DoWN

16. Tarsis Not by the Sea 26-27II

(Raistlin, Caramon, Tanis)

Hill overlooking Tarsis

(Tanis, Raistlin, and Tanis stand at the top of a hill, over looking Tarsis the Beautiful. Tanis swears softly and draws his hood over his head with bitter disappointment.)

Caramon: (Nudges Raistlin) Raist, what’s the matter? I don’t understand.

Raistlin: (Coughs, caustically) Your brains are in your sword-arm brother. Look upon Tarsis, legendary seaport city. What do you see?

Caramon: (Squinting) Well…. It’s one of the biggest cities I’ve seen. And there are ships- just like we heard-

Raistlin: (Bitterly) ‘The white-winged ships of Tarsis of Beautiful’. You look upon these ships me brother. Do you notice anything peculiar about them?

Caramon: They’re not in a very good shape. The sails are ragged and- (Blink, gasp) There’s no water!

Raistlin: Most observant.

Caramon: But the kender’s map-

Tanis: (Interrupting) Dated before the Cataclysm. Damn it, I should have known! I should have known! I should have considered this possibility! Tarsis the Beautiful- legendary seaport, now landlocked!

Raistlin: And been for three hundred years, undoubtedly. When the fiery mountain fell from the sky, it created seas- as we saw in Xak Tsaroth- but it also destroyed them. What do we do with the refugees now, Half Elf?

Tanis: (Irritable) I don’t know. (Stares at city, then turns away.) It’s no good standing around here. The sea isn’t going to come back just for our benefit. (He walks slowly back down hill.)

Caramon: What will we do? We can’t go back to Southgate. I know something or someone was dogging our footsteps. (Glance around) I feel eyes watching- even now.

Raistlin: You are wise to trust your feelings, my brother. Great danger and evil surround us. I have felt it growing on me since the people arrived in Southgate. I tried to warm them- (Breaks in the coughing)

Caramon: How do you know?

Raistlin: (Unable to answer due to his cough. When he finally finishes he says bitterly.) Haven’t you learned yet? I know! Put it at that. I paid for my knowledge in the Towers of High Sorcery. I paid for it with my body and very nearly my reason. I paid for it with- (Stops suddenly, looking a Caramon.)

Caramon: (Pale and silent. He starts to say something but chokes.) It’s just that I don’t understand-

Raistlin: (Sighs, shakes head, and then starts to walk down the hill.) Nor will you. Ever.

17. Starjewel 67-69II

(Alhana, Sturm)

A street doorway in Tarsis

(Alhana and Sturm stand huddled together in a doorway, the dragon fear passing. Alhana is realizing how strong and noble Sturm is.)

Sturm: (Gently) We’d better go.

(Sturm is amazed when Alhana pushes away.)

Alhana: (Ice cold) Here we part. I must return to my lodging. Thank you for escorting me.

Sturm: What? Go by yourself? That’s madness. (Grabs her arm) I cannot allow-

(Alhana stiffens and stares at Sturm until he releases her.)

Alhana: I have friends of my own as you do. Your loyalty is to them. My loyalty is to mine. We must go our separate ways. (She falters when she sees Sturm’s pained face, strengthening) I thank you for your kindness and your help, but now I must go, while the streets are empty.

Sturm: (Stares at her, hurt and puzzled. Then hardens) I was happy to be of service, Lady Alhana. But you are still in danger. Allow me to take you to your lodgings, then I will trouble you no more.

Alhana: (Gritting teeth) That is quite impossible. My lodgings are not far, and my friends wait for me. We have a way out of the city. Forgive me for not taking you, but I am never certain about trusting humans.

(Sturm’s eyes flash. Alhana almost loses her resolve.)

Alhana: (Swallowing) I know where you are staying, the Red Dragon Inn. Perhaps, if I find my friends- we could offer you help-

Sturm: (Cold) Do not concern yourself. And do not thank me. I did nothing more than my Code required of me. Farewell.

(He starts to walk away, but turns back remembering the Starjewel.)

Sturm: Here. (Seeing the pain in Alhana’s eyes, he softens his voice.) I am pleased you trusted me with his gem, even for a few moments.

(Alhana stares at the jewel, then starts to shake. She lifts her eyes to Sturm’s compassionate eyes. She drops her head, then takes his hand. She lays the jewel in his palm and closes his fingers over it.)

Alhana: (Softly) Keep this. When you look at it, think of Alhana Starbreeze and know that, somewhere, she thinks of you.

(Sturm bows his head, unable to speak. He kisses the gem, then places it at his belt. He reaches out his heads, but Alhana draws back, face averted.)

Alhana: Please go. (She watches him reluctantly leave.) Forgive me, Sturm. (Pause.) No, do not forgive me. Thank me.

18. Suicide 69-71II

(Riverwind, Goldmoon, Raistlin, Caramon, Tika, Laurana, [Elistan])

Red Dragon Inn

(All of them stand in an upper room of the Red Dragon Inn. A horn calls in the distance.)

Raistlin: Ah. I told you so.

(Riverwind glances irritated at Raistlin. Memories of Tanis telling him to protect the group from the town guards. He then looks over the group. Sword in hand, Tika stands, brave but unskilled. There are scars on her hand where she had but herself.)

Elistan: (Bewildered) What is it?

Riverwind: (Harshly) The Dragon Highlord, attacking the city. (Remembering Tanis) ‘Get out the city, if we don’t return’

(Riverwind swears in Que-shu. He feels Goldmoon’s hand around him and looks down to see her smile and faith. It lends him strength. A shock wave hits the Inn. Screams and fire can be heard.)

Riverwind: We’ve got to get off this floor, back to ground level. Caramon, bring the knight’s sword and the other weapons. If Tanis and the others are- (He stops, looking at Laurana.) If Tanis and the others escape, they’ll return here. We’ll wait for them.

Raistlin: (Caustically) Excellent decision! Especially as we have nowhere else to go!

Riverwind: (Ignoring Raistlin.) Elistan, take the others downstairs. Caramon and Raistlin, stay with me a moment. (He waits still the others have exited.) Our best chance, the way I see it, is to stay inside, barricade ourselves in the Inn. The streets will be deadly.

Caramon: How long can we hold out?

Riverwind: (Shakes head.) Hours, maybe.

(Flash back of Solace and Goldmoon’s village.)

Raistlin: We cannot be taken alive.

Riverwind: We’ll hold out as long as we can, but when we know we can last no longer- (Stops unable to continue, had on his knife.)

Raistlin: (Softly) There will be no need of that. I have herbs. A tiny bit in a glass of wine. Very quick, painless.

Riverwind: Are you certain?

Raistlin: Trust me. I am skilled in the art. (Seeing Riverwind shudder.) The art of herblore.

Riverwind: (Softly) If I am alive, I will give her, them- the drink myself. If not-

Raistlin: I understand. You may trust me.

Caramon: What about Laurana? You know elves. She won’t-

Raistlin: Leave it to me.

(Riverwind looks at Raistlin with horror, but sees no better alternative.)

Riverwind: Very well.

(Riverwind pauses for a moment not wishing to face the others, then turn abruptly and exits.)

