Children’s Children

by

Andrew Morris

EXT. SCENE - ON THE SEA. (NIGHT)

Out of a deep mist, a small glow appears, grows brighter, pierces the night. Behind it, the skiff appears out of the darkness, gliding quietly over the sea. GABRIEL stands at the front, rowing. Behind him stands ANGELA, then GOLIATH and ELISA. GABRIEL is cheerful and chatty. GOLIATH is subdued, which is keeping ELISA and ANGELA subdued as well as they keep glancing at him.

GABRIEL

Ophelia will be thrilled to see you again. Everyone will, but she has asked about you. She had wanted to visit Manhattan and see how you fared.

GOLIATH

Hmm.

GABRIEL

Of course, it is difficult to work out the proper times to visit. By the time we have decided to come, months have gone by for you. 

GOLIATH

Yes.

GABRIEL

But now, here we are.

Before them spreads a grand vista: the beach of Avalon, with the beacon burning bright to one side and the bluffs stretching up surrounding it. GABRIEL rows the skiff in to shore.

EXT. SCENE - AVALON. BEACH. (NIGHT)

GABRIEL alights from the skiff and pulls it up onto the shore, assisted by GOLIATH. ANGELA and ELISA step out onto the beach, and the four of them go up. GOLIATH trails behind, with ELISA.

ELISA

Goliath? Are you all right?

GOLIATH

Yes.

ELISA

Uh-huh.

He looks at her, perturbed, but says nothing. Before them, OPHELIA lands and steps forward.

OPHELIA

You have returned already?

GABRIEL

I have. Avalon was kind.

OPHELIA

This is a good omen, perhaps. Welcome, all of you!

ANGELA

Ophelia! I have not seen you in years.

They clasp hands.

OPHELIA

And Elisa! Cousin, how are you?

ELISA

We’ve been well. And you?

OPHELIA

We have fared well also. There has been peace since last you came. And Goliath!

She looks at GOLIATH, who is stern, silent.

OPHELIA

You are well?

GOLIATH

Relatively so.

OPHELIA

Oh.

GABRIEL

Come up to the castle. We must let Lord Oberon know you have come.

OPHELIA

Yes, this way.

They all go up off the beach and into the island.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. THRONE ROOM.

OBERON and TITANIA are seated on their thrones, with a few of the Third Race engaged in business around the throne room. The doors open, and a fairy HERALD enters.

HERALD

My good lord Oberon, lady Titania: your knight Gabriel, his father, his sister, and the lady Elisa.

OBERON

Admit them.

The herald stands aside and salutes sharply, and GABRIEL, GOLIATH, ANGELA, and ELISA enter and approach the throne. GABRIEL, GOLIATH, and ANGELA cape their wings as they do. GOLIATH and GABRIEL bow to OBERON and TITANIA, and ANGELA and ELISA follow their lead.

OBERON

My good knight. You have been unusually swift in your quest.

GABRIEL

I have, lord Oberon. Avalon dispatched me directly.

OBERON

Oh? That is a novelty. Goliath?

GOLIATH

My lord.

OBERON

We trust that you are well? Manhattan is secured?

GOLIATH

It is.

OBERON

Yet you do not seem to have great cheer for this visit.

GOLIATH

No, good lord.

GABRIEL

My lord, you receive him during a time of great trial. Goliath’s clan has been displaced temporarily from their home.

OBERON

How now? What’s this?

GOLIATH

We were affected by a great storm.

OBERON

Ah, well. That is too bad. Herald, send for the Guardian and the Princess. Perhaps they can bring him better cheer.

HERALD

Yes, my lord.

The HERALD exits.

OBERON

This is a time of great cheer on Avalon. We are pleased to have gathered all our children in, and we are pleased to have the children of the clan coming as well.

TITANIA

Now, my lord, do your eyes deceive you or have you been toasting your cheer already?

OBERON

What do you mean?

TITANIA

There are four visitors and you have greeted only two. 

OBERON

Hist, now, sweet Titania. I had not finished.

TITANIA

Haste, now, good Oberon. You neglect our guests.

OBERON

Dear Angela. You have found great adventures off the island?

ANGELA

Yes, lord Oberon.

OBERON

We are glad to hear it. And Elisa?

ELISA

Hello, Oberon.

OBERON

We think that Manhattan never had such a mighty defender as you, save perhaps your mate.

