Ep 8

Scene 15

She was coming to urge Janzo about the search for the Book of Names. For sure she wasn't expecting to find Garret there. An unchained Garret !

- What's going on ?

- He's been infecting, plagueling, answers flatly the brewer

- What ? (That can't be !)

But as she's willing to approach the Captain, Janzo refrains her and starts his medical investigation by interrogating Garret.

- How do you feel, are you sweating profusely, is your heart beating fast ?

- I don't know, you tell me.

Garret doesn't seem to be completely himself...

What the fuck is going on ?

She answers for him

- He's sweating all right.

After sensing his pulse Janzo adds :

- He is. Your heart is actually beating fast. That might just be because you're scared.

Garret just babbles vaguely.

Not really scared, but definitely not himself. What's happening to you Garret ?

She cannot skip the question longer :

- You're drunk ?

And all He manages to answer is a lame : - You're drunk ?

Pathetic.

- Yeah I'm quite. But it's because I've been down here all day and this is very good ale.

This was for Janzo who responds : Thank you.

- Thank you.

Thats enough !

- I thought you didn't drink or use coplypsum, Talon interjected.

- Well, it's funny how all that tenses pffft out of the window when you're going to die.

- You're not going to die.

- Yes he is.

And there goes the delusion with these three words of Janzo. Quickly echoed by Garret.

- Yes, I am.

In the same time he seems to regain a bit of his usual serious behavior.

I don't want you to speak like this Garret.

Janzo demands her to hold the tray, he's about to go on with his auscultation.

- Now, when were you infected ?

- Pfff, it was two nights passed, there was an outbreak at the camp.

...

While Talon seems to grow worried, Janzo studies Garret case with a little of that, a little of this, pricking him with a needle, forcing his mouth open with tweezers to explore his throat...

- I don't see anything tough I should have known it already cause you've only been stung two days ago and I guess the sooner someone turns in plagueling is three days after infection although some take up to six days.

- So that's how long we have to find a cure.

- There's no cure Talon.

She can't help but gaze at Garret.

No, I refuse it.

- We don't know if we don't try.

She moves to Janzo as if fearing he might flee away without trying.

Forgetting his beer, Garret join the conversation.

- Oh, hold on, not everyone who is stung actually turns, right ?

- Just one out of thirteen, best I can figure.

- I don't like these odds.

Can this thing turns worse ? It's quite a nightmare.

Garret has totally returns to serious, like after receiving a slap in the face. He doesn't like these odds either.

- Go and get Gwynn, I should say goodbye.

You want to tell Gwynn ? Of course...

Talon is about to go when Garret set things clear. Speaking like the captain he is.

- No ! Janzo, you go and get Gwynn.

- Why me ?

- GO !

What ? Garret, what do you have in mind.

A reluctant Janzo leaves the cellar and a perplexe Talon.

- Do not touch her !

He barely knows Gwynn. You obviously want a moment alone with me. But why ?

Once the brewer is away, Garret invites Talon to come closer as he wants to have a serious talk.

- Come on.

Takes a deep breath.

- Talon you are the only person that I can trust... to kill me.

Oh no, no, no Garret ! You can't ask me this.

- No...

She almost can say it as she looks him straight in the eyes.

- Janzo will figure this out.

We need to trust him.

- Maybe... But if not you have to kill me if I turn.

He is serious, he is not giving her an order, he really is demanding a favor, and soon she can't go on looking at him. But he insists.

- All right, promise me that you put a blade through my mouth... ... I need you to give me your word.

I understand you Garret. I really do, but don't you see how this is too much to ask. You may think I'm looking away to find something to argue. But no...

She's back at looking into his eyes

- You have my word.

It's a relief to him.

- But only when I'm sure you're going.

We will fix you.

The strange connexion between them is about to settle again, but they both break the charm, looking away but still sharing the same sadness.

Scene 16

And there comes Gwynn.

- My sweet Garret.

Talon stops her on her track.

- Not so close.

- Why ?

- I'm infected Gwynn.

- Infected ?

It's Janzo who explains while Talon steps apart leaving this moment to Gwynn.

- He's been stung by a plagueling.

- Well, cure him.

She's already on the verge of crying. And Janzo's answer won't make her feeling any better.

- There is no cure. Look the best I can figure is that there is a parasite gestating deep down on inside of his throat or his stomach, somewhere. Then as it grows, the parasite will grow these long tentacles. And the tentacles will grow and will start to grip all over inside of his brain.

This is just horrifying... poor Garret.

- Damnit Janzo.

