The Chronicles of Sir William
Part 3
William the Conqueror
OPEN ON:
EXT. OSSIGARD CASTLE - DAY
A regal castle sits on a hilltop, banners flying joyously. Sir William paces up the castle steps in his shining armor, but they do not bear the glyph etchings they'll one day be known for. To his surprise, he is stopped by the grizzled bailiff.
BAILIFF
(stern)
You may no longer be expelled from the court, but I wouldn't expect to find your father in a happy mood were I you.
WILLIAM
(sarcastic)
I'll forgive the lack of fanfare.
Sir William brushes past him and strides through the doors.
INT. THRONEROOM
Sir William arrives and sees the King and Queen of Ossigard, his parents, seated in all their regalia. The court whispers and gossips as he strides in to greet them.
KING WULFRIC
(scornful)
So, at last, you return, William...
Sir William kneels as the King looks at him with resentment, the Queen with concern.
WILLIAM
Whether you would believe it or not, father, I am still your loyal servant.
KING WULFRIC
Hmm. "Loyal". Is that why you defied me and traipsed off to dabble in vile sorceries?!
WILLIAM
(frustrated)
Father, when will you see-
KING WULFRIC
(softening)
-That I was wrong? And couldn't have been more so?
Surprised by his change in tone, William looks up to see his father smiling.
KING WULFRIC
...Today.
They smile and embrace. The Queen looks relieved while the court confusedly breaks into half-hearted applause.
KING WULFRIC
Tales of your noble exploits have reached my ears. Perhaps you are right. Perhaps magic is more than the work of demons-at least in your hands.
The King then turns to his subjects and declares:
KING WULFRIC
This day forth, neither my son nor magic will be shunned from my court! The guilds of magic are welcome to hold council in my hall.
The courtesans are once again stunned but are quick to resume their applause. William looks just as surprised, but pleasantly so.
WILLIAM
(smiling)
Father? What's gotten into you?
KING WULFRIC
Why so surprised? Even the King of Ossigard isn't too big to admit when he's wrong.
They smile and laugh.
KING WULFRIC
(fondly)
Welcome home, my son.
William glows with happiness as the court continues its applause and cries of approval. Suddenly, killing the vibe, a court jester with the head of a barn owl waltzes into frame and screeches loudly.
HOOTY
BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP! BEEP=BEEP!
SMASH CUT:
INT. THE OWL HOUSE, BASEMENT - MORNING
William jolts awake to the sight of Hooty hovering over him, continuing his loud wake-up call.
HOOTY
BEEP-BEEP! He's awake!
His mission complete, Hooty snakes his way back upstairs.
WILLIAM
Blasted creature...
Grumbling, Sir William rises off his stone slab and yawns. He then hears Luz's voice call out to him from upstairs.
LUZ (O.S.)
Sir William! Hurry up and get ready. Today's the big day!
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM
William paces into the living room to see Luz dressed in a medieval knight costume made from foil and tin cans. She's in the middle of helping Amity into a princess costume.
LUZ
There you are, sleepyhead! I thought you'd be up bright and early for a day like this! You're going to love the Bonesborough renaissance fair!
William leans against the doorframe with a smug grin.
WILLIAM
So, not fifty years have passed and you folk are already nostalgic for the good-old-days, eh?
AMITY
(sarcastic)
Yeah. Guts and gore. Blood-letting and leeches. What a time to be alive!
WILLIAM
(mischievous)
Say, Luz. That corset could do to be a bit tighter-for accuracy's sake, and all.
AMITY
Wait, Luz, no!
Luz yanks hard on the strings of Amity's corset, nearly suffocating the poor witch. William chuckles while Eda comes in dressed as a village waif. She's followed by King who's dressed in a cardboard crown and red cape.
EDA
Alright, everybody ready?
KING
I was born ready! Those peasants shall kneel before me!
Out of the corner of his eye, he notices William glaring at him with an irritable look.
KING
What?
WILLIAM
(sardonic)
Should've sprung for a jester costume.
KING
(confused)
I guess it would compliment my horns. Let me see if I have one!
EDA
No time. We've gotta go.
Luz hurriedly finishes with Amity's costume and they both scurry out the door after Eda and King. Sir William follows with a discontented sigh.
EXT. ROAD TO BONESBOROUGH
William takes up the rear of the party with King trotting along at his side.
KING
It's gonna be great! They sell roast mutton by the leg, have puppet shows, fake sword fights, and-
William appears to be only half-listening, but his curiosity eventually piques.
WILLIAM
Say, "King" is it? What excites a young demon so much about a festival celebrating the reign of Ossigard?
KING
(innocent)
Why wouldn't a demon like the renaissance fair?
WILLIAM
(awkward)
Er...never mind. You just seem so enthusiastic is all...
KING
Well, when I was growing up I thought I was a dethroned King of Demons cursed to be cute and huggable like this forever.
(bashful)
Now I know it's because I was just a baby.
William goes back to only half-listening, inserting the occasional "Mhmm" or "Uh-huh".
KING
But on days like this, I can feel like I actually am a King! With lavish feasts and peasants to order around! I can't wait!
WILLIAM
Hmm. Quaint...
They encroach on the fairgrounds in the distance, Luz and King barely able to contain their excitement.