Caramon: (Trying to be matter-of-fact) I will die fighting. Promise me, Raist you’ll take the stuff if I’m…. not there….

Raistlin: There will be no need. I have not the strength to survive a battle of this magnitude. I will die within my magic.

19.Collapse of the Inn 76-77

(Flint, Gilthanus, Sturm, Laurana [Elistan])

The collapsed Red Dragon Inn

(Elistan carries Laurana out of the ruined Inn. Gilthanus is in a doorway, badly wounded Sturm and Flint stand outside the Inn.)

Gilthanus: Laurana!

Laurana: (Dazed from the smoke, she looks up) Gilthanus? (She then sees Sturm) Sturm. (Pointing confused vaguely behind her.) Your sword, it’s here. I saw it-

(In the rubble lays Sturm’s sword along with Kith-Kanan’s. Sturm picks them up reverently. He listens for cries in the rubble, but hears nothing. Only silence.)

Sturm: (Slowly, without moving) We’ve got to get out of here. (Looks to Elistan.) The others?

Elistan: (Trembling voice) They were all in there. And the half-elf…

Sturm: Tanis?

Elistan: Yes. He came through the back door, just before the dragon hit the Inn. They were all together, in the very center. I was standing beneath the doorway. Tanis saw the beam breaking. He threw Laurana. I caught her, then the ceiling collapsed on top of them. There’s no way they could have-

Flint: (Fiercely) I don’t believe it! (He leaps into the rubble. Sturm yanks him back.)

Sturm: Where’s Tas?

Flint: Pinned under a beam. (Terribly sorrow. He pulls at his hair, knocking his helm off.) I’ve got to go back to him. But I can’t leave them- (He begins to cry) Caramon- That big, dumb ox! I need him. He can’t do this to me! And Tanis, too! Damn it, I need them!

Sturm: (Puts hand on Flint’s shoulder) Go back to Tas. He needs you now. There are draconions roaming the streets. We’ll be all-

(Laurana suddenly screams. Sturm catches her as she rushes into the rubble.)

Sturm: (Shaking her in anguish) Laurana! Look at that! Look at it! Nothing could be alive in there!

Laurana: (Scream) You don’t know that! (She tears away from his grasp, falling to her hands and knees. She tries to lift rubble.) Tanis!

Elistan: (Gently) My dear, there is nothing you can do for them. The living need you. Your brother is hurt, so is the kender. The draconians are invading. We must either escape now, and keep fighting these horrible monsters, or waste our lives in useless grief. Tanis gave his life for you, Laurana. Don’t let it be a needless sacrifice.

(Laurana stares up at Elistan, tears marking paths in the blood and soot on her face. She hears horns calling, Flint shouting about Tas dying, Elistan’s words and the beginning rain.)

Laurana: Help me, Sturm.

(Sturm puts his arms around her and helps her stand.)

Gilthanus: Laurana!

Laurana: (Whisper) Farewell, Tanthalas

19. To Silvenesti 86-87II

(Tanis, Alhana, [Caramon, Raistlin, Goldmoon, Riverwind, Tika])

Outside Tarsis

(It is raining. Tanis is thanking Alhana, his words halting and exhausted. Out of earshot, the rest stand huddled together.)

Alhana: (Cutting Tanis off. Cold) Your thanks are not necessary, or even wanted. And you may not want to extend them after you hear me out. I rescued you for my own purposes. I need warriors to help my find my father. We must fly to Silvenesti.

Tanis: (Gasp) But that’s impossible! We must meet our friends! Fly to the hills. We can’t go to Silvenesti, Alhana. There’s too much at stake! If we can find these dragon orbs, we have a chance to destroy these foul creatures and end this war. Then we can do to Silvenesti.

Alhana: (Retorting) Now we can go to Silvenesti. You have no choice in the matter, Half-Elven. My griffons obey my command and mine alone. They would tear you apart, as they did to those dragon men, if I gave the order. (Show fearsome griffins.)

Tanis: (Voice shaking from anger) Someday the elves will wake up and find they are members of a vast family. No longer can they be treated as the spoiled elder child who is given everything while the rest of us wait for the crumb.

Alhana: (Scornful) What gifts we received from the gods we earned. You humans and half-humans had these same gifts and threw them away in your greed for more. We are capable of fighting for our own survival without your help. As to your survival, that matters little to us.

Tanis: You seem willing enough to accept our help now!

Alhana: For which you will be well-rewarded.

Tanis: There is not steel nor jewels enough in Silvenesti to pay us-

Alhana: You seek the dragon orbs. I know where one is located It is in Silvenesti.

Tanis: (He blinks and cannot think of anything to say.) Where’s Sturm? The last I saw him, he was with you.

Alhana: I don’t know. We parted. He was going to the Inn, to find you. I called my griffons to me.

Tanis: Why didn’t you let him take you to Silvenesti if you needed warriors?

Alhana: That is none of you concern.

20. Saving Lorac 123-127II

(Lorac, Caramon, Alhana, Tanis, Rasitlin, Goldmoon, Riverwind, Tika)

Tower of the Stars

(Tanis, Raistlin, and Caramon enter the twisted Tower of the Stars. At first, Tanis sees with sadness the twistedness of the Tower. A soft sound from Raistlin causes him to look. Lorac sits on his throne enshrouded by shadows. He is motionless, his head thrown back in a silent scream. His hands rest on the dragon orb. Alhana crouches at the base, but is not seen.)

Tanis: (Horror.) Is he alive?

Raistlin: Yes, undoubtly to his sorrow.

Tanis: What’s wrong with him?

Raistlin: He is living a nightmare. (Points to Lorac’s hand.) There is the dragon orb. Apparently he tried to take control of it. He was not strong enough, so the ord seized control of him. The orb called Cyan Bloodbane here to guard Silvenesti, and the dragon decided to destroy it by whispering nightmares into Lorac’s ear. Lorac’s belief in the nightmare was so strong, his empathy with his land so great, that the nightmare became reality. Thus, it was his dream we were living when we entered. His dream- and our own. For we too came under the dragon’s control when we stepped into Silvenesti.

Tanis: (Grabbing Raistlin’s shoulder and spinning him around.) You knew we faced this! You knew what we were walking into, there on the shores of the river-

Caramon: (Removes Tanis’s hand. Warningly) Tanis, leave him alone.

Raistlin: (Rubbing his shoulder and narrows eyes.) Perhaps. Perhaps not. I need not reveal my knowledge or its source to you!

(A moan in heard from the base of the throne. Tanis throws Raistlin an angry glace, then warily approaches the shadowed throne, sword drawn. Alhana is weeping there, her head in Lorac’s lap.)

Tanis: Alhana! (She does not hear him.) Alhana. (She looks up without recognition.) Alhana.

Alhana: (She blinks, shudders and then clutches at Tanis’s hand. Whispered) Half- -Elven!

Tanis: How did you get here? What happened?

Alhana: I heard the mage say it was just a dream and I- I refused to believe in the dream. I woke, but only to find the nightmare was real! My beautiful land filled with horrors! (She hides her face in her hands and Tanis kneels down by her.) I made my way here. I took- days. Through the nightmare. When I entered the Tower, the dragon caught me. He brought me here, to my father, thinking to make Lorac murder me. But not even in his nightmare could my father harm his own child. So cyan tortured him with visions, of what he would do to me.

