EPISODE 3

SCENE 1

NARRATION:
 It was dark, locked behind a wall of bars that stood between him and the sliver of light that crept under the door across the expanse of the room. Something scuttled across the floor, skittering between the bars into the cell beside him while he sat trapped, hands chained behind his back and head slumped forward.

A tremor shook him as he tried to reposition himself, arms aching from having been chained above his head earlier before his positioning was changed. The door opened, light flashing across his face but Aurora’s eyes didn’t raise from where he’d been staring off into the darkness around him.

The sound of heels on the stone floor of the prison rings out, the only sound for a moment other than Aurora shifting in his chains.

AURORA (low, hollow): Why are you here?

ROWENA: I’d like to make a deal, Aurora. I thought that giving you a second chance would be fair to you after all that’s happened. Though, I suppose this is well beyond your second chance, isn’t it?

AURORA: Why? What more could you get from me? I have nothing left.

ROWENA: You seem to be the most upset about this whole unfortunate ordeal out of anyone.

AURORA (angry): Of course I am! I—

ROWENA (curt): Mind your tone. I came here to offer you a chance at freedom and now I’m having second thoughts.

Aurora doesn’t answer her.

ROWENA: It was surprisingly easy to convince them.

AURORA (bitter): Of what?

ROWENA: A madman, aided by the horrors of the Rift, slaughters an innocent patrol. They lapped it up, believe me. Perhaps people were eager to—

AURORA (hissing, angry but gets hollow by the end): You have your villain. You took everything from me. What else do you want?

ROWENA: It would be a waste to allow you to rot in this prison for the rest of your life. I know you certainly can agree with me on that, can’t you?

AURORA: No.

ROWENA (sighing): Your dramatics are certainly something, but I am only here to ask one small favor of you. Admit to killing the Dravara, say you snapped like we all knew you would and I will set you free. No one west of here will know what happened. It’s a simple solution to our rather complicated problem.

AURORA: Why?

ROWENA: Keeping the illusion alive is rather important, Aurora. You would be surprised what people believe when it’s spoken by someone they trust. Your freedom in exchange for a few white lies seems fair enough, correct?

AURORA: But...what does that gain you?

ROWENA: We are getting off track. What do you think? I will give you all the time you need to decide, don’t worry.

AURORA: And what if I refuse?

ROWENA: You just can’t make this easy, can you?

AURORA (slowly): What if I refuse?

ROWENA: We have ways of ensuring you won’t ruin things for me.

AURORA: Please. That would be too easy for you and you enjoy making people suffer. So, I’m going to ask again. What if I refuse?

ROWENA: What do you think happened to the last traitor who sided against the Dravara? You don’t honestly think we killed him, do you?

AURORA: I don’t follow.

ROWENA: Honestly, I was disappointed how quickly he snapped. Of course, we didn’t let him die but he was eventually…let go. I doubt he’s still alive but as I was saying before, we have methods of ensuring our safety.

AURORA: Torture then?

ROWENA: I do what is necessary to protect the Dravara.

AURORA: It’s inhumane.

ROWENA: Thank you, Aurora, for your input but I don’t have time for this. I have other things to attend to besides you.

AURORA: No.

ROWENA: Excuse me?

AURORA: You’re offering me freedom an entire death too late. So...no, is my answer. I didn’t kill them and I’m far from willing to go along with your lie.

ROWENA: You have your life and in three months’ time, you will wish you were lacking even that much. Good luck, Aurora. Someone will come for you.

AURORA (mocking): I do hope you’ll come back to visit me.

ROWENA (calm slipping a bit): Goodbye, Aurora.

Her heels click away and then the door slams.

SCENE 2

AURORA (to himself, to the water dripping): Can you stop that? It’s bad enough being thirsty without having to hear you.

The drips continue, almost as if to spite him.

AURORA: Please?

The water stops briefly, then starts again after a few seconds of silence.

AURORA (voice echoing in the prison): Stop it!

NARRATION: Aurora moved to slide down against the wall. The drumming was only growing lower and his hands clapped over his ears harshly. Had it not been for the light that flashed across his face as the door opened, he wouldn’t have ever heard the heels of her shoes. He brought his hands away, standing slowly again and crossing his arms in front of his chest.

AURORA: I wouldn’t open that door if I were you.

ROWENA: You know I’m not afraid of you, Aurora.

AURORA: Perhaps not but I’m no longer restrained and I won’t be responsible—

ROWENA: Don’t worry, I won’t be here for long. I’m offering you one last chance.

AURORA: How many times do I—

ROWENA: You have refused, yes, but I assume things haven’t been pleasant for you.

AURORA (bitter): Why do you care?

ROWENA (dismissively): Do you know how long you’re able to survive without water?

AURORA (scoffing, sounding a bit sad): Daniel scolded me about this once.

ROWENA: A few days at most...and you have been here for two already.

AURORA: Bored of your toy already?

ROWENA (losing her cool a bit): I’m not without mercy. No matter what you believe, I am capable of compassion. Both of us are the same in that regard, capable of things others wouldn’t believe. No one knows we both were abandoned when we needed kindness the most—

AURORA: I don’t care what they think of me, and I don’t care what you have to say to me.

ROWENA (genuinely frustrated, her heel clicking impatiently on the floor): Fine, rot in here for all I care! That was out of line. All I want—

AURORA (mocking): Do you want me to beg? Please, strike me down where I stand. Is that enough, or should I get on my knees for you?

ROWENA: Mock me all you want, but there have been men better than you who’ve said the same. One in particular, do you know why?

AURORA: Enlighten me.

ROWENA: He didn’t deserve the relief. Everyone has their breaking point, Aurora, and some may last longer than others but eventually, everything snaps. I don’t fail.

AURORA (snippy, sassy): I’ll show you mine, you show me yours?

ROWENA: Enjoy the rest of your days here, Aurora. We will meet again, but it won’t be any time soon.

AURORA: Oh, but I’ll be so lonely. If you’re looking for a challenge, I’ll give you one.

Her heels click across the floor, disappearing again behind the closed door. As soon as he is left alone, Aurora sighs, and the water continues dripping.

NARRATION: His teeth bared in frustration, twisting his fingers further into the tangled mop on his head.

AURORA (begging): Stop it.

The drips continue.

