---

---

It's an interesting time. It truly is. This strange and dark mysterious man had saved me from the King and his men. And now he trusts me. I'd saved him from harm and quite possibly death just earlier at Duke Castle. If anything, I think that only strengthens our bond.

As I told him a few times already, I'm not sure why, but something inside of me tells me I need to follow him. That I need to trust him.

We'd just arrived back at the village after our short, yet very sweet meeting with the King in Saybrook. We travel straight to the stables and tie up our horses.



ZACHARIAH: “Thaddeus! Sebastian! You're back!”



Zachariah is an odd little man. Much older than I, but also much shorter. In fact, everyone I've come in contact with since I've been here has been much shorter than I. With the exception of Sebastian. He's quite tall.

King George probably wears lifts in his shoes to appear to be five foot tall. If that even.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Nothing gets by you, Zachariah.”

ZACHARIAH: “Tell me, how did it go?”



If I can say one good thing about Zachariah, he did father Lilly. The girl that has stolen my young heart.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “It depends on how you look at it.”

ZACHARIAH: “Oh? Do tell.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “I cut off the head of the King's horse and gave it to him in the crate.”



Zachariah looks shocked. His look of shock quickly transforms into a huge smile and boisterous laughter.



ZACHARIAH: “Oh my! To see the look on that mans face when he saw his prized horses decapitated head!”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “He gave me a message to give to you.”

ZACHARIAH: “What's that?”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Prepare for war.”



Zachariah's smile fades fast.



THADDEUS: “What is it, Zachariah?”

ZACHARIAH: “I fear we're not yet prepared.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Ahh. Relax. We'll be fine. When they do come, we'll be ready. The weaponry is better, more durable. The training is coming along nicely.

“I think your men here, Zachariah, would be impressive against the Kings military.”

ZACHARIAH: “You think so?”

THADDEUS: “Zachariah, my father has been right every step of the way. He's a great teacher.”

ZACHARIAH: “Well, if you both are so confident, who am I to disagree?”



That's when I noticed her. I saw her silhouette in the darkness against the fire as it came near. Everything else fell out of focus.



LILLY: “Thaddeus! You're back!”

THADDEUS: “I am.”

LILLY: “I was very worried.”

THADDEUS: “You shouldn't have been.”

LILLY: “Well, I've been around here much longer. I've seen what the King is capable of when he's made a fool.”

THADDEUS: “Judging by what I've seen so far, he's made a fool of quite often.”



She lets out a quick, light hearted laugh.



THADDEUS: “What's so funny?”

LILLY: “Nothing. I just enjoy hearing your voice.”



She wraps her arms around me and gives me an extremely passionate kiss. After it was over, I noticed Sebastian standing nearby. He leans into me.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Remember what I said, Thaddeus.”



He says nothing else and walks away into the darkness.



LILLY: “What was that about?”

THADDEUS: “Ohh, nothing important.”

LILLY: “Thaddeus, have you ever been with a girl?”



That question strikes me as odd.



THADDEUS: “What do you mean?”

LILLY: “I mean, have you ever went to bed with a girl before?”



Uh-oh.



THADDEUS: “No. I've not yet done that.”



She wraps her left arm around me and begins to nibble on my ear. With her right, she grabs my crotch. She then lowers her voice significantly.



LILLY: “Would you like to?”

THADDEUS: “Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”



For some reason, that's the only thing I could think to say. My emotions and feelings were now running at full throttle. Between her rubbing my crotch and nibbling my ear, I could make heads nor tails of anything.



THADDEUS: “Hmmmmm. Uhhhhhhhhh.”



She stops nibbling and stops rubbing and just looks me in the eyes.



LILLY: “Well? You want to?”

THADDEUS: “I forgot the question.”

LILLY: “Would you like to go to bed with me?”



Suddenly I hear Sebastians voice. Except only in my head.



THADDEUS: “Do you think we're old enough?”

LILLY: “What's that have to do with anything? Most of the boys and girls here start that at a very young age.”

THADDEUS: “How old?”

LILLY: “Some as young as 8. Most by 10.”

THADDEUS: “Have you ever?”



That giggle again.



LILLY: “I've saved myself.”

THADDEUS: “For what?”

LILLY: “You.”

THADDEUS: “We've only just met a few days ago, Lilly. How did you know you were saving yourself for me?”

LILLY: “I didn't know it was you, until I met you. I just knew I wanted to save myself for the right boy, Thaddeus. You're the right boy.”

THADDEUS: “What makes me the right boy?”

LILLY: “You're handsome. You're smart. Strong. And..”

THADDEUS: “And what?”

LILLY: “I get lost in your eyes.”

THADDEUS: “And I, yours.”