EXT. BONESBOROUGH FAIRGROUNDS - DAY
The fairgrounds are pitched with brightly colored tents and banners. Carts selling merchandise or staging side-shows line the thoroughfare. Luz dotingly jogs up to William's side.
LUZ
So, what do you think? Remind you of home?
At first, William smiles at all the enthusiasm for his culture. But his smile slowly fades the more he sees.
The historical re-enactors all act like clowns, goofily pantomiming a scene of a knight fighting a Hand-dragon.
KNIGHT RE-ENACTOR
Blast thee, vile creature! You shall meet your end by my sword-WHOOA!
The knight character stumbles on his cape and topples over in a heap. The gathered children all laugh and applaud. A cart next to the stage sells plush toys that recite the actor's lines when squeezed.
Across the way, another vendor cakes his customers in a fine layer of dirt, mud, and manure as part of their "authentic attire".
Further along is an exhibition of gruesome torture devices. A vicious-looking demon in an executioner's hood demonstrates them on straw-filled burlap dummies.
They then pass a man carting a wheelbarrow of fake dead bodies, ringing a bell and chanting:
RE-ENACTOR
Bring out yer dead! Bring out yer deeeaaad!
Sir William frowns at all these cartoonish displays, looking almost betrayed.
WILLIAM
Is this really how history perceives my time?!
LUZ
What do you mean?
WILLIAM
Well, for one, things weren't nearly this grim!-all the time...And you make us all out as unwashed savages!
AMITY
(quipping)
I don't know, looks accurate to me.
Amity nods to the buffoonish display of the knight re- enactor. William is too up-in-arms to notice her jives.
WILLIAM
I mean, it was only fifty years ago! There have to be some witches still around who remember what it was like.
(pondering)
In fact, Eda, you look to be-
EDA
(warning)
-DON'T...complete that thought...If you wanna be a stickler, go bug my sister. She's the one in charge of "historical authenticity" at this shindig.
She points over to where Lilith is coordinating an event with some city officials. When her bored gaze drifts over to Sir William, her jaw drops and she excitedly rushes over to him.
LILITH
*gasp* Eda, is this really him? I know what you told me, but I could hardly believe it! Sir William of Ossigard! In the flesh! *squee* A living fossil!
WILLIAM
(irritable)
I'd be careful who you call "fossil" if I were you. So, you're the one responsible for this...parody?!
Taken aback, Lilith adjusts her glasses and clutches her clipboard defensively across her chest.
LILITH
I...apologize, Sir William. Public perceptions are difficult to change. Especially when they're tied up in the occasion's sense of fun!
She forces a smile under William's withering gaze.
WILLIAM
Well, I'd hate to ruin the fun, but you have a duty as an educator, do you not?
LILITH
Of course, I only-
WILLIAM
Start taking notes.
Lilith scrambles for her pencil and dutifully scrawls notes on her clipboard.
WILLIAM
Lesson one. We did not walk around caked in dung!
The rest of the party all chuckle and leave Sir William to his lecturing.
Luz and Amity share a lag of mutton from the concession stand. Amity chuckles as Luz smears the sauce over her cheeks and helps dab it up with a napkin.
King tries his hand at pulling a sword from a stone and winning a shiny costume crown to replace his flimsy cardboard one.
Eda spectates a mock sword fight between a pair of LARPers. As she watches them fight, she sees another of the contestants suiting up his armor and preparing for the next match. As it so happens, it's Warden Wrath.
EDA
Warden?!
WRATH
(flinching)
Gah! It's you.
(resentful)
What do you want...
EDA
What? You're not gonna arrest me on some phony charge and force me to marry you or something?
WRATH
I got demoted for letting you escape with those delinquents, and then fired for letting your apprentice rampage across the castle. This is the only place left where I can get any respect.
BRAXAS
Good luck, daddy!
Warden Wrath's son, Braxas, waves at him from the bleachers. Wrath gives a cheery wave back before turning a stern gaze on Eda.
WRATH
Try not to ruin this for me too.
EDA
(folding her arms)
Hey, you had it coming.
Wrath grumbles as he dons his helmet and strides into the ring to face his opponent.
Meanwhile, Sir William is still chewing out Lilith as they tour the promenade.
WILLIAM
And what in the blazes is an "iron maiden"?! For Titan's sake, we weren't maniacs!
He's interrupted by the sound of a scuffle erupting across the fairgrounds. A trio of cyclops demons rampage through the fair, vandalizing stalls, ripping up banners, and bullying patrons out of their carnival food.
LILITH
Oh no. Not them again.
WILLIAM
(leery)
Seems I'm not the only one who disapproves of the festivities.
LILITH
They make a scene every year! Someone get security!
WILLIAM
No need. Allow me.
LILITH
Oh, really it's not-
WILLIAM
(chivalrous)
You've been patient with me. Let me return the favor.
William strides over and peels one of the cyclops brothers off a hapless mutton vendor.
WILLIAM
You know, I don't think much of these proceedings either, but you don't see me wreaking havoc over it.
BLUEFANG
Stay out of this, pretty boy! This is a demonstration!
WILLIAM
Of what? Poor manners?
REDFANG
This fair celebrates a time when demonkind was downtrodden! It's an insult!
