Episode Knotes

(Both girls whispering)

AMANDA

Stay close to me. I’ll take point, just tell me where to go.

VANESSA

This is one of the largest ships in their fleet and we are on the lowest level. I still say this is foolish. These are not your average pirates, but a highly trained crew.

AMANDA

You’d have us stay here? We take it one step at a time Vanessa. One step at a time, but… (Encouraging humor)

VANESSA

...But what?

AMANDA

(Puzzled,annoyed)...But three steps ahead of everyone else. (Normal) Come now, that’s basic Rule of three. You must have been taught that.   

VANESSA

(Facetious) Oh yes. The pirates have my education as their utmost priority.

AMANDA

...Right. Which way then?

VANESSA

Straight on down the hall. Avoid any side rooms. The stairs to the next level are straight ahead of us and the light will improve as we near them.

AMANDA

The coast is clear. Come on.

(Sound of bird flapping and squawking)

(Vanessa falls to the floor cowering in panic)

(Wings are still flapping, but the bird stops squawking)

AMANDA

(Quietly startled) What is a hawk doing in the bowels of a ship like this? Vanessa, stay down and keep away from it! Keep calm and it might stay quiet.

(Bird lands beside Vanessa)

VANESSA

(Panicked) Get it away!

AMANDA

(Quietly to herself) Did I see something in its eye?...

(Sound of sword being unsheathed and Amanda being grabbed)

KNIGHT

Uh uh. No screams my sweets. You, on the floor, do not try anything. You will follow me, unless you’d like to have a chat with my blade. He’s not a great conversationalist but he gets the point across.

(Sound of Amanda struggling)

KNIGHT

(More stern) We understand?

(Sound of grip tightening and Amanda submitting)

AMANDA

...Yes

KNIGHT

Good. Now let’s all rela…

(Sound of Amanda grunt. Head-butt to the face [somehow get that sound.] Sound of knight grunting in pain and shock)

(Sound of Amanda grabbing his sword)

(The bird screeches like crazy)

(The bird takes flight again to hover in front of the man as if ready to fight and protect him. The man, gathering himself, puts his hand up to calm the situation down and to silence the commotion)

AMANDA

(Threatening with an edge) silence that bird before I slice off its beak

KNIGHT

(Hissing in pain) Reaver. Away. I am alright my friend.

AMANDA

There are no friends on this ship, only enemies. (Hurrying her along) Vanessa, get behind me.

KNIGHT

Easy, now, lower my sword, you’ve made your point. I’m trying to help you.

VANESSA

(Curious but scared, still startled) I’ve not seen him before.

AMANDA

(Less of an edge, but still demanding) Who are you?

KNIGHT

I will tell you, but not here. Now enough of this delay. Follow me… if you want to escape.

(Sound of the man running off)

AMANDA

(Urgently) What do you think Vanessa?

VANESSA

I…

KNIGHT

(Loud whisper) Now! This way.

AMANDA

(Grunts) Let’s go, we have no choice. Keep your guard up.

VANESSA

(Seriously not jokingly) Three steps ahead.

(Sound of them scurrying)

KNIGHT

Quickly. Into this passage.

(Sound of a door closing quietly)

KNIGHT

Before we continue…my sword. If we are to have any chance. I need it back.

AMANDA

(She considers for moment) It is a fine blade. Far better than a pirate would ever carry.

KNIGHT

Good, your wits haven’t left you.

AMANDA

It is early in my training, but I would say this is a sword a knight could carry.

KNIGHT

A sword does not make the knight, just as a turnip does not make one a farmer.

AMANDA

So what are you then, a knight, a pirate? Your nails are too clean to be a farmer.

KNIGHT

I earned this sword in the usual way, if that answers your question.

AMANDA

(looking at him with a furrowed brow) Who are you?

KNIGHT

I am of the Gadanin(pronounced Gad-a-neen) realm. This is Reaver, my partner. He has been with me since I came aboard this vessel.

VANESSA

Have you been here long? I don’t remember ever seeing you.

KNIGHT

You wouldn’t have.

AMANDA

(Sharply) You have a way of not answering questions.

KNIGHT

(Annoyed) And you have a way of not returning my sword to me. If you want my help, give it back. (Harsh ‘ck’ on ‘back’)

(Hawk crows [or whatever a hawk does])

AMANDA

(Sighs) Here. Take it. If it is your sword…

KNIGHT

Thank you.