AURORA (quiet, weakly): Please?

SCENE 3

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Officer Norton, can you hear me?

DANIEL: S...spinning, where am I?

DRAVARA RECRUIT: I’ll take that as a yes? You’re okay, just lie down. There was an accident, sir. Do you remember anything?

DANIEL (strained): I— Should I? How did I get here?

DRAVARA RECRUIT: I’m sure someone will explain it to you, but I don’t think it’s my place to talk about it—

DANIEL: It?

The sound goes fuzzy again, then clears when the young Dravara starts talking again.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Sir, I’ll call for someone. They should be right outside, okay? I’m sure someone else can explain—

DANIEL: No, don’t go. What happened to me? As chief officer, I order you to tell me—

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Just...stay here, and drink this. I'll be right back.

DANIEL groans again but doesn't argue, taking the glass and swallowing the contents quickly. He cringes, or makes a disgusted sound. The door opens as the boy turns to leave.

DANIEL: Where is Aurora? He...he was with me, wasn't he?

DRAVARA RECRUIT: That's...well, that's part of the problem, sir.

DANIEL: What do you mean? Aurora isn't hurt, is he?

The Dravara is quiet.

DANIEL: Answer me! Please, I don't know what's going on.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: I'm sorry, sir. I was told specifically not to say anything to you when you woke up. Should I call someone now? She said she'd come when you—

DANIEL: She?

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Rowena, sir. She said...w-wait, sir, please don't try to get up! You're going to hurt yourself.

DANIEL: Was she with us? Relax, I don’t need to be watched like a child.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: I'm sorry, sir...it's just orders.

NARRATION: A mirror caught his attention then, drawing his eyes away from the boy’s face and to the wall to his left. Bandages, white and wrapped tightly around his head, marked with crimson on one side that had long since faded to something that was closer to an ugly shade of brown. There was a scratch running along his jaw and another beneath his eye, scabbed over and dull.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Sit down, please, and I’ll try to explain as best I can until someone comes.

DANIEL: I’m going...to be sick.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Please, sit.

NARRATION: Daniel stumbled back to the bed, sitting down heavily once more.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: You’ve been unconscious for a few days. You were leading a border patrol and Aurora followed you. Some of the other officers were concerned and went out after your party but by the time they got there…

DANIEL: What happened?

DRAVARA RECRUIT: Sir, I really don’t think—

DANIEL: Tell me what happened, or I’ll be sure you’re shoveling horse shit for the rest of your sentence. Do you understand me?

They’re both quiet, and Daniel seems surprised he actually said that.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: They were dead, sir. The whole party was dead.

DANIEL: What...what do you mean? T-there were close to twenty of us. They can’t just...they didn’t all die.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: There was one other, but...well, like I said, sir, that’s the problem…

He trails off as the door opens.

ROWENA: I would like to speak to Officer Norton, please. Thank you for your assistance while I was away.

DRAVARA RECRUIT: R-right, I hope you feel better Officer Norton.

DANIEL: Thank you, I—

The recruit leaves before he can finish, and the bed squeaks as Daniel tries awkwardly pushing himself up to his feet to greet Rowena.

ROWENA: Sit.

The bed squeaks again as he does just that.

ROWENA: Would you like me to get you anything?

DANIEL (hoarsely): No, thank you.

ROWENA: I assume you were given a basic understanding of what happened. Do you remember anything at all? They were rather worried about you. But I must say, I didn’t expect you to be on your feet so soon.

DANIEL: Where is Aurora? The boy started saying—

ROWENA: He shouldn’t have been saying anything at all. I do hope he didn’t say anything too devastating, did he?

DANIEL (deadpan): What happened to us?

ROWENA: I really can’t put this delicately—

NARRATION: He sat up quickly, vision spinning to the point where he was certain he was going to—

ROWENA (she snaps her fingers, sound slightly distorted as his vision spins): Daniel, look here. You have to take things slowly. Lie down for a while and get some rest. I can come back later—

DANIEL: T-the boy told me Aurora was alive but I-I don’t remember—

ROWENA: He’s alive, yes. I have no right to keep anything from you. Like I had ordered you to do, you led a retrieval party to send a group back east. Aurora insisted on joining—

DANIEL: How did he know about them?

ROWENA: I told him. It was a mistake, but I didn’t think things would go so far. I told you this once, don’t you remember?

DANIEL: Vaguely…but why did he want to come along?

ROWENA: I’m not sure anyone, even you, could have known why he wanted to come along. The gates were ordered to remain closed but you know how persuasive Aurora can be—

DANIEL: He threatened the gatekeeper.

ROWENA: Precisely, but that’s not the point. Once he left the stronghold, he tracked down your party. He just…he—

DANIEL: Is he here?

ROWENA (gently): I’ve never seen a slaughter quite like it. I assume he aligned himself with the creatures of the Rift based on the damage. He nearly killed you—

DANIEL (voice shaking): That’s not funny. What kind of a joke—

ROWENA: I truly wish I was lying to you, for the sake of those killed, I really wish I was. We were wary of him and his actions, fearing something would happen, but I never knew it would be something like this.

DANIEL: No, just...take me to him. There’s something wrong here. Aurora is many things but he’s not…he’s not…

ROWENA (warning): Norton.

DANIEL (losing composure even further): He’s not that!

ROWENA: I understand your grief, but I don’t appreciate being interrupted every moment I try to speak to you.

DANIEL: I’m sorry.

ROWENA: I’m so sorry, Norton. None of this ever should have happened.

They’re both quiet briefly.

DANIEL: Aurora may not be...perfect. But he’s…he’s my friend, more than that even. I just…where is he? Let me speak to him and I can figure out what happened.

ROWENA: If this had happened anywhere else, he would have been executed but instead, he was locked away. You should be happy, and forgive me for how insensitive this sounds, but you should be glad it didn’t happen elsewhere.

DANIEL (very quiet, voice breaking): Just let me speak with him, please.

NARRATION: Rowena placed an unsettlingly cold hand over his.

ROWENA: Daniel, who are you going to believe, me or him?

SCENE 4

AURORA: You, rat…piss off.

A stone clatters across the floor as Aurora throws it toward the rat that squeaks and seems to leave.