WILLIAM
Well then, your kind must a selective memory.
William's mood darkens. A ring of spectators converges on the scene, sensing the heightened tension. Detecting trouble, the rest of Luz's party arrives as well.
GREENFANG
You would say that, punk! Do you even know who you're cosplaying? The most brutal oppressor of them all! William the Conqueror!
Murmurs ripple through the crowd as though some taboo were attached to the name.
WILLIAM
(smiling)
Really? He must've been a handsome chap...
GREENFANG
You've got some nerve!
Green Fang slugs William across the face, sending him staggering back. The crowd gasps. William wipes a streak of blood from the corner of his mouth, breathing heavily.
BLUEFANG
Ooh! What's scary old Sir Willy gonna do?!
REDFANG
Having a heart attack, old man?
The cyclops trio all laugh and guffaw. William continues to hyperventilate, his vision going blurry. He has a flashback to a memory of an old battle. A pack of demons similarly laugh as they rampage across the battlefield.
Returning to the present, Sir William draws his sword and levels it at the cyclops.
WILLIAM
(loathing)
What say we re-enact some history?
With a sweep of his blade, Sir William casts a wall of flame that blasts the cyclops off their feet. From there, the scene devolves into a brutal melee.
LUZ
William!
Luz tries to break up the fight, but Eda restrains her.
EDA
Stay out of it, kid.
LUZ
What's going on? What's all this "William the Conqueror" talk?
WRATH
It's really him?
Wrath appears next to Eda, watching the spectacle with dread.
WRATH
My father told me the story. All demons know it. "In the savage ages, when the shadows first lengthened, one stood. In his rancor, he found no peace, and he scoured the searing plains seeking vengeance against the demon lords who wronged him."
King watches the fight while Wrath narrates the testament, looking at William with a growing sense of fear.
WRATH
"Those that escaped the bite of his blade named him...William the Conqueror..."
William emerges victorious, knocking the last cyclops to the ground. In his mind, he is back on that old battlefield surrounded by flames and destruction.
INTERMISSION:
EXT. FAIRGROUNDS - DAY
Sir William looms over the fallen cyclops. Bluefang tries to get to his feet, but William pins him to the ground with his foot. His face grim and furrowed, William raises his sword as though to deal a killing blow.
His mind is still in a trance. In his flashback he looks down on a cyclops demon like Bluefang, only it looks far more formidable. It is far larger and bears a pair of tusks instead of just one small fang.
In reality, Bluefang looks with horror at Sir William's blade, realizing these moments may be his last.
BLUE FANG
(stammering)
Th-that's not just a costume, is it? You really are-!
Suddenly, Luz thrusts herself between them.
LUZ
(theatrical)
WOW! That was some EPIC role-play, guys!
William snaps out of his trance as Luz takes him by the arm, forcing the sword out of his hand with a feigned smile.
LUZ
Give 'em a hand, everyone!
The crowd uneasily begins to applaud, not altogether convinced it was just a performance. The cyclops brothers retreat in terror while Luz shepherds William back to the party.
EDA
What in blue blazes was that?!
AMITY
You looked like you were ready to kill that guy!
WILLIAM
(dazed)
I-I...
With a deep breath, he finally composes himself.
WILLIAM
I just got swept up in the excitement is all. I'm alright now.
(uncomfortable)
Can we leave? I've had my fill of this place.
William marches away, headed home. Any demons who cross his path shrink away from him. Wrath holds Braxas close. Luz and Co. watch him leave with looks of astonishment or confusion. King bears a look of sorrow.
KING
Am...am I not supposed to enjoy this?
LUZ
What? What do you mean, King?
KING
This festival...what those demons said...*sniff* was William really like all that?
LILITH
(solemn)
In those days, the Kingdom of Ossigard was at war with the Demon Tribes. Sir William earned a name for himself as a warrior by slaying many of their chieftains.
King's eyes begin to water. Luz crouches down and squeezes him in a hug while Lilith clasps his shoulder.
LILITH
Those were dark times, King. And some of us can only ever be a product of our times. Don't judge him too harshly.
LUZ
(indignant)
But he's living in our times now! We can't just let him wallow in the past!
(determined)
If he's going to be our friend, he's got to embrace a new way of thinking.
(scheming)
And I think I know how we can help him see the light...
CUT TO:
EXT. THE OWL HOUSE - MORNING
The next day begins with a hearty crow from Hooty.
HOOTY
Cock-a-doodle doooooo-*cough* *hack* *wheeze*!
INT. LIVING ROOM
William strides into the living room, stretching and yawning. He opens his eyes to discover Luz, King, and Hooty awaiting him, each with a big smile. The blackboard behind them is tacked with all sorts of charts, diagrams, and paraphernalia centered on demons.
In big chalk letters, the words DEMON SENSITIVITY TRAINING are scrawled out in the center.
WILLIAM
You've got to be joking.
LUZ
(cheery)
Good morning, Sir William! The fam and I were just thinking how lucky we are to have you as a fount of historical knowledge.
We thought it only right to repay you with lessons on how the Boiling Isles have progressed since your time.
WILLIAM
Look, Luz. If this is about my outburst at the fair yesterday-I'm fine now. Really! I just need to avoid any further aggrava-
Hooty presses himself up close into William's face, the edge of his mortar-board cap poking William's eye.
