Chapter One: The Empty Throne
Open to a scene of the Black Castle at twilight, its form
flat and dark. Behind it, twilight shows, the sun fading with starlight
peeking in around the edges of the frame. In the fore is a long, flat
wall that obscures the courtyard, illuminated from behind by lantern light.
The sea can be heard in the background.
Show the courtyard. Decorations are set, lanterns
laced and hung across the courtyard, tied to lantern posts. Noble lords
and ladies walk the courtyard, toward the castle, dressed in fine robes and
furs. Curtains are drawn across the windows.
Show the castle interior, a long room with a high
ceiling. Pillars are evenly spaced, five thrones are set at the top.
Large windows look out on the courtyard. Nobles mingle here. A
chandelier glitters at the top of the screen. Tables are spaced along
the room and piled high with food.
Show noble lords and ladies speaking, all well-dressed.
Show Katos’s son and wife together at the party.
Show attendants zipping around the partygoers, carrying
platters of food.
Show the five thrones of Fiona, the King’s throne at the
center, with two thrones on each side. Four of the thrones are occupied, the
King sitting at the center, leaning lazily on one fist. The thrones to
his right are filled, with Kratos nearest, back straight, smiling broadly, and
Metis beside him, long limbs stretched, legs folded, holding his staff in hand.
To the king’s left, the nearest throne holds Eros, who is relaxed in his
seat, both hands to the side, his legs folded casually. The farthest left
throne is empty.
The King stands and taps his wine glass.
The King: “Attention, everyone. Attention, please.”
Show the party stop, all eyes having faced toward the
king. Conversation dies.
The King: “Firstly, I would like to welcome you all to my
home. As you know, today is a very special day in the long history of Fiona,
and it has been very long in the making. We’ve faced trials and faced loss, and
all of it has led us here, to this moment and to this night, and all of it will
be made meaningfully by night’s end, I assure you
“There have been sacrifices made—and many, at that—to build
Fiona into what it is today: the strongest nation in the world. These
sacrifices have been required, of both our neighbors and ourselves, but the
achievements of those great kings that came before us cannot be ignored. No,
today we do not refuse our past but celebrate, instead, what it is to come.
“Tonight, we welcome into our halls a familiar guest: the
eldest princess of Silvara, young Zara Estein. Tonight, she will not only be a
guest, for she will be making this place her home very soon. Tonight, in fact,
I will be announcing a marriage long in the making, a marriage that—I am
convinced—will lead to the everlasting peace and prosperity of both our people.
By night’s end, the princess will be engaged to one of my four sons, whom I am
sure you are all quite familiar with.”
The King flourishes to the right.
The King: “To my immediate right, my eldest and bravest son,
Prince Kratos.”
Show Kratos on his throne, his bearing regal. He
smiles stiffly behind his beard.
The King: “Beside him, my next oldest and the wisest of my
children, Prince Metis.”
Show Metis at his throne, at ease, legs crossed, his vest
fitting tight to his thin frame, his clothes elaborate. He has a staff
at rest between his legs, his hands folded at its crown.
Metis waves.
The King flourishes to the left.
The King: “To my immediate left, my second youngest and most
charming of my children, Prince Eros.”
Show Eros on his throne, his outfit handsome, his hair
curly. He winks.
Show women in the crowd giggling, flushed, fanning
themselves.
The King: “And lastly, farthest left, is the youngest of my
children, Prince Zelos!”
Show Zelos’ empty
throne. Murmurs move through the crowd.
Show the King’s shock.
The King adopts a calm
smile.
The King: “...Who is busy at the moment but will be joining
us shortly. For now, enjoy yourselves, because the night’s celebrations have
only just begun!”
The King abdicates his position and seeks the Head Steward.
Show the Head Steward—a hunched, elderly man with
thinning hair and round glasses—standing beside a pillar with the folds of a
curtain nearly encircling him.
The King pulls the Head Steward to the side, his rage
showing in the scowl upon his face.
The King: “Where is he? Where has that Zelos gotten to now?”
The Head Steward: “If I am to be honest, my king, I am
uncertain.”