NARRATION: Aurora climbed to his feet, knees aching as he made his way across the cell only to return to the very same spot. His arms stretched over his head, tugging until there was something of a satisfying crack, and he groaned at having to move again.

AURORA (singing, trying to entertain himself): Got nothing better to do but bother me, do you? I don’t have any food for you, sorry to say.

NARRATION: He swung himself forward against the bars, then back, and back again, again, and again, until he finally stopped himself to rest his forehead against one of them. A smile cracked across his lips, and he laughed, stumbling backwards and throwing his arms in the air.

The rats start squeaking again.

AURORA (angry suddenly): Find something better then!

Aurora throws another stone with a frustrated yell and it clacks against the far wall before everything goes quiet again for several seconds aside from a hollow wind sound.

AURORA (thoughtfully): Am I dying in here?

He whistles, then listens to the echo, then grunts, displeased.

AURORA: I’m not sure I want to, but I don’t know, I really don’t. No, I don’t, I’ve decided. Hear that? I don’t want to die, rats.

There is only silence.

SCENE 5

There’s a knock at the door.

DANIEL (a little surprised): Yes?

The door opens with a squeak, then closes again.

ROWENA: I won’t trouble you for very long.

DANIEL: I don’t mind. I get bored. I’m feeling better…not completely fine but well enough.

ROWENA: You aren’t completely fine. In fact, you are very lucky there was no lasting damage.

DANIEL (sighing): You mean besides memory loss.

Daniel winces as he sits up in bed.

ROWENA: I’ve heard rumors and I would like to dispel them.

DANIEL: W-what rumors?

ROWENA: Are you leaving us?

Daniel says nothing.

ROWENA: If this is about Aurora, I can assure you he will no longer be a problem.

DANIEL: I know, but I can’t say I’m leaving for sure...but I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’ve served for nearly six years and most only stay for two—

ROWENA: You know you are welcome here, always. Some of my more experienced officers have a hard time adjusting to the world again.

DANIEL: I know but I don’t think I can stay here anymore. I stayed so long for Aurora and I don’t want to leave you—

ROWENA (coldly): Don’t blame yourself. We all knew what would happen to Aurora eventually.

DANIEL: Did we?

ROWENA (deadpan): Rest. You should be able to leave within the next day if you do, but if you’ll excuse me, I should be getting back to work. Organizing patrols is much more difficult than I remembered. My father was always better at this than I. When he led, things were much more…well, I’m not sure how to put it.

DANIEL: I never met your father, did I?

ROWENA: No, you never did. I was too young to take charge right away but Benjamin eventually relinquished his rank to me. In honor of my father, I suppose. It was a kind gesture, but seeing how close he and my father were, it wasn't exactly a surprise.

DANIEL: In honor of your father?

ROWENA: I do believe I’ve told you this story before.

DANIEL: I—I’m sorry, you don’t have to again then.

ROWENA (oddly emotionless): It’s a shame. Things get rather dull without you here, Norton. I do wish you would stay.

DANIEL: I’ll...think about it more.

ROWENA: Do, in the meantime, try not to think about Aurora.

SCENE 6

LUCIUS: Officer Norton?

DANIEL: You really don’t have to call me that. I’m retiring, remember?

LUCIUS: I know, but…I just thought you’d like to keep it. Most of the officers seem proud of it. But I was asked to help you—

DANIEL: Tell Rowena I’m perfectly fine on my own. I just want to be left alone, please.

LUCIUS: Of course, sir.

The leather of his horse’s saddle squeaks as he tightens the girth. His horse snorts, and then Lucius clears his throat behind him.

DANIEL (impatient): Can I help you?

LUCIUS: If it helps at all…I don’t think your friend killed those men.

DANIEL (frustrated): What isn’t there to believe? Aurora—

LUCIUS: I didn’t mean anything by it, sir. I wasn’t trying to say anything wrong but I just think...well, maybe we don’t know everything, that’s all.

DRAVARA OFFICER: That’s a dangerous thing to say.

LUCIUS: I—

DRAVARA OFFICER (somewhat jokingly): You aren’t trying to start rumors now, are you?

LUCIUS: N-no, ma’am. I’m not trying to start anything. I was just talking to Officer Norton about his friend and… didn’t mean anything. I’ll get back to work.

NARRATION: The boy was gone then, disappearing out of sight and Daniel looked up at the other officer.

DRAVARA OFFICER: We’re all sad to see you go, Norton.

DANIEL (chuckling): I want to say I’m sorry to be going, but I’m not sure that’s entirely true. Assuming you heard I was leaving?

DRAVARA OFFICER: We all did. Rowena let all the officers know because we are in need of someone to take over.

DANIEL (a little panicked): I’m sorry to leave so quickly. I just—I can’t stay—

DRAVARA OFFICER (reassuringly): Don’t worry. We’ve got things handled.

DANIEL: Does she have anyone to replace me already?

DRAVARA OFFICER: Heard talk of a younger officer. Harriet is her name, if I remember correctly. Know her?

DANIEL: No, I don’t think so. Goddesses, need to remember to stop touching my head.

DRAVARA OFFICER: How is it?

DANIEL: The head? Not great.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Should you really be leaving so soon then?

There is a brief silence between them.

DANIEL: I can’t stay.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Is she giving you a place to go?

DANIEL: A cottage out west.

DRAVARA OFFICER (cheery): Well, I can see why you’re leaving us.

DANIEL: It’s not the cottage…I just can’t…

DRAVARA OFFICER: I understand. It’s hard staying when you know you could be out there. You don’t have to explain. No one is faulting you for leaving. You lived through something that few of us would have been able to. No one blames you, Daniel.

DANIEL (sighing): Thank you.

NARRATION: He looked down the rows of stables, wondering where the boy had gone before his eyes rose back to the officer once more.

DANIEL: Will you do something for me?

DRAVARA OFFICER: Of course. What do you need?

DANIEL: Be sure she knows...about what you heard earlier.

There is a pause.

DRAVARA OFFICER: It might be for the best she doesn’t.

DANIEL: Please.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Alright.

NARRATION: Daniel led his horse from the stables, saddlebags packed with what few things he owned, and some he didn’t, some he’d thought to collect from Aurora’s room.

Daniel climbs into the saddle with a noise of effort, turning when hoofbeats come up from behind him.