Tanis: (Stroking her hair.) And you? You saw them, too?

Alhana: (A moment, then) It wasn’t so bad. I knew it was nothing but a dream. But to my poor father it was reality- (She breaks off sobbing.)

Tanis: (Motions to Caramon.) Take Alhana to a room where she can lie down. We’ll do what we can do for her father.

(Caramon looks concerned at Raistlin.)

Raistlin: I will be all right, my brother. Do as Tanis says.

(Tanis helps Alhana stand. She staggers with weariness)

Tanis: Come, Alhana. Is there a place you can rest? You’ll need your strength.

Alhana: (Begins to argue, but stops when she realizes how tired she is.) Take me to my father’s room. I’ll show you the way.

(Caramon puts his arm around supporting her and they exit. Raistlin is in front of Lorac. He speaks softly.)

Tanis: What is it? Is he dead?

Raistlin: (Startled, blinking) Who? (Sees Tanis’s gaze on Lorac.) Oh, Lorac? No, I do not believe so. Not yet.

Tanis: (Eyes finding the dragon orb) Is the orb still in control?

(Raistlin holds his hand over the globe and casts a spell. Tanis backs up in fear.)

Raistlin: Do not fear. It is my spell. The globe is enchanted -still. Its magic has not died with the passing of the dragon, as I thought possible. It is still in control, however.

Tanis: Control of Lorac?

Raistlin: Control of itself. It was released Lorac.

Tanis: Did you do this? Did you defeat it?

Raistlin: (Sharply) The orb is not defeated! With help, I was able to defeat the dragon. Realizing Cyan Bloodbane was losing the orb sent him away. It let go of Lorac because it could not longer use him. But the orb is still very powerful.

Tanis: Raistlin, tell me-

Raistlin: I have no more to say, Tanis. (Cough.) I must conserve my energy. (Pause.) We can free Lorac now. (He removes Lorac’s hand from the Orb, then checks his pulse at the neck.) He lives. For the time being. The life beat is weak. You may come closer.

(Tanis holds back, eyes on the Orb. Raistlin is amused, then beckons to him. Reluctantly Tanis approaches.)

Tanis: Tell me one more thing- can the orb still be of use to us?

Raistlin: (Long moment silence.) Yes, if we dare.

(Lorac draws in a breath and then screamed and continues screaming. His hands writhe and his eyes are tight closed. Tanis tries to calm him in vain. Alhana runs in to the room.)

Alhana: Father! (She runs to him, pushing Caramon aside. She clasps his hands, weeping and pleading for him to stop screaming. Repeating over and over again) Rest, father. The nightmare is ended. The dragon is gone. You can sleep, Father! (Lorac keeps screaming.)

Caramon: In the name of the god’s I can’t take much more of this.

(Alhana pleads to Lorac, calling over and over again ‘Father!’. Slowly, Lorac’s screams lessen into whimpers. Then, fearfully, he opens his eyes.)

Lorac: Alhana, my child. Alive! (Lifts a shaking hand to touch her cheek.) It cannot be! I saw you die, Alhana. I saw you die a hundred times, each time more horrifying than the last. He killed you, Alhana. He wanted me to kill you. But I could not. Though I know not why, as I have killed so many. (Eyes flare with hatred as he sees Tanis. He rises in his throne, clutching at the sides.) You! You, half-elf! I killed you- or tired to. I must protect Silvenesti! I killed you! I killed those with you! (But then a look of fear when he sees Raistlin. Trembling he shrinks back.) But you, you I could not kill! (Confusion.) No, you are not he! Your robes are not black! Who are you? (And back to Tanis.) And you? You are not a threat? What have I done?

Alhana: (Soothing Lorac, stroking his face.) Don’t father. You must rest now. The nightmare has ended. Silvenesti is safe.

(Caramon picks up Lorac and starts out of the room. Alhana follows, clasping her father’s hand. A moment while Tanis ponders. Then Tika enters, frantic. Tika catches sight of Tanis.)

Tika: I killed him! No! Don’t touch me, Tanis. You don’t know what I have done. I killed Flint! I didn’t mean to, Tanis, I swear! (Caramon enters the room.) I killed Flint, Caramon. Don’t came near me!

Caramon: (Gently enfolds her in his arms.) Hush. It was dream, Tika. That’s what Raist says. The dwarf never was here. Shhh.

(Caramon strokes Tika’s hair. They cling to each other and Tika’s sobs gradually lessons. Goldmoon embraces Tanis.)

Goldmoon: My friend.

(Tanis, seeing Goldmoon’s grave face, glances at Riverwind. He shakes his head and then surrounds them both with his arms. Behind them, Raistlin coughs and sinks down by Lorac’s throne. Caramon, still holding Tika, glances at him in concern. Raistlin only lays down and closes his eyes.)

21. Silvart is Silvara 164-167II

(Laurana, Tasselhoff, Silvara, Sturm, Gilthanus, Flint, [Elistan])

(Silvenesti guards, Derek)

Ergoth shorline(?)

(Our friends have been attacked be a dragon, had their ship destroyed and now have washed up on the shoreline of Ergoth right before dawn. There they were greeted by Silvenesti elves, somewhat hostilely, and now they are waiting for the elves to return.)

Sturm: (Stammering over an unfamiliar word) What about the Kag- Kag-

Laurana: (Weary sigh) Kaganesti. They, who allowed us to share their homeland, have been treated worst of all. The Kaganesti have always been poor in material wealth. Poor, by our standards, though not by theirs. They live in the forests and mountains, taking what they need from the land. They are gathers, hunters. They raise no crops, they forge no metal. When we arrived, our people appeared rich to them with our golden jewelry and steel weapons. Many of their young people came to Qualinesti and the Silvensti, seeking to learn the secret of making shining gold and silver and steel. (Bites her lip) I say to my shame, that my people took advantage of the Wilder Elves’ poverty. The Kaganesti work as slaves among us. And, because of that, The Kaganesti elders grow more savage and warlike as they see their young people taken away and their old way of life threatened.

Tas: (Calling to her) Laurana!

(Silvara approaches, She kneels by Gilthanus and touches his forehead. He groans in pain. She reaches into a pouch and begins to mix something in a clay cup.)

Laurana: Look. There is one of them now.

Elistan: What is she doing?

Laurana: (Watching Silvara closely) She is apparently the ‘healer’ they sent for. The Kaganesti are noted for their Druidic skills.

(Elistan studies Silvara.)

Sturm: Well, what are we going to do in the midst of all this?

Laurana: (Flushes) The Silvenesti have agreed to escort us to my people. At first the insisted that we go to their elders, but I said I would go nowhere without first bidding my father greeting and discussing the matter with him. There wasn’t much they could say to that. (Smile.) Among all the kindred, a daughter is bound to her father’s house until she comes of age. Keeping me here, against my will, would be viewed as kidnapping and would cause open hostility. Neither side is ready for that.

Derek: (Astonishment) They are letting us go, though they know we have the dragon orb?

