Thursday, 2 October 2008
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Scribblers: Gutter Press
Scribblers
"Gutter Press"
by Steffan Alun
"Gutter Press"
by Steffan Alun
1 INT. THE PIT – Day 1. 0900.
AMITY, FINESSE and LYRIC are taking a break, playing three-player Scribblers 64 on the Wii's Virtual Console.
AMITY
Does this game make me look fat?
LYRIC
Yes, but only because Wraith unlocked the Make Amity Fat cheat the other night.
FINESSE
We tried to relock it. Didn't work.
CHRONAL arrives, devilishly handsome. Looks at all the EXPENSIVE THINGS in the Pit.
CHRONAL
Hey, all. Where did you get all these expensive things?
LYRIC
Wraith won the lottery last night. We celebrated by getting him to buy us stuff.
Unexpectedly, Lyric reaches under the sofa and retrieves a cuddly Batman toy, which he kisses gently, and replaces. He sees the others looking at him.
LYRIC
I love Batman.
CHRONAL
Yet you keep him under the sofa?
LYRIC
He needs to know his place.
Chronal sits down, and retrieves classy tabloid newspaper THE SUN. Starts to read.
CHRONAL
Wow, Page Three's really gone downhill. Jessica, twenty-three, from
(beat)
Oh, no.
There's a long pause while everyone continues playing the Wii.
CHRONAL
That really is terrible.
The others keep playing their game. It's fun.
CHRONAL
I swear, I can't believe they've printed –
FINESSE
Nobody's giving you a goddamn feeder line, Chronal. You can exposit by yourself, or not at all.
CHRONAL
Fine. I just thought Amity might like to say something is all.
AMITY
How patronising.
CHRONAL
Anyway, the thing that I read and strongly implied was terrible is that The Sun have found out about Wraith's lottery win.
LYRIC
Oh, God.
FINESSE
Have they reported the story fairly and in a balanced manner?
CHRONAL
Uncharactaristically, no. It's sensationalised nonsense. And they've dedicated an entire line in the article to the word "LOADED". In capital letters. And bold. And red.
LYRIC
I swear, some people shouldn't be allowed to use words.
AMITY
A free press is a good thing, Lyric.
(beat)
Regrettably.
FINESSE
Still. How bad can it be?
Chronal passes her the paper. Finesse reads it.
FINESSE
He is NOT an orphan! And his power's invisibility, not mind control. And that's not how you spell "handsome".
LYRIC
We should sue them.
CHRONAL
Now, now. That should be Wraith's decision.
WRAITH arrives. He's holding a copy of the Sun.
WRAITH
You won't believe what this newspaper's done!
AMITY
We already know, Wraith. I'm so sorry. I can't believe they'd say that about you.
WRAITH
What? I was going to say they printed an article bumming the X-Box three-sixty.
2 EXT. HIGH STREET – Day 1. 1100.
WRAITH is walking along with AMITY and SHIFT.
SHIFT
I can't believe you're going to sue them.
WRAITH
I need the money.
SHIFT
You've just won the lottery.
WRAITH
That's not the Gaily Mail's money, though.
They enter an office. Sign on the door – "LAWYER GIRL".
3 INT. LAWYER GIRL'S WAITING ROOM – Day 1. 1101.
WRAITH, AMITY and SHIFT enter the room, where various SUPERHEROES are waiting.
AMITY
This lawyer any good then?
SHIFT
She's great. Being a lawyer is her superpower. She was hit by a radioactive isotope as a child. Made her blind, but also made her a really good lawyer.
AMITY
Wow.
(beat)
While we wait, we should play a game. Work out which supervillain Lawyer Girl would be best matched against in a fight.
SHIFT
It's Litigation Man, and she killed him last year.
AMITY
I'm not sure I'm comfortable being represented by a murderer.
WRAITH
I am.
They all sit in uncomfortable silence for a moment. LAWYER GIRL enters. Her costume is a smart suit.
LAWYER GIRL
Wraith's up next.
SUPER SKELETON
What? We've been waiting for ages!
REALLY GOOD AT MAGIC EYE BOY
Yeah. I've been here since seven o' clock.
WEIRD LADY
My finger smells of oranges.
LAWYER GIRL
And have any of you won the lottery recently?
The superheroes grudgingly acknowledge that they haven't. Weird Lady eats a battery.
LAWYER GIRL
Quite.
(to Wraith)
This way, sir.