HOOTY
It's come to our attention that you harbor some...misconceptions about the wonderful people you share our world with.
We hope this twelve-step program will help you come to live in harmony with your furry and/or scaly peers!
WILLIAM
Tsch! I don't have time for this!
He begins storming away but finds Eda blocking his way, sipping apple blood in her morning wear.
EDA
It's mandatory. Unless you'd like to start paying rent...
Grumbling, William turns around and sinks into the school desk Luz had set out.
LUZ
Alright! Lesson one!
LATER
HOOTY
So, those were all the types and clades of Demons. Any questions?
WILLIAM
(sarcastic)
Snagglebacks, slither-beasts, and flesh-rippers, oh my! With names like those, it's a wonder we ever held contention!
HOOTY
(oblivious)
I'm glad you're reading between the lines! Now, if we are to conquer our biases, we must confront them head- on!
King squirms into a seat across from William, holding a stack of card-stock slides with pictures of demons.
HOOTY
Look at each one of these slides and tell me the first word that comes to your mind.
King reveals the first picture.
WILLIAM
(irreverent)
Rainbows and moonbeams!
Luz gives him a disapproving scowl. Sighing, William tries again.
WILLIAM
...Evil...
King goes to the next slide.
WILLIAM
...death...
He keeps flipping through them.
WILLIAM
(mood darkening)
...destruction...devastation... pain...murder...
King keeps flipping, growing increasingly concerned.
WILLIAM
(rage building)
...crush! Purge! Kill! DESTROY!
Quaking with fear, King reveals the final slide. William shoots to his feet and tears apart a therapy doll.
WILLIAM
RIP AND TEAR!
He pants with rage, a shower of cotton stuffing raining around him. His trio of therapists looks at him wide-eyed.
WILLIAM
(calming)
Er...I mean...happiness!
LATER
William walks back into the living room from his sandwich break in the kitchen. He's surprised to find that the room is filled with a crowd of little demons, all seated in a semicircle of chairs.
There are some familiar faces among them. Tibbles, Tinella Nosa, the Snaggleback, Garlog, the Abominable Cutie-pie, among other cute little demons. They all quiver at the sight of William.
HOOTY
Okay! We've decided to skip a few steps and go straight to the intervention! You need to learn how your actions impact the demon community.
Hooty nudges the Snaggleback, prompting him to read from his script.
SNAGGLEBACK
Uh...um...When you attack demons and...uh..."try to kill them"? *gulp* It makes me feel...afraid.
WILLIAM
(grim)
Good.
The Snaggleback yelps with fear and hides behind his script.
HOOTY
(stern)
Come on. You've gotta take this seriously!
WILLIAM
I don't even know any of these people! How is it an intervention if-
LUZ
(excited)
*gasp* "People". You see, Hooty! We are making progress!
WILLIAM
*groan* Oh, for the love of-! Look, I get it!
(earnest)
By some miracle, the war is over and times have changed. I promise I won't make a fuss over it. And besides-
William holds his hand out in perspective, squishing little Tinella Nosa between his fingers. The little demon sweats bullets under the scrutiny.
WILLIAM
-Demons these days are too shrimpy to be worth my wrath.
(pensive)
It's uncanny, really...
LUZ
That's all fine and well, but you clearly still have underlying issues that need dealing with.
WILLIAM
And maybe I do! What, you think I don't like demons for the number of eyeballs they have or the color of their scales? There are old wounds between us that you'd do well not to reopen!
LUZ
Is that how you justify the things you've done?!
WILLIAM
What do you know of the things I've done...or why I did them?
LUZ
We know enough!
Luz rises to her feet, indignant. The demons watch awkwardly as they bicker.
WILLIAM
So, what then? THIS is all I am to you now?
He grabs one of the plushy dolls from the renaissance fair and squeezes it in his fist.
KNIGHT PLUSHY
BLAST THEE, VILE CREAT-*static*!
It explodes in his angry grip.
WILLIAM
You really think so little of me?!
LUZ
There's a reason people think so little of your time-back when people feared what they didn't understand!
WILLIAM
And what would YOU understand?!
William pauses, tempering his rage. The little demons tremble behind their chairs.
WILLIAM
(fed up)
Never mind. I'm done.
He storms off to the cellar door.
WILLIAM
(grumbling)
Paying Eda rent has to be better than this!
King watches him disappear down the trap-door with disappointment.
CUT TO:
INT. LUZ'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
King wistfully watches the stars from the bedroom window. Luz then enters the room in her pj's, having finished brushing for the night.
LUZ
Hey. You still up?
KING
(solemn)
I've been thinking about what Lilith said...I want William to be my friend...but could I forgive him if he's the reason I don't have a family...?
The only answer Luz can offer is a hug. Looking over his shoulder, she notices movement outside the window. They both look out to see a hooded figure exiting the Owl House and crossing the lawn. She sees a glimpse of his face. It's William.
Her brow furls in suspicion.
LUZ
What's he up to now?
CUT TO:
EXT. NIGHT MARKETS
William hurries along the alleyways of Bonesborough, trying to look inconspicuous. Luz and King follow silently, keeping hidden behind stalls and crates.