Laurana: (Sharply) They are not letting us do. I said they are escorting us to my people.

Derek: (Argue) But there is a Solamnic outpost to north. We could take a ship there to take us to Sancrist-

Flint: (Sneezing violently) You would never live to reach those trees if you tried to escape.

Laurana: He is right. We must go to the Qualinesti and convince my father to help us get the orb to Sancrist. And now we’ve been talking long enough. They gave me leave to explain things to you, but they’re getting restless to go. I must see to Gilthanus. Are we agreed?

(She looks at Sturm and Derek to see they understood she was in charge. Reminding him of Tanis, Sturm smiles. Derek snarl/mutters ‘We must make the best of it’ and goes to lift the Dragon orb chest. Sturm and Flint follow, the latter still violently sneezing. Laurana goes over to her brother. Silvara shrinks back with a fearful glace, but Tas, who had been chatting with her in Elven and Common, catches her arm.)

Tas: (Cheerfully) Don’t leave. This is the elf lord’s sister. Look, Laurana. Gilthanus is coming around. It must be that mud stuff she stuck on his forehead. I could have sworn he’d be out for days. (Stands up) Laurana, this is my friend- what did you say your name was?

(Silvara looks down, trembling. She fidgets with the sand and murmurs something.)

Laurana: (Sweet and gently) What was it, child?

Silvara: (Shyly raising eyes.) Silvart.

Laurana: That means ‘silvered-haired’ in the Kaganesti language, does it not? (She kneels down by Gilthanus and helps him sit up. He dizzily puts a hand to the paste Silvara had applied.)

Silvara: (Warningly, catching Gilthanus’ hand.) Don’t touch. It will make you well.

(Silvara speaks good Common, unexpectedly. Gilthanus groans, shuts his eyes and lets his had fall. Silvara goes to stroke his face, but stops as she glances at Laurana. She rises.)

Laurana: Wait. Wait, Silvart. (Silvara freezes. Laurana is shamed at Silvara’s fear.) Don’t be frightened. I want to thank you for caring for my brother. Tasselhoff is right. I thought his injury was grave indeed, but you aided him. Pleas stay with him, if you would.

Silvara: (Stares at ground) I will stay with him, mistress, if that is your command.

Laurana: It is not my command, Silvart. It is my wish. And my name is Laurana.

Silvara: Then I will stay with him gladly, mis- Laurana, if that is your wish. (Bows head and softens voice) My true name, Silvara means silver-haired. Silvart is what they call me. (Eyes go to Laurana.) Please, I want you to call me Silvara.

(Some Silvanesti bring a litter made of braches and a sheet, which they place Gilthanus on. Silvara walks beside it, while Tas tells her his stories. Elistan and Laurana walk on the other side, Laurana holding Githanus’ hand. Behind them Derek carries the chest. Flint shivers and gazes out to sea.)

Flint: What was that Derek said about a- a ship to Sancrist?

Sturm: I am afraid so. It is also an island.

Flint: And we’ve got to go there?

Sturm: Yes.

Flint: To use the dragon orb? We don’t know anything about it!

Sturm: (Softly) The knights will learn. The future of the world rests on this.

Flint: Humpf! (Sneezes, the cast a terrified glace at the ocean’s dark waters.) All I know is I’ve been drowned twice, stricken with a deadly disease-

Sturm: You were seasick.

Flint: (Loudly) Stricken with a deadly disease, and sunk. Mark my words, Sturm Brightblade- boats are bad luck to us. We’ve had nothing but trouble since we set foot in that blasted boat on Cystalmire Lake. That was where the crazed magician first saw the constellations had disappeared, and our luck’s gone straight downhill from there. As long as we keep relying on boats, it’s going to go from bad to worse.

(Sturm smiles as Flint walks away, but it soon changes to a sigh.)

22. The Legend of Huma 191-193II

(Laurana, Gilthanus, Tasselhoff, Sturm, Flint, Silvara, [Theros])

(Silvenesti guards, Derek)

Thon-Tsalarian or Ergoth forest

(The companions are rowing up the Thon-Tsalarian [or sitting at its shore looking at it.] Flint, with chattering teeth, rows grimly, though out of sync with the others, because he will not look at the water. Gilthanus has pretense of rowing up is much too absorbed in Silvara to actually do anything. Sturm strokes are strong and swift. Tas sticks his hand in the water and it comes out covered in silver sparkles.)

Tas: Look! The water glitters! Look, Flint. Look in the water-

Flint: I will not.

Silvara: (Smiling) You are right Kenderken. In fact, the Silvenesti named the river Thon-Sargon, which means ‘Silver Road’. It is too bad you have come here in such dismal weather. When the silver moon rises in its fullness, the river turns to molten silver.

Tas: (Studying his hand with delight) Why? What causes it?

Silvara: No one knows, though there is a legend among my people- (Falls silent abruptly and flushes.)

Gilthanus: What legend?

Silvara: (Confused and flustered, avoiding Gilthanus’s gaze) Surely you are not interested. It is a child’s tale about Huma-

Sturm: Huma! Tell us you legend of Huma, Wilder elf!

Gilthanus: (Smiling) Yes, tell us your legend of Huma, Wilder elf.

Silvara: Very well. According to the Kaganesti, in the last days of the terrible dragon wars, Huma traveled though the land, seeking to help the people. But he realized, to his sorrow, that he was powerless to stop the desolation and destruction of the dragons. He prayed to the gods for an answer. (Glances at Sturm who nods solemnly)

Sturm: True and Paladine answered his prayer, sending the White Stag. But where it led him, none know.

Silvara: (Softly) My people know, because the Stag led Huma, after many trials and dangers, to quiet grove, here, in the land of Ergoth. In the grove he met a woman, beautiful and virtuous, who eased his pain. Human fell in love with her and she with him. But she refused his pledges of love for many months. Finally unable to deny the burning fire within her, the woman returned Huma’s love. Their happiness was like the silver moonlight in a night of terrible darkness. (Silvara fall silent, staring away and absently touching the covering of the dragon orb.)

Gilthanus: Go on. (Gives up on pretending to paddle.)

Silvara: (Sighs and drops the covering. She stared over the water.) Their joy was brief. For the woman has a terrible secret- she was not born woman, but of dragon. Only by her magic did she keep the shape of womankind. But she could no longer lie to Huma. She loved him too much. Fearfully, she revealed to Huma what she was, appearing before him one night in her true shape- that on a silver dragon. She hoped he would hate her, even destroy her, for her pa in was too great she did not want to live. But, looking at the radiant, magnificent creature before him, the knight saw within her eyes the noble spirit of the woman he loved. Her magic returned her to the shape of a woman, and she prayed to Paladine that he give her woman’s shape forever. She would give up her magic and the long life span of the dragons to live in the world with Huma.

(Silvara closes her eyes, face drawn in pain. Gilthanus touches her and she draws back, rocking the boat.)

Gilthanus: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. What happened? What was Paladin’s answer?