The King: “And how is it that you are uncertain? I sent you
to collect him nearly an hour ago.”
The Head Steward: “With all due respect, my king, you know
how Zelos is. I found his room empty and assumed he had went for a brief walk.
As the gala drew closer and closer, I came to realize that he was not returning
and took it upon myself to seek him out.”
The King: “And?”
The Head Steward: “And, as you can see, I have yet to find
him. At this point, I highly doubt that the prince is even within the castle
walls.”
The King scoffs and looks off-screen. His beard is
bristled.
The King: “Always like him.”
The Head Steward: “What shall we do, my king?”
The King: “We shall do nothing.”
The Head Steward looks shocked.
The Steward: “Excuse me, my lord?”
Show the King rub his beard.
The King: “Zelos will find his way back. He always does. For
now, we need to act as if nothing is amiss. If asked, pretend as if Zelos is
preoccupied but on his way. I trust him to return in due time. He knows how
important the gala is, and it wouldn’t be in his nature to abandon us in our
need.”
Show the Head Steward frowning uneasily.
The Steward: “Yes, my king. I am certain that you are
correct.”
The King: “Undoubtedly. In fact, he is most likely returning
to the castle as we speak.”
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to Zelos (tall and slender, with unruly hair) and
Glenn (stout and muscular with a precise beard and a sword sheathed at his
belt) standing on a fractured pillar, a forest in the background.
Show a large stone pillar jutting in the foreground,
cracks showing, moss growing around it. Odd markings are etched into its
form. There is a light layer of snow here. The sun is setting,
being partially obscured by a broken dome in the distance.
Show Zelos marching forward with Glenn trailing. Zelos
is smiling, Glenn is not.
Show Glenn look toward the sky.
Glenn: “We should head back.”
Zelos: “We’ll return home in due time.”
Glenn: “We’re late.”
Zelos: “I’m sure they haven’t noticed. My father has three
other sons to occupy him.”
Show Zelos smiling back at Glenn over his shoulder.
Zelos: “Besides, Eros is the charmer, isn’t he? He can have
the princess, which makes my presence redundant.”
Glenn: “You should at least make an appearance.”
Zelos: “And I will make an appearance. Later. After a
nap, maybe.”
Glenn: “Zelos.”
Zelos: “Don’t stress the details. We’ll be back when we’re
back. For now, forget the castle, the parties, and all this talk of marriage
and focus on what is really important!”
Glenn: “And what’s that?”
Zelos points forward.
Show a small stone bridge, partially covered in ice and
water, and leading to a distant doorway sunken into the mud, surrounded by
frost.
Zelos: “Charting the course!”
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to black. The sound of a door being rammed can
be heard. Zelos grunts.
The door gives, giving a small shaft of light into a
darkened room, exposing silhouette steps.
Zelos tumbles down the steps, stirring dust where he
lands.
Zelos lands at the bottom of the steps, a cloud of dust
rising around him.
Zelos sits straight and coughs.
Glenn, off-screen: “You okay?”
Zelos stands.
Zelos: “I am perfectly fine, thank you.”
Zelos dusts himself off.
Zelos: “Just had a bit of a scare is all.”
Glenn: “I told you to be careful.”
Beat.
Glenn: “Where are you?”
Zelos: I’m at the bottom of the starts. It’s as dark as
night in here. Darker, even. I can’t see a thing.”
There is a gleam off-screen. Zelos peers into the
shadows.
Zelos: “Actually, maybe I can. I’m going on ahead.”
Glenn: “No, you are staying put.”
Zelos: “Oh, Glenn, we both know that is not happening. I’ll
see you when you get down here.”
Zelos steps into the darkness.
Show Zelos from the front, golden spheres of light
appearing in the tunnel around him.
Show Zelos’ view from the back, a series of spheres
lighting the way deeper into the tunnel.
Zelos stops to look at the spheres.
Show more spheres swelling into life deeper in.
Zelos: “...A bread crumb trail.”
Show Zelos from the front, looking back over his
shoulder, his frame lit in gold.
Show Zelos walking from the front, deeper into the
tunnel.
