The Chronicles of Sir William
Pt I
Arise, Sir William
Written by
Williamson Knox
wlehman29
OPEN ON:
THE OWL HOUSE
The sound of explosions rattle the rafters of the venerable Owl House.
EXT. FRONT YARD - MORNING
Luz is deep in experimentation, drawing glyphs in the sand.
LUZ
Alright. Maybe this time fire...ice...and then plants?
She finishes an elaborate combination of the three glyphs with an expectant grin. Instead, the spell fizzles, sending an explosion of sparks, slush, and charred undergrowth everywhere.
Some of them land on the house's stucco, leaving black char marks. Hooty chirps with indignation.
HOOTY
OW! Hoot, hoot! Luz, could you do that in the backyard?! You're ruining my curb appeal!
LUZ
Sorry, Hooty!
INT. LIVING ROOM
Defeated, she paces back inside, the living room carpeted in her research. Eda is brewing some nondescript stew in the kitchen while King eagerly waits to lick the spoon.
EDA
Any luck, kiddo?
LUZ
*sigh* No. I just feel like I've hit a road-block. It's been so long since I learned something new, and I've tried nearly every glyph combo I can think of!
She slumps into the sofa, pouring over the four glyphs she's discovered in her time on the Boiling Isles.
LUZ (cont'd)
There should be more to magic than this. I mean, in this world of wonder, there's only four magical elements?
Her forlorn eyes come to rest on a page peaking out from under stacks of scrolls. Curious, she pulls the book out and examines the illustration.
EDA
I'm sure there are. It's only a matter of finding 'em. Just keep at it.
It depicts a man clad in armor, wielding a long-sword and conjuring a plume of blue fire from his palm. The name SIR WILLIAM and the words LEGENDARY WIZARD are written in bold in the heading.
What really catches her eye are the glyphs etched on his sword and armor, some of which look foreign to her. Giddy, she rushes into the kitchen with the book clutched in her hand.
LUZ
Ooh, ooh! Eda! What can you tell me about this guy!
Eda pauses stirring her pot to look at the illustration through narrowed eyes.
EDA
(shrugging)
First time I've seen him. "Legendary Wizard", huh? At least he's not wearing a smoking jacket. *snort*
Excited, Luz keeps flipping through the pages of the book.
LUZ
I've gotta find him, maybe he knows more about-
She trails off, coming to a page depicting Sir William's tomb. Crestfallen, she sinks into a chair at the kitchen table.
EDA
What is it?
LUZ
It says he's been dead for fifty years...
Eda gives her a consoling pat on the head and gets back to her meat stew.
EDA
Ah, tough break. But don't give up now. Maybe there's more written about him somewhere.
Dejected, Luz lazily scans the page until she comes upon the words DIRK FALLS, written beneath a picture of a river valley shrouded in mist.
LUZ
Maybe there is...Can I borrow Owlbert?
CUT TO:
EXT. DIRK FALLS - DAY
Luz and King ride Owlbert over a misty valley.
KING
(impressed)
Wow, Luz. I never took you for a grave robber!
They set down near a lagoon fed by a glittering waterfall.
LUZ
For the last time, King! We're not raiding his tomb!
KING
Then what are the picks and shovels for?
King disembarks the staff with a grin, bearing a burlap sack full of excavation tools over his shoulder.
LUZ
(bashful)
Okay, so we're breaking into his tomb...but we're not taking anything! I just want to see if these glyphs are still written on his sword.
KING
Alright. So, where is it then?
LUZ
The book didn't say exactly. Just that it was somewhere around Dirk Falls.
They stop and take in their majestic surroundings with wonder.
KING
(deadpan)
How much do you wanna bet it's behind that waterfall?
LUZ
One way to find out!
Luz approaches the waterfall and clambers onto the rocks. She tries to press herself against the cliff-face, almost losing her footing several times.
KING
Be careful!
LUZ
It's alright. I think I can see a cave-whoAAAAHHH!
As she tries to peek behind the falls, the force of the spray finally sweeps her off her feet.
KING
LUZ!
Sputtering and yelling for help, she is swept along with the current towards the top of another waterfall. King mounts the staff and tries to speed to her rescue.
KING (cont'd)
Luz! Take my hand.