It had been the most thrilling and amazing experience of my life. Which if you think about it, wouldn't have been that hard seeing as I don't remember anything of my life until I arrived at the castle last week. She came to my hut and we went at it like rabbits in the spring time for hours. Quite a few times, actually.

When we finished, she lay in my arms, her head upon my chest.



LILLY: “Thaddeus?”

THADDEUS: “Yes?”

LILLY: “I... I think...”

THADDEUS: “You think what?”

LILLY: “I think I love you.”



I could not help but smile. There's something about her that just drives me crazy. In a good way.



THADDEUS: “I think I love you, too.”



We'd fallen asleep for awhile. It was still dark, but judging by the position of the moon when we woke, it must be only two hours from sun up.



LILLY: “I have to go to my hut now.”

THADDEUS: “Must you?”

LILLY: “If my father finds out I've been in here all night, he'll likely throw a conniption.”

THADDEUS: “I understand.”

LILLY: “Will I see you at breakfast?”

THADDEUS: “Certainly.”

LILLY: “Goodnight.”



I sweet little peck on the cheek.



THADDEUS: “Goodnight, Lilly.”



I lay there with my thoughts as I drift back to sleep.

---

---

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Thaddeus! Wake up!”



I wake to the sound of Sebastians commanding voice. I wipe the sleep from my eyes.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Thaddeus! Up! Now!

“And put some damn clothes on!”



My head is still so full of sleep. I hear what's going on outside of my hut, but I'm unable to make any sense of it all. Some crying, lots of yelling. I sit up and realize that I'm completely naked with no blankets on me at all. I feel somewhat embarrassed that Sebastian saw me in such a position. I dress quickly and exit my hut. Sebastian is standing there.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “What happened last night?”

THADDEUS: “What do you mean?”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “You know damn well what I mean, Thaddeus.”



I'm suddenly at a loss for words.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Damn it, Thaddeus! I warned you not to get too close!”



His hushed tones tell me something I'm not yet aware of is going on, and whatever it is, it's bad.



THADDEUS: “Sebas... Father, what's going on?”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Did you sleep with her?”



I didn't have to answer. Apparently the look on my face gave it away.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Zachariah is raving mad.”

THADDEUS: “He knows!?”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Yes.”

ZACHARIAH: “YOU!”



Before I could even react, Zachariah is driving his fist toward my face. Luckily for me, Sebastian grabs his wrist, stopping him from taking me out.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Punching my son in the face will not change what happened last night, Zachariah. It also won't get us any closer to finding her.”

ZACHARIAH: “You little son of a bitch! Robbing my little girl of her innocence! I should have your head!”

THADDEUS: “Wait a minute! What the hell do you mean by 'finding' her!?”

ZACHARIAH: “John saw her! John saw her leaving your hot in the wee hours of the morning, Thaddeus! He'd watched her walk across the way to her hut, then closed his door!”

THADDEUS: “That's not even close to answering what I just asked! TELL ME!”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Lilly is missing.”



My heart fell to my stomach. I force my way through Sebastian and Zachariah and start looking around for clues that might tell me where she went, and why. I start searching the perimeter of the community when I see some very telling evidence.



THADDEUS: “Sebastian! Zachariah!”



They both come running over. I say nothing, I just point. On the ground, leading into the forest are boot prints and gouges within the dirt. As if someone was being dragged. Sebastian passes into the trees. A few moments later, he reappears holding a garment.



ZACHARIAH: “That belongs to Lilly!”



Zachariah begins to tremble.



ZACHARIAH: “Thaddeus, tell me. When she left your hut this morning. Was she wearing this?”



I can do nothing but stare at the gown. The truth is, she had been wearing it. But, I couldn't bring myself to face the inevitable.



ZACHARIAH: “Please. Thaddeus. Was she wearing this?”



I lightly nod my head, confirming two things. One, she had been wearing it. And two, what they thought happened between Lilly and I last night, had indeed happened.

Zachariah begins to cry.



THADDEUS: “That path in there. Where does it lead?”



I get silence and crying as a response from Sebastian and Zachariah respectively.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Zachariah. I need you to focus on that question.”

ZACHARIAH: “It's an overgrown path. It hasn't been used in decades. Like every path on this side of the village, it leads to Saybrook.”



Without another word, I head back to my hut quickly. Sebastian calls out to me.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Thaddeus! Where are you going?”



I don't answer. Instead, once inside my hut, I suit up. My cape, my sweet dagger sleeve things, my armor. They're all on my body in record time. I head out of my hut with my sword in hand. Quickly, I head to the stables and jump on my horse. I begin to head out when Sebastian appears in front of me, blocking my way out.