4 INT. LAWYER GIRL'S OFFICE – Day 1. 1105.
WRAITH is led into a smart office by LAWYER GIRL. AMITY and SHIFT follow.
LAWYER GIRL
Who will you be suing today, then, sir?
WRAITH
The Sun.
LAWYER GIRL
But sir! That's a star! It isn't sentient.
AMITY
He means the newspaper.
LAWYER GIRL
Thank goodness. They have LOADS of money.
SHIFT
It seems a bit odd that you thought he might want to sue a star.
LAWYER GIRL
It's Weird Lady. She comes here every day. I'm a shadow of my former self.
Uncomfortable silence.
LAWYER GIRL
Anyway! Because this is a super-case, we'll need to use a Libel Crystal to determine the veracity of the article.
AMITY
A crystal? Wonderful. How sci-fi!
LAWYER GIRL
Fantasy, actually. Sorry about that.
AMITY
I'm not sure I'm comfortable with a fantasy element in our sci-fi world.
SHIFT
It's fine. Finesse has a long and complicated explanation for it. She won the Nobel No Prize for it last year.
5 INT. THE
The Scribblers are in an enormous cave full of gaudily-coloured crystals, lava pits, falling platforms and evil monkey ninja zombies.
CHRONAL is keeping platforms frozen in place while LYRIC is slowly creating ropes to attach them.
SHIFT has become a cat, jumping from platform to platform.
WRAITH is invisible, sneaking past the monkey ninja zombies.
AMITY is focusing on the monkeys, making them too happy to attack.
Shift jumps to the next platform – falls!
FINESSE holds up a hand, because it looks cool, and transforms Shift into a bat.
CHRONAL
Sorry, Shift. Lots of quantum distortion in this cave. Can't quite control my powers.
WRAITH
Yeah, yeah. We believe you. More like, you're just crap. Giga lols.
A ninja monkey zombie launches itself at Amity, biting her arm.
AMITY
Hey!
She frowns, and the monkey stops in its tracks, turns, and walks away sadly.
AMITY (genuinely)
Oh, sorry monkey. Automatic reaction.
LYRIC
What did you do?
AMITY
Made it a manic depressive ...
FINESSE
Amity's scary.
Wraith has managed to get past the ninja monkey zombie nest - made of sticks, bones and jam. Beyond, he finds a CHEST. He checks a small, A5 BOOK.
WRAITH
According to the walkthrough ...
He opens the chest.
WRAITH
Guys! I got the Libel Crystal.
6 INT. COURTROOM. Day 2 – 1100
A courtroom with JUDGE MAN, LAWYER GIRL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY, a JOURNALIST and WRAITH. To the side, a JURY, and an AUDIENCE that includes AMITY, CHRONAL, FINESSE, LYRIC and SHIFT.
JUDGE MAN
Hey, guys. What's going on in this case?
LAWYER GIRL
This unnamed journalist wrote loads of lies about Wraith. Loads of EXPENSIVE lies.
JUDGE MAN
That sounds bad.
LAWYER GIRL
I rest my case.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
OBJECTION!
The audience gasps.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Where is the evidence?
The audience murmurs.
SHIFT
He's got a point.
AMITY
This guy's good.
JUDGE MAN
Order! ORDER!
WRAITH
Here is the evidence.
He reveals a SCRAP BOOK, and flicks to the end. The ARTICLE from the Sun is inside.
WRAITH
My mum sticks all news about me into this scrap book. There's your "evidence", scummy lawyer man.
JUDGE MAN
This seems like an open and shut case. Here is our evidence. No jury would find this man innocent.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
OBJECTION! I demand that Lawyer Girl prove the article contains lies.
WRAITH
Dude, I just said my MUM keeps this book. The article says I'm an orphan.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
And where is this so-called "mum"?
WRAITH
I'm not telling you who my mum is! I've got a secret identity, dumbass.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Then you've proved nothing.
WRAITH
The article also claims that my power is mind control. That's bollocks. It's invisibility.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Prove it!
Wraith goes invisible. Defense Attorney sighs. Wraith reappears.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
But this is still merely a single lie that you have identified. You claimed the article contained LIES! Plural!
The audience gasps and murmurs.
FINESSE
He should point out the grammatical errors.
AMITY
That won't help the case.
FINESSE
It'd be funny, though.
Shift surreptitiously transforms into a kangaroo. She hops towards Lawyer Girl.