Finally, William finds what he's looking for. Wrath walking home from the night markets with groceries. William steps out of the shadows, blocking the demon's way.
WRATH
(recoiling)
Gah...! Please, I have a family!
WILLIAM
Relax, friend. I'm not here to hurt you.
He approaches Wrath, putting on a friendly air.
WILLIAM
I just need some questions answered is all.
WRATH
Uh...like what?
Luz and King watch their discussion, peering out from a nearby alleyway.
WILLIAM
Like how demons and witches became such good friends since I was around.
Wrath, insulted by the question, finds the courage to try and steam away in a huff.
WRATH
Hmmph...Go read a book.
William snakes around back into his path again, his tone growing more icy.
WILLIAM
Oh yes, those history books that Belos no doubt got his grimy claws all over...
(awed)
But the way you described me...it sounded like you were there-!
WRATH
My father was there...*sigh*
Wrath relents and begins telling the story.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
EXT. THE TITAN'S SKULL - NIGHT
A congregation of robed figures kneels around an outcropping, the Titan's skull looming ahead of them. Belos stands on an altar, garbed in priestly robes.
WRATH (V.O)
Belos was on his meteoric rise to power, but the demon tribes would not heel to him.
BELOS' DISCIPLE
They found us!
A pack of vicious demons comes pouring into the ritual site from the forest. While his followers tremble, Belos hastily begins his ritual with a silent prayer to the Titan.
BELOS
Please let this work...
Belos raises his staff over the altar, igniting it with a red glow. The Titan's eye sockets likewise pulse and thrum with green energy, unleashing a shockwave over the whole island.
As the demons are engulfed by the shockwave, they convulse and transform into less threatening versions of themselves.
WRATH (V.O.)
With the Titan's help, he cast a curse on the Boiling Isles that transformed Demons into more diminutive forms...
Wrath's father, a giant tentacled monster, is now more humanoid, while the smaller demons were turned into cute toddler-like forms.
No longer fearful, Belos' followers surround them. It is the demons who now quiver as Belos' shadow looms over them.
EXT. BONESBURG SQUARE - MORNING
The following morning, Belos appears in a puff of smoke and preaches to the crowds.
WRATH (V.O.)
Having subdued demon-kind, he paraded us for the amusement of the witchlings.
With a flourish, Belos whips his cloak aside, revealing a host of demons carrying baskets of offerings. One of the cute little demons offers a fruit to a market-goer while sweating under Belos' expectant gaze.
The witchlings are stunned and amazed, laughing at the adorable little creatures. Belos continues his preaching.
WRATH (V.O.)
Bragging of his victory, he claimed the Titan thus favored him as their leader over the Royalty of Ossigard, who couldn't achieve in decades of war what he had in one night...
The crowd murmurs with indecision at first, but slowly it begins cheering and chanting his name.
WRATH
So it was that Lord Belos won the loyalty of the people...demon and witchling alike...
END FLASHBACK:
EXT. STREETS OF BONESBOROUGH - NIGHT
Wrath finishes his story, leaving Sir William stunned. Off in the alley, King looks at his cute, stubby paws with anguish.
WILLIAM
No! That's impossible! There's no way that leech had the Titan's favor! It...it can't be!
WRATH
Believe what you like, but that's the truth. Even many demons don't know the story...
(smoldering)
They've forgotten how Belos humiliated us...
REDFANG
Heh. Not all of us...
They both start as a figure emerges from the shadows. One of the cyclops brothers.
REDFANG
But Belos is way up in a castle, surrounded by guards...
(leering)
While, you're down here.
William draws his sword, but Bluefang jumps out of hiding and knocks him out with a sharp blow to the head. Redfang picks up the sword and examines it.
BLUEFANG
See those glyphs on his sword? I told you he was the real deal!
LUZ
Will!
Luz and King rush out to help him, but Greenfang sneaks up behind them and grabs them in his arms.
GREENFANG
Look what we got here, boys!
REDFANG
Tie 'em up and bring 'em with.
WRATH
Uh...wait...
Wrath, who had simply stood back and watched up to this point, interjects.
WRATH
Those two are harmless.
BLUEFANG
Any friend of his is an enemy of ours.
REDFANG
We'll let Elder Tarak decide their fate. Don't get in our way, or you'll share in it...
The cyclops brothers then take their prisoners into the shadows, leaving Wrath looking conflicted.
CUT TO:
INT. MAKESHIFT PRISON CELL, BONESBOROUGH SEWERS
Luz and Co. Are thrown into a jail cell. Frustrated, Luz starts yanking on the walls of their cage.
LUZ
*groan* No! Let us out!
REDFANG
(chuckling)
Sit tight. We'll be back.
Finally giving up, she paces away and sulks in a pile of garbage just as the foul smell begins to rouse William.
WILLIAM
(coughing)
Er-ugh...Where are we?!
LUZ
Up the creek, thanks to you!
WILLIAM
(sarcastic)
Right, because I forced you to trail after and eavesdrop on me...
LUZ
Keeping tabs on you, so you wouldn't make things worse!
KING
Guys! Stop fighting! I'm trying to concentrate!
King is busy using the severed portion of his horn to pick the lock of the cell door. Heedless, they continue their bickering.