An annoyed Garret makes the brewer / scientist stop his exposure.

Gwynn is not ready to let go yet.

- There must be something you can do. Can't you just kill the creature before it grows ?

- Isn't a bad idea actually. You know I've never seen an infected person that haven't turn plagueling before. Hey maybe if we give you some acid to drink ?

Talon says nothing but she seems very disturb by this idea. (Janzo are you crazy ?)

- But no !

Garret doesn't seem very enthusiastic either and Janzo gets back to reality.

- No, that will definitely kill you.

Thats to much for Gwynn

- If he dies you're next.

- He is going to die anyway.

Janzo, can't you really understand what's happening here ?

Talon knows she has to restrain him

- Janzo ! It's not what she wants to hear... (Neither do I.)

- Look, if he has any chance of surviving I cannot hide the truth in order to avoid to hurt her feelings.

And what about mines... my friend ? But you're probably right there are not that important.

But Janzo doesn't see how Talon is grieving, and he pursue his rent about Gwynn

- And I cannot operate on him when Madam over here is threatening me with my life.

That's the moment Garret takes the lead.

- He's right Gwynn, you should go

- You summoned me here.

- I just wanted to say good bye. You know while I'm still me. You're impressing me Garret, calm and soft but driving...

- I'm not going. I'm not going anywhere until the bar keeper cures you.

I comprehend you Gwynn. I will probably react the same way. Still he is right. And you're not helping.

- Brewer ! I am a brewer. And the chance for cure is unlikely.

Gwynn starts sobbing.

- Gwynn, I cannot risk you getting infected yourself. And I do not want you to remember me in this condition. Right ? So please we have to say good bye. You have to go.

- No Garret, I'm not going Garret. Garret I love you.

Talon can't help but tilt up her head, she feels very concerned at that moment.

- I do love you.

And he's voice is as soft as it is since he has taken the decision to make her leave.

Why am I so shaken by her words ? I knew it, didn't I ?

This times Janzo is able to notice the trouble in Talon.

- All right now go please. Please... Talon !

All right Garret, you're right, I'm probably the best person to make Gwynn go back home. It would be cruel letting her alone.

And a shaken Talon drives a crying Gwynn out of the cave. Before leaving she shares a last compassionate look with Garret.

Scene 16 (with Gwynn)

- For many years I've been afraid of loosing Garret. He is a soldier after all but... (You've already recovered yourself Gwynn. You're stronger than it seems) over the years I just convinced myself that he was invincible.

- Don't give up yet.

We'll be strong together.

- If any one can beat this Janzo can.

Now they looking at each other, they probably needed time before regaining composure. And Gwynn wants to come closer to that girl she offered her friendship days ago. She wants to talk with her friend, something needs to be said.

- Its funny isn't it ?

- What ?

- How so alike we both are, you and I .

That's the strangest idea !

At least Gwynn has brought back Talon's smile

- We are nothing alike.

- Oh but we are Talon. Both women in an Outpost full of men. Both of our families were murdered by the Prime order.

You're not so wrong, yes ; but where are you going Gwynn ?

- We both possess powers we wish we didn't have. We both have a destiny that will almost likely be the death of us... and we both have feelings for Garret.

- What ? (I didn't see that coming ! How come ?) ... I... I don't...

Can you believe me ?

- The thought of loosing him hurts you just as much as it hurts me.

I can't answer anything to that. If I start talking I have no idea where it might end.

Feeling totally unease by the situation Talon moves to go.

- I should go.

- No, Talon. It means a great deal that you're here, comforting me. I mean it when I said I want us to be friends. Whatever happens.

Friends ? Rivals ? Gwynn, this could turn very complicated. But then you say : 'Whatever happens' Your hug is a complete surprise to me, but it means a lot.

Before Talon goes, Gwynn has some last words to add

- We get through this together for now and if he survives we'll sort it out then.

- Thank you

- Thank you Talon.

Thank you for this friendship lesson, thank you for giving me a chance to express my feelings one day. Maybe. What can I do for you ?

- I'll keep you informed about Garret.

- Please do.

On the way back to the cellar Talon is alone with her thoughts

Feelings for Garret ? Of course, I can't deny but, you told him you love him... I can't get in the way of a ... friend. Do you really think we can be friends if Garret has to make a choice between us. A choice ! What am I imagining ? You know each other for years. It's been a few weeks since I arrived here. How long will I stay ? It's true there is that connexion I feel with him. We were closed to kiss once, maybe twice. Garret is honest, is loyal... still I'm quite sure he did want to kiss me. And I wanted too... But... maybe... and now he's just about to die...