DRAVARA RIDER: Officer Norton, sir. Will you allow us to escort you to the border?

DANIEL: I’d rather go alone. Will you tell Rowena I’ve gone?

NARRATION: One of the men nodded while another gestured up towards the top of the keep where the image of a figure stood between the glass eyes of the windows. Daniel couldn’t bear to look for long, attention returning to ahead of him shortly after he caught sight of her.

DANIEL: Good luck to all of you.

DRAVARA PARTY (a few voices): You too. Thank you, sir. Safe travels.

NARRATION: Daniel drove his heels against his horse’s side, glancing behind him only briefly. A ghost of a figure stood atop the archway, staring down at him for a moment before disappearing the moment he blinked.

The gate closes with a booming thud.

ROWENA (in his head): You know you are welcome here, always.

Daniel rides off, the sound of his horse’s hoofbeats fading until it’s only a low howl of a wind that remains.

SCENE 7

ROWENA: Leave him.

AURORA coughs harshly. Boots step away from him, and he makes a dragging sound as he pulls his body forward.

NARRATION: Aurora rose stiffly, pushing himself up on one arm and staring down at the blood drooling from his mouth, puddling on the ground beneath his shaking body.

DRAVARA LACKEY: Look at him go. Not done yet, are you? Vexing piece of shit.

Someone spits, and Aurora doesn’t respond, still panting where he’s collapsed on the floor.

AURORA (weak): Vex it all.

NARRATION: Rolling his head sideways, he reached shakily for a bowl, hands quivering too harshly not to spill most of it on the stone around him. Blood clung to his tongue even after he’d finished the bowl, half tempted to swipe up what he could from the floor, but knew most of it had already bled away down the stone.

Rowena’s heels click on the floor and over to him.

NARRATION: His head was lifted by his blood streaked hair, ripped upward to where he was peering into her eyes, or so it seemed.

ROWENA: Aurora, are you still with us?

AURORA: You can’t…hurt me.

ROWENA: I believe I just did.

AURORA: Not you, them. You’re not even real, are you? You’re not real.

ROWENA: What are you talking about?

AURORA (shouting): You’re not real! You’re not!

The sound fades out to him repeating the same shouts, and then goes quiet.

The far door opens, a wooden door, not the squeaky cell Aurora finds himself in. It’s obvious time has passed, but it’s unclear how much.

LUCIUS: Lemme go!

AURORA: Come to bring me a companion? How kind of you.

DRAVARA LACKEY: Quiet.

NARRATION: The lantern carried by one of the men brightened and he stepped forward cautiously, narrowly catching something thrown to him through the bars. He looked down, hurriedly unwrapping the bundle and finding something that resembled a bit of dried fish and half of a bruised apple. Aurora smiled, looking up to the man and nodding appreciatively.

AURORA: Much obliged.

DRAVARA LACKEY: Rowena sends her regards.

AURORA: Changing tactics, are we?

The door to the cell beside him slams, the Dravara walk away and then the far door closes again. For a moment, things are quiet, until Aurora notices the shivering boy in the cell beside him.

NARRATION: He ventured closer, leaning against the bars separating them and frowning.

LUCIUS (scared): Keep away from me.

AURORA (through a bite of jerky): I can’t exactly come much closer. I may be able to do a few things but pass through metal isn’t one. If I could, I would have been out of here long ago.

NARRATION: The figure got to their feet clumsily, unsteady and shaking as they leaned back against the wall behind them.

LUCIUS: I...I can’t see you, it’s too dark.

AURORA: What’s your name?

LUCIUS: L-Lucius, why does it matter to you?

NARRATION: Aurora frowned, folding the cloth back over the bundle again and turning to the boy quaking against the stone.

AURORA: Hungry?

NARRATION: Lucius looked up, hood covering most of his face aside from one of his eyes that simply narrowed questioningly before he nodded unsurely. Aurora tossed it through, watching as the other prisoner slid over to it and pulled the bundle into his lap.

LUCIUS: You sure you don’t want it?

AURORA: I’ll survive and you seem to need it more than I do.

The boy eats quietly, and Aurora doesn’t say anything.

NARRATION: Aurora waited, staring off into the dark again until the cloth was tossed back to him, apples still very much untouched.

LUCIUS: I don’t like apples much, but thanks.

AURORA: I’m mostly indifferent about them, but it pays not to be picky here. Besides, I think they’re trying to poison me.

LUCIUS (panicked): Why would you give it to me then?

AURORA (chuckling): I said they’re trying to poison me, not you. I’m certain that, if they are, it’s specific to me. I eat the fish just fine, so do the rats, but I don’t trust some of the other bits.

LUCIUS (confused): Can poison be specific to one person?

AURORA: If it’s Rowena we’re talking about, she’d find a way.

LUCIUS: What did you say your name was?

AURORA: I didn’t say it, but...Aurora, why?

LUCIUS: I think we met once.

AURORA: I don’t remember. Did we talk?

LUCIUS: Y-you told me to go away. I’m not sure that counts as talking.

NARRATION: The darkness made it difficult to see the boy clearly but he could pick out the reddish color of his hair and the grey-green of his one visible eye. He turned his head then, facing Aurora for the first time and revealing a nearly swollen shut eye and a bloody gash along his cheek.

LUCIUS: It’s bad, isn’t it?

AURORA (swallowing, trying to be reassuring): I’ve certainly seen worse.

LUCIUS: I shouldn’t have run.

AURORA: You’re a runaway?

LUCIUS: No, I knew some things...and they didn’t like that. I told someone about it, mentioned something, you know? Staying quiet— (Lucius cuts himself off with a cry of pain)

AURORA: You’re hurt?

NARRATION: Lucius’ teeth grit as a hand slid down over an obvious dark ruddy stain on the leg of his pants.

AURORA: You’re hurt.

LUCIUS (strained as he shuffles against the wall): No, no, it’s nothing. Just a scratch…or something.

AURORA: Sit down, and stop moving. You’re going to hurt yourself worse.

LUCIUS: I-I’m scared. No, not just scared…I’m terrified. I can’t just sit here and wait for… I don’t want to die. There has to be some way out of here, right?

AURORA: Anyone with half a brain is afraid of one thing or another.

LUCIUS (trying to change the subject): Well, what are you afraid of?

