“MALIBI”

Fade In:

ext. medieval Village, Nhyland – Sunset

Lots of commotion: screaming, shouting, clashing of swords, houses on fire, people being attacked by goblin wolf-riders. Village folk fighting with pitchforks and lit torches, women and children running away from a slaughter, crying.

Noble, sword in hand, gathers his guards for one last stand. Young woman brandishing a bloody sword stands in his way.

Noble

Protect the women and children!  Go!

Young Woman

I will not leave you father!

Noble

You must for the sake of our people! I am not asking you Diana; I’m ordering you! Take them through the secret cavern. My guards know the way. (Motions to three guards: one to scout ahead and lead the way. One to stay with them and one to make sure nobody follows). We will fight them off while you gather all you can.  Go, before it’s too late!

Diana gathers women and children who are running away from the fighting.  The noble and his guards charge into the onslaught fighting valiantly. The noble slices his way through the goblins and rider-less wolves until he meets his doom at the hand of the goblin chief.

Black Character upon black stallion watches the scenery in approval, drawn out evil laugh. Sunset fades into blackness.

INT. MALIBI’S CHAMBER, Elia – DAY

Large windowless room, natural well-lit through transparent dome roof, three walls with bookcases to ceiling, ornate desk in center.

CHARACTER sits in a high-backed, royal-looking chair, looking through papers.  LORD DUKE enters.

duke

It is time, my liege.

Malibi

Already you call me liege and I am not yet crowned?  Most loyal Duke, ever shall you be my good counselor and faithful friend, even as you were to my father before me. However, when you are alone, you at least shall call me by my name as you always have. (Pause) God, I’m really going to hate all the stupid changes. (Duke puts hand to head and resigns) Just because I’m going to be King, everybody’s has to start treating me differently including you, Duke.  (Mocking) ”My liege…?” Why do I have to be king anyway?  It’s such an easy, boring job these days. Anybody could do it. (Gets up and starts pacing around his chamber)  Why can’t I live an action filled, adventurous life-like the kings of old?  It seems the faerie days of might and magic passed away with the elves. Why couldn’t I have been born then and become king? But No! (Drawn out)I had to be born during a peaceful boring time.  No action and adventure for Malibi!  At least my father will be remembered for helping the Dol battle the trolls when they ransacked Dol Mountain and re-opened trade between Elia and Dol. I’ll go down in history as Malibi, the king who did nothing because there was nothing to be done.

DUKE

You better be careful what you wish for my liege. ; Besides nothing is to stop you from going hunting and visiting your friends. The Nhy have always been as kin to us; you will find that they will always treat you the same. The Dol, although harder to reach, have always welcomed us. If you start to visit them you may improve trading agreements and open up new routes. So there you have it, action and adventure! And to begin, I will call you by your name, Malibi, but not in anyone’s presence.  It would seem disrespectful.

Malibi

Nonsense! Nothing would honor me more! Don’t look so stern, my dear friend Duke, I know you are in the right. It shall be as you wish. You lighten my heart Duke. Maybe being a King will not be so boring after all. I shall visit the Dol and explore their caverns below the mountains as well as go hunting with the Nhy. But come, (laughing) or you shall make me late for my coronation.

Int. Citadel – day

Larch Arch shaped room. Large ornate windows run along each side. Red carpet runs from door to golden chair on at opposite end of tabernacle. Guards line each side of the tabernacle.

Malibi sits in the golden chair, Duke stands facing Malibi. Two other lords (one male and one female) stand on either side of Duke.

Duke

The Lords of the Eliakin crown you Malibi, son of Mali, heir to the throne of Elia, pure blood, pure heart, descendent of kings, as they did your father before you. Arise, Malibi! King of Elia!

The three lords

Father King! Liege Lord! (In unison bowed on one knee before Malibi)

Each guard of the citadel comes and lays his sword before Malibi, bows, and says: “Father King” rises, re-sheathes his sword and returns to his place.

As the last guard is re-sheathing his sword, loud thunderclap, tabernacle doors shatter into pieces, black character on black stallion in doorway. All attention is drawn toward black character.

Black Character

(Thunderous voice, resounding off the tabernacle walls) I have a message for King Malibi.

Malibi

(Rising from his seat) What do you want?

black character

Your kingdom! Give it to me, and I shall honor your service. Refuse and you shall rot away in my dungeons!

Duke

(Motions to the guards)

The two guards closest to the doorway draw their swords and make for the stranger. Another thunder-clap and the guards are struck dead before they can reach him. The stranger rears his horse around.

Black character

(Roars) I shall take that as your answer! (Menacing laugh)

Black character rides away like the wind.

Duke

Guards, seal the citadel, let no one in or out without permission!

Malibi

(Addressing the three lords) Tera, alert the army captain, have him set posts around the citadel. Kim, gather the rangers to await command. Meet me in my chamber in one hour. (Tera and Kim leaving) Duke, I need a drink.

Duke

I believe that you have just made your first two commands as King, Malibi, and with good sound judgment.

Malibi

(Sitting, hand up to his head) That remains to be seen Duke. For right now my head is spinning in confusion. I’ve been King for only minutes and already I have lost two good men, two men who were loyal to my father and to Elia. They’re dead Duke, dead! (Pause) Duke, I’m going to need all of your resources and wisdom to help me with this. But I do know this: I want that monster (slamming fist on chair arm) found! (Echo)