Show Zelos from the back. Hold this image as his
gradually disappears into the darkness, the spheres shrinking alongside him.
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to Glenn descending the stairs.
Glenn stops at the base, hands on his hips.
Show the tunnel ahead, completely dark with the spheres
missing. A rectangle of light is cut into the shadows, Glenn’s shadow at
its center.
Show Glenn from the side, looking up the stairs.
Glenn looks forward. He sighs.
Glenn: “Damn it, Zelos.”
Glenn balls his fists. His jaw goes tight.
Glenn: “Sometimes...”
-The Four Thrones-
Show Zelos alone in a wide, domed corridor.
Show Zelos from above, entering an enormous, circular
room. Spheres of light line the walls, illuminating the area in lush
golden light. Water lines the wall, glittering, clean. Enormous
piles of gold sit at the rooms center, spilling out into the water, gleaming.
Show Zelos looking up from the side.
Show the domed ceiling that was seen from outside, but
now from inside, looking up at it. The windows are broken, but
light does not seep in. Stars can be seen through the haze of golden
light.
Show the interior from Zelos’ view. The walls are
embroidered with images of birds and flames. A sun is painted against
the far wall and cut into the floor. Jewels hang from the ceiling, catching
the light.
Zelos takes a single step into the room, marveled.
Zelos: “How has no one already found this?”
Zelos traces his hand along a statue of a bird. In
the background, Glenn shouts his name.
Zelos looks back, his hand lingering.
Zelos looks forward, a glint of light catching his eye.
Show the mural of the sun, a jewel wedged into its
center, gleaming red and gold.
Show Zelos side-profile, staring up at the jewel,
hypnotized.
Hold this profile as the light surrounding him begins to
fade. The light narrows to a point around him. One by one, the
spheres of light go out. The light tightens along his body, leaving a
faint glow as it disperses.
Show Zelos’ face, profile, as the light narrows along his
face. The light narrows into his eye. Finally, the light is a pinprick
going directly into his right eye.
Zelos’ eye turns gold while the screen goes white.
The light fades, giving way to darkness. Zelos’
eye glows in the darkness.
Show Zelos from the front, his eye aflame with golden
light. Glenn is behind him in the entry way.
Glenn: “Zelos!”
Zelos turns to face Glenn.
Show a brief image of Zelos surrounded in darkness, his
eye glowing.
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to a carriage at the entrance to the Black Castle.
The carriage is elaborately decorated, scrawling runes edged in silver
across its surface. The image of a crescent moon is cut into the door.
There is a statuette of a fox at its front.
Elsea steps out of the carriage door wearing a layered
fur travel cloak with a plain dress underneath. A ribbon is tied about
her waist. Her blond hair is done up into wide ringlets. She is a
slender woman, tall, with a petite nose and full lips.
Elsea holds the door.
Zara exits the carriage wearing a similarly heavy travel
cloak with an elaborate gown underneath. She wears gloves, and her aubun hair
is piled in loops atop her head. Her body sparkles with jewelry and her
figure shows through her grown, her stomach slightly protruding. She
walks lightly in heels.
Elsea closes the door behind Zara.
Elsea lifts Zara’s gown train and trails after her.
Zara: “Hurry. We are late as it is.”
Elsea: “Yes, m’lady, my apologies.”
Show their journey across the winding paths through the
courtyard, weaving through the statues and bushes.
They are met at the entryway by a steward.
The steward bows.
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to the ballroom from above. The party is still
going. Music plays in the background but the sunlight has faded
entirely. Candles are lit, and the nobility is noticeably drunk.
Show nobles from the ground, dancing and talking.
Show Eros leaned against a wall, speaking to a group of
girls he has seemingly trapped. They are blushing and giggling.
Show Kratos dancing with his wife, his son at his heels.
Show Metis watching from his throne, leaning on his
staff, wearing a thin smile.
Show the King in the corner, smiling and laughing with a
few nobles he is speaking with.
The Head Steward approaches the King. The guests
leave them.
The Head Steward: “My lord, I have word of Zelos’ return.