She reaches out to his outstretched paw, but is carried screaming over the edge of the falls.
KING (cont'd)
NO!
King rockets down, attempting to snatch her in mid-air, but she plunges into the river below. He pulls up and hovers over the rapids, desperately hoping to see her breach the water.
A short distance away, she emerges from the depths, clutching a floating log.
LUZ
(coughing)
Well, I guess that could've been worse.
The moment she completes the thought, she sees a new peril downstream. A whirlpool begins dragging her into its ravenous orbit.
This time, King arrives in time to take her by the hand. He tries to pull her onto the staff, but the shaft is made slippery by all the mist.
LUZ (cont'd)
King, wait! You're going to-
KING
No! I've got you! I've-
He finally loses his hold on the shaft, leaving them both to plummet into the depths of the whirlpool.
CUT TO:
INT. UNDERGROUND CAVE
Luz and King are carried down a column of water into a deep underground pool. Clutching the little demon to her side, she swims for the pool's edge. Making it to shore, they both collapse with exhaustion.
As they pant for breath, Owlbert comes shooting down the column of water and comes to rest by Luz's hand.
LUZ
(sputtering)
It's okay Owlbert. You tried your best.
After a moment's rest, they rise to their feet and take in their surroundings. The cave is lit by a hole in the ceiling, projecting a beam of daylight down onto a stone sarcophagus.
KING
Wait, is that...?
LUZ
I think so...
They cautiously approach the artifact, nested in a garden of glowing corrals and fungi. As they get closer, they realize the recumbent figure sitting atop the stone slab isn't a carved effigy. It's a person.
A young man in his early twenties, clad in plate-mail and clutching a long-sword. Like the picture in the book, they are both carved with strange glyphs. He shows no sign of age or decay, only a tranquil slumber.
KING
Wow. He looks really good for a dead guy. There must be some sort of magic preserving him.
Curious, Luz raises the back of her hand over his face.
LUZ
(amazed)
King, he's breathing. He's still alive!
KING
What?! I thought your book said he was dead!
LUZ
Maybe it was wrong?
KING
Well...what do we do now...? Wake him up?
She turns back to the resting figure, leaning in close to examine him. Short, square jaw. Shiny, dirty-blonde hair parted to the side. She leans in even closer, seemingly mystified by his beauty...
...before extending a hand and slapping him clean across the face.
LUZ
Wake up!
WILLIAM
Gah!
Sir William jolts awake, panting heavily. He looks around in a daze.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Wha-where am I? Who are-?
Luz presses a finger to his lips.
LUZ
The name's Luz Noceda, or Luz the Human around these parts.
King scrambles onto the stone slab and gives a knightly bow.
KING
And I, good sir, am King! Lord of all Demons!
William blinks with confusion.
WILLIAM
Luz...? Human...? I don't understand...
LUZ
We're sorry for the rude awakening, it's just-
(exuberant)
We're burning with questions!
WILLIAM
You've got questions? What about me?! Where is everyone?!
LUZ
"Everyone"...? "Everyone", who?
WILLIAM
My retinue! My courtiers! They brought me here because I was wounded.
I was only supposed to rest here until I got better, but it looks like I've been here for...
He trails off, examining the time-weathered cave around him, the fungal growths around his slab.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
(stunned)
How long have I been here?
He tries to rise from the slab, but Luz holds him down.
LUZ
You may want to sit down for this one. You see...
(tactful)
You've been asleep here for fifty years.
William's eyes widen in shock.
WILLIAM
F-fifty...Fifty years?!
She places a consoling hand on his back, trying to break the news gently.
LUZ
We found you here because of what they wrote about you in a history book.
KING
The whole world thinks you've been dead all this time.
WILLIAM
Dead?! But I wasn't-I was right here! I was-
He cradles his forehead in his hands, a tear streaming from his eye.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Why didn't they come back for me...?
Luz looks on his anguish with a hint of guilt.
LUZ
(diplomatic)
Alright, I can tell this is all a bit overwhelming. For now, let's just focus on getting you out of this cave.
She helps him to his feet and guides him out of the cave with King at their heels.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OVER THE BOILING ISLES - DAY
They all glide through the sky atop Qwlbert, coming up on Bonesborough in the distance.