Silvara: (Deep breath) Paladine granted her wish, with a terrible condition. He showed them both the future. If She remained a dragon, she and human would be given the Dragonlance and the power to defeat the evil dragons. If she became a mortal, she and Huma would live together as man and wife, but the evil dragons would remain in the land forever. Huma vowed he would give up everything- his knighthood, his honour- to remain with her. But she saw the light die in his eyes as he spoke, and, weeping, she knew the answer she must give. The evil dragons must not be allowed to stay in the world. And the silver river, it is said, was formed from the tears shed by the dragon when Huma left her to find the Dragonlance.

Tas: (Yawning) Nice story. Kind of sad. Did old Huma come back? Does the story have a happy ending?

Sturm: (Frowning) Huma’s story does not end happily. But he died most gloriously in battle, defeating the leader of the dragons, though he himself sustained a mortal wound. (Adds thoughtfully) I have heard, though, that he rode to battle upon a silver dragon.

Tas: (Brightly) And we saw a knight on a silver dragon in Ice Wall! He gave Sturm the- (Sturm pokes him to remind him that was a secret.)

Silvara: (Shrugging) I don’t know about a Silver Dragon. My people know little about Huma. He was, after all, a human. I think they tell this legend only because it is about the river they love, the river who takes their dead.

23. Silvara Dragon 242-249II

(Silvara, Flint, Laurana, Gilthanus (Theros))

Huma’s Tomb

(The companions are in Huma’s tomb. Laurana has just brought Flint back to consciousness and Silvara is finishing crying in Gilthanus’ arms. She pushes herself away and Gilthanus reluctantly lets her go.)

Silvara: (Shuddering breath) Gilthanus, take a torch off the wall and hold it before me. (Gilthanus hesitates and then almost angrily obeys.) Hold the torch there…. Now- look at my shadow on the wall behind me.

(Silence. Silvara’s shadow etches itself in the wall, not as an elf, but as a dragon.)

Laurana: (Shocked disbelief) You’re a dragon! (She goes to draw her sword. But Theros stops her)

Theros: (Suddenly) No! I remember. That old man- Now I remember. He used to come into the Inn of the Last Home! He dressed differently. He wasn’t a mage, but it was him! I’ll swear it! He told stories to the children. Stories about good dragons. Gold dragons and-

Silvara: Silver dragons. I am a silver dragon. My sister was the Silver Dragon who loved Huma and fought the final great battle with him-

Gilthanus: (Flinging the torch down) No!

(Gilthanus stamps on the torch to extinguish it. Silvara, with sadness in her eyes, reaches out to comfort him. He shrinks back, staring in horror at her. Silvara lowers her hand. She sighs gently and nods.)

Silvara: (Murmur) I understand. I’m sorry.

(Gilthanus begins to shake and doubles over. Theros leads him to a bench and covers him in his cloak.)

Gilthanus: (Mumble) I’ll be all right. Just leave me alone, let me think. This madness! It’s all a nightmare. (Closes eyes tightly) A dragon! (Brokenly) A dragon…. (Theros pats him and then returns to the others.)

Theros: Where are the rest of the good dragons? The old man said there where many. Silver dragons, gold dragons-

Silvara: (Reluctantly) There are many of us.

Laurana: Like the silver dragon we saw in Ice Wall! It was a good dragon. IF there are many of you, band together! Help us fight the evil dragons!

Silvara: (Fiercely) No! (Laurana falls back a pace.)

Laurana: Why not?

Silvara: I cannot tell you. (Clenches hands nervously)

Laurana: It has something to do with that oath! Doesn’t it? The oath you’ve broken. And the punishment you asked Fizban about-

Silvara: (Low and passionate) I cannot tell you! What I have done is bad enough. But I had to do something! I could no longer live in this world and see the suffering of innocent people! I thought perhaps I could help, so I took elven form, and I did what I could. I worked long, trying to get the elves to join together. I kept them from war, but matters were growing worse. Then you came, and I saw that we were in great peril, greater than any of us has ever imagined. For you brought with you- (Falters)

Laurana: The dragon orb!

Silvara: (Miserably) Yes. I knew then I had to make a decision. You had the orb, but you also had the lance. The lance and the orb coming to me! Both, together! It was a sign, I thought, but didn’t know what to do. I decided to bring the orb here and keep it safe forever. But then, as we traveled, I realized the knights would never allow it to remain here. There would be trouble. So, when I saw my chance, I sent it away. That was apparently the wrong decision. But how what I to know?

Theros: (Severely) Why? What does the orb do? Is it evil? Have you sent those knights to their doom?

Silvara: Great evil. Great good. Who can say? Even I do not understand the dragon orbs. They were forged long ago by the most powerful of magic-users.

Flint: But the book Tas read said they could be used to control dragons! He read it with some kind of glasses. Glasses of true seeing, he called ‘em. He said they don’t lie-

Silvara: (Sadly) No. That is true. It is too true, as I fear your friends may discover to their bitter regret.

(Companions sit together, full of fear. Silence except for Gilthanus’ sobs.)

Laurana: (Quietly) Why have you brought us here, then? Why not just let us all take the orb away?

Silvara: (To an unseen spirit) Can I tell them? Do I have the strength?

(Silvara sits for along time, hands twisting in her lap. She covers her eyes, bows her head, lips moving. She covers her face for a moment. Then she rises to her feet, and unwraps the Dragonlance. Her face finally at peace, she regains some of her magnificence and power. She walks over to Theros Ironfeild.)

Silvara: To Theros of the Silver Arm I give the power to forge the power of the dragonlance.

24. The Dragon Orb 270-274II

(Raistlin, Tanis, Caramon, (Tika) {Orb})

Covered Wagon

(Raistlin is in the covered wagon. He pauses for a moment, fingering the red sequined robe.)

Raistlin: I have been happy. Strange. There have not been many times in my life I could make that claim. Certainly not when I was young, nor in these past few years, after they tortured my body and cursed me with these eyes. But then I never expected happiness. How paltry it is compared to my magic! Still… still, these last few weeks have been weeks of peace. Weeks of happiness. I don’t suppose any will come again. Not after what I must do-

(He holds the robe for a moment more, then tosses it in a corner. He continues back to a section he partitioned for himself. He sits down at a drop leaf table and draws out the dragon orb’s sack from his robe and a stand from under the table. He examines the orb, then places the marble sized thing on the stand. The orb grows (or room shrinks) to fit the stand. Raistlin shakes his head and breathes. Raistlin starts to cough but forces it to stop.)

Raistlin: (Soft) Look at the power I have attained! Witness what I did in Darken Woods. Witness what I did in Silvanesti. I am strong. I do not fear.

(The orb is silent. Raistlin closes his eyes, then opens them. He can almost see Lorac holding the orb. He shakes his head. He focuses his eyes on the orb. He then reaches out his hand to place his fingers on the crystal.)

Raistlin: (With Fistandantilus) Ast bilak moiparalan/Suh akvlar tantangusar. (Stronger) Ast bilak moiparalan/Suh akvlar tantangusar. (He grits in pain and repeats) Ast bilak moiparalan/Suh akvlar tantangusar.

(Two hands appear in the orb, reach out, reach out and grasp his. The room, everything vanishes. Only the hands. Raistlin, in terror, focuses on them. He realizes that the hands are slowly pulling him in. He tugs back, entering into a contest of wills. Eventually they come to a center, neither in dominance.)