AURORA: Honestly? I’m afraid that one day, I’ll die—

LUCIUS: Actually, I’m trying really hard not to think about dying right now.

AURORA: You didn’t let me finish. I’m afraid...they will celebrate knowing that someone like me is dead because people like me, don’t deserve to live. I’ll die some day and that’s all they will ever see me as, something that never should have lived in the first place.

Lucius just stares at him.

AURORA (coughs): I’m afraid of snakes too. I’m sorry, I haven’t been given the chance to talk very often, but you didn’t say what happened to you. Are you alright?

LUCIUS: They followed me…I didn’t even make it to the bottleneck. I don’t think they meant to hit me but my leg, it doesn’t stop hurting no matter what I do.

AURORA: What happened?

LUCIUS: T-t-they didn’t mean to, I know they didn’t. One of them shot me and it hit my leg. I-it’s just a graze but it hurts. I don’t want to d-die here. None of this should have happened and now I’m going to d—

AURORA: You’re not going to die.

LUCIUS (sniffling): Why not?

AURORA: I won’t let you. I’ve been on my own for quite some time now, and don’t think you can leave me lonely again by dying.

LUCIUS (half a laugh, half a sob): I don’t think you can stop me.

AURORA: I’ve been here for much longer than you have. Do I look dead to you?

LUCIUS: No, you look tired.

AURORA: Well, exhaustion and death are two very different things, aren’t they?

NARRATION: Lucius nodded, looking up at Aurora and cracking something that may have been a smile had it not been halted by the bruising of his face. He extended a hand to the boy, leaning down so Lucius didn’t have to move.

AURORA: It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Lucius. Don’t worry about the Dravara. Everything is going to be just fine, alright?

LUCIUS: Thank you.

AURORA: What for?

LUCIUS: Hope...sometimes hope is the best thing you can give.

SCENE 8

NARRATION: Small wasn’t the right word to describe her, curly headed and with a smile that echoed her eagerness without her even having to say a word.

HARRIET: Excuse me, ma’am.

ROWENA: You don’t have to say that every time you open your mouth.

HARRIET (flustered): I’m sorry. I’m not used to all this business yet.

ROWENA: Tuffett, how long have you been an officer?

HARRIET: Two years, ma’am.

ROWENA (repeating): Two years.

HARRIET: I-I honestly was surprised you chose me to replace Norton. There were plenty of others who have been here much longer. Alexandra, you know her, don’t you? I’m sorry, of course you do. She’s been an officer for…well, I really don’t know how long—

ROWENA: Yes, Officer Desoto is a wonderful officer, isn’t she? However, I fear she would have denied the offer even if I asked. Norton was rather young when he had taken the position before you. I assume you know that, don’t you?

HARRIET: It’s an honor, ma’am, to even be considered. May I ask…why you chose me?

ROWENA: I like you, Tuffett.

HARRIET: Y-you do? You can call me Harriet, if you’d like—

ROWENA: I’d rather not.

HARRIET (slightly disappointed): Of course.

ROWENA: You show potential. And while you are…young, just like Norton was, I like the promise you show me.

HARRIET (flattered): Thank you, ma’am.

Rowena says nothing.

HARRIET: I-is that all you wanted from me?

ROWENA: I normally congratulate them, the new officers, I mean, but you’ve already been an officer for two years so I don’t think that would be necessary. Your name was nominated by a number of others, but I have the final say.

HARRIET: Understood—

ROWENA: No, I don’t think you do.

NARRATION: Harriet frowned, the crinkling of her nose disappearing with the smile that had stayed for much longer than Rowena anticipated it ever would have.

ROWENA: Nor do I expect you to. You see, the Dravara are a very important institution but I assume you already know this. After all, you’ve been with us for…

HARRIET: Five years this spring, ma’am.

ROWENA: You must have gathered just how much we do, how much I do, for the rest of the world. We are the one thing standing between that world and ours, between chaos and a balance no other establishment could manage.

HARRIET: Yes, ma’am. I understand that but—

ROWENA: The Dravara are mine to control. It’s a fact and I’m sure we both understand that quite well, don’t we?

HARRIET (cautious): Yes, ma’am. And the officers help you in any way we can. But—

ROWENA (stern): No, there is nothing else. You will assist me and you will listen to my decisions.

HARRIET: Yes, of course, ma’am. Would you outline my duties, please?

ROWENA: Norton organized patrols for me. It’s something I’m admittedly not very good at. You may choose to pass the duty on to someone else or take it up for yourself. I would advise you to choose wisely should you do that though. Few are truly capable of such a feat.

HARRIET: I can do it, ma’am.

ROWENA: Of course, you can. You’re a smart girl. That’s why I chose you. I’d like for you to look out for flaws within our ranks. There are some who would spread some rather nasty seeming rumors about the Dravara. You know what I mean by that, don’t you? Oh, why am I even asking? Of course you do.

HARRIET: You mean people who aren’t loyal, I’m assuming. I overheard one of the officers speaking about a boy—

ROWENA (snapping, very angry out of nowhere): There is no boy.

There is a pause for a moment while Harriet recovers.

HARRIET (startled, shaky): Right, of course.

ROWENA (calmer): Excuse me, I apologize for that, but the events you heard about didn’t happen. There was a…misunderstanding and all things have been remedied.

HARRIET: Are you alright, ma’am?

ROWENA: Fine, but do tell me you understand what I’ve told you. I’m sure you do but I’d just like to be sure.

HARRIET: I understand completely, ma’am.

ROWENA (claps her hands together): Tuffett, I do believe we are going to get along just fine. After all, you and I will be working very closely together now. I offer my compliments to you on reaching this point, but do keep in mind what I’ve told you. I’m sure you will, won’t you?

HARRIET (eager): Yes, ma’am!

ROWENA (calmly, smoothly): Of course you will.

EPISODE 9

LUCIUS: Why do you do that?

AURORA: Do what?

LUCIUS: You've been walking back and forth for hours. I’m getting tired just watching you.

AURORA: Sit down. You’re not going to heal if you aggravate that leg.

NARRATION: Lucius ignored him, limping towards the bars with teeth gritting together and eyes downcast.

AURORA: Sit down—

LUCIUS: I’m just stretching my legs. Sitting this long can’t be good for it anyway.