WILLIAM
You really think I'm some rogue who would sneak off and-
LUZ
I don't know what you are anymore! Besides a bigot, and a warmonger, and-!
WILLIAM
Maybe you would be too if you grew up in my time-among demons who pillaged your lands, destroyed your homes, and murdered your FATHER!
At this, Luz appears disarmed. Even King pauses at his lock-picking, a look of remorse on his face.
Defeated, William sinks to the stone floor.
WILLIAM
(solemn)
But I suppose they don't deserve all the credit...
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
INT. OSSIGARD CASTLE, WAR-ROOM
Sir William remonstrates with his father as he confers with his generals.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I was like you back then. I wanted my people to embrace a new view of the world...
WILLIAM
Father, I urge you not to act hastily. The demons raid us out of desperation. Their lands are barren when ours are fair and rich.
The king's generals all scoff.
KING WULFRIC
Do you hear yourself, son?! They are DEMONS! Beings of chaos!
WILLIAM
Beings of magic! And you were wrong about magic. Maybe you were wrong about their kind as well...
The king looks conflicted.
WILLIAM
Let me volunteer as an envoy. This could be our chance to end the war.
KING WULFRIC
*sigh* Very well! But I'm going with you. If there is good in demon-kind, I will have to see it to believe it.
EXT. SEARING PLAINS - DAY
They set out with a retinue of knights under a flag of truce. As they pass beneath a rocky outcropping they hear a horn blare across the plains. A demon ambush.
They are quickly swarmed by demons and overwhelmed. A pack of demons wrestle William and his father from their horses, pinning them to the ground.
One of the demons draws a cleaver and levels it at the king.
WILLIAM
(struggling)
Wait! If it's a ransom you're after, you will have it!
Before William can finish his plea, the demon brings the cleaver down in a clean swipe. William is wide-eyed with horror.
WILLIAM
(shocked)
No...NO!
(enraged)
YOU MONSTERS! YOU HEATHENS!
William continues to struggle, but another demon draws a spear and aims to plunge it straight down into his chest.
CUT TO BLACK:
INT. INFIRMARY - MORNING
William slowly awakens in a hospital bed. He tosses and turns to see his mother, the Queen, conferring with the Sister Superior in the hallway outside his door.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I narrowly survived. Instead of piercing my heart, the spear-tip punctured my bile sack. I would be lucky to ever cast a spell again...
William turns back over at the sound of his mother's weeping.
TIMELAPSE
William stares out his window with an empty gaze, watching the days pass by while he convalesces.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
At times I wished I had joined my father. But then I met a witch named Philip Wittebane.
Philip enters his hospital cell with a smile.
LUZ (V.O.)
*gasp* You knew Philip?!
Curiously, Philip's ears seem pointed rather than rounded. He sits by William's bedside, withdrawing his notebook from his satchel.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
He was an inspiration to me. It was he who taught me the power of the pictoglyphs.
INT. LIBRARY
Philip and William study the various pictoglyphs together.
INT. BLACKSMITH
Together, they forge a sword and a breastplate, stamping them with several glyphs.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
It was thanks to him I could claim my vengeance.
INT. MILITARY TENT - NIGHT
Sir William's pages suit him up in his newly refurbished armor, adding a formidable armet helm that masks his face.
He then marches out into his war camp to greet his soldiers with a raised sword.
EXT. DEMON WARCAMP
A cyclops chieftain stands before his host.
CYCLOPS CHIEFTAIN
The line of Ossigard has ended! Their people are weak and leaderless! Now is the time to stri-
A crossbow bolt lands in their midst, heralding the approach of Sir William and his army.
CYCLOPS CHIEFTAIN
(incredulous)
No...It can't be! I broke you!
William marches up to the host of dumbfounded demons, the glyphs on his armor glowing ominously.
WILLIAM
(grim)
I have been remade.
His sword glows with a blue flame and he takes a long swipe at the camera.
END FLASHBACK:
INT. JAIL CELL, BONESBOROUGH SEWERS
William concludes his story with a deflated sigh. Luz kneels next to him, looking remorseful.
WILLIAM
(solemn)
So you see now. This world may be a fantasy to you, human. But for us, it was a struggle to survive.
LUZ
I...I guess things were more complicated than I thought.
(tearing up)
I'm sorry...
WILLIAM
You don't have to-
Her eyes grow watery and she embraces Sir William. He slowly accepts and returns the embrace.
LUZ
Yes, I do. *sniff* I know what it's like losing a father to war...
WILLIAM
(introspective)
But you were right about me in the end. If the Warden's story is true, then my quest for vengeance only prolonged that bitter war.
I pushed the people, and the Titan, into the coils of that snake, Belos...
(despairing)
This IS all my fault...I'm the reason the Emperor rose to power...
Luz wipes away her tears and breaks from her hug.
LUZ
(determined)
Well, you're also going to be the reason he goes out on his butt! Come on!
Luz drags William to his feet and King hurriedly tries to finish picking the lock. However, the cyclops brothers burst into their cell.
REDFANG
Getting bright ideas already, are we?
They muscle their way past Luz and King, taking William by the arms and dragging him out. He offers no resistance.
WILLIAM
Just focus on getting out, Luz. I'll be fine.