LAWYER GIRL
Sod off, Skippy. There's never anyone trapped down the well. I sealed it off last year.
Shift begins transforming back, and mid-transformation, her shrinking pouch reveals the Libel Crystal. Lawyer Girl takes it, smiling. Shift becomes a moth, starts flying back to her seat, then spots a light. The rest is history.
LAWYER GIRL
JUDGE MAN
Oh, goodie gumdrops.
Lawyer Girl aims the crystal at the article. It glows, a bright red light.
JUDGE MAN
That settles it. The unnamed journalist is guilty as charged.
The journalist looks livid.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Objection! That can't be a real Libel Crystal. Who's powerful enough to brave the
WRAITH
I'm one of the Scribblers, remember? I guess your client didn't bother checking when he was writing his bullshit article.
JOURNALIST
The Scribblers. Of course.
WRAITH
Don't mess with us. We've got plenty of nemeses. And they've actually got names.
Against all odds, the journalist starts to smile.
JOURNALIST
Oh. I have a name.
He reaches up to his face, and peels it away. It's a rubber mask! Underneath is a helmet – a dark green with vertical black stripes. He rips away his clothes to reveal a supervillain costume, all stripy and dark, with muscles sewn into the costume like a child's Superman costume.
JOURNALIST
I am Gutter Press.
The audience runs away, screaming. Amity, Chronal, Finesse and Lyric join Wraith.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
You're on your own, mate. I have the power of objection. I'm not taking on the Scribblers.
He leaves.
GUTTER PRESS
Just me and you, then. And I have the power ... of slander and libel.
AMITY
Guys, I can't influence him! He's unable to feel anything but variations on cynicism!
CHRONAL
One chance, Gutter Press. Back down.
GUTTER PRESS
Just like you backed down when you fought your own father?
CHRONAL
Hey, shut up. My family life is complicated.
GUTTER PRESS
But not as complicated as Lyric's secret stash of hand-drawn Scribblers pornography!
LYRIC
Hang on. Finesse. If he's got powers, how didn't you notice?
FINESSE
What, the power of lying? A two-year-old has more powers.
GUTTER PRESS
SILENCE!
WRAITH
No. You silence.
GUTTER PRESS
Haha! You cannot silence the press! Amity has only three toes! Wraith is actually bald! Finesse kissed a girl, and she liked it!
Something lands on Gutter Press's head. It's a snake! It wraps itself around his body, crushing him.
LYRIC
Sword.
He keeps muttering as a sword materialises in his hand. He swings it towards Gutter Press, hitting him in the head, cracking the helmet.
LYRIC
How's THAT for a head line?
AMITY
Did you make a sword just for that pun?
LYRIC
Swords are my speciality!
Shift slithers off, releasing Gutter Press. He drops slowly to the ground.
WRAITH
I want you to apologise to me.
GUTTER PRESS
Chronal ... kissed ... a random ...
WRAITH
Shut up. Say sorry.
GUTTER PRESS
Shift ... voted Tory ...
Gutter Press looks up. No-one is in sight.
GUTTER PRESS
Where ... are you?
He stands up. He hears a voice – Wraith's – disembodied.
WRAITH (OOV)
Journalist in Standing Up Shocker!
GUTTER PRESS
Alright. I see what you're doing.
WRAITH (OOV)
Confused Journalist Fails at Life!
GUTTER PRESS
Come on. I'm a journalist. I'm hardly worth bothering with. You've got real villains to fight.
The Scribblers appear! Shift is a vicious GRIZZLY BEAR, standing dangerously close behind Gutter Press, alongside Lyric, brandishing his sword. Finesse and Amity are to either side of him, holding his arms in place.
Finally, Wraith appears. Face-to-face with Gutter Press.
WRAITH
You know what you are? You're the worst kind of scum. You think you're doing the world a favour, you think you're fulfiling a purpose, but you're ruining people's lives to make money. You have no redeeming features. And people don't touch you! They don't sue, because what's the point? The damage is done. Doesn't matter what they do to you in return, because now the whole world thinks they're adulterers, or paedophiles, or murderers. So. You will go home, and never, EVER write another article. Or I will follow you for the rest of your life, announcing everything you do. And guess what.
He leans towards Gutter Press's ear, and vanishes from sight. Close-up on Gutter-Press.
WRAITH (OOV)
You won't see me coming.