Scene 17

Walking across a dry stony landscape they are beginning to feel intense thirst. That just makes Talon's worries increase when she looks at Garret.

- How are you feeling ? Do you feel infecting ?

- Perhaps my parasite will die of thirst before I do.

But Talon doesn't seem to appreciate his morbid sense of humor, so he goes on more seriously :

- It's been four days now. You should probably sleep with your sword.

That's quite too much for her to take.

It means we are approaching the moment I will kill you. Garret !

She stops in her track, not trying to hide her emotion.

- I don't want to kill you. (I'm not sure I can.)

There is no jokes to make now, Garret just calmly exposes the harsh truth.

- Yes, well. You may feel differently when I will nail your throat.

Maybe Garret... but I will feel devastated to do it, even more than you can guess.

Scene 18

Around the camp fire they had this tense discussion about Janzo bringing the acid until Talon has closed the debate : Janzo he's the hero of the day.

But her mind is quickly back to her actual worry, so she looks at Garret.

I understand your state of mind with that threat waiting inside of you.

- And how are you feeling ?

- I don't feel any little creature down my throat or my stomach, if that's what you mean.

- And perhaps Janzo's rat poison work ?

- Doubt it... (Do you really have to say it Janzo ? Now ?) Just don't tend to be that lucky, that's all.

You don't fInd the cure, Garret will transform into a plaguling, I get to kill Garret... No luck, for sure...

Garret, tired, just grabs his chains to prepare the night.

- Well, it's probably best if you tie me up tonight.

How sad your voice sounds. We need to cheer things up a bit.

- That what you say to all the girls ?

I have made it. It's good laughing a bit together. That was my best poor joke.

They just don't see that Janzo feels like being somehow set aside. Talon goes to put the chains on Garret and here they are face to face.

- How about you and you ribs ? asks Garret.

- Don't worry about her, she'll heal over night. She's blackblood, remember.

- It's not that I heal fast, you both heal slow.

Of course the arms of Garret are a bit sore from having these chains quite all day long. And Talon is concerned.

Despite my joke it really breaks my heart having to chain you like this.

- Is that confortable ?

- Quite.

He just can't stop looking at her. And, how strange, Talon seems embarrassed.

Garret !

- Don't look at me like that.

- Like what ?

- Like other men do.

But usually I have to say that I don't care about them. Now it's not the same, that's why you should stop.

- You know this may be my last night alive.

Three seconds of silence that feels an eternity and Talon cautiously respond :

- Sure Gwynn commanded you to keep your distance.

- As a matter of fact, I don't believe she did.

There is no question, they do want to share a kiss... that's the way it is... But at the last moment Garret turns away

WHAT ? !

- Sorry I ... I don't want you to get infected.

- Oh, is that what it is ?

No captain, you can't do that. That was insensitive and braveless.

Annoyed, Talon stands up and goes away so Janzo can auscultate Garret.

- Still don't see anything.

- Well, isn't he a constant source of disappointment ?

So Garret ? Not laughing at this crack ?

But Garret has nothing more to say.

Scene 19

Again they have to deal with the thirst while walking in across a very dry landscape. Again Janzo and Garret have been arguing, this time because the soldier mispronounced « dragonman » instead of « dragman ». But they finally have found a lake. What a pleasure to feel the refreshing liquid ! Although Janzo seems reluctant to enter the water. And he understands he's right as he watches a creature moving underneath the water. To late to warn his companions a tentacle has already wraped around Garret and pulled him into the depths.

- Get out Talon !

- No way !

She can't let Garret like this, so she dive to the rescue.

- Talon ! Garret !

A minute later she is pulling an inconscient Garret to the shore.

Amazed, Janzo rushes to help her.

- Oh, thank gods !

Talon asks him to help her take off the severed tentacle that leaves kind of bite marks on Garret's torso.

- You sawed those tentacle with that little dagger ?

Janzo is more and more amazed by his friend, but Talon is totally focused on Garret's condition as he seems not to breathe anymore.

No, no !

- Garret ! Breathe !

Please hear me ! What can I do ? What did the Nordojorian clerks explained me ?

She begins to hit his chest with her two and joined like a little hammer. A strange behavior in Janzo's view.

- Talon ? What you're doing ?

And she thumps again.

- Talon, what are you donig ?

- Nordojorian clerks say you can bring someone back to life.

But that doesn't seem enough... Garret ! What else ? ... The mouth to mouth resuscitation !

Then she bends to breathe in Garret's mouth, surprising even more Janzo.

- Did the clerks also said that they can kiss people back to life ?