She watches him go, clutching the cell bars with watery eyes as the cell door swings shut.
INTERMISSION:
INT. THE OWL HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A dull, heavy knocking commences on the front door.
HOOTY (O.S.)
(muffled)
Eda, it's for you!
EDA (O.S.)
(groggy)
Eh, uh...LUUUUZ! Can you get it, please!
After a few seconds without a response, the knocking commences again.
HOOTY (O.S.)
Uh, Eda! You may wanna get this!
EDA (O.S.)
LUZ...PLEASE, I'M OLD! HAVE MERCY!
Again, the knocking continues.
EDA (O.S.)
UGGH! FINE! I'm coming! I'm coming!
Eda slips on a bathrobe and lumbers down the stairs, nearly tripping and falling. She throws open the door, her expression lethal if looks could kill.
EDA
WHAT IS IT?!
She pauses, seeing Wrath looming in the doorway.
WRATH
You seem to be missing your apprentice.
Eda's heavy eyelids fly open. She rushes back up the stairs.
EDA
(frantic)
Luz...?! LUZ!
She almost breaks down the door to Luz's bedroom, finding it empty. She nearly has a panic attack.
WRATH (O.S)
May I come in?
INT. LIVING ROOM
Hooty graciously admits Wrath into the living-room. Eda then comes flying down the stairwell in Harpy form, barreling wrath over and pinning him to the ground.
EDA
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER! (brandishing talons) If you've hurt her, I swear I'll-!
WRATH
IT WASN'T ME! Just listen! Sir William, your apprentice, and your furry pet have been captured by the cyclops brothers.
EDA
Where have they taken them?!
WRATH
To the sewers beneath Bonesborough. They're convening a show-trial to punish Sir William for his crimes against demon-kind. I wouldn't expect them to show mercy to his friends...
EDA
Wh-Why should I believe you?
She releases Wrath from her talons, reverting back to her normal form.
EDA
This could all be a trick! Think you can get your job back by hauling me in, huh?!
WRATH
You're not worth anything to the Emperor anymore.
EDA
So why help me?
WRATH
I'm not doing this for you. All I know is if it were my son on the line, I wouldn't take any chances.
Eda looks unsure, but also wracked with worry...
WRATH
Are you coming with me, or not?
CUT TO:
INT. BONESBOROUGH SEWERS - NIGHT
The cyclops drag William into a large antechamber with a jury of demon spectators lining the stands. They boo and jeer as he is strapped to a torture rack.
A cloaked figure presides over the proceedings from an imposing tribunal.
DEMON BAILIFF
Order, you swine! Order! Elder Tarak presides!
The demons eventually pipe down and the hooded figure stands to read the charges.
INT. PRISON CELL
King hurriedly continues picking the lock with his horn fragment.
LUZ
We've got to hurry!
KING
I've almost...got it!
Suddenly, Redfang reappears outside their cell.
REDFANG
Hey, you twerps! I thought I told you to knock that off!
As Redfang opens their cell door to enter, they both bull-rush past him and knock him on his back. King slams the cell door behind them and Luz uses a fire glyph to melt it shut.
As the duo escapes, Redfang shouts after King.
REDFANG
You traitorous runt! How dare you attack your own kind! Elder Tarak will skin you alive!
King tries to ignore him, but can't suppress a pang of guilt.
LUZ
Come on, we've got to help him!
Luz takes King by the hand and together they escape the prison block.
INT. "COURT ROOM"
ELDER TARAK
Sir William of Ossigard. You stand accused of-
WILLIAM
(bored)
-I know the charges and plead guilty on all counts. Let's skip to the part you're really here for...
The demon jury all laugh and leer.
DEMON BAILIFF
ORDER!
ELDER TARAK
I am not satisfied! I want to hear you explain your actions against demon-kind!
WILLIAM
What can I say? All is fair in love and war.
The jury erupts into boos, tossing fruit and garbage at him from the stands.
DEMON BAILIFF
Don't make me come up into those stands!
As the bailiff tries to wrangle the unruly jury, William feels his manacles and chains rattle slightly, as if trying to unclasp themselves. At first confused, William then realizes what this means. He tries to suppress a smirk and turns back to the Elder.
ELDER TARAK
So, you are devoid of any compunctions?
WILLIAM
(self-conscious)
Actually, I do have a few regrets.
ELDER TARAK
Oh?
The jury pipes down, somewhat interested.
WILLIAM
It was the chief of the cyclops tribe who took my father from me. After slaying him, I suppose I could've ended things there. "Eye for an eye"-
(winking)
-Pun not intended.
The jury ripples with laughter.
GREENFANG
Shut up!
Once again, the harried Bailiff tries to bring them to heel. In all the noise, William's restraints rattle again. Unable to contain his anger, Bluefang steps forward.
BLUEFANG
See how he mocks us! This trial is pointless!
He draws a dagger from his belt and approaches William.
BLUEFANG
Come, brothers! Let us give this swine what he deserves!
As Bluefang inches closer, he hears a pained yelp. He looks down to see King, de-cloaked from invisibility after the cyclops stepped on his tail. Luz also materializes, crouching over William's restraints in an attempt to unfasten them.