The water starts dripping again.

AURORA (frustrated): Do you hear it? The water, it never stops.

LUCIUS (confused): I…don’t hear any water.

AURORA: It’s right there. Why can’t you hear it?

NARRATION: Aurora’s head tilted to one side, eyes scanning the dark.

LUCIUS: I’m sorry, maybe I just don’t hear so well, but, what are you doing?

AURORA: Shh...Thinking, now, be quiet for five seconds. You’re well worse than Daniel sometimes.

LUCIUS: You were friends with him, right? Officer Norton, I mean.

AURORA (sighing): Yes, we were friends, why are you asking?

LUCIUS: Did you get to explain what happened to him when your party got killed?

The water keeps dripping, the sound emphasized in the silence that falls.

AURORA: What...what are you talking about?

LUCIUS: He’s gone now, you know? He left the stronghold weeks ago. Stepped down from his rank and when he was strong enough…he left. No one really said why he went. I think he just wanted to go.

AURORA stammers, but can’t seem to get his words out.

LUCIUS: I’m sorry, I thought you knew about it all.

AURORA (stunned): Daniel… (he pauses for some time) Daniel is alive?

SCENE 10

A flashback.

AURORA: Elizabeth, where are you?

DANIEL (hushing him): They’re going to hear us—

AURORA: We have to find her!

DANIEL: If she’s not here, where is she?

From the trees, a twig snaps and Aurora cocks his gun.

AURORA: Get out here!

DRAVARA MEMBER: What sort of an idiot do you think I am? Step out so you can shoot us.

Laughter comes from the trees, more than one set.

NARRATION: Daniel put a hand on his shoulder, cowering behind him and staring fearfully behind the two of them. His finger curled around the trigger.

ELIZABETH: Ror!

A gunshot rings out, fading into silence.

NARRATION: Aurora wakes up with a gasp, breathing heavily and trying to shake the memory from his head. He calms a bit, then seems to focus on the sniffling in the cell beside him.

AURORA: Lucius?

NARRATION: He leaned against the bars, sitting down and tapping his fingers against the metal.

AURORA: Lucius, are you alright?

LUCIUS: I can’t do this. I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten in days and my leg hurts so badly I want to scream. Just...if you ever make it out of here—

AURORA: Kid, look at me.

NARRATION: The other prisoner peered up from the ground, dull eyes swollen and still reddened from the tears running down his cheeks.

AURORA (frustrated, yelling a bit): You are not going to die. Do you understand me?

LUCIUS: We both knew what was going to happen. I can’t…I’m sorry but I can’t, A…Au—

AURORA: Do you have a family, Lucius?

LUCIUS (sighing): My father turned me in for running away about a year ago. My mother disappeared when I was seven, and I don’t have any siblings. I don’t have anything out there.

AURORA: Your mother loved you very much, didn’t she?

LUCIUS: Yes, we never found out what happened to her.

AURORA (hesitantly): Lucius, can I tell you a story?

LUCIUS (sniffling): If you can make it a happy one.

AURORA: I’m not sure I can promise that, but it’s about my family...and I don’t talk about them much, but… I grew up with an innkeeper. He adopted me when I was very young, so...I don’t really remember a time before that. He had two other kids before me, Elizabeth and Silas. Some days when I sit in here, I think about them still...and it helps.

LUCIUS: Are they still around, your brother and sister?

AURORA is quiet for a number of seconds.

AURORA: Yes.

LUCIUS: Good, that’s good.

AURORA: One night, the Dravara came to take us, Daniel too, but...he showed up just a few months before. He was a runaway too, believe that one or not. On that night, I...Lucius, things went badly, and some of it was my fault. My brother got shot, and I know...that wasn’t my fault, but he stayed behind so we could run.

He pauses.

AURORA: We got separated after that, Elizabeth, Daniel and I. Daniel found me, and we tried to find Elizabeth...and we did. I shot her, Lucius...n-not on purpose, but when she came out of the trees, the gun went off in my hand...and she got hit, badly.

LUCIUS: Was she okay?

AURORA: For a long time, I didn’t know, and I was too scared to find out. Once she got better, or as well as she could, she wrote me letters...but I haven’t read any of them past the first one. She lived, and that was all the information I could handle.

LUCIUS: What about your brother?

AURORA: I don’t know. I know he was arrested, but...I guess I haven’t heard much since. Daniel mentioned Elizabeth writing about him once… Point is, I fight because I know the people who did love me would want me to. They might be gone, or far away, but I know what they would want for me.

For a moment, Lucius doesn’t say anything, sliding back down the wall with a groan.

LUCIUS: You know, the Dravara were nice enough for the most part, but I wasn’t a person to them. You treat me like a person, like something that matters, you know? And I can’t thank you enough but…I can’t do this.

AURORA: I’m sorry you’re here, but if you can’t do it for them...can you do it for me? I don’t want to be alone again. If I’m stuck here with anyone, I’m glad it’s with someone like you.

Lucius sniffles but doesn’t say anything for a moment.

LUCIUS: I don’t blame you for yelling earlier. I’d get tired of me complaining all the time too.

AURORA: Lucius, you are the best part of being held in this damn prison, which, admittedly doesn’t sound like much, but it is.

LUCIUS: Will you do something for me?

AURORA: Of course.

LUCIUS (quiet, angry): Put a bullet in her.

AURORA (laughing): I don’t believe that will be too much trouble for me. I was planning on it already, and you’re welcome to join me if you would like that. When we get out of this place, that is.

LUCIUS (a bit more optimistic): When we make it out of here, they’ll wish they never started trouble with us.

NARRATION: Aurora reached his arm through the bars towards the stableboy.

AURORA: We will cause the most trouble they have ever seen, and I can promise you that.

LUCIUS laughs, then starts coughing and leans his head back with a pained sound.

AURORA: Are you alright?

LUCIUS (slurring a bit): I feel blurry, maybe just tired.

AURORA: I can stop talking—

LUCIUS: No, please, I don’t like it when it’s quiet in here, you know?

AURORA: I’ve never been much of a conversationalist, but I’ll do my best.

LUCIUS: Do you know how to write?

AURORA: Yes.

LUCIUS: I don’t.

AURORA: Are you asking me to teach you?