ELISA

Thank you.

OBERON

You are all welcome here. Now, good lady, may we celebrate?

TITANIA

Yes, good lord. Now you may.

OBERON

We thank you for your leave.

The HERALD enters, stands aside, and salutes. TOM and KATHARINE enter, TOM in his armor. TOM kneels briefly to OBERON, and KATHARINE gives a curtsy.

OBERON

Rise, Guardian, Princess. We think you have friends here.

TOM

We do.

OBERON

Our pleasure is that they be received as honored guests. Would you do them this honor?

KATHARINE

Eagerly, my lord.

She goes to ANGELA, and they take each other’s hands.

TOM

Come. We have been preparing a meal.

GABRIEL

Begging my lord’s pardon, but I would go to the rookery to check its progress.

OBERON

Then you shall.

GABRIEL

Thank you, my lord. Goliath, will you come?

GOLIATH

Later, perhaps.

GABRIEL

(bowing)

My lord.

GABRIEL exits. TOM bows, and leaves as well, followed by KATHARINE, ANGELA, ELISA, and GOLIATH.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. DINING HALL.

TOM, KATHARINE, GOLIATH, ANGELA, ELISA, and OPHELIA are seated in the dining hall by themselves. There is a small but sumptuous meal laid out for them, with a couple of game birds, roasted vegetables, and other good food. GOLIATH is not eating.

ANGELA

Gabriel is not as I had remembered him.

KATHARINE

No, he has been very nervous.

TOM

Far too nervous. I should think a clan has never had a clutch of gargoyle eggs before, from how he worries.

KATHARINE

Aye.

ANGELA

Is there any cause for worry?

KATHARINE

None whatever, from what I have seen.

OPHELIA

Oh, you are too hard on him. He is hardly the only one trying to find his way through this.

ANGELA

I would think that it would come naturally.

OPHELIA

Have you borne your egg, then?

ANGELA

Yes. It has been five years for me.

OPHELIA

Your advice would be welcome.

ANGELA

Much of it comes from my father. I am glad he is here.

KATHARINE

As are we. But, Goliath?

GOLIATH looks over at her.

KATHARINE

Is the feeling quite mutual, then?

GOLIATH

I am sorry. I am distracted tonight.

TOM

So it would seem. I hope that your temporary home has not been too hard on you?

GOLIATH

No.

KATHARINE

But even if it were, I am surprised you are not more cheered to see your children.

GOLIATH

As am I.

He stands.

GOLIATH

If you will excuse me, I would like to go and look at the place.

KATHARINE

Of course.

GOLIATH exits.

TOM

He has been in a difficult place, then?

ELISA

His clan has been split up.

KATHARINE

What? But how can that be?

ANGELA

We were fleeing a storm that struck Manhattan. We were separated as we fled.

KATHARINE

But you are not divided for good? You do mean to reunite?

ANGELA

I’m not sure.

TOM

You must. A clan should not be so easily broken.

OPHELIA

No, by no means.

ANGELA

It is not. My clan is here, and Manhattan, and Pittsburgh, and Chicago. But it is not broken. We are still one clan.

OPHELIA

A difficult position. You have my respect for it.

ANGELA

I wish it were otherwise, but if fate is our master in all things, where does that leave us?

TOM

Well said.

INT. SCENE - AVALON ROOKERY.

A cave, lit by several torches. Several of the Avalon gargoyles (including AZRAEL and JEREMIEL) are digging out the cave to expand it. At the center is a small island, on which stands a single egg, guarded by BOUDICCA. Around the perimeter are four stones with strange carvings in them. GABRIEL is there, directing work. GOLIATH enters. GABRIEL sees him and comes up to meet him.

GABRIEL

What do you think of it? We were very fortunate to find the space on the castle grounds.

GOLIATH

The size is right. You will need to level the floor.

GABRIEL

We already plan to do so once we have the outer walls shored up.

GOLIATH

And these stones?

GABRIEL

We had found them when we excavated. We are unsure of their purpose but we do not intend to disturb them.

GOLIATH

That is well.

GABRIEL

And of course we intend to use something other than torchlight once it is complete.

GOLIATH

A wise decision.

GABRIEL

There is something else, though--

AZRAEL comes up from the pit, interrupting them.