LUZ
Okay, we can take this one step at a time. First, let's get your bearings. We're coming up on Bonesborough now.
WILLIAM
Bonesborough? Don't you mean, Bonesburg?
LUZ
Mmm. Pot-ay-to, pot-ah-to.
They finally come into clearer view of the city. William looks on the bizarre, toothy architecture with abhorrence. Luz touches them down in the city square.
LUZ (cont'd)
Alright, here we are! What do ya think? Recognize it after all this time?
WILLIAM
(appalled)
Recognize it?! I couldn't tell this place from the fiery pits of Tartarus!
LUZ
Yeah, I guess it's kind of an acquired taste...
WILLIAM
That's putting it mildly!
He paces up to one of the wattle-and-daub houses fused with toothy growths and claws.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
I mean, look at this! What madman would want to reside in this hideous maw?!
HOUSE DEMON
Hey!
He does a double-take, seeing a red eye-ball blink at him from the attic window. Repulsed, he turns and marches down the street with Luz in tow. King lingers to console the crying house-demon.
HOUSE DEMON (cont'd)
(sobbing)
I-I'm ugly! Waghhaha!
KING
There, there. You're not ugly. He's just having a bad day is all.
William continues his jaunt, taking in the scenery and street-life with a sneer of disgust.
WILLIAM
That's to say nothing of the neighborhood. This place is crawling with demons.
LUZ
Hey! My best friend's a demon!
WILLIAM
Nobody's perfect...
Intermixed with his distaste is confusion at seeing magic performed by street vendors, boot-blacks, bill posters, and bus boys, all for menial or mundane tasks.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
And just how many witches reside here nowadays?
LUZ
(puzzled)
What do you mean, "how many"? We're all witches. Everyone can do magic.
WILLIAM
What?! How?!
LUZ
See for yourself. We're almost at the gates of Hexside now.
As she says, they arrive at the front gates of the illustrious magical academy.
LUZ (cont'd)
All young witches learn magic at academies like this one, Hexside School of Magic and Demonics. It's where I learn magic...
(sly)
Which is a good lead-in to what I wanted to ask you about earlier.
WILLIAM
(dour)
Well, I'm sorry. I can't help you become a magical boot-black or whatever...
He paces away from the Hexside gates in a foul mood, Luz dotingly following him.
LUZ
Hey, wait up!
WILLIAM
Besides, what do you need me for? You've got your "school", don't you?
LUZ
Well, since I'm human I can only do wild-magic.
She whips out a light glyph, casting it with a flourish.
LUZ (cont'd)
But there's so little written about it. I was hoping you could-
WILLIAM
"Wild" magic? What do you-?
(frustrated)
No. The more questions I ask the more this world spins away from me!
He pauses and sinks into a park-bench.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
None of this makes sense! Am I still back in that cave, fever-dreaming?!
LUZ
(consoling)
I know this must be a lot to take in.
But from the sound of it, some things have changed for the better.
WILLIAM
(sorrowful)
If that's true, then this world doesn't need me anymore...No one needs me...
LUZ
It does need you, Sir William! There has been one turn for the worse...
She looks up at a fountain statue in the center of the park, carved in effigy of Emperor Belos. On following her gaze, William bolts up to his feet and marches over to it with a grimace.
LUZ (cont'd)
This is Emperor Belos. After you disappeared, he rose to power and outlawed wild-magic. He forced all witches to-
WILLIAM
I know who he is.
LUZ
You do?
WILLIAM
(rage building)
Oh yes. So, this is why no one came for me...because he'd already won. This is the mad prophet's vision come true!
He unsheathes his sword and levels it at the statue. Several of the glyphs inscribed on the blade pulse and glow, wreathing it in blue flame.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Well, I won't stand for it!
With a single swipe, William cleaves the statue in two. Luz leaps clear of the falling debris and several bystanders flee the shower of rubble and smoke.
INTERMISSION
EXT. STREETS OF BONESBOROUGH - DAY
William marches through the streets, destroying any effigy to Belos he encounters. A squad of city guards appear to arrest him.
CITY GUARD
Halt! You're under arrest for desecration!
The guards begin drawing circles in the air, preparing to cast spells to subdue him. Before they can finish, the runes on William's armor glow as he unleashes a thunderous yawp that blasts them off their feet.