7 INT. THE PIT – Day 2. 1700.
WRAITH is playing Superhero Smash Brothers – Batman, Iron Fist, Leonardo the Turtle and Mr Sintaro fighting each other. AMITY sits down next to him.
AMITY
Which one are you playing as?
WRAITH (growls)
'M Batman.
A moment passes.
AMITY
Are you alright?
WRAITH
Um. Yeah.
AMITY
I know it's not easy, seeing people lie about you. Seeing your name in print.
(beat)
You never talked much about it. But it can't have been nice.
WRAITH
Gutter Press got what he deserved.
8 INT. PRISON CANTEEN – Day 2. 1705.
GUTTER PRESS, still in his battered costume, is sat by a table, eating food from a tray. PRISONERS are all around him. One glances at him, reaches over, and steals a MUFFIN from his tray.
GUTTER PRESS
Prisoner in Muffin Docking Scandal.
PRISONER #1
... What did you say?
GUTTER PRESS
Prisoner Found Stealing Underwear From Wardens.
PRISONER #2
What's the matter with you?
GUTTER PRESS
Prisoner Ugly Face Shock!
PRISONER #2
Right. That's it.
The prisoners reach for him.
9 EXT. PRISON – Day 2. 1706.
SCREAMS of GUTTER PRESS's from within. Going on, and on, and ... they stop.
Pause.
GUTTER PRESS (OOV)
Shock - Prisoners Love Sado-Masochism!
And the screams begin again.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Shift, Chapter 12
NB: I hated writing this chapter. It sucks. But it only gets better from here on kids!
***
THE LAWS
1. Refusal to acknowledge The Laws will be punished severely.
2. New Laws can only be created by the agreement of the entire Court.
…
14. A Leader may only take rule if he takes it according to the established laws of that Kingdom.
Extract from “The Laws: in translation.”
***
“I can’t see them any more,” Rhydyn said in a tone of great disappointment.
“They’ve probably moved on,” Tanon replied resignedly.
“They were getting closer,” he said, still infused with some optimism.
“Who knows where they’ve got to,” Tanon shrugged.
Suddenly, two forms materialised in the centre of the room, stretching and unfolding into two women. One was slightly taller than the other, with piercing silver-blue eyes, but they were otherwise very similar in appearance. Rhydyn and his parents jumped back in shock.
“Who are you?” Rhydyn asked warily, his eyes moving between the two.
“I am Riarna Ruanthi and this is my sister, Srynia Ruanthi. We are horse farmers from Ystia.”
“Ystians? Well, citizen of Callania, I suppose I had better introduce myself in return,“ he replied with a touch of ironic grandeur. “I am Prince Rhydyn and these are my parents King Tanon and Queen Elerina,”
“Your highness,” Riarna and Srynia murmured in unison, inclining their heads in a royal salute.
“Less of that,” Rhydyn replied, waving his hand in a slightly admonishing gesture. “Twins are you? Non-identical though.”
The sisters nodded acknowledgement of the fact.
“What brought you here? It isn’t safe, you know,” Elerina asked, a slightly worried frown creasing her face.
“I just knew we had to come,” Riarna replied, slightly embarrassed. “We want to know what we can do to help.”
“We’ve lost both our parents to this war already,” Srynia added, with a shake of her head. “We want to put things right.”
“There’s nothing we can do from here,” Rhydyn replied and began pacing the room, rubbing one hand against his neatly trimmed beard. “How did you get in here anyway?”
“Flea-form,” Srynia replied proudly. “They are very poor at recognising Invertebrate-shifters.”
“It is very rare to find invertebrate-shifters,” Elerina replied in some surprise, looking at the two sisters with increased respect.
“We just want to know what we can do to help,” Riarna said, looking at each of them individually.
“Our country is in dire need of military assistance,” Tanon replied, meeting her gaze. “Even with the help of Aetyorthiri, there is little we could do against the combined strength of Silvetera and Arrozale.”
“Could we not turn them against themselves? Like in the old days?” Rhydyn asked, a slightly hopeful expression crossing his face.
“Not as such,” Elerina replied, looking thoughtful. “Penry is too clever for that.”
“We could try to prove that his control of Arrozale is illegal,” Tanon continued thoughtfully.
“Illegal? He’s the King; he makes the laws,” Rhydyn exclaimed, slightly bewildered.
“But if it is illegal, then there is some hope for us yet,” Tanon replied, leaning against the window frame.
