride gift-wrapped within a cloth. Tika’s thoughtful. Laurana’s beautiful. They reach Elistan and look for the groom. Tanis and Sturm led the way with torches. Then Riverwind, crowned with leaves and carrying his gift covered with a handkerchief. Then followed Flint and Tas, then Caramon and Raistlin, Raistlin bearing his staff instead of a torch. The men reach Elistan. Tika finds herself next to Caramon and touches his hand. Elistan in overcome with emotion for a moment so Goldmoon and Riverwind reached out to comfort him. He whispers to them privately.)

 

Elistan: It was your love and your faith in each other that brought hope to the world. Each of you was willing to sacrifice your life for this promise of hope, each has saved the life of the other. The sun shines now, but already its rays are dimming and night is ahead. It is the same for you, my friends. You will walk through much darkness before morning. But your love will be as a torch to light the way. (He steps back and says to the entire assembly, voice weak at first, then growing stronger) The left hand is the hand of the heart. (He places Goldmoon’s left hand into Riverwind’s and then places his own left hand over them.) We join left hands that the love in the hearts of this man and this woman may combine to form something greater as two streams join together to form a might river. The river flows through the land, branching off into tributaries, exploring new ways, yet ever drawn to the eternal sea. Receive their love, Paladine- greatest of the gods; bless it and grant them peace at least in the hearts, if there is no peace in this shattered land. (A moment of silence, when families drew close.) Pledge you vows, one another and exchange the gifts of your hands and hearts.

 

Goldmoon: (Looking into Riverwind’s eyes) Wars have settled on the North

And dragons ride the skies,

“Now is the time for wisdom,”

say the wise and the nearly wise.

“Here in the heart of battle,

the time to be brave is at hand.

Now most things are larger than

The promise of woman to man.”

 

But you and I, through burning plains,

Through darkness of the earth,

Affirm this world, its people,

The heavens that gave them birth,

The breath that passes between us,

This altar where we stand,

And all those things made larger by

The promise of woman to man.

 

Riverwind: Now in the belly of the winter,

When the ground and the sky are gray,

Here in the heart of sleeping snow,

Now is the time to say

Yes to the sprouting vallenwood

In the green countryside,

For these things are far larger

than a man’s word to his bride.

 

Through these promises we keep,

Forged in the yawning night,

Proved in the presence of heroes

And the prospect of spring light,

The children will see moons and stars

Where now the dragons ride,

And humble things made large by

A man’s word to his bride.

 

(They exchange gifts. Remembering, Goldmoon begins to cry and wipes her eyes on the handkerchief.)

 

Elistan: Bless the gifts, Paladine, these symbols of love and sacrifice. Grant that during times of deepest darkness, these two may look upon these gifts and see their path lighted by love. Great and shining god, god of human and elf, god of kinder and dwarf, give your blessing to these, your children. May the love they planted in their hearts today be nourished by their souls and grow into a tree of life, providing shelter and protection to all who seek refuge beneath its spreading boughs. With the joining of hands, the exchanging of vows, the giving of gifts, you two, Riverwind, grandson of Wanderer, and Goldmoon, Chieftain’s Daughter- become one- in your hearts, in the sight of men, in the eyes of the gods.

 

(Riverwind placed the vallenwood ring onto Goldmoon’s finger. Goldmoon takes the other ring from Riverwind. He kneels, but Goldmoon shakes her head.)

 

Goldmoon: (Smiling through tears) Rise, warrior.

 

Riverwind: (Softly) Is that a command?

 

Goldmoon: It is the last command of Chieftain’s Daughter.

 

(Riverwind stood and Goldmoon placed the ring on his finger. The then embrace each other, lips meeting. Everyone cheers. They are carried down to the celebration. Caramon pushes his way through the crowd towards food.)

 

Caramon: Get out of my way, don’t crowd me. (Eating) Real food.

 

Flint: Hey, you gonna eat that?

 

(He stabs a piece of Caramon’s food. Caramon silently and without missing a beat pours a flagon of ale over Flint’s head. Tanis sits glancing at Laurana, who is talking animatedly with Elistan. He wonders what she and him find so interesting. People sing and dance. Goldmoon and Riverwind stand arms around each other. Tanis stands on the outside watching. Tika gets bored of watching Caramon eat and bothers Flint. Laurana and Gilthanus began an elvish dance and song. He wonders where Raistlin is.)

 

Tanis: Where’s Raistlin?

 

(He wonders off into the woods to find Raistlin sitting alone, staring off into he south. He sits beside him.)

 

Tanis: (Abruptly) What do you see to the south?

 

Raistlin: (Glances at Tanis) What do I ever see with these eyes of mine, Half-Elf? I see death, death and destruction. I see war. (Motions to the heavens) The constellations have not returned. The Queen of Darkness is not defeated.

 

Tanis: We may not have won the war, but surely we have won a major battle- (Raistlin coughs and shakes his head) Do you see no hope?

 

Raistlin: Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding in a vain attempt to reach it.

 

Tanis: (Tossing a piece of bark away) Are you saying we should just give up?

 

Raistlin: I’m saying we should remove the carrot and walk forward with our eyes open. (Coughs and draws his robes about him) How will you fight the dragons, Tanis? For there will be more! More than you can imagine! And where now is Huma? Where now is the Dragonlance? No, Half-Elf. Do not talk to me of hope.

 

(Tanis remains silent and so does Raistlin. Sink down into the grass is Tasselhoff.)

 

Tas: No hope! I don’t believe it. (Glances up at Tanis) But Tanis believes it. (Reflective silence) Still, we have to keep trying and hoping. That’s what’s important, the trying and the hoping. Maybe that’s most important of all. (A white chicken feather floats down in front of Tasselhoff, who catches it.)