THADDEUS: “You're either going to move, or get run over.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Where do you think you're going?”

THADDEUS: “Saybrook. Where else?”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “I assume there's nothing I can say that will stop you.”

THADDEUS: “You assume correct.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Then wait. Give me five minutes to get ready. I'll come with you.”

THADDEUS: “I'm going now. I won't stop you from trying to catch up, though my horse is a lot faster than yours.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “What do you plan to do when you get there?”

THADDEUS: “I'm going to see the King. And when I get there, I'm bringing Lilly back with me.”

SEBASTIAN DUKE: “How do you know that King George is responsible for this?”

THADDEUS: “Because he's a god damned fool.”



Silence from Sebastian. I kick my heels on the horses side and the mighty horse charges full speed ahead. Sebastian is wise to step out of the way.

I charge hard through the village. Its residents diving and crashing out of my way. The horse and I charge hard through the forest and through Saybrook. Duke Castle and its drawbridge sit just a few hundred yards ahead. The bridge closes as I near it, the guard coming toward me with his hand up, motioning me to stop.

I bring my horse to a stop as the guard draws his sword.



GUARD 1: “Who goes there!?”

THADDEUS: “I've been here like three times. You know exactly who I am. I suspect, you also know why I'm here.”

GUARD 1: “You might want to leave, Thaddeus. While you still have the chance.”



I place my hand on my sword and jump off my horse. As I land, I remove the sword from its sheath.



THADDEUS: “You're no match for me. If you expect to live, I'd suggest you lower the bridge. I have business with the King.”

GUARD 1: “I regret to inform you, Thaddeus. But, the King wishes not to see you.”

THADDEUS: “Perhaps you haven't noticed, I don't give a shit what the King wants or who you wishes to see. He's taken something from me and I'd like to have it back.”

GUARD 1: “I'm sorry, Thaddeus. I can not lower the bridge for you.”



The way he said he was sorry, for a moment I thought it was a sincere apology. As if he knew exactly what was going on, but being a guard for the castle, there really wasn't anything he could do about it.



THADDEUS: “Lower the bridge. Or die.

“The choice is yours.”

GUARD 1: “I'm sorry, Thaddeus. I can not do as you ask.”

THADDEUS: “Very well.”



He raised his sword. Using my sword, I cause him to stick the tip of his into the dirt. One thrust from my dagger sleeve thingy and he lays on the ground gasping and choking on his own blood. I took a look at the drawbridge and the ropes the secure it shut. The ropes are wound up using a crank on the outside[/i] of the wall. Pure genius.

I cut the rope with my sword and look up at the top of the bridge as it hangs out and away from the top of the wall. I walk to the other side and cut that rope too. The bridge swings out and slams hard on the ground near my feet.

I climb onto my horse and head across the bridge and into the courtyard. Once inside there, its smooth sailing into the castles front doors. The King sits on his throne, looking upset that I'm staring him in the eyes. Very few guards today. Maybe a dozen. My gut tells me they're preparing to launch an attack on us real soon.[/i]



KING GEORGE: “Young Thaddeus. What brings you to the castle today?”

THADDEUS: “You know exactly why I'm here.”

KING GEORGE: “I was expecting to see Zachariah.”

THADDEUS: “Your guard outside eluded to that.”

KING GEORGE: “Which brings me to my next point. I must think hard about firing that guy. He was under strict orders that only Zachariah could enter.”

THADDEUS: “Firing him won't be necessary.”



The King takes a sip of coffee or tea from an elegant looking cup. The look on his face and his somewhat squirmy nature lets me know that he's aware of how I entered.



KING GEORGE: “So, tell me Thaddeus, what brings you to the big city of Saybrook?”

THADDEUS: “The girl.”

KING GEORGE: “I assure you, I know not of what you speak.”

THADDEUS: “DON'T BULLSHIT ME!”



My demeanor catches him off guard as he sets down his cup.



KING GEORGE: “Very well. You seem like a wise young man, no?”



I say nothing.



KING GEORGE: “Something tells me that perhaps you had a thing for this girl. And she you. Am I close?”



I say nothing.



KING GEORGE: “Your silence tells me everything I need to know, young Thaddeus. You indeed will see the girl again, but not until I get what I want.”



The King snaps his fingers. A servant shows up with a cedar chest. Small, maybe a foot long on each side.



KING GEORGE: “I'd intended to give this to Zachariah. Since you're here in his stead. I shall give it to you.”

THADDEUS: “What is it?”



He lets out a loud, yet short laugh.



KING GEORGE: “It's merely a gesture from my Kingdom, to your new village. An eye for an eye, as they say.

“Take the chest to the boy.”



The Kings servant walks toward me. He bows as he nears.