“We could incite the assistance of the Law Makers,” Elerina continued serenely, folding her hands delicately across her lap.
“Of course!” Rhydyn exclaimed excitedly, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Srynia said in her most polite mannerisms, “but who are the Law Makers?”
“The Tygeriqans,” Rhydyn replied with a broad smile. “The pinnacle of power in the East. They influence every Kingdom from Gentrare eastwards. They make certain incontrovertible Laws. And they enforce them. They are singularly the most powerful military nation in the world!”
“But why would they help us? We’re not an Eastern Kingdom,” Riarna asked curiously.
“Money,” Tanon stated blandly. “They were constantly fighting a tax-war with Silvetera over trading rights and such. If we could prove this war was both illegal and financially detrimental, they’d be bound to act.”
“That’s no small ask,” Riarna replied dubiously. “How do we even begin to do that?”
“First, we’ll need to speak to Aetyorthiri. We need to be sure they are on our side,” Tanon replied, with a nod of his head.
“They may be able to help us put together our case for the Tygeriqans,” Elerina continued.
“From there, we will probably then have to travel East. Meet the Leaders directly,” Tanon added, with a slightly wry smile.
“But first, we’ll have to bust our way out of here!” Rhydyn exclaimed happily, rubbing his hands together.
“You will have to,” Tanon corrected. “Elerina and I will remain here.”
“But you’re not safe here! Penry is probably counting down the days until he has you executed!” Rhydyn replied in some distress.
“No, your father is right,” Elerina answered him firmly, putting her hand on his arm. “We are the elected monarchs of this country. If we escaped, Penry would tear the country apart looking for us. He will not spare the same expense over you. I’m sorry to be so blunt. But it’s true.”
“I don’t know whether to be pleased about that or not,” Rhydyn replied ruefully.
“You can still act as our Royal Emissary. Speak on our behalf in the Councils,” Tanon added, his tone reassuring.
“First we need to think of a way of getting you out of here,” Riarna said thoughtfully. “Can you manage any small-scale shifts?”
“Some,” Rhydyn replied, shuffling his feet slightly uncomfortably. “How small-scale are you
talking?”
“Well, Srynia and I got in as fleas. Something of that sort?”
“Well, ah, there’s the thing…” Rhydyn looked to his parents for help. With none forthcoming, he soon continued. “I can only do mammalian shifts. I can‘t do any others. Of any description.”
“Not even temporarily?” Srynia replied in some surprise.
“No, sorry. Never been able to. Sorry.” He looked slightly ashamed. Srynia gave him a sympathetic look, just restraining herself from giving him a hug.
“There are some small mammals,” Riarna said, tilting her head as if sizing him up. “What’s your strongest species?”
“Dog.” Rhydyn shook his head, blushing slightly at their raised eyebrows. “I know. Not very regal, huh?”
“Dog could work,” Srynia affirmed optimistically.
“You know, it actually could,” Riarna added, striding over to the door and running her hands down the panels.
“How exactly?” Rhydyn asked, slight doubt tingeing his tone.
“You keep dogs here, right?” Riarna asked, turning away from the door.
“Some. But they’ll know the difference between a Shifter and a dog. Otherwise I’d have tried to escape days ago.” Rhydyn gave her a slightly patronising look.
“Do you keep a hunt?” She met his gaze evenly, although slightly affronted.
“We do,” he replied cautiously.
“Good distraction, don’t you think?” she replied, returning his patronising tone measure for measure.
“High risk strategy,” Tanon interrupted the two.
“But it might just work,” Elerina added with a smile.
“We haven’t even thought of a way of escaping from this room yet!” Rhydyn exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air.
“Mice,” was all Riarna said, raising an eyebrow, a slight smile curling round her lips.
“Mice? This plan just gets more and more crazy!” Rhydyn shook his head. “Fine! Anything to get me out of this room.”
“You’ll have to show us the way,” Riarna replied with a nod.
“Ok. But mouse is not a strong shift of mine. I might get a bit disorientated.”
“You’ll have to try, son,” Tanon reassured him, “You’re our best hope.”
“Don’t lay so much responsibility on the boy,” Elerina lightly rebuked her husband.
“It’s alright, I know what’s at stake. I won’t let you down.” Rhydyn set his expression, putting his hands on his hips. Srynia smiled encouragingly at him.
“Let’s go then,” she said and with a flourish and shifted down into a delicate brown house mouse.