AZRAEL

Hello, Goliath. Welcome back.

GOLIATH

Hello.

AZRAEL

I need some more field stone for the footings. The ground is unusually soft in the back corner.

GABRIEL

Well spotted, Azrael. I think there should be some sound stone at the foot of the bluffs.

AZRAEL

Ah, I know the place. Jeremiel!

JEREMIEL

Yes?

AZRAEL

Come and help me gather stone.

JEREMIEL

Coming.

AZRAEL and JEREMIEL exit.

GABRIEL

There is something else, though.

GOLIATH

And what is that?

GABRIEL

Our Guardian has been a fine father in his own right, and the Princess has been a fine mother. I am glad that our hatchlings will get to know them. I hope that they will. But humans age so quickly.

GOLIATH

They do.

GABRIEL

And as fine as they are, they are human. They know something of our ways, but not all.

GOLIATH

Then you will have the duty of teaching your young.

GABRIEL

But we don’t have what we need for that. All we have is what we learned from them.

GOLIATH

What is it, then, that you propose?

GABRIEL

Stay here with us. 

GOLIATH

I cannot.

GABRIEL

You can teach us what the Guardian and the Princess never could.

GOLIATH

I must not. I have left much of my clan behind already. You know that.

GABRIEL

Then bring them with.

GOLIATH

And Elisa?

GABRIEL

Yes, of course.

GOLIATH

And if she will not come? She is protecting those in Manhattan, as we are, more than we are. Should I ask her to give that up?

GABRIEL

If need be.

GOLIATH

You ask very much of me.

GABRIEL

I know. I do not expect you to answer lightly.

GOLIATH

I would not answer without Elisa’s agreement. 

GABRIEL

Then go and talk to her, please. But, please do think about it. I would not ask this of you if I did not think you were worthy of the trust. Come, let us go up to the castle. I know that Elisa and Ophelia were together.

They leave. In the back of the cavern, the soil below one of the four stones begins to slip to the ground, and the stone topples forward. From its footing, a thin bluish vapor curls out and pools on the floor.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS.

GOLIATH and ELISA are walking along the battlements of the castle. They come to one corner and stop.

ELISA

It is always a quiet night here.

GOLIATH

That it is. Avalon is at peace.

ELISA

Not like Manhattan.

He leans forward on the battlement.

GOLIATH

You have been well?

ELISA

Not as well as I would like.

GOLIATH

Nor I.

ELISA

There have been nights I’ve gone up to the castle, just to feel the wind from up there. Mornings I’ve gone up, somehow expecting the whole clan to be there.

GOLIATH

There have been days I have not dreamed of your face, but few.

She ducks in under his arm, and he cuddles her near.

ELISA

Are you coming home?

GOLIATH

Perhaps home will come to me. I do not know. To have Angela return, and then to have Gabriel return, makes it feel as though I am fated to remain in Chicago indefinitely.

ELISA

Perish the thought. They can’t even make a decent pizza.

GOLIATH

You will have to tell Matt that. He does not believe it.

ELISA

Well, home-town loyalty, I suppose. We can give him a mulligan on that.

GOLIATH

A what?

ELISA

A pass. We can excuse that.

GOLIATH

Oh. Yes.

ELISA

But not for keeping you there. If he is.

GOLIATH

He is not.

ELISA

You’re sure about that?

GOLIATH

I am not sure of what I am sure about. Our lives have changed so much during this winter. The wind has taken us so far. I have not felt the ground solidly beneath my feet, I think, since autumn. If it were fate for us to remain where we are, in Chicago, it would be one thing, and I would accept it. What more could I do? But now...the people of that place have been warm. Warmer than I had thought possible. We have found a level of respect I had begun to think was impossible.

ELISA

It’s still a tough city.

GOLIATH

It is that. It has its challenges. But so much the better. A paradise is no home at all. There is no protection to offer it.

ELISA

Is there something else on your mind?

GOLIATH

Gabriel has asked me to remain here and raise his younglings. He wishes them to be taught gargoyle ways. The things that he was not taught in his youth.

ELISA

Will you?

GOLIATH

I would not. We are all that we protect. To be driven from it by fate is cruel, but to abandon it is craven. Yet...

ELISA

What?

GOLIATH

I had left them behind once. Fate was kind to let me see them, to return them to me. I hesitate to leave them again, and to trust in fate for their upbringing.