William then looms over the guard captain, hoisting him off the pavement by his collar.
WILLIAM
Send me worthy challengers!
The guards all rise to their feet and retreat, one calling for reinforcements over his crow phone.
CITY GUARD
This is Bonesborough PD! We need back-up!
Meanwhile, William continues sewing destruction.
WILLIAM
BELOS! I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY KINGDOM!
King and Luz hover over the scene on Owlbert.
KING
Whoa! What did I miss?!
They then touch down behind the rampaging wizard.
LUZ
Sir William! What are you doing?!
WILLIAM
Cutting my way through Belos' soldiers until the coward comes out to face me himself.
LUZ
Are you insane?! He's the most powerful witch of all time! You can't win on your own!
WILLIAM
Maybe I know that!
(despairing)
Maybe I no longer care...Everything I know has changed...Everyone I know is gone...
All I can do now is join them...
A contingent of royal guards and armored abominations arrive on the scene, surrounding him.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Go. Let me die with my dignity.
Luz and King take cover behind a pile of rubble as the royal guards all unleash a storm of fireballs, ice-shards and thorn tendrils. When the dust settles, William is unscathed, having summoned a bubble of blue energy to protect himself.
He then responds with a gauntlet of his own attacks. Waves of blue fire, miniature tornadoes, bolts of lightning. Luz and King watch the bedlam from their hiding spot.
LUZ
Come on, we've got to stop this.
She clutches King to her side and mounts Owlbert, pulling an invisibility glyph out of her pocket. They both hold their breath, disappearing into thin air.
William nears the end of his stamina as he duels with the royal guards. Just as he's about to falter, he's lifted off his feet and carried into the air by his unseen rescuer.
WILLIAM
(struggling)
Gah! What is this?! Put me down! I will have my warrior's death-!
He's muffled as King briefly de-cloaks and puts a paw over his face.
KING
Hold your breath!
The royal guards below launch a fusillade of spells trying to knock him from the sky. He finally does as he's told and disappears along with his invisible saviors.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Finally de-cloaked, Luz descends toward the forest outside of Bonesborough. Dangling beneath them, William crashes into a tree before they finally come to a stop.
Luz rushes over to him as he lands in a bush, spitting out leaves and plucking twigs from his hair.
LUZ
What were you thinking?! You can't just throw your life away like that!
WILLIAM
Don't you tell me what my life is worth! You woke me up to this HELL! AND FOR WHAT?!
Luz is startled, taking a step back.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Oh, yes. That's right. You're the human who wants to learn magic. Well, why bother? Everyone can do it now. It's no trick anymore!
(venomous)
You thought it might make you special? Thought you could be a hero?!
His words cut deep. Luz's lip quivers and she holds back tears. Seeing this, William softens a bit, getting emotional himself.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
(pointing at himself)
Well, take a look what happens to heroes...They're forgotten...thrown away...
He leans against a tree-trunk, sinking to the ground in defeat. With a look of guilt, she joins him.
LUZ
I'm sorry I dragged you into all of this so fast. I was being selfish.
WILLIAM
(contrite)
No. I should be grateful someone woke me up at all...I don't mean to take all this out on you.
He looks on her with remorse and finally decides to open up.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
*sigh* Alright. You want a lesson? There is no such thing as "wild-magic".
She looks back at him with surprise and curiosity.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
In my time, there was no distinction.
FLASHBACK
The scene dissolves into a series of medieval-styled vignettes showing Sir William's past.
WILLIAM V.O
All magic was wild and wondrous. Only the bravest attempted to learn it. I was the first in my family to master the art.
William stands in a great hall, surrounded by his applauding courtiers as he demonstrates his magical prowess.
WILLIAM V.O (cont'd)
But there was one who thought he knew better. The mad prophet, Belos, arrived in our kingdom spreading heresy.
A robed figure in a bird-like mask appears before their congregation.
WILLIAM V.O (cont'd)
He claimed it was the titan's will that all his children wield magic, so long as they each chose only one brand of it.
We tried to silence him, but he had already gathered legions of zealous followers.
Belos stands at the head of a peasant mob attacking the castle.
WILLIAM V.O (cont'd)
I fought him to a near stalemate, but I was still no match for his new breed of magic...