Glenn was sighted at the prince’s door only moments ago. He gave word that the
prince would be down shortly.”
The Head Steward smiles.
The Head Steward: “There is nothing to worry about.”
Show the King’s smile.
The King: “Worry? When was I worried? I told you that he
would return, did I not?”
The Head Steward: “Of course, my lord. Still, I must admit
he gave me a fright.”
The King laughs.
The King: “Well, then, return the favor to him and give him
a fright that gets him down here. The princess will have arrived soon and will
be needing her introduction...”
Fanfare plays, announcing the princess’ arrival.
The King: “Right now! Hurry, fetch the boy!”
The Head Steward bows.
The Steward: “Of course, my lord!”
-The Four Thrones-
Cut to the ballroom entrance where a second, younger
steward stands.
Steward2: “Now introducing the first princess of Silvara,
Princess Zara Yvonne Estein!”
Polite applause fills the room.
Party goers look toward the entryway.
Show Zara from the front, entering the castle with a
perfect, practice smile. Elsea is at her heels, holding her dress, her head
appearing just over Zara’s hair.
Zara waves as she descends the stairs, approaching the
screen.
A nobleman from the crowd kisses her hand.
Another repeats this gesture while she greets a woman to
the other side. A drunken noble nearby praises her beauty.
Zara smiles and fans herself.
The crowd parts, flanking the King.
The King takes a knee and kisses Zara’s hand.
Zara: “Oh my, Lord Ferenn, it hardly seems necessary for one
of your rank to kneel before me.”
The King stands, smiling.
The King: “My rank is exactly what makes it all the more
necessary, princess. There is nothing worse in this world than a monarch with
poor manners.”
Zara laughs politely behind her gloved hand.
The King hooks her arm and walks with her.
The King: “Now, then, on to more important matters. I must
say, you look stunning. It has been too long since we’ve seen each other, and
you seem to have grown even more beautiful with the passing years.”
Zara: “And yet you are timeless, my lord. The same
strong-jawed, sharp-eyed man I remember from my youth.”
The King laughs.
The King: “Hardly, but your flattery is appreciated. Why, if
I were younger, I would look upon you to be my bride, perhaps.”
Zara: “And you say I flatter.”
Another laugh from The King.
The King: “You see right through me, my dear. Now, enough
bothering from this old man. I have strapping children who are both more
appropriate and also quite ready to spend the night flattering you.”
Zara looks out at the crowd.
Show a drunken noble wink at her while tipping his glass,
spilling alcohol in the process.
Zara: “I fear there are many men who would care to flatter
me tonight.”
The King laughs again, patting her hand.
The King: “Take it all in stride, princess. Your beauty will
grant you many concessions in life, but all great gifts come with a price.”
Zara: “Oh, please don’t misunderstand me. I am not meaning
to make complaint of any blessings the gods have granted me.”
The King: “Of course not, and now, you’ve spent enough time
on me. Don’t let me monopolize you.”
They part, and Zara curtsies for The King.
The King bows in return.
Zara makes her way to the concession table with Elsea on
her tail.
At the table, Zara glances back at Elsea.
Zara: “Elsea, you have a single task tonight. If you see
that insufferable fool Zelos, you keep him away. I have little interest in this
marriage nonsense, and I have none at all in that boy.”
Elsea: “Of course, m’lady.”
Zara starts picking at food from the table.
Show her mouth full, cheeks bulging, as Eros approaches
from behind.
Eros: “Lady Estein?”
Zara turns with a mouthful of food.
Zara goes wide-eyed and chokes.
Zara swallows, curtsies, and coughs in quick succession.
Zara: “Lord Eros, I was just on my way to see you.”
Eros looks passed Zara at the concession table.
Eros: “I can see that.”
Zara blushes.
Eros: “But now you see me, I presume.”
Zara: “Quite.”
Eros: “Then allow me to ask: how was your journey, my lady?”
Zara: “It was long, but this gala is well worth the trouble.
It is simply marvelous.”
Eros looks about the party.
Eros fixes his eyes on her.