ELISA

They have not come up badly, though. They are a good and honorable part of our clan.

GOLIATH

Aye, and I would expect no less from their foster parents. Still, they are an aberration.

ELISA

“Human ways are not our ways,” right?

GOLIATH

Yes. That is Gabriel’s point.

ELISA

Yeah.

They look out over the night silently a moment.

ELISA

I don’t want you to go.

GOLIATH

I know. He offered to let you remain here too. The whole clan.

ELISA

I don’t want to go. Manhattan needs us. It needs you. Chicago too, probably.

GOLIATH

I do not intend to remain in Chicago forever.

ELISA

So when do you plan to come home?

GOLIATH

When my fate permits.

ELISA

But it’s not fate keeping you there.

GOLIATH

No.

ELISA

You told me you thought you needed to explore. How much exploration do you need?

GOLIATH

More. And beyond that...has Manhattan changed?

ELISA

Manhattan always changes. That’s a part of its charm.

GOLIATH

Yes, but, for us? The place has sought to define us in ways I would not have. We are all that we protect, but I do not want us to become what Manhattan would make us.

ELISA ducks around to his front, and he places his arms around her.

ELISA

Neither do I.

They embrace, GOLIATH folding his wings around her and stroking one hand through her hair (which ELISA reciprocates).

ELISA

There is so much more to you than that. I would never want to give up an ounce of it. Not even if you need to be in Chicago to keep it.

GOLIATH

Oh, my love.

ELISA

I love you, first and always.

They kiss.

ELISA

So, that settles it, then?

GOLIATH

I suppose it must. Still, I have not raised younglings in many years. I cannot deny the temptation is there.

ELISA

We still have the opportunity.

GOLIATH

Our rookery is so small, though.

ELISA

Perhaps, but, beyond the rookery.

GOLIATH

I do not understand.

ELISA

Goliath, what if...what would you say if we were to have a child together?

GOLIATH

That it is very difficult.

ELISA

I know, but I mean if we were to adopt a child, a human child, and raise him or her in the clan.

GOLIATH

It would be dangerous to do so. But, still...

ELISA

Look at Michael. He has the Labyrinth around him. He is coming up well.

GOLIATH

Yes. I would like that. I would like that chance for us.

They cuddle again, and look out into the night.

INT. SCENE - AVALON ROOKERY.

The rookery is empty except for BOUDICCA and the egg. AZRAEL and JEREMIEL return to the rookery, carrying armloads of field stone. They set the stone down by the entrance.

AZRAEL

Oh, look at that. Go and get the rest of it, I have to go put up that stone again.

JEREMIEL

Do you need help?

AZRAEL

No, it should only be a minute. I’ll catch up.

JEREMIEL

Right.

JEREMIEL exits. AZRAEL takes some of the field stone and goes down to the floor. He starts for the stone. He wades into the vapor to get there, but as he does, he starts to find it slow going. He looks down. His feet are engorged with the vapor, which is congealing around them; tentacles of vapor are also working their way up his calves. He gasps, and tries to start back, but his feet are tied up. Then his feet are drawn toward the stone, pulling him deeper into the vapor. He claws at his feet, and for his trouble, the vapor wraps around his arm. It gels in place, pulling his arm down into the vapor. As it goes, his arm is enveloped in stony flesh, forming a massive clawed arm over his own. He is locked in place and being drawn down.

AZRAEL

Jeremiel! Jeremiel! Help me!

The pull is finally too much, and he is drawn under. BOUDICCA sits up and goes to the edge of the rise at the center of the rookery. She sniffs at the edge. Suddenly, a massive arm swings up from the vapor and gets her by the neck, pulling her over the edge.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. HALLWAY.

GABRIEL and GOLIATH walk together through the hallway.

GABRIEL

And will nothing change your mind in this?

GOLIATH

No. I am resolved.

GABRIEL

I could ask Ophelia to talk to Elisa. Perhaps you could gain her agreement that way?

GOLIATH

I would rather that you did not. I have decided this, not her.

GABRIEL

Then I appeal to your concern for your cousin clan.

GOLIATH

Gabriel, you are too afraid. This is not our way.

GABRIEL

Exactly my point, father, exactly. And you would have me raise a new generation of our clan?

GOLIATH

I would. Your clan is within you. What, then, could I add?