Sir William and Belos duel on the steps to the castle. Belos manages to teleport behind him with his artificial magic and stab him in the back.
WILLIAM V.O (cont'd)
I was gravely wounded. My court swept me away to the healing caverns beneath Dirk Falls and placed me in an enchanted sleep.
A procession carries William to his resting place in the caverns. A queenly figure, his mother, bids him farewell with a kiss on the forehead.
WILLIAM V.O (cont'd)
It was their hope I would one day return to lead them to victory.
END FLASHBACK:
WILLIAM
Which I now know was a false hope.
LUZ
No. There is still hope.
She rises to her feet, preparing an inspiring speech.
LUZ (cont'd)
Belos hasn't won. Not yet. There are still people that want magic to be wild and free again!
Sir William, let me show you to-
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. THE OWL HOUSE - DUSK
LUZ
-The Owl House!
Eda comes to greet the trio as they arrive outside on Owlbert.
EDA
Hey, Luz! I wish you'd called ahead. I could've set another place at the table for your friend.
LUZ
Sir William, this is Eda, one of the most powerful witches in the Boiling Isles-besides you.
EDA
(extending her hand)
Charmed. You look good for a dead guy.
KING
That's what I said!
WILLIAM
The pleasure is mine, Lady Eda.
In courtly fashion he takes her hand to kiss, but it snaps off and wriggles in his hand. She snorts with laughter as he drops it in disgust.
LUZ
You've met King. I'm sure Hooty is skulking around somewhere-
HOOTY
(popping out of the soil)
Present!
Luz gathers them in a group hug and strikes a pose.
LUZ
Together, we're the first in a growing movement. Welcome to the Bad Girl Coven!
WILLIAM
I didn't realize-
LUZ
Eh, it's not a guy/girl thing. Just a state of mind.
EDA
So, wait. You're serious, kiddo? How long have you known this guy?
LUZ
You should've seen what he did to the royal guards downtown! With him on our side, Belos won't know what hit him!
(to William)
So, what do ya say?
He pauses, a bit unsure, but endeared.
WILLIAM
I...humbly accept.
He takes a knee, leaning on his sword.
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Fair Luz. Wise Eda. I vow to teach you all I know of magic and to oppose the usurper, Belos, at every turn.
(determined, clenching his fist)
So may the gods help me.
EDA
(amused)
Well, I guess we've got room in the basement.
HOOTY
I'll clean out the cobwebs!
William rises to his feet and tentatively follows them inside.
CUT TO:
INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
Luz eases open the trapdoor and tip-toes into the dark basement in her pajamas.
LUZ
Hello? Sir William? You settling in alright?
Luz jumps as a glowing fissure appears on the far wall. It widens into a portal, through which Sir William pushes his stone pedestal.
He groans with the effort, but finally situates it to his liking and closes the portal behind him.
WILLIAM
Oh, hello Luz. Just needed a place to sleep.
He piles a few cushions and sheets on the stone surface, making a comfy bed. He then lights a candelabra, giving the room an almost welcoming glow.
LUZ
Is there anything else you need?
WILLIAM
Besides a hill-giant sized boot for the spiders down here, I think I'm alright.
LUZ
(giggling)
Okay. We'll be upstairs if you need us.
She turns and ascends the stairs until William motions out.
WILLIAM
Er, Luz...Thank you...
I only hope an old relic like me can live up to your faith...
LUZ
We have a saying in the Owl House. "Us weirdos have to stick together".
WILLIAM
In the old days we'd say, "He is never a failure who has friends".
LUZ
(smiling)
Goodnight.
She proceeds up the stairs, closing the door behind her.
CUT TO:
INT. BELOS' PALACE, THRONEROOM - NIGHT
The contents of William's tirade earlier that day play out in a magical recording projected into the green flames of a brazier.
WILLIAM O.S
BELOS! I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY KINGDOM!
The playback freezes on the image of a vengeful Sir William shaking his fist in the air.
KIKIMORA
My liege, will this malcontent be a source of concern for our plan...?
Belos pensively drums his fingers on the armrest of his throne.
EMPEROR BELOS
I think not, Kiki. I defeated him once as a mere upstart. What have I to fear at my zenith?
Belos' eyes glow blue with menace.
FADE TO BLACK