AMANDA

(Somewhat impatiently but more deliberately) Cast your net where you say and tell us how you propose we escape.

KNIGHT

You islanders use such charming turns of phrase. If we are to get you off this ship, then we must travel through it undetected. We must be patient and our moves must be calculated. I have gained an intimate knowledge of this ship, more than most of the crew. There are many passages, and more than enough places to hide. I will stow you away and spring you when we make landfall again in two weeks’ time.

AMANDA

Two weeks?! Impossible. We need to get to the upper deck -now-. No doubt my mother is planning an attack on this ship as we speak. I mean to aid her as much as possible by being ready to escape. We need to be ready for her.

KNIGHT

Your mother? Perhaps I should have been the one to ask…who are you? What are your names?

VANESSA

Vanessa Stefny

AMANDA

(Proud) I am Amanda Camaron.

KNIGHT

Camaron? Not the daughter of the Sylvi?(pronounced Cam-a-ron and Sil-vee)

AMANDA

Now aren’t we the one full of questions.

KNIGHT

Well, well! Alright then. I’m surprised your mother hasn’t already arrived and carved through this entire ship. The upper deck it is then. Though, to get there unseen, this is not an easy task.

AMANDA

It’s what we must do.

KNIGHT

Then follow me and don’t do anything reckless.

(Sound of door opening slowly, traveling sounds. Until the next passage.)

VANESSA

How have you learned of all these hidden passages?

KNIGHT

I have worked my way into the good graces of the captain. He has entrusted me with much knowledge of his ship. I have learned all the passages and they have been a great source of information to me.

AMANDA

Gathering information for a means to do what?

KNIGHT

Questions besiege us all today. Do not forget whom is being rescued.

AMANDA

We were doing fine on our own before you and your bird interfered.

KNIGHT

(Laughs) Shall I leave you on your own then? (Pause) No no, (Chuckles) of course not. Enough. Let us be swift.

Music interlude to pass time

KNIGHT

We near the exit. You two are more fleet of foot than appearance would tell. Just beyond this wall is the main deck. A stairwell lies to port that will take us to the upper deck.

(Sound of wooden door sliding open then closed)

(Sound of the three of them stepping out onto the deck)

(Hawk squawks just once)

(The knight quickly throws Vanessa to the ground and grabs Amanda hard. The guards turn the corner just in time to see the knight take hold of Amanda)

VANESSA

(Grunts)

AMANDA

(Shocked) What are you doing?!

(Sound of guards drawing swords)

KNIGHT

It’s about time you fools arrived. These two (snarling) children break free of their cell, make their way here under your very noses. Good thing one of us stays awake and sober.

HEAD GUARD

This,is our watch, our ship. You may have the favor of the captain, but you have no authority over my men.

KNIGHTS

Useless, you had one task and you couldn’t keep your face out of the wine keg long enough to do it. I have the favor of the captain because I produce results, though I’d have had it even if I was half as competent!  

VANESSA

No. (Whimpering then in pain as the head guard grabs her by the hair and yanked her up off the ground)

HEAD GUARD

You see this? I personally nabbed this one when she was all but fourteen years old. Don’t tell me about my job. Take her back home down below.

VANESSA

(Screams as she is dragged away)

KNIGHT

You don’t even know what treasure you possess here… THIS GIRL IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE  SYLVI!

GUARDS

(Gasp)

KNIGHT

Here (Throws Amanda and she grunts) I’m sure the captain will want me to report my discovery, try not to lose her again.

HEAD GUARD

(Frustrated) Yes, I’m sure he will.

KNIGHT

By the way, it’s best if two (emphasis on ‘two’) of you take this one.

HEAD GUARD

I’ll give the orders. Wilkar! Take this one to the tall cell.

WILKAR

Right! Come on now.

(Sounds of punch to the face and Wilkar grumbling)

(Sound of six swords coming out)

KNIGHT

(mockingly) You never want to listen.

HEAD GUARD

(Angry sigh) Get up Wilkar. The rest of you take her down.

KNIGHT

(mockingly feigning concern) Make sure you limit her movements.

AMANDA

(Angry yell) How could you?!

KNIGHT

(Chilling) You should have listened to your friend. You are in Hell.