GABRIEL

Your experience. You have done this before.

GOLIATH

You should look to the Princess and your Guardian for that. I am hardly an example to follow.

GABRIEL stops, and then GOLIATH stops.

GABRIEL

You saved your clan.

GOLIATH

Your foster parents did that.

GABRIEL

Aye, and who placed us with them when he could not continue? That same great warrior, about whom legends live among us to this day? He who preserved the gargoyles as a race? He who could defy the bounds of time to reunite his clan with its children?

GOLIATH

What remains of it, only.

GABRIEL

Goliath, I have said, and I say now, you are the best I know at preserving a clan.

GOLIATH

And I say you should have broader horizons.

GABRIEL

It is difficult here.

GOLIATH

I am keenly aware of that, young one. But perhaps this is how it begins. Perhaps in finding how to raise your children, you will find the true way forward.

GABRIEL

Aye?

GOLIATH

And when your clan hatches, long after I have become one with the wind, you may tell your hatchlings of the legend that you have made of me, and it will guide them far better than I ever could.

GABRIEL

May that day be long in coming!

They clasp arms.

GOLIATH

This adventure is yours, not mine. Trust your clan that goes with you. It will not fail you. I have perfect faith in that.

GABRIEL smiles weakly.

GABRIEL

I wish I shared that faith.

GOLIATH

You will do well, together, as one clan. This burden is not yours alone.

GABRIEL begins to answer this, but there is suddenly a loud clanging from above as the tower bell begins to be rung. GABRIEL and GOLIATH unclasp their arms and look up.

GABRIEL

An alarm?

Down the hall, TOM runs into the hall after them.

TOM

Gabriel!

GABRIEL

Guardian, what is this?

TOM

Word of a dragon within the castle walls.

GOLIATH

A dragon?

GABRIEL

Show me.

TOM

Come up.

The three of them run off to go up to battle.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS.

TOM, GABRIEL, and GOLIATH rush onto the battlement, looking out. Several other of the gargoyles are on the battlements around them, a few armed. OPHELIA comes up with her bow and arrows in her quiver.

GABRIEL

My love! Go down, this is no place for you now! You are with child!

OPHELIA

I fight with my clan, mate, or there will be no clan to raise these children!

GABRIEL

Then protect yourself, and leave the front lines to us!

GOLIATH

Where is Elisa?

OPHELIA

She and Katharine have gone up to raise the alarm.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. BELL TOWER.

ELISA and KATHARINE work together to sound the bell. It is a deep green and ancient bell, and it tolls dreadfully, creaking in its saddles. KATHARINE keeps count

KATHARINE

One! Two! One! Two! Keep it moving!

ELISA

I thought a bell would hurt Oberon!

KATHARINE

This one is a strange alloy, no iron!

ELISA

Must be what makes the sound terrible.

KATHARINE

Keep it going!

They continue to work the bell.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS.

OBERON comes up from below, looking very upset, and goes to GABRIEL.

OBERON

How now, knight? What is the meaning of this cacophony?

GABRIEL

Report of a dragon, my lord.

OBERON

A dragon? There are no dragons on Avalon. What japery is this?

GOLIATH

It is that kind.

He points. From a distance, an olive-green dragon flies out of the night. It turns its glowing green eyes on the castle. With terrifying speed, it twists and flies directly over GABRIEL, GOLIATH, and OBERON, who duck as it passes with a roar, grasping at them and missing. As it passes, there is a chorus of yells from the several gargoyles who are following it, blackbirds on a hawk, sniping against its back. GABRIEL, OBERON, and GOLIATH stand as it passes. GOLIATH instinctively launches off the battlement and joins the pack of gargoyles in its wake.

The dragon loops around and turns back toward the top of the castle. It screams into the air as it dives. OBERON stands tall, aims his hands at it and lets loose a blast: a powerful ice spell. This bites into the belly of the beast and its scream turns into a pained howl, and at the last moment it turns up, clearing the top of the wall by dozens of feet. This time, GABRIEL joins the pursuit.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. BELL TOWER.

KATHARINE and ELISA stop working the bell and go to the side of the tower, looking out at the dragon.

ELISA

What the jalapeña is that?

KATHARINE

A dragon. I had thought we left such things behind!

ELISA

Evidently not.

She thinks a moment.