Please Garret ! I'm running out of options !

She thumps the chest again and she feels deeply relieved to see Garret spit a mouthful of water and at last start to breathe. That's too much for Janzo :

- You've got to be kidding !

But she doesn't care, smiling anew she gently holds Garret's face in her hands.

- Are you all right ?

Oh Garret, you are really back. You can't imagine how I was terrified...

Not completely recovered yet, Garret manages to mumble :

- I feel like a horse kick me in the chest.

That's probably the one time you can confuse me with a horse not getting on my nerves. But I won't tell that.

Garret is not finished.

- I dreamt that you... kissed me... back...

But he is interrupted by Janzo.

- Yeah yeah... that she kissed you back to life. That's what she did. How incredibly romantic.

Talon and Garret don't really care about Janzo, they're starting to gaze into each others eyes, again. So Janzo has to meddle again.

- You know those ten tentacles Terapock, they can come this far. So you may take your little competition staring elsewhere.

You are probably right Janzo, but stil you can be annoying from time to time.

Scene 20

- Cough, cough...

Aware of Garret's coughing Talon has already draw her sword, and she brandishes it as Garret turns to her with a hoarse breath that turns into laughter.

Stupid !

- Oh ! Relax Talon, it's surely from all the water I swallowed, not the plagueling... not yet.

Well, if you can still joke about it... but we'd rather speak of something else.

- Well, I've been thinking, don't actually know much about you.

- All right, what would you like to know ?

She gets closer to him.

- Well, your father is Wythers...

- hmm... And my mother was a washer woman, died when I was very young.

Talon stares at him with compassion.

Oh, Garret, was it really a good idea me starting this conversation ?

- I'm sorry.

- It's all right...

- So Wythers raised you alone ?

- Me and my older brother Jaedon, yes.

A brief exchange of look and she feels a little better.

- You have a brother ?

That is new. How come I never heard of him yet ?

Truly, Garret seems happy going back to his childhood with his brother, he chuckles because of some memories.

- A couple of years older than me... we get trough so much mischiefs when we were young, never ending good but it didn't stop us.

She smiles with him, imagining the two boys caught in the act. Then Garret hesitates a bit before going on.

- But there was that instance in particular. Jaedon had stolen a case of wine for us from one of the court masters. Caught right away and my father sent him down to the lowest mine shaft. Is was only ment to be a day or two, to teach him a lesson, I don't know. Except that he was now surrendered by all the criminals my fathers had arrested.

Talon starts to understand where all this is leading.

- Oh no !

- And hours into that first day in the mine, my brother Jaedon was beaten to death...

Garret's voice is slightly cracking down.

So you too, you have lost your loved one. I'm so sorry Garret.

She feels the need to confort him, to take the time to offer him this simple words :

- I'l sorry, I didn't knew.

I would like to be able to say more Garret, but comforting people it's not my best, I hope you understand...

- That's all right.

- So that's why you left the Outpost ?

- That's why I enlisted in the Prime Order, yes. The one thing my father hated more than anything else. The trouble was I didn't realize how I quickly I will grow to hate it even more than he did, if it's possible.

- So you came back.

- Commander Calkusar summon me back, my first task was the responsibility of protecting Gwynn.

Here we are... for Gwynn.

- Why you ?

- I'm the only one he can trust with her safety. Gwynn and I, we grew up together, we played together as children, we were friends.

- But she was that little girl anymore, was she ?

- No she wasn't, and I wasn't that scrawly little boy that ran away.

Okay, that's a pretty little story of you two meeting up again... but...

- So why come ? Why leave Gwynn ?

- I'm infected, I don't want to be anywhere near Gwynn.

I don't buy it.

- Why else ?

Garret seems a bit unease with that questioning, he answer smoothly as unsure of his own reasons.

- To protect you, help you find the book.

- For Gwynn ?

- For the entire realm. Talon. I mean, things that you can do, things that you are capable of... can shift the entire balance of power.

He sees that there is something bothering her.

I'm ... useful. That's it. Of course.

- So that's why you are helping me... cause is part of your mission.

That said she turns away with a bitter smile on the lips. But Garret doesn't want to stay on that level.

- No. I cannot let anything happen to you.

- Okay. Because Gwynn needs me ?

She has stop walking away and Garret chooses to come face to face to express himself.

- I'm here Talon because I want to be here... with you.

Do you ?

Maybe another staring moment is about to begin, maybe the bitterness is gently flawing away, nevertheless Janzo interrupts the dialog

- Are you to coming or not ?

He's right there is still a long way ahead.