LUCIUS: Maybe just my name, Aur… Auroro… I think I’m having trouble with...your name.

AURORA (hoarse, a bit sad): Would you like to call me Rory instead?

LUCIUS: Yeah, Rory, that’s easier.

AURORA: My sister used to call me that, or just Ror. Back to writing though, do you know the letters?

NARRATION: Aurora rooted around on the floor for a stone, something small and easy for the boy to grip in his hand.

LUCIUS: I was learning them. We were supposed to learn our names the next time I went but…I ran away before I could. I know most of them but some of them are hard to remember, you know?

AURORA: Here, why don’t you show me what you know. Scratch it into the floor.

LUCIUS: I know what it starts with, at least.

AURORA: Write it then.

LUCIUS (hesitantly): W-which way does it go again?

AURORA: To the right. Do you know what comes next?

LUCIUS: No.

AURORA: Think about it, I’m sure it’ll come to you in no time.

LUCIUS (laughing bitterly): My head…hurts. I don’t think I can.

AURORA (spelling): L-u.

The stone falls out of Lucius’ hand and clatters on the floor.

LUCIUS: I’m shaking...I’m sorry. We can do this—

AURORA (reassuring): You’re almost there.

LUCIUS: Rory—

AURORA: L-u-c-i-u-s. That’s right, you did it!

LUCIUS: Like that?

AURORA: Exactly like that!

LUCIUS (happier): How do I spell yours?

SCENE 11

Thunder rocks the prison.

LUCIUS (slurring, having just woken up): Gunshot?

AURORA: No, it’s just thunder.

NARRATION: He got to his feet, squinting in the darkness and scrambling to find something to collect the rain in. His feet struck metal and Aurora reached down, snatching the mug from the ground and setting it down beneath a dribbling crack in the ceiling.

AURORA: Lucius, look.

NARRATION: Aurora turned, peering through the darkness to where he could barely make out the image of the boy lying there. His face was pale, gaunt and sickly to the point where he was beginning to look, as horrible as it sounded, like a corpse.

Water drips from the ceiling, clinking into the bottom of the metal cup.

LUCIUS (slurred): What’s that noise?

AURORA: Rain—

Thunder cuts him off.

NARRATION: There was a breeze then, cool and slick with rain that fell through the crack above them. Aurora’s eyes closed, breathing in the scent of water in the air and reveling in the feeling of the rain on his face.

Thunder echoes through the prison again.

AURORA: Thirsty?

LUCIUS: A little.

NARRATION: Aurora lifted the mug, squinting to see it was just under half full before he moved to the bars between them. He set it down then, reaching as far as he could into the other cell in hopes Lucius could reach it without getting up from where he was slumped against the wall.

AURORA: Let’s hope this storm rips this place apart. Take the mug. It’s not much, but maybe it will lift your spirits a bit.

LUCIUS: I...don’t want to move.

AURORA: You need it. We don’t know how long it will be until they come back. Take it, you need to drink it, Lucius.

NARRATION: He looked up then, eyes dull and lifeless, before shuffling sideways with some difficulty closer to the bars between them. His quivering hands took the mug, brought it to his lips and then set it down again once the contents were drained in an instant.

AURORA: Better? Here, pass it back.

NARRATION: The boy nodded, shoving the mug closer across the floor. Aurora collected it again, frowning as it set it back in the same place as before.

AURORA: How is your head?

LUCIUS: Hurts.

AURORA: No, is the fever gone.

NARRATION: Lucius leaned his head against the stone wall.

LUCIUS: Feels cold...I don’t know.

AURORA (anxious): What is my name?

LUCIUS: You know your name.

AURORA: I know. Can you say it for me?

LUCIUS: Rory.

AURORA: And what’s your name?

LUCIUS (slurred, annoyed): Why are you asking me…questions?

AURORA (feigning a lighter tone, chuckling): I think I’m starting to forget things. Will you remind me? The cell, it’s getting to me.

LUCIUS: You know my name. It’s Lucius.

AURORA: Thank you.

NARRATION: Aurora looked down where the mug was before moving to rip off a section of his shirt, finding it tore away easily from the rest of the fabric. The mug filled quickly and he dunked the cloth inside before passing the scrap between the bars.

AURORA: Take this. Put it on your forehead. Keep leaning against the stone if you can, alright?

LUCIUS: I’ll try.

AURORA: Lucius, do you think anything is growing?

LUCIUS: It’s too cold.

AURORA: No, it’s raining. Have you ever seen the east when spring comes? Did you know rimethorn blooms?

LUCIUS: No.

AURORA: Lucius, where are we?

LUCIUS: Dying.

Across the prison, the door opens, and Aurora starts chuckling.

AURORA: Normally the rats hide away with a storm like this raging outside. Strange to think they would venture down here.

DRAVARA MEMBER: Be quiet, prisoner.

NARRATION: A bowl skids across the floor, some of the contents spilling out onto the floor before it came to a stop. He was cautious, unsure as he walked forward and collected the bowl from the ground only to find it was filled with vegetable broth.

AURORA: Lucius, we’re being spoiled.

NARRATION: It was simple, practically tasteless but it was heavenly even if the broth itself was hardly anything more than glorified water. The bowl was empty then and Aurora walked to the bars, hanging his arms outside.

AURORA: My compliments.

He is ignored, and the Dravara walk over to Lucius’ cell.

AURORA: I’m talking to you, the least you could do is give an answer.

NARRATION: The bowl whipped across the room, striking one of the figures in the back before it went clattering to the stone floor. Aurora was grinning when the man turned, mouth dropped open in either shock or rage as he strode forward.

DRAVARA OFFICER: You are a prisoner of the Dravara and will act as such!

AURORA: Oh, I’m trembling in fear. Shouldn’t the Dravara with all their honor and prowess be helping someone in need? Or are you planning on letting him die?

DRAVARA OFFICER: He’s a traitor to the Dravara and will be treated as such—

AURORA (mocking): As such! You just love saying that, don’t you?

Keys jingle, and Aurora’s cell is opened with a squeak.

AURORA: Am I free to go?

DRAVARA OFFICER: You will shut your mouth or I’ll make sure you don’t speak another word.

NARRATION: Aurora frowned, straightening himself to stand on his toes to match the height of the man in front of him.