ELISA

Do you still have Demona’s rifle?

KATHARINE

Aye.

ELISA

Go get it.

She immediately goes to the trap and down the ladder into the castle as ELISA looks on.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. AERIAL. (NIGHT)

GABRIEL, GOLIATH, and several other gargoyles flock behind the dragon. GOLIATH takes the lead. He dives against the dragon’s back, sinking his claws into it. The others join him and do likewise. They rip upward, tearing chunks out of the dragon’s back. It howls in pain. They cling to its back as it rolls over, clawing at the wound to get at them. One or two are knocked free, but take to their wings and circle back in. Below, GOLIATH looks at the wound. The chunks of flesh that were torn free sublimate into a bluish vapor and fly in, filling the wound, then healing it as though no injury were done.

GOLIATH

Sorcery!

GABRIEL

Aye.

The dragon abruptly whips into a turn, throwing more of the gargoyles free from its back. GABRIEL and GOLIATH hold on, GABRIEL by one hand. He reaches up for GOLIATH, who has both hands dug in tight. GOLIATH does not reach down to him.

GOLIATH

Tell Oberon of this!

GABRIEL nods, releases his grip, tumbles down briefly, and spreads his wings to take to the air. As he does, the dragon abruptly turns again and bats its muzzle across GABRIEL, sending him into a tumble. GOLIATH reacts. A moment later, GABRIEL regains his wings, gliding down against the castle wall and gripping it. The dragon screams and turns back for another pass on the castle. GABRIEL leaps off the castle wall and glides up toward OBERON.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. BELL TOWER.

KATHARINE scrambles up the ladder, with the plasma rifle. She passes it up to ELISA, who takes it and switches it on. There is a power bar above the trigger that blinks red. ELISA sighs with exasperation.

ELISA

Great. I don’t suppose you have a charger?

KATHARINE

And what use would a charger be against that beast but as a morsel? There are no horses on Avalon, anyway, certainly no war horses.

ELISA

No, never mind. I suppose we will get one shot.

KATHARINE

You may have the honor. I feel you may be more experienced in this.

ELISA

Don't count on it. Here goes.

She goes to the side of the tower, shoulders the rifle, and begins aiming.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS. (NIGHT)

OBERON is aiming toward the dragon as well. It is at a fairly large distance from him, though, and even he doesn’t think his aim is quite that good. GABRIEL glides in and lands hard next to him.

GABRIEL

My lord!

OBERON

What news?

GABRIEL

It is a beast of sorcery, there can be no doubt. Its wounds heal as quickly as we can give them.

OBERON

Oh, is that so? Why, then, that changes matters.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. AERIAL. (NIGHT)

GOLIATH continues to climb up the dragon’s back, covered from above by a small garrison of gargoyles who do their best to keep up. The dragon writhes, trying to shake him free, and then swoops around toward the castle again. From below, a clear ball of magical force, about the size of a bowling ball, fires up into the dragon and blasts it with the force of wind. This upsets the dragon’s flight, and it briefly tumbles, GOLIATH holding on firmly. The dragon rapidly rights itself, turns, ascends, and dives toward the castle again.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. BELL TOWER.

ELISA aims at the dragon as it approaches. At the right moment, she holds her breath and pulls the trigger. The plasma blast fires and flies into the dragon, burning it. It squeals and rolls in pain, flying around and away from the castle. She takes down the rifle and looks at the charge indicator: it flashes red several times, then goes dark.

ELISA

That’s all we got!

She looks out. The dragon has fixed its gaze squarely on her, and flies directly at the tower. She gasps.

ELISA

Go! Get down the ladder, it’s coming!

KATHARINE gets to the ladder and climbs down. ELISA goes to the trap and prepares to descend, but before she can, there is a terrific crash as the dragon flies through the bell tower, stripping the top right off, bell and all. ELISA slides to the edge, her body going over the side. She grasps wildly and is able to keep herself in place. The bell crashes to the ground with one last mournful gong. KATHARINE leaps up the ladder and goes to the edge to grasp ELISA and hold her up. ELISA gets her footing and begins to climb up. Before she can get very far, however, the dragon is back; it grabs her in its mouth, pulls her away, and flies off. KATHARINE reaches for her, but far too short and far too late.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. AERIAL. (NIGHT)

GOLIATH has made progress and is halfway up the dragon’s neck. From the rear of the flock of gargoyles, JEREMIEL drives forward hard.