KING GEORGE: “Damn it! Do not bow to him! You bow to me! Only me!”



I jump down from my horse and take the box. The servant quickly walks back behind the throne.



KING GEORGE: “Go on. Open it. You should be quite interested in what you will see.”



Slowly I release the latch.



KING GEORGE: “Tell me, young Thaddeus. Where's your large friend today?”



I begin to open the chest.



KING GEORGE: “Perhaps he'd get a kick out of this as well.”



I get one look at what's inside the chest and I drop it immediately. I begin to throw up and the King lets out this loud, evil laughter.



KING GEORGE: “I'm glad you like it!”



I can't stop throwing up. Over and over, all over the floor around me. Inside the box was Lilly's severed head. Tears roll from my eyes. The beautiful young girl I'd spent the night with. Her head lies in the box near me.



KING GEORGE: “It's a shame really. That its all come to this.”

THADDEUS: “King George!”



I stop throwing up.



KING GEORGE: “Yes, child?”

THADDEUS: “You can mark my words. I'm going to kill you, and become King.”

KING GEORGE: “Well, that's going to be kind of hard seeing as the orders I'm about to give, may stop that from happening even before its begun.”



I fight back the tears.



KING GEORGE: “Kill him.”



As soon as he gives the order, all of the guards that are present move in on me, swords drawn. I draw my sword from my horse as the first one reaches me. He swings and misses as I dodge the attack. I spin and slice the back of his knee, causing him to collapse under his own weight. I drive my sword into his chest and draw it back out.

One down, I have no idea how many more to go.

The next guard starts just as the first. He swings, and I swing to block it. Then, I twirl my sword around in a circular motion until he loses his grip on the sword and it flies away from us. I drive my sword into his chest, but he runs back until he hits the wall. The tip punctures his chest, but I stop there. I drive my fist toward his throat and give a firm squeeze. My dagger ejects and plunges into the guards throat.

Two down.

I retrieve my dagger and a third guard is right behind me, his sword raised high. I spin quickly. As I spin, I glide the dagger across his neck, slicing open his jugular.

Three down.



KING GEORGE: “You fools! He's killing all of you! ATTACK! ATTACK!”



The fourth guard finally poses a challenge. We get embroiled into a sword fight and he uses my tactic I used against an earlier guard to cause me to lose my sword. I trip and fall to the ground. He swings his sword down and I roll to my left. He raises his sword again and drives it down again as I roll to my right. I drive my dagger into his groin as my only line of defense. He drops his sword and looks at the blood pouring from his groin area and then collapses.

Four down.

The next guard charges toward me as I sit up on the floor. I jump to my feet and tumble forward. As I tumble, I grab the last guards sword and I'm back to my feet. The guard has me in another sword fight and has me back against the wall. He swings and I move my head to the right. He swing again, I move my head to the left avoiding both of his swings. I then bull rush him and drive him into stone floor. His sword goes flying as I drive my right hand dagger into his throat.

Five down.

I begin to feel exhausted as I retrieve my dagger from his throat and get back to my feet. As soon as I get up, I'm taken down in a blurry haze. The sixth guard headbutted me with his helmet. I fall to the floor staring up at him. Dazed and confused as he gets ready to plunge the sword into my chest.

That's when I noticed his head flying off his body.

Sebastian has arrived.

I'm not aware of anything that's going on. My head is pounding as I lay on the stone floor. I hear metal against metal sounds and some screaming here and there until it all falls silent. Seconds later, Sebastian appears over me and extends his hand. I grab his hand and pulls me to my feet.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “You alright?”

THADDEUS: “Physically.”



I stare down at the closed chest that contains the head of my girlfriend. Sebastian notices I'm staring at it and bends down to pick it up. He opens it up, then closes it quickly. Then he wraps his arm around my head and pulls me into his chest.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “I'm sorry, kid.”



I shove him away and I stare up at the King. The King looks around at the carnage. Thirteen of his men lay dead or dying. His adversaries stand tall in his castle. Yet, he says nothing.



THADDEUS: “King George. I meant what I said.”



Sebastian and I both climb onto our horses and head back to the village at a snails pace. It's a quiet ride. Neither of us much in the mood to chat. As we near the village, Sebastian finally breaks the silence.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “What did you mean when you said that to the King?”

THADDEUS: “After he gave me the chest and saw what was inside...”



I had to choke back some tears and pretty intense emotion.



THADDEUS: “I told him I was going to kill him and become King.”



Sebastian stops, and so do I.



SEBASTIAN DUKE: “Do you really want to be King?”

THADDEUS: “It didn't matter before.”



I pause.



THADDEUS: “It matters now.”



Fade to Darkness.