Episode Knotes

OPENER

The Knights of Ark can only be understood by examining its core members. Erica Camaron, Knight of the Twist Islands, had always been central to the formation of Ark’s team; Much to the consternation of Twist Isle nobility. This is a glimpse into the early life of one who would become the greatest Twist Isle Knight to ever grace the islands.

-Ark removes Erica from the isles to preserve her potential. Erica is treated as an outcast after the incidents that took place in Eastwood, but instead of breaking her this strengthens her resolve. She hates returning to the isles and must deal with the subtle animosity of her own people. Such adversity has actually deepened her understanding of the Rule of Three. Many believe that Erica is unworthy of the title “Sylvi”.

Erica and Amanda are at home preparing dinner for their father.

ERICA 

I don't understand how it works. I can't sense things like you can.

AMANDA 

It takes years of practice to perfect it Erica. You've only just begun to attempt the rule.

ERICA 

When you began to train you could feel it immediately. I feel nothing.

AMANDA

Erica, you are a fair (ie good/adequate) fighter. When you first held a sword you could never anticipate my strikes. Now you can almost hold me off. It took years for you to even spar with me. The same logic applies to the rule of three; with practice you will master it.

ERICA 

How am I to practice when you are away so often? You’re the Sylvi now and I hardly ever see you anymore!

AMANDA

Do not blame my absence for your lack of effort...The rule of three applies to all activity around you. You can easily practice whenever you want.

AMANDA

I can see you’re going to need a demonstration.

ERICA

I don't...

AMANDA

Our father is a predictable man, Erica. His day to day life is completely routine. Help me prepare dinner.

ERICA

You would expect anything different from a man whose life revolves around making clocks?

AMANDA

Not my point. Cut up those carrots while I get the table ready please.

Sounds of plates being handled and sounds of carrots being cut. 

AMANDA

Mastering the rule of three means being at least three steps ahead of anything in every situation. It's about learning patterns.

Quick exchange: Sound of soft crunching and the sound of a slap on the wrist.

ERICA 

Grunts in response with her mouth full.

AMANDA

Those need to make it to the table. You must love being so very predictable. 

ERICA

As you must love the sound of your own voice.

AMANDA

Sound of Amanda biting a carrot. Speaks while chewing. Never saw me coming for that carrot did you?

ERICA

I saw you coming for it....

AMANDA

My point!...dear sister, is that everyone and everything in our world has its own unique routine. Patterns that can be learned. As a blue knight it is our job to take advantage of those patterns. Sounds hard, doesn't it?

ERICA

It sounds impossible.

AMANDA

It's not impossible, but it is hard and it should be. If it wasn't hard then anyone could do it.

End quick exchange 

Noise from upstairs bedroom

AMANDA

Father is on his way down to dinner. (Pause for thought) I know this sounds horrible but if you really want to practice on someone, he's your man.

ERICA

Father? That's cruel.

AMANDA

I know. I felt the same way at first, but Mother insisted.

ERICA

Our mother would use father as some sort of test subject?

AMANDA

All the time...want to see how it's done? 

ERICA

This whole thing feels wrong.

AMANDA

Have I ever lied to you?

ERICA

Never.

AMANDA

Then you know I am speaking the truth when I tell you that not only is he such a perfect person to test out the rule of three on, but that it is also very, very fun. 

ERICA

Alright. How does it work?

AMANDA

Father is going to smell dinner and begin walking down the stairs. When he gets to the last step he’s going to let out a heavy sigh. This we know is certain. Where we send him next is completely up to us. 

ERICA

Why would we send him anywhere?

AMANDA

It's all great practice for the rule. The goal is to control the situation. Let's say I wanted to break his routine and get him to eat in the kitchen while you try and get him to eat in the dining room. The winner is the first one to get him to take a bite in their assigned room. So how do we begin? Tell me. 

ERICA

Well, we can think of a quick plan. I can position myself to be at an angle where I can sense which way he's going to turn I could…

AMANDA

No. You're thinking too much. Keep it simple. How can I get him to come to the kitchen?

ERICA

Well he’ll come on his own, he smells the food. 

AMANDA

Yes most likely but how can I guarantee it?  

ERICA

I...I don't know.

AMANDA

Come now Erica, you call for him. Most of the time the obvious choice is the right choice. Do not second guess yourself or you’ll freeze up. 