Eros: “And it is all held in your honor, princess. My family
thinks very highly of your nation.”
Zara: “Well, my nation thinks highly of your family.”
Eros laughs.
Eros: “That is quite kind of your nation.”
Zara smiles and laughs politely.
Eros: “I am sorry, princess, but I must ask—and tell me if I
am being too forward—but have you any idea as to whom you would like to be
married? As I am sure you are aware, there are three princes still available.”
Zara: “…Yes, I had heard, but I fear that decision is not
mine to make.”
Eros: “Now, now, my father would not be so cruel as to
refuse your wishes. Why, if you were to show favor for one son, I am certain
that he would be understanding. He is a very kind man, as I am sure you know.”
Zara: “Yes. He is quite kind, your father.”
Eros slides forward, to where their bodies are close.
He stares her in the eyes.
Eros: “I can be quite kind myself, my lady.”
Zara looks away. She is flushed.
Zara: “I...am certain you can be.”
Eros: “My, princess, I must say, I find the color in your cheeks
most fetching.”
Zara: “You what?”
Eros touches her cheek lightly.
Eros: “Your cheeks, princess. I enjoy the color in them.”
Zara: “I...”
Metis, offscreen: “Princess Estein, if I could bother you
for a moment.”
Zara: “O-Of course! I fear I am being called.”
Eros steps away and casts a hateful glance offscreen.
Eros: “I fear so as well. Perhaps we can continue this
later.”
Zara: “Perhaps. Elsea, with me, please.”
Zara and Elsea quickly escape into a sea of people.
Zara: “That man makes my skin crawl. Maybe Zelos would be
the best of them after all.”
Elsea: “You are forgetting Lord Metis, m’lady.”
Zara: “I am, but I find him so easy to forget. I do it so
very often.”
Elsea: “He has always shown you great kindness and favor,
m’lady.”
Zara rolls her eyes.
Zara: “That man shows any woman who looks upon him great
kindness and favor.”
Elsea: “M’lady...”
Zara sighs.
Zara: “I know, I know, and your opinion is noted. Now
then...”
Zara puts on a large, bright smile.
Zara curtsies before approaching Prince Metis.
Zara: “Prince Metis, I thought that was you calling for me.”
Metis smiles and kneels to kiss Zara’s hand.
Metis: “So it was. I saw my brother, and your uneasiness,
and thought to free you of his...affections.”
Zara: “Ah, I am quite embarrassed about that. I hope you
didn’t find my behavior unbecoming. Your brother is quite charming. I am simply
unused to such open affection.”
Metis: “Princess, you needn’t be coy with me. My brother is
aggressive in his pursuit of women, and he is doubly aggressive with you
because of your strong will. He is not accustomed to rejection, you know, and
is upset that he hasn’t been able to bed you in all these years.”
Zara blushes and shifts her weight.
She glances at Elsea.
Metis: “Though, as it stands, he may yet still bed you.
Depending on father’s decision, of course.”
Zara: “Metis! I…I do not appreciate this subject, prince.”
Metis: “I do apologize, princess, and I hope that I haven’t
spoiled the gala for you. After all, it is being held in your honor, is it
not?”
Zara: “The gala is for our nations, lord.”
Metis polishes his staff with his hand dismissively.
Metis: “Quite. I would ask if you are enjoying yourself, but
I fear you’ve hardly had the time to breathe in all this commotion.”
Zara’s expression softens.
Zara: “Oh, it hasn’t been so bad. Honestly, I am grateful
for whatever attention I get.”
Metis: “Yes, I am certain you are. I saw you greet father
upon your arrival. He is quite taken with you, you know.”
Zara: “Oh, you flatter me as he does. Your father is a great
man, and I would consider myself lucky to have his interest.”
Metis: “I believe he feels the same way about you. In fact,
I am certain that if he could just get you alone in his room, then he would
just die.”
Show a dark purple glow in Zara’s eyes.
Zara smiles.
Zara: “I see. Well, it has been a pleasure, Metis, but I
fear I must go.”
Metis: “I understand completely, lady, and I won’t bother
you any longer.”
Zara curtsies.