Riarna immediately joined her, whilst Rhydyn closed his eyes, focused and slowly shifted down, emerging as a slightly patchy field mouse.
“Close enough,” Srynia squeaked with a wink.
“This way,” Rhydyn squeaked back. “At least, I think…”
***
Dear Dylanon,
I read your last letter with a great deal of interest. As I am sure you are aware, I have the best interest of the country at heart. I need not remind you, I am sure, that you do not have the power to act against me. So do not even try.
Your devoted Uncle,
Penry, King of Silvetera and Emperor of the Realms.
***
With a resounding clang the metal doors of the Council Chamber swung open. The gathered crowd gradually grew quiet, waiting patiently for the announcement that was soon to come. A man and a woman emerged from the room, arm-in-arm, sweeping toward the podium, trailing their extravagant burgundy furs in their wakes.
“We come before you today to make a most serious announcement,” the man began. “It is our duty to deliver the final verdict of today’s Council meeting. It is a decision that I, King Lahaldi, fully sanction.”
With which he gestured to the woman standing to his right. She straightened slightly, lifting her head high.
“It is likewise a decision that I, Queen Reya, fully sanction,” she announced in a clear, smooth voice.
“It has been decided that Aetyorthiri will not go to war,” Lahaldi proclaimed loudly. “That is all.”
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of mixed responses. Some were cheering, others were heckling abuse. The royal couple merely turned and re-entered the Chamber, muting the noise from outside.
“It is as we expected then,” a soft voice whispered somewhere to the couple’s left.
“Yes, Leiron,” Reya replied resignedly, “the crowd are as undecided as the Council.”
“It’s not a good day when even the mob can’t find a single voice,” Lahaldi added with a bitter smile.
“We’ve made the right decision,” Leiron Reikiseryndrani replied in a smoothly reassuring tone. “We cannot act on the behalf of Callania in the current climate.”
“I know. I just wish we could do more,” Reya replied with a sigh.
“We are doing more than the crowd will ever realise,” Leiron said with a sly smile. “That does not mean we are not doing enough.”
“I suppose you have another update for us from Daiiroda?” Lahaldi asked with cautious optimism.
“I have certain news that it would be best we discussed in private,” Leiron replied with a small, sharp smile. “Perhaps your majesties would be so kind as to consider making an invitation.”
“Of course we would,” Reya replied mirroring his smile, “We would be most pleased to extended you an invitation to take visit with us.”
“I would be obliged,” Leiron swept into an elaborate bow. “If an hour’s time from now is convenient, then I will be able to prepare myself more adequately.”
Lahaldi and Reya nodded agreement and watched as Leiron did a quick bow and slip backwards amongst the myriad of corridors. Then together they ascended the sweeping staircase, leading up to the vaulted platform that connected the Chamber to the Castle.
***
THE LAWS
1. Refusal to acknowledge The Laws will be punished severely.
2. New Laws can only be created by the agreement of the entire Court.
…
14. A Leader may only take rule if he takes it according to the established laws of that Kingdom.
Extract from “The Laws: in translation.”
***
“I can’t see them any more,” Rhydyn said in a tone of great disappointment.
“They’ve probably moved on,” Tanon replied resignedly.
“They were getting closer,” he said, still infused with some optimism.
“Who knows where they’ve got to,” Tanon shrugged.
Suddenly, two forms materialised in the centre of the room, stretching and unfolding into two women. One was slightly taller than the other, with piercing silver-blue eyes, but they were otherwise very similar in appearance. Rhydyn and his parents jumped back in shock.
“Who are you?” Rhydyn asked warily, his eyes moving between the two.
“I am Riarna Ruanthi and this is my sister, Srynia Ruanthi. We are horse farmers from Ystia.”
“Ystians? Well, citizen of Callania, I suppose I had better introduce myself in return,“ he replied with a touch of ironic grandeur. “I am Prince Rhydyn and these are my parents King Tanon and Queen Elerina,”
“Your highness,” Riarna and Srynia murmured in unison, inclining their heads in a royal salute.
“Less of that,” Rhydyn replied, waving his hand in a slightly admonishing gesture. “Twins are you? Non-identical though.”
The sisters nodded acknowledgement of the fact.
“What brought you here? It isn’t safe, you know,” Elerina asked, a slightly worried frown creasing her face.
“I just knew we had to come,” Riarna replied, slightly embarrassed. “We want to know what we can do to help.”