AMANDA

Quick. Tell me about the rule

ERICA

The rule of 3…Never take more than 3 heartbeats to act. Always be 3 steps ahead in any situation. Always have at least three possible paths 

(sounds of the father coming down the steps)

AMANDA

Here we go. Call him.

ERICA

But I need at least three…

AMANDA

Good, that was a test. You passed.

ERICA

You’re not making this easier.

AMANDA

Wasting time!

ERICA

Making a point! Father! Dinner is...

AMANDA

Are you ready?

ERICA

….Yes...

AMANDA

Your confidence is inspiring

Father grumbles

AMANDA

Hang on.  

(sound of wood being smashed)

ERICA

(hushed whisper) Father's chair!

AMANDA

I raised the stakes. Good luck. Remember: 3 heartbeats to act.

ERICA

(freaked out whisper) I can’t believe you broke his chair! Maybe he won't notice right a…

FATHER

My chair!

ERICA

...way

AMANDA

Ready to lose? (begins her act) Oh Father, what happened! This won’t do.

FATHER

None of that Amanda, explain what happened here. I..I know this wasn’t like this before

AMANDA

We talk of this everyday. You’ve worn it out. Frankly I never thought you would have left this mess overnight.

(Muted argument in the background as they leave the room)

FATHER

I did not break my favorite chair. I would have remembered such a tragedy. Now I need my tools.

AMANDA

Father you worry me. Perhaps you need to lie down earlier tonight.

FATHER

Nonsense. Nonsense. I feel fine. 

ERICA:(ANGRY WHISPERS) 

Wait, that chair... An illusion?(angry) She’s using illusions! (frustrated sigh) She has never once played fair!

ERICA

Alright…three heartbeats to act

HEARTBEAT 1 

ERICA

I need to get him back in here. I could somehow get him to think that he destroyed the chair. No, that’s too difficult. Think simple, think simple I need  

to get his plate to the table.

HEARTBEAT 2

(Muted in the background)

FATHER

I'm fixing it now Amanda

AMANDA

Father enough. Sit down and have a bite first.

FATHER

well...

ERICA

got it! Pour some soup, Get the plate in the dining room, Break her illusion, Call him in..now

ERICA:

Father quickly! Come in the dining room! (moment of realization)

HEARTBEAT 3

(Sounds of plates and soup)

ERICA

In here Father. Taste this soup first so I know it is to your liking.

FATHER

Do not think you’re off the hook in this Amanda.

ERICA

Ok to break and illusion I need to interact with it. If I just ouch it...There we go. Back to normal.

FATHER

(enters the dining room) She broke my chair! 

ERICA

Oh Father, now I’m worried too. Did you even look at this chair?

FATHER

What of it?

ERICA

Does this look like a broken chair to you?

FATHER

Wait. I.. That chair was destroyed.

AMANDA

Father (sympathetic)

FATHER

I uh, yes... I um..

ERICA

Have some soup dad..

FATHER 

grumbles: (this is good)

ERICA

I’ll be in the kitchen for a moment. Sound of door opening.

ERICA

That felt wrong on so many levels. What's the matter? Why are you looking at me that way?

AMANDA

I...I’m a little shocked is all. 

ERICA

I Knew it! We’re going to turn his brain into mush fooling around like this.

AMANDA

(Frustrated) No, not Dad. Don’t worry about him the damage is done from long before you were born. It's just...How did you know I used an illusion? 

ERICA

The Chair? It was obvious. I could see it wasn’t the real chair. I could practically see right through it. What?(Annoyed) 

AMANDA

See right through it? 

ERICA

Isn’t that how illusions work? 

AMANDA

I.. Yes, well anyways. You did good in there.

ERICA

You know, we always hear talk of people who take advantage of the elderly. Well that's us! We’re those people Amanda. 

AMANDA

Oh come on, don't be such a mother hen. People also say that it is ok to have fun with the elderly because at some point we will all get the chance to become the elderly.

ERICA

Ha!, You think that will be us someday. 

AMANDA

Maybe you.

ERICA

(chuckling) What? (serious tone once she realizes Amanda is staring out the window) What’s wrong? 

AMANDA

(Sigh) It's the kings guard. I’m being summoned.  

ERICA

No. (disbelief.)