Lost in Eastwood

Opener
Action and consequence are an integral part of human drama. Amanda Sylvi’s team begrudgingly joins her on an expedition to retrieve the winter rose. But, even one who is fated to be among the finest knights is bound to the same folly as any other mortal. This was the day Erica learned that faith can be misplaced and persistence can be as much as a flaw as blessing.

NICHOLAS

Well, I've always wanted to die far in a frozen wasteland miles away from everything I've ever known and loved.

VANESSA

That's not funny, can you at least try to be professional?

NICHOLAS

Open your eyes, how do you think this ends? Do you actually believe that we retrieve the mythical flower and return as triumphant heroes?

VANESSA

Please stop, Amanda has everything all planned...

NICHOLAS

Oh does she? Like her sister tagging along and cutting into our rations, her mastery of the Rule must truly...

VANESSA

(the sound of a blade being partially drawn) Choose your next words very carefully. Remember your oaths and your place.

NICHOLAS

(sighs) Sheathe your blade, peace.

VANESSA

Do not speak ill of Amanda or her sister! Erica has accompanied us to the palace with Amanda's permission and is waiting there for our return. She is not at all a drain on our resources so please spare me any more of your complaining. Besides, I remember another squire eager to prove himself and prone to making rash decisions

NICHOLAS

(snorts) I wouldn't have lost that duel if I didn't slip.

VANESSA

(snickers) First, you challenge a full knight, second, he was one of the finest swordsman on the isles, and third his grasp of the Rule eclipsed yours.

NICHOLAS

Well, I avenged myself on the rematch.

VANESSA

Which is why you're one of us.

NICHOLAS

For what that's worth now.

DANIEL

(crunches through snow) Lot of chatter for guards on duty.

NICHOLAS

Well I see snow and trees, same as an hour ago, (trailing off) same as two hours ago.

DANIEL

And those wolves we've been hearing?

VANESSA

We haven't heard them since last night, maybe they've finally given up on following us?

DANIEL

That'd be a small bit of comfort.

NICHOLAS

Gods know we've had little enough.

DANIEL

I can relieve you two early, sleep eludes me tonight.

NICHOLAS

I'll keep you company for a bit, my dreams would not be sweet.

DANIEL

Oh, are you remembering the duel?

VANESSA

(snickering) I'll take my leave, my tent beckons.

NICHOLAS

How did you plan on dying?

DANIEL

My, aren't we in morbid mood tonight? I suppose I hadn't, not that I expect to live forever, but I choose not to tempt fate by dwelling on the inevitable.

NICHOLAS

There--are--exactly two ways I actually want to die, one of them is in battle and the other is in bed at the age of one hundred and three surrounded by my great grand children and my loving young wife.

DANIEL

(guffaws)

NICHOLAS

Why did you become a knight?

DANIEL

Honestly, it wasn't for the glory that draws many to the order. Honor, I suppose, the chance to defend the isles and her people. How about you?

NICHOLAS

Glory, mostly. The pay and lifelong pension helped. Not that I'll get to collect it.

DANIEL

I know you better than that, you wouldn't be here if all you cared about was glory. Given your history of doing better on your second attempt, I'll ask you again; why did you become a knight?

NICHOLAS

(three seconds of silence followed by an intake of breath) My home was not a happy one, too many siblings. My parents barely seemed to know I existed, I spent a lot of time wandering the streets. One day when I was scarcely more than a boy I came upon a group of knights putting on a demonstration of dueling using the Rule. The precision and art of it was unlike anything I'd seen in the dozen brawls I've witnessed. Afterward I spent weeks trying to get a knight to take me on as squire. One finally noticed that I had the potential and began my training. The order made me into a man, so I want to be the best man I can for the order. Happy?

DANIEL

You try to conceal it, but we all know you're a man of great depth.

NICHOLAS

Heh, just don't go around telling everyone, I've a reputation to maintain.

(howling is heard in the distance)

DANIEL

Do you hear that?

NICHOLAS

It sounds closer than ever.

DANIEL

Quickly, wake everyone!