“We’ve lost both our parents to this war already,” Srynia added, with a shake of her head. “We want to put things right.”
“There’s nothing we can do from here,” Rhydyn replied and began pacing the room, rubbing one hand against his neatly trimmed beard. “How did you get in here anyway?”
“Flea-form,” Srynia replied proudly. “They are very poor at recognising Invertebrate-shifters.”
“It is very rare to find invertebrate-shifters,” Elerina replied in some surprise, looking at the two sisters with increased respect.
“We just want to know what we can do to help,” Riarna said, looking at each of them individually.
“Our country is in dire need of military assistance,” Tanon replied, meeting her gaze. “Even with the help of Aetyorthiri, there is little we could do against the combined strength of Silvetera and Arrozale.”
“Could we not turn them against themselves? Like in the old days?” Rhydyn asked, a slightly hopeful expression crossing his face.
“Not as such,” Elerina replied, looking thoughtful. “Penry is too clever for that.”
“We could try to prove that his control of Arrozale is illegal,” Tanon continued thoughtfully.
“Illegal? He’s the King; he makes the laws,” Rhydyn exclaimed, slightly bewildered.
“But if it is illegal, then there is some hope for us yet,” Tanon replied, leaning against the window frame.
“We could incite the assistance of the Law Makers,” Elerina continued serenely, folding her hands delicately across her lap.
“Of course!” Rhydyn exclaimed excitedly, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Srynia said in her most polite mannerisms, “but who are the Law Makers?”
“The Tygeriqans,” Rhydyn replied with a broad smile. “The pinnacle of power in the East. They influence every Kingdom from Gentrare eastwards. They make certain incontrovertible Laws. And they enforce them. They are singularly the most powerful military nation in the world!”
“But why would they help us? We’re not an Eastern Kingdom,” Riarna asked curiously.
“Money,” Tanon stated blandly. “They were constantly fighting a tax-war with Silvetera over trading rights and such. If we could prove this war was both illegal and financially detrimental, they’d be bound to act.”
“That’s no small ask,” Riarna replied dubiously. “How do we even begin to do that?”
“First, we’ll need to speak to Aetyorthiri. We need to be sure they are on our side,” Tanon replied, with a nod of his head.
“They may be able to help us put together our case for the Tygeriqans,” Elerina continued.
“From there, we will probably then have to travel East. Meet the Leaders directly,” Tanon added, with a slightly wry smile.
“But first, we’ll have to bust our way out of here!” Rhydyn exclaimed happily, rubbing his hands together.
“You will have to,” Tanon corrected. “Elerina and I will remain here.”
“But you’re not safe here! Penry is probably counting down the days until he has you executed!” Rhydyn replied in some distress.
“No, your father is right,” Elerina answered him firmly, putting her hand on his arm. “We are the elected monarchs of this country. If we escaped, Penry would tear the country apart looking for us. He will not spare the same expense over you. I’m sorry to be so blunt. But it’s true.”
“I don’t know whether to be pleased about that or not,” Rhydyn replied ruefully.
“You can still act as our Royal Emissary. Speak on our behalf in the Councils,” Tanon added, his tone reassuring.
“First we need to think of a way of getting you out of here,” Riarna said thoughtfully. “Can you manage any small-scale shifts?”
“Some,” Rhydyn replied, shuffling his feet slightly uncomfortably. “How small-scale are you
talking?”
“Well, Srynia and I got in as fleas. Something of that sort?”
“Well, ah, there’s the thing…” Rhydyn looked to his parents for help. With none forthcoming, he soon continued. “I can only do mammalian shifts. I can‘t do any others. Of any description.”
“Not even temporarily?” Srynia replied in some surprise.
“No, sorry. Never been able to. Sorry.” He looked slightly ashamed. Srynia gave him a sympathetic look, just restraining herself from giving him a hug.
“There are some small mammals,” Riarna said, tilting her head as if sizing him up. “What’s your strongest species?”
“Dog.” Rhydyn shook his head, blushing slightly at their raised eyebrows. “I know. Not very regal, huh?”
“Dog could work,” Srynia affirmed optimistically.
“You know, it actually could,” Riarna added, striding over to the door and running her hands down the panels.
“How exactly?” Rhydyn asked, slight doubt tingeing his tone.
“You keep dogs here, right?” Riarna asked, turning away from the door.