Someone outside the cell laughs.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Are you trying to be funny?

AURORA: Well, your friends certainly think I am.

NARRATION: The blow struck him in the jaw, teeth clacking together painfully as the taste of blood danced on his tongue. He reeled backwards, shaking his head and stumbling to face the man in front of him. Blood dribbled between his teeth as he grimaced, wiping his mouth on his sleeve.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Keep talking, and I’ll have no trouble reminding you what happens when you run your mouth.

AURORA hmms somewhat obnoxiously.

NARRATION: Aurora only frowned then, before the officer swung again. He was able to sidestep, sticking a foot in the Dravara’s path and sending the man sprawling and swearing to the ground.

AURORA: Remind me again, that was very good.

NARRATION: The man was on his feet again, red-faced and wiping the blood from a split lip on his sleeve. He didn’t strike again, turning and stalking back from the cell towards the door.

AURORA: If you were reminding yourself that you’re no better than the floor I piss on, you did a marvelous job.

NARRATION: The officer stopped.

AURORA: Or was it something else?

NARRATION: Aurora ducked sideways as he swung again, hands still folded behind his back.

AURORA: Are you even trying? I’m starting to doubt if you could hit me even if I stood still. Would you like to try?

DRAVARA OFFICER: I don’t need to prove anything to you.

LUCIUS: Rory…

AURORA: Are you afraid you’ll miss?

DRAVARA OFFICER (furious): You’re a damned menace, you hear me?

AURORA: If you intend on offending me, start by telling me something I don’t already know.

DRAVARA OFFICER: I’ve heard just enough out of you! You three, take care of him.

AURORA: I’ve had worse odds.

NARRATION: Aurora saw Lucius pull himself up by the bars, staggering to his feet and resting his weight entirely on one leg.

LUCIUS: Leave him alone.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Shut your mouth, pup. Do I have to teach you a lesson in respect too?

LUCIUS (strongest he’s sounded since he arrived, taking on some of Aurora’s sassy tone): If my lesson is as good as his, I won’t…stand a chance.

NARRATION: As soon as the last word left his lips, Aurora shot forward. He was caught by two of them, hauled backwards into his cell easily as the others advanced towards the cell just beside him. A fist was slammed into his stomach and he doubled over, feet slipping on the wet stone beneath him.

AURORA: No, please! He’s delirious! He doesn’t know what he’s saying!

NARRATION: He was struck again in the gut, silencing him as his arms were wrenched further behind his back.

AURORA: Do what you want with me. Leave the boy alone!

NARRATION: Lucius glanced over at him, eyes glazed just as they were before but missing something, void of fear. He pulled himself up further, relying heavily on the bars between the two of them to keep himself standing.

DRAVARA OFFICER: Well, what do we have here?

AURORA: Lucius, don’t talk to him!

LUCIUS: He’s been brave this whole time, for both of us. I can be brave too.

AURORA: Lucius, stop—

DRAVARA MEMBER: Shut up!

LUCIUS (strong again): Do your worst. I’m not afraid anymore.

SCENE 12

NARRATION: Aurora wakes up with a gasp, wheezing and then grunting as he rolls over onto his back, still breathing heavily. For a number of seconds, he struggles to move, then seems to make it to some position that is comfortable enough for his breathing to level out a bit.

LUCIUS (hoarse whisper): Rory?

AURORA: Lucius...Lucius, I’m here.

NARRATION: Aurora pushed himself up, stumbling towards the bars that separated the two and coming only a few steps away before his legs gave out beneath him. He half caught himself, reaching out for the bars before his face could crash into the metal or the stone beneath him.

AURORA: Lucius, can you hear me?

NARRATION: He let go, lowering himself to the ground and pulling a hand away from his side to reach through the bars. Lucius looked up at him, blood staining the boy’s mouth and dripping down between his eyes from the gash in his forehead.

LUCIUS: I’m sorry.

AURORA (panicked, but trying to be reassuring): Why are you sorry? You did nothing wrong. This is my fault.

LUCIUS: Got us in trouble.

AURORA: I started it. Do you really think I care about getting in trouble? Trouble is my middle name.

LUCIUS (losing strength): Liar.

AURORA: You’re going to be alright, Lucius. Can you take my hand? We are going to make it out of this, alright?

LUCIUS (he coughs): They got us good, huh, Ror?

AURORA: Lucius, what’s your full name? My birth name is Evander Kallieon, but it’s been Aurora since I was little, started as a bit of a joke...but it stuck. Have I told you that story?

LUCIUS: Your name is Rory…not Evander. Lucius...Crowswood, that’s mine. M’tired, Ror, tell me later.

AURORA: Look at me, Lucius. Open your eyes. I need you to keep me awake, understand?

NARRATION: The stable boy reached for him, taking his hand finally and nodding against the floor of the cell.

AURORA: Lucius, I’m tired too but I need you to keep me from falling asleep. It’s better for both of us if we just stay awake, alright?

(a pause)

AURORA: Can you tell me what color my hair is, Lucius? I think I’ve forgotten.

LUCIUS: Brown…I think.

AURORA: Is it long? It has to be longer by now.

LUCIUS: It…it is.

AURORA: And my eyes, what color are they?

LUCIUS: Too many colors. (he coughs) I dunno.

AURORA: Have you ever seen a beetle wing? My sister used to say they looked like those. What do you think? (he pauses, and Lucius goes quiet) Lucius, keep me awake, alright?

LUCIUS: Why?

AURORA: Tell me to keep my eyes on you. Please, just do it.

LUCIUS: Keep your eyes on me.

AURORA (voice failing him, starting to cry): Good, we’re going to be just fine.

NARRATION: Lucius is overtaken by a fit of coughs, and Aurora stays quiet until the sound stops and Lucius starts breathing raggedly again.

LUCIUS: Do you remember...when I told you about hope?

AURORA: Of course. Lucius, I promise you. Everything is going to be alright.

LUCIUS: Just…don’t leave me, please. (he pauses, wheezing) I’m scared.

AURORA: I’m not going anywhere.

NARRATION: Lucius’ breathing is the only sound then for a moment, until it fades.

AURORA: Lucius? (he pauses for several seconds) Lucius?

There is no sound after that, just the light breeze that comes from the crack in the ceiling.