Raistlin: What are you? Are you good? Evil?

Orb: I am neither. I am nothing. I am everything. The essence of dragons captured long ago is what I am.

Raistlin: How do you work? How do you control the dragons?

Orb: At your command, I will call them to me. They cannot resist my call. They will obey.

Raistlin: Will the turn upon their masters? Will they fall under my command?

Orb: That depends on the strength of the master and the bond between the two. In some instances, this is so strong that the master can maintain control of the dragon. But most will do what you ask of them. They cannot help themselves.

Raistlin: I must study this. I do not understand….

Orb: Be easy. I will aid you. Now that we have joined, you may seek my help often. I know many secrets long forgotten. They can be yours.

Raistlin: (He begins to lose consciousness, his grip slipping. The hands hold him like a mother’s.) What secrets….

Orb: Relax, I will not let you fall. Sleep. You are weary.

Raistlin: Tell me! I must know!

Orb: This only will I tell you, then you must rest. In the library of Astinus of Palanthas are books, hundreds of books, taken there by mages in the days of the Lost Battle. To all who look at these books, they seem nothing more than encyclopedias of magic, dull histories of mages who died in the caverns of times.

Raistlin: (Darkness creeps towards him) What do the books really contain? (Palanthus Library. Darkness washes over.)

----

(Tanis and Caramon stand in the wagon. Tanis draws back the curtain partition. Raistlin lays on the floor, blood from his mouth and his breath shallow.)

Tanis: I found his like this.

Caramon: (Kneeling down to him) Raistlin? What happened?

Tanis: (Points to Dragon orb.) That’s what happened.

(Caramon sees Lorac insane and dying. He clutches Raistlin.)

Caramon: (Moan) Raist!

(Raistlin eyes flutter and his mouth opens.)

Caramon: What? What?

Raistlin: (Whisper) Mine… Spells of the ancients… mine… Mine. (His head lolls, words die, breathing grows regular, and his face becomes calm. He then smiles.)

25. Marquesta and Berem 327-330II

(Marquesta, Berem, Caramon, Tanis)

Aboard Perchon (Or pier or tavern?)

(Marquesta sits talking to Caramon and Tanis who are disguised as Dragon Officers in her ship’s cabin. It is daybreak.)

Maquesta: (Cool and business-like) The name’s Maquesta Kar-thon. And- let me guess- you’re not officers in the dragon army. Not unless they’re hiring elves these days.

Tanis: (Draws off the Dragon helm.) Is it that obvious?

Maquesta: (Shrugs) Probably not to anyone else. The beard is very good- perhaps I should say half-elf, of course. And the helm hides your ears. But unless you get a mask, those pretty, almond shaped eyes of yours are a dead giveaway. But then, not many draconians are apt to look into your pretty eyes, are they? (She leans back in her chair and puts her foot against the table.)

(Caramon chuckles and Tanis flushes.)

Tanis: We’re here to discuss business, Captain Maque- (Stumbling over her name.)

Maquesta: Sure you are. And call me Maq. Easier for both of us. It’s well you have this letter from Pig-faced William, or I wouldn’t have even talked to you. But he says you’re square and your money’s good, so I’ll listen. Now, where’re you bound?

(Tanis glances at Caramon. Seeing them hesitate, her eyes flare.)

Maq: Oh, for the love of- (She removes her foot from the table) You either trust me or you don’t!

Tanis: (Bluntly) Should we?

Maq: (Raised eyebrow) How much money do you have?

Tanis: Enough. Let’s just say that we want to go north, around the cape of Nordmaar. If, at that point, we still find each other’s company agreeable, we’ll go on. It not, we’ll pay you off, and you put us in a safe harbor.

Maq: (Settling back, amused) Kalaman. That’s a safe harbor. As safe as any these days. Half your money now. Half at Kalaman.

Tanis: Safe delivery to Kalaman.

Maq: (Shrug) Who can promise? It’s a rough time of year to travel by sea. It’s a deal.

(Berem enters. At the sight of Dragon armour he becomes alarmed.)

Maq: (Soothingly) Nocesta, Berem. Nocesta. (She makes a slashing motion with her hand.) Customers. Money.

(Berem nods and finds the nets in a corner of the cabin and begins to mend them.)

Tanis: (Low voice) Who is he?

Maq: (Glancing towards Berem) Who? Berem? He’s the helmsman. Don’t know much about him. He came around a few months back, looking for work. Took him on as a deck swab. Then my helmsman was killed in a small altercation with- well, never mind. But this fellow turned out to be a damn good hand at the wheel, better than the first, in fact. He’s an odd one, though. A mute. Never speaks. Never goes ashore, if he can help it. Wrote his name down for me in the ship’s book, or I wouldn’t have known that much about him. Why?

Tanis: (Studying Berem) I’ve seen him somewhere. How about you, Caramon?

Do you remember him?

Caramon: Ah, come on. We’ve seen hundreds of people this past month, Tanis. He was probably in the audience at one of our shows.

Tanis: No. When I saw him, I thought of Pax Tharkas and Sturm…

Maq: Hey, I got a lot of work to do, half-elf. You going, or you going to gawk at a guy stitching a sail?

(Caramon and Tanis exit.)

26. Tanis as Dragon Highlord 332-336II

(Kitiara, Tanis)

(Innkeeper)

Kitiara’s inn room in Flotsom

(Kitiara and Tanis have just entered her inn room. Kitiara’s arm is linked in Tanis’, support him partially.)

Kitiara: So, Tanis! An officer, and in my own command. I should review my troops more often!. You’re shaking. You took a nasty fall. Come on. We’ll have a drink, patch up that would, then… talk.

(Tanis is dazed, unable to think. He’s in desperate danger, yet so in love with Kitiara.)

Kitiara: It’s hot beneath that dragon helm! I don’t really need the frightful thing to keep my men in line. Do I? (She winks)

Tanis: (Flushes) N-no.

Kitiara: Same old Tanis. You still blush like a school boy. But you were never like the others, never… (She press her body against his, putting his arms around her and brushing her lips against his.)

Tanis: (Strangled, wrenching backwards.) Kit- No…

Kitiara: (Stares at him angrily, then shrugs and grasps his arm again) Same Tanis. (Breathless sigh) I don’t know why I let you get away with it. Any other man who refused me like that would have died on my sword.

Kitiara: (Raising her foot) My boots

(Tanis remembers this game of shoes they used to play and how it always ended up. The Innkeeper knocks and Kitiara gives him permission to enter. He bows several times)

Kitiara: Bring us a bottle of your finest wine and two glasses. (She gives her other foot to Tanis.) Then leave us alone.

Innkeeper: (Hesitantly) But- my lord- there have been messages from the Dragon Highlord Ariakas…

Kitiara: (Pleasantly) If you show your face in this room- after you bring the wine- I’ll cut off your ears. (Plays with her dagger. The Innkeeper pales, bows and leaves. Kitiara laughs) There! (Wiggling her toes) Now, I’ll take off your boots-

Tanis: I- I really must go. My c-company commander will be missing me…

Kitiara: (Gaily) But I’m the commander of your company! And tomorrow you’ll be commander of your own company. Or higher if you like. Now, sit down.