“Some. But they’ll know the difference between a Shifter and a dog. Otherwise I’d have tried to escape days ago.” Rhydyn gave her a slightly patronising look.
“Do you keep a hunt?” She met his gaze evenly, although slightly affronted.
“We do,” he replied cautiously.
“Good distraction, don’t you think?” she replied, returning his patronising tone measure for measure.
“High risk strategy,” Tanon interrupted the two.
“But it might just work,” Elerina added with a smile.
“We haven’t even thought of a way of escaping from this room yet!” Rhydyn exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air.
“Mice,” was all Riarna said, raising an eyebrow, a slight smile curling round her lips.
“Mice? This plan just gets more and more crazy!” Rhydyn shook his head. “Fine! Anything to get me out of this room.”
“You’ll have to show us the way,” Riarna replied with a nod.
“Ok. But mouse is not a strong shift of mine. I might get a bit disorientated.”
“You’ll have to try, son,” Tanon reassured him, “You’re our best hope.”
“Don’t lay so much responsibility on the boy,” Elerina lightly rebuked her husband.
“It’s alright, I know what’s at stake. I won’t let you down.” Rhydyn set his expression, putting his hands on his hips. Srynia smiled encouragingly at him.
“Let’s go then,” she said and with a flourish and shifted down into a delicate brown house mouse.
Riarna immediately joined her, whilst Rhydyn closed his eyes, focused and slowly shifted down, emerging as a slightly patchy field mouse.
“Close enough,” Srynia squeaked with a wink.
“This way,” Rhydyn squeaked back. “At least, I think…”
***
Dear Dylanon,
I read your last letter with a great deal of interest. As I am sure you are aware, I have the best interest of the country at heart. I need not remind you, I am sure, that you do not have the power to act against me. So do not even try.
Your devoted Uncle,
Penry, King of Silvetera and Emperor of the Realms.
Extract from: Inter-regal Letters: a compendium.
***
With a resounding clang the metal doors of the Council Chamber swung open. The gathered crowd gradually grew quiet, waiting patiently for the announcement that was soon to come. A man and a woman emerged from the room, arm-in-arm, sweeping toward the podium, trailing their extravagant burgundy furs in their wakes.
“We come before you today to make a most serious announcement,” the man began. “It is our duty to deliver the final verdict of today’s Council meeting. It is a decision that I, King Lahaldi, fully sanction.”
With which he gestured to the woman standing to his right. She straightened slightly, lifting her head high.
“It is likewise a decision that I, Queen Reya, fully sanction,” she announced in a clear, smooth voice.
“It has been decided that Aetyorthiri will not go to war,” Lahaldi proclaimed loudly. “That is all.”
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of mixed responses. Some were cheering, others were heckling abuse. The royal couple merely turned and re-entered the Chamber, muting the noise from outside.
“It is as we expected then,” a soft voice whispered somewhere to the couple’s left.
“Yes, Leiron,” Reya replied resignedly, “the crowd are as undecided as the Council.”
“It’s not a good day when even the mob can’t find a single voice,” Lahaldi added with a bitter smile.
“We’ve made the right decision,” Leiron Reikiseryndrani replied in a smoothly reassuring tone. “We cannot act on the behalf of Callania in the current climate.”
“I know. I just wish we could do more,” Reya replied with a sigh.
“We are doing more than the crowd will ever realise,” Leiron said with a sly smile. “That does not mean we are not doing enough.”
“I suppose you have another update for us from Daiiroda?” Lahaldi asked with cautious optimism.
“I have certain news that it would be best we discussed in private,” Leiron replied with a small, sharp smile. “Perhaps your majesties would be so kind as to consider making an invitation.”
“Of course we would,” Reya replied mirroring his smile, “We would be most pleased to extended you an invitation to take visit with us.”
“I would be obliged,” Leiron swept into an elaborate bow. “If an hour’s time from now is convenient, then I will be able to prepare myself more adequately.”
Lahaldi and Reya nodded agreement and watched as Leiron did a quick bow and slip backwards amongst the myriad of corridors. Then together they ascended the sweeping staircase, leading up to the vaulted platform that connected the Chamber to the Castle.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Scribblers go green! (illustrated)
I couldn't resist having a go at drawing this. I used Paint. I think you can tell. It is really hard to show who says what, so we're each getting coloured speech bubbles. I suppose I could have spread it out over several panels, but I didn't think of that before now. And now it's Too Late.
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