Zara saunters off.
Show Metis bow his head lightly, Elsea staring at him in
confusion from the side.
Elsea reaches out for Zara.
Elsea: “M’lady…”
Zara turns, pulling herself from Elsea’s grasp.
Zara: “If you could, wait by the concession table. I will be
along shortly.”
Elsea: “…Yes, m’lady.”
Show Elsea from the back, Zara wandering off in a daze.
Show the King speaking with nobles and Zara approaching
him from the side.
The Noble leaves as Zara draws closer.
The King turns and greets Zara.
The King: “Princess! How are you enjoying the party?”
Zara: “It is lovely, thank you, though I fear that I will be
unable to pick between your sons, my lord.”
The King: “You find none fetching?”
Zara smiles demurely and toys with her dress.
Zara: “None so fetching as you, my lord.”
Zara looks about the court.
Zara leans in to whisper, her eyes glowing faintly.
Zara: “My lord, perhaps you know of a place in the castle
where we can find a measure of privacy?”
The King looks momentarily taken aback.
The King smiles proudly and adjusts his belt.
The King: “Why, I must say that I am surprised, but not in
the least unsettled, to hear this, and I happen to know the perfect place
discuss this matter privately. Perhaps we may find you a man more suitable,
should none of my sons impress.”
They hook arms again and leaves through a nearby
stairwell.
Pull back to show Elsea watching them from the concession
stand.
Elsea enters the crowd, moving haltingly
Cut to show Metis also watching the stairwell as they
leave.
Metis smiles and stands.
-The Four Thrones-
The King leads Zara down a hall. She is tight
against him as they walk.
They take a turn.
They stop before a chamber in a darkened hall, the door
flanked by two head-height torches still lit.
The King opens the door and ushers her in.
Show the castle interior. It is the King’s
chambers. A large, canopied bed sets to one side. There is a
table and a wardrobe tucked against one wall. Heraldry lines the walls.
A candle stands lit on a bed table. A large painting is cast in
shadows on one wall. Two swords are hung in the shape of an X on the
wall. The King stands at the door.
The King takes a deep breath.
The King closes the door behind him while Zara walks the
room, eying the decorations.
Zara: “Your chambers are a grand sight, my lord.”
The King: “Not so grand a sight as a beautiful young maiden
as yourself.”
The King approaches Zara from behind.
Show the King and Zara standing together surveying the
painting, which is obscured by shadows.
Zara: “This is the queen, is it not?”
The King: “It was the queen. She passed away long ago.”
Zara: “From illness, yes?”
The King: “Yes, but we needn’t think on her at this moment.”
Zara turns and looks up into the King’s eyes. Her
face is close to his large chest. She is smiling.
Zara bites her bottom lip. The King shakes a bit.
The King flexes his hands.
The King reaches out to hug her while Zara flits away.
Show Zara looking up now at the ornamental swords on the
mantel.
Zara: “And these blades. They are ceremonial, aren’t they?”
The King joins her.
The King: “They were gifts from the regent of Elba. On the
day of his surrender, he handed them off to my father-in-law personally.”
Zara: “Are they sharp?”
The King: “As sharp as any blade ought be, I suppose.”
Zara: “I mean, are they sharp enough to pierce a man?”
The King: “I would assume so, though I’ve never tried.”
Zara reaches up and grasps a blade.
Holding the blade, Zara looks back at the King.
Zara: “May I?”
The King laughs.
The King: “If you can lift it, then feel free.”
Zara pulls the blade down and holds it with both hands.
Zara sways.
Zara: “It is quite heavy, I admit.”
Zara unsheathes the blade and stares at it.
Show the decorative surface, flowers etched into the
blade, which shows her reflection, her eyes still outlined with dark purple.
Zara: “How impressive.”
The King approaches her from behind.
The King rests his hand on her shoulders.
Zara turns, burying the blade into the King’s stomach.
Show the King’s eyes wide, his jaw slack.
The King looks down and clutches his wound.
Zara: “And I would say that it is just sharp enough to
pierce a man.”
The screen goes black.
Chapter End.