Kit: It’s so good to see you. (Kneels and tugs at his boots) I’m sorry I missed the reunion in Solace. How is everyone? How is Sturm? Probably fighting with the Knights, I suppose. I’m not surprised you two separated. That was one friendship I never could understand-

(Kitiara looks up at Tanis and sees the passion in his eyes. She drops his boots and they draw together. Her hand slips around his neck and they kiss. Outside the room, the innkeeper knocks on the door, but receives no answer. He shakes his head, leaves the wine on the floor, and leaves.)

----

(Kitiara lies in Tanis’s arms the next morning. She murmurs sleepily.)

Kit: And now, tell me about my little brothers. Are they with you? The last I saw them, you were escaping from Tarsis with that elf woman.

Tanis: That was you!

Kit: (Cuddling and streaking Tanis’ face) Of course! I like the beard. It hides those weak elvish features. How did you get into the army?

Tanis: (Thinking fast) We… were captured in Silvanesti. One of the officers convinced me I was a fool to fight the D-Dark Queen.

Kit: And my little brothers?

Tanis: (Weakly) We- we were separated.

Kit: (With a sigh) A pity. I’d like to see them again. Caramon must be a giant by now. And Raistlin- I hear he is quite a skilled mage. Still wearing the Red Robes?

Tanis: I- I guess. I haven’t seen him-

Kit: That won’t last for long. He’s like me. Raist always craved power…

Tanis: (Interrupting) What about you? What are you doing here, so far from the action? The fighting’s north-

Kit: (Wide eyes) Why, I’m here for the same reason you are. Searching for the Green Gemstone Man, of course.

Tanis: That’s where I’ve seen him before! (Memories of Berem on Perchon and at Pax Tharkas.)

Kit: (Sitting up) You’ve found him! Where, Tanis? Where?

Tanis: (Faltering) I’m not sure. I’m not sure It was him. I- we were just given a rough description…

Kit: (Excited) He looks about fifty in human years, but he has strange, young eyes, and his hands are young. And in the flesh of his chest is a green gemstone. We had reports he was sighted in Flotsam. That’s why the Dark Queen sent me here. He’s the key, Tanis. Find him- and no force on Krynn can stop us!

Tanis: (Forcing himself to be calm) Why? What’s he got that’s so essential to- uh- our side winning this war?

Kit: Who knows? (Shrugs) You’re shivering. Here, this will warm you. (She kisses his neck) We were just told the most important thing we could do to end this war in one swift stroke is to find this man. Just think, if we found him- you and I- we have all of Krynn at our feet! The Dark Queen would reward us beyond anything we ever dreamed! You and I, Together always, Tanis. Let’s go now!

Tanis: The two of them, together, forever. Ending the war. Ruling Krynn. No. This is madness! Insanity! My people, my friends… Yet, haven’t I done enough? What do I owe any of them, humans or elves? Nothing! They are the ones who have hurt me, deride me! All these years, a cast-out. Why think about them? Me! It’s about time I thought of me for a change! This is the woman I’ve dreamed of for so long. And she can be mine! Kitiara… so beautiful, so desirable…No! (More calmly, pulling Kitiara back towards him.) No. Tomorrow will do. If it was him, he isn’t going anywhere. I know…

(Kitiara smiles and lays back down. Tanis bends over, kissing her.)

27. Sturm’s Death 373II

(Sturm, Kitiara, Laurana)

Tower of the High Clerist (Battlement)

(Laurana stands in the Tower of the High Clerist. Upon the battlement stands Sturm. A Silhouette of dragon sin the rising sun. Sword and spear flash in the sunlight. The sword draws blood. The dragon screams. The spear poised… The sun! The spear strikes. Sturm’s sword falls glittering into the courtyard by Laurana. Pause. Sturm impaled, the dragon, Laurana, the sword. Laurana grasps the sword, holds it up defiantly.)

Laurana: (Yell) Soliasi Arath!

(She runs towards the Tower.)

28. Using the Dragon Orb 374-375II

(Tas, Laurana, Flint)

Inside the High Clerist Tower

(Laurana runs into the room. Tasselhoff stands there before the dragon orb, with his handkerchief and magic Eyeglasses of True Seeing.)

Laurana: (Gasping out of breath) What do I do?

Tas: (Begging) Laurana, don’t do this! I’ve read- if you fail to control the essence of the dragons within the orb, the dragons will come, Laurana, and take control of you!

Laurana: (Firmly) Tell me what I need to do!

Tas: Put your hand on the orb and- (Falters) no- wait Laurana! (Laurana places her hands on the orb. A bright flash of red light. Tas yells shrilly) Laurana! Listen! You must concentrate, clear your mind of everything except bending the orb to your will! Lauarana…

(Tas can only watch as Laurana battles the Dragon Orb. Laurana face is pale and her eyes are locked within the orb. Tas is agitated. Laurana closes her eyes and bends her head forward. She whimpers ‘No’ and shakes her head. She tires to pull her hands away but she can’t. Laurana convulses and drops her knees, hands still on the Orb. She shakes her head angrily, mutters in elven. Slowly and painfully, she drags herself up back standing. The Orb flares in light then shines with a white light. Laurana stands straight and tall before it and smiles. Then collapses, unconscious.)

29. Kitiara’s Betrayal 381-385II

(Laurana, Kitiara, Sturm)

Tower of the High Clerist (Battlement)

(Laurana stumbles towards Sturm’s body, weary, and full of grief, dragging the footman’s Dragonlance. She kneels by him, brushing his hair from his face. There is peace in his eyes. She presses his hand against her cheek.)

Lauarana: Sleep, dear friend, and let not your sleep be troubled by dragons.

(She lays his hand upon his chest and notices something blood covered in the snow. She picks it up, wiping the blood and snow from it. It is the Starjewel. She stares at it in astonishment, but a shadow falls over her. She jumps and whirls around. There is Kitiara, Skie nearby. Laurana backs a step, the Lance and Jewel falling from her hand. She turns to flee, but slips and falls in the snow beside Sturm. She thinks of the Dream. She fumbles for the Lance, but Kitiara’s but comes down on it. She stares at the boot.)

Lauarana: (Softly) Touch his body, and you will die. Your dragon will not be able to save you. This knight was my friend, and I will not let his killer defile his body.

Kitiara: I have no intention of defiling the body. (With elaborate slowness, she closes Sturm’s eyes.) You see, he was my friend, too. I knew- the moment I killed him.

Laurana: (Tiredly) I don’t believe you. How could that be?

Kitiara: (Calmly removes her mask) I think you might have heard of me, Lauralanthalasa. That is your name, isn’t it? (Laurana nods and stands) And my name is-

Lauarana: Kitiara.

Kitiara: How did you know?

Laurana: (Murmur) A dream…

Kitiara: (Runs her hand though her hair.) Oh, yes- the dream. Tanis told me about the dream. I guess you all must have shared it. He thought his friends might have. (Glances at Sturm) Odd, isn’t it- the way Sturm’s death came true? And Tanis said the dream came true for him as well: the part where I saved his life.