After a moment of confused silence, the jury is in an uproar. Not even the bailiff's threats can calm them. Then, Elder Tarak rises to his feet and utters a deafening roar.
ELDER TARAK
STOP!
A shockwave of vibrant energy erupts from his mouth, its power felt across the chamber. With the jury finally silent, the hooded Elder fixes his glowing eyes on King.
ELDER TARAK
Young demon, why do aid this criminal? Do you know what he has done to our people?
WILLIAM
(contrite)
He's right, King. After the way I've treated you, you owe me nothing.
King looks conflicted, but after a few moments breathes a deep sigh and turns to William.
KING
You think you're the only one who feels like a joke? Who never gets any respect?
The jury listens to his monologue while awkwardly shifting around.
KING
There may have been a time when you commanded awe and admiration, but now it's only a memory-if not a fantasy! I know that feeling.
William looks moved by King's earnestness.
KING
(to the jury)
And as for his crimes? The worst thing he did was fight us. It was Belos who took our dignity!
The demons of the jury start murmuring to each other, growing more sympathetic. Seeing this, King is emboldened.
KING
It was Belos who told us we could only have a future under his control, as these helpless little- things!
And I'm sure he'd smile at the thought of his enemies all killing each other down here on his behalf! The Emperor is our foe, not him!
The jury all rise and cheer with agreement. King looks stunned, not expecting such overwhelming support.
KING
Wow! Did I just say all that...?
ELDER TARAK
You did indeed!
The Elder rises from the tribunal and removes his hood. King gasps to see a demon with a visage much like his.
ELDER TARAK
He is right, brothers! In this proceeding, we punish ourselves as much as the defendant. This trial is adjourned!
The ruling gets a mixed reaction from the crowd, some still deliberating, others booing with disapproval.
GREENFANG
What?! So, that's it?! After all he's done, we're just letting him walk away?
ELDER TARAK
(grave)
Now, I didn't say that.
Tarak takes Sir William's sword from under his robes and tosses it at his feet.
ELDER TARAK
We'll let him fight his way out!
The demons of the jury all leer and smile with malice. They climb down from the stands and surround the trio. Luz quickly unshackles William, who takes his sword and assumes a battle-ready stance.
King, meanwhile, notices the Elder beginning to take his leave.
KING
Wait! Who are you?!
ELDER TARAK
It's all in the letter I left you, King.
(fading into the shadows)
We'll be seeing you soon.
KING
Letter? What letter? Don't go!
Luz scoops King up in her arms and prepares her glyphs for combat with the encroaching Demons.
Luz and William fight back-to-back in the ensuing melee. They send demons flying left and right, yet their numbers hardly seem thinned.
LUZ
There are too many of them!
Just when she almost seems dismayed, a new combatant comes tearing her way through the demons. Eda, in her harpy form, cuts a swathe through the crowd.
EDA
Come on, let's book it!
The trio follows her out into the sewers, a horde of demons still pursuing them. Just as the angry mob gains on their heels, Wrath emerges from the shadows. He reaches out with his tentacles and dislodges a keystone from an overhanging arch, collapsing a section of the causeway between their pursuers.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT
They all then emerge onto a narrow alleyway, pausing to catch their breath. The first thing Eda does is scoop Luz and King up in her wings.
EDA
(tearing up)
Oh! I'm so glad you're okay!
(stern)
But first thing tomorrow, you're in for a reaming-all three of you! Now come on, let's go home.
She yawns and rubs her tired eyes, setting off for home with the others in tow. Luz lingers at William's side, bashfully gazing at her feet.
WILLIAM
Well, I guess my rent just went up.
LUZ
(contrite)
It's alright. You don't have to sit through those lectures anymore. I'm sorry I tried so hard to change you.
WILLIAM
(smiling)
But I do think I've changed for the better. I know now there's one demon I can trust.
He turns to King with a smile.
WILLIAM
You lived up to your name today, King. I don't know if you are the "Lord of all Demons" but you should be.
King returns an appreciative smile. All the while, Eda strides beside Wrath, transforming from her harpy form.
EDA
So, I still don't get it. After all I cost you, why stick your neck out like that?
Wrath is about to answer before he hears a noise from the nearby alleyway.
WRATH
You can come out now, Braxas.
The little demon scampers into the moonlight and hugs his father's knees.
BRAXAS
Daddy! I was so worried!
WRATH
I'm fine, son.
Wrath scoops little Braxas up in his arms and carries him on his shoulder. Eda can't help but smile. Noticing her gaze, Wrath rubs his neck.
WRATH
Eda...about what happened at the Conformatorium. I just wanted a mother figure in Braxas' life again...
(contrite)
But I went too far...
EDA
Well, that's sweet. But I'm still not dating you, if that's why you helped me.
WRATH
No. But, by aiding a fugitive, I've become a wanted felon myself, have I not?
EDA
(confused)
I...guess so...?
WRATH
(excited)
You hear that, Braxas? Your father's an outlaw now!
BRAXAS
Wow! You're so cool, daddy!
WRATH
Thank you, son.
Wrath takes his son down another street, both of them waving farewell to the Owl House denizens. King watches them go with a look of longing. He then turns his gaze to the sky.
KING (V.O.)
What letter...? Who are you? Are you my...father?
The stars twinkle with mystery.
FADE OUT