Laurana: (Pale and trembling) Tanis?… You’ve seen Tanis?

Kitiara: Just two days ago. I left him in Flotsom, to look after matters while I was gone.

(These words drive into Laurana like a spear. She stumbles and almost falls. Kit does not notice. She stoops down to pick up the Dragonlance and studies it.)

Kitiara: So this is the famed Dragonlance?

Laurana: (Forced steadiness) Yes. If you want to see what it’s capable of, go look within the walls of the fortress at what’s left of your dragons.

Kitiara: (Looks at Laurana coolly) It was not these that lured my dragons into your trap nor scattered my army to the four winds. (Laurana glaces at the plains, undersanding now what happened) Yes. You have won- today. Savor your victory now, Elf, for it will be short-lived. (Kitiara aims the lance at Laurana’s heart. Expressionlessly she does not move. Kitiara reverses it.) Thank you for this weapon. (Stands the lance in the snow) We’ve received reports of these. Now we can found out if it as formidable a weapon as you claim. (She bows slightly, and replaces the dragonmask. And turns to go with the lance. She glances at Sturm again.) See that he is given a knight’s funeral. It will take at least three says to rebuild the army. I give you that time to prepare a ceremony befitting him.

Laurana: (Proudly) We will bury our own dead. We ask you for nothing! (Moves between Sturm and Kit.) What will you tell Tanis?

Kit: (Simply) Nothing. Nothing at all.

(Kitiara walks away, the Lance gleaming in her hand. Laurana can only watch.)

Kitiara: Farewell, Lauralanthalasa. (She pauses for a moment, then throws the lance back towards Laurana.) Keep it. You’re going to need it!

30. The Funeral 390-192

(Laurana, Flint, Tas, Sturm, [Knights])

High Clerist’s Tower sepulcher

(The sepulcher is age weary, and lit by torch light. The walls are lined with the tombs of ancient Solamnic knights, but they are dusty and worn by time. Down the middle of the room, a path leads to an altar to Paladine. The new dead, no time for a proper coffin and winding, are laid in the aisle. The winding cloths are draped over them and their swords laid upon their breast. Some token of the enemy is laid at their feet. Memories of how a ceremony should run: the High Clerist, Grand master, and High Justice at the altar, with roses and the Knighthood’s emblem on the altar, are thought. Only Laurana stands at the altar, still stained in blood, Flint and Tas. A rose, and the dragonlance, both black with blood decorate the altar. Enter knights carrying three stretchers. On the outer lie Derek and Alfred, both covered by cloth. Sturm lies in the centre, still in his armour, uncovered. His sword is clasped in his hands and the Starjewel lies on his breast. The knights begin the chant as Flint and Tas reach to comfort Laurana.)

Knights: Return this man to Huma’s breast:

Let him be lost in sunlight,

In the chorus of air where breath is translated;

At the sky’s border receive him.

Beyond the wild, impartial skies

Have you set your lodgings,

In cantonments of stars, where the sword aspires

In an arc of yearn, where we join in singing.

Grant to him a warrior’s rest.

Above our singing, above song itself,

May the ages of peace converge in a day,

May he dwell in heart of Paladine.

And set the last spark of his eyes

In a fixed and holy place

Above words and the borrowed land too loved

As we recount the ages.

Free from the smoothing clouds of war

As he once rose in infancy,

The long world possible and bright before him,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Upon the torches of the stars

Was mapped the immaculate glory of childhood;

From that wronged and nestling country,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Let the last surge of his breathe

Perpetuate wine, the atter of flower;

From the vanguard of love, the last to surrender,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Take refuge in the cradling air

From the heart of the sword descending,

From the weight of the battle on battle;

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Above the dreams of ravens where

His dreams first tired a rest beyond changing,

From the yearning for war and the war’s ending,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Only the hawk remembers death

In a late country; from the dusk,

From the fade of the senses, we are thankful that you,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Then let his shade to Huma rise

Out of the body of death, of the husk unraveling;

From the lodging of the mind upon nothing, we are thankful that you,

Lord Huma, deliver him.

Beyoond the wild, impartial skies

Have you set your ledgings,

In cantonments of the stars, where the sword aspires

In an arc of yearning, where we join in singing.

Return this man to Huma’s breast

Beyond the wild, impartial skies;

Grant to him a warrior’s rest

And set the last spark of his eyes

Free from the smoothing clouds of war

Upon the torches of the stars.

Let the last surge of his breath

Take refuge in the cradling air

Above the dreams of ravens where

Only the hawk remembers death.

Then let his shade to Huma rise

Beyond the wild, impartial skies.

(After the chant ends, the knights one by one kneel before the altar to pay homage to the dead. Then they leave. Laurana, Flint, and Tas remain, finding comfort in each other’s arms. A wind whistles through the sepulcher. Flint wipes his eyes.)

Flint: Kharan bea Reorx. Friends meet in Reorx.

(He lays a carved rose next to the Starjewel.)

Tas: (Akwardly) Good-bye, Sturm. I only have one gift that, that you would approve of. I- I don’t think you’ll understand. But then again, maybe you do now. Maybe you understand better than I do. (Lays a white feather in Sturm’s hand.)

Laurana: (Whisper) Quisalan elevas. Our loves-bond eternal. (Pauses, unable to leave.)

Flint: (Gently) Come, Laurana. We’ve said our good-byes. We must let him go. Reorx awaits him.

(They exit.)

31. Alhana’s Farewell 392-395II

(Alhana)

Silvenesti

(Silvenesti has not changed since Lorac’s nightmare. Alhana stays, pacing the Tower of the Stars. She should leave, but she does not.)

Alhana: (Telling herself) I will leave when I see some sign I may give my people, a sign of hope. Otherwise the will not come back. They will give up in despair.

(Time goes on, the moon travels across the sky. A shattering pain pierces Alhana as she looks out of the Tower of the Stars. Sobbing, she clutches at the Starjewel around her neck, watching in agony as the light in it dies. She takes the jewel and shakes it at the heavens)

Alhana: (Screaming bitterly) So this is my sign! There is no hope! There is nothing but death and despair! Let the world do what it will. Let my people meet their end in their own way. Evil will prevail. There is nothing we can do to stop it. I will die here, with my father.

(She shut and locks the shutters of her window. She then throws on a thin cloak and then runs into the woods to her father’s grave. She starts scratching a hole in the frozen earth until her fingers bleed. The light turns from Solinari’s to Lunitari’s. She places the Starjewel in it and begins to cover it in dirt. She stops and wipes the dirt away, for the jewel gave off a faint silver light now.)

Alhana: (Softly) But he’s dead. I know death claimed him. Nothing can change that. Yet, why this light-

(A rustler behind her causes her to fall back, fearful of the trees. But the tree above her father’s grave has become straight, beautiful again. Alhana hangs the starjewel back over her heart. And stands. Next morning, Alhana is at her father’s grave.)

Alhana: (Calls) Farewell, Lorac, until we return.

(She then leaves for her griffons. The one straight tree stands sheltering Lorac’s grave, waiting for Spring.)