JEREMIEL

Goliath! Take care, the beast has Elisa!

GOLIATH gapes, and then doubles his pace to reach the dragon’s head. They fly onward, and the dragon arcs around toward the rookery. GOLIATH reaches the dragon’s head and looks over; ELISA is firmly in its jaws, scrabbling to try to get a grip of something.

GOLIATH

Elisa!

ELISA

Goliath!

He reaches down toward her, and she reaches up toward him. Their arms cross in front of the dragon’s eye, and, perturbed, it flicks its head, throwing them apart and throwing GOLIATH off balance and nearly off its head. ELISA grabs at the dragon’s lips, seeking some sort of handhold. She digs her fingers in. The dragon grunts and clamps down a little tighter; ELISA gasps and releases it. GOLIATH grapples to get his handhold. As he does, JEREMIEL swings down and gets his hand, and hauls him up to get a handhold on the dragon’s head. He is just about settled when the dragon comes to a hard landing outside of the rookery. This throws GOLIATH off its head and he tumbles away, followed by the flock of gargoyles, who land nearby and go to him. As he gets to his feet, the dragon enters the rookery, ELISA still in its jaws.

INT. SCENE - AVALON ROOKERY.

The dragon promptly leaps across to the rise at the center and releases ELISA, who gets to her feet. The dragon squawks, and then curls itself around the egg, which sits there, undisturbed. ELISA looks around. Below her, blue vapor has pooled on the floor all around. At the deep end stands WARRIOR-AZRAEL, a large and fearsome gargoyle, arms crossed.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

My lady, welcome.

ELISA

Let me cut to the chase here. Let me out or you are going to be in a lot of trouble.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Oh, I hardly think that is true.

GOLIATH enters, followed by GABRIEL, JEREMIEL and several other gargoyles.

GOLIATH

Elisa! Are you hurt?

ELISA

No, I’m fine.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

And we have no intention of hurting her. Nor any of you.

GOLIATH

Who are you?

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Of you, yet above you.

GOLIATH

I will not accept riddles in response to my questions.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

No, of course not. Come here and I will tell you.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL spreads his arms. GOLIATH stands where he is.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Then surely, brave knight, you will come to defend your clan.

GABRIEL

Goliath?

GOLIATH

Not alone. Get ready.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Jeremiel? Have you found more stone? Come, help me set it.

JEREMIEL

No. Azrael?

GABRIEL

What’s that?

JEREMIEL

I left him here when I went to get more stone. One of the signal stones had fallen.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Come, Jeremiel, help me.

JEREMIEL

Gabriel. Look at the floor.

He does. The vapor swirls around on the floor, creeping up around WARRIOR-AZRAEL’s spread arms.

GABRIEL

Azrael, what has happened to you?

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Come and find out for yourselves. Come. Be embraced.

GABRIEL

We will not.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

I think that you will.

He turns to look at the dragon, and nods. It flicks its tail, knocking ELISA off-balance, and she stumbles over the edge of the rise, with her legs into the vapor. It begins to embrace her. GOLIATH starts forward.

GOLIATH

Elisa!

ELISA

Goliath! It’s got me! No!

The vapor clings to her, creeping up, and congealing as it goes, forming around her into a new form. As it does, it drags her down. She loses her grip and is pulled under. GOLIATH dives forward, but is restrained by the others.

GOLIATH

Elisa! Release me!

GABRIEL

No, Goliath! 

GOLIATH

She is being consumed!

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Aye.

JEREMIEL

Goliath, no!

GABRIEL

No, look at it, it wants to pull you in too! If you go to her it will only take you as well. Now hold back!

Where ELISA had fallen in, a new creature (WARRIOR-ELISA) begins to form. It is indistinct, but it is large, and it begins to stretch wings out behind it. It turns its glowing green eyes on GOLIATH, who looks back at it in desperation. It speaks in a sort of croaking, gravelly register, a pale (i.e., heavily treated) imitation of ELISA's voice.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Gooo-liii-athhh?

GOLIATH cries out and lunges again, eyes alight, roaring, but the others hold him back, with difficulty.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Come on, all of you. Have a nice little swim.

The dragon scoops its tail through the vapor, and flings some of it up toward GABRIEL and the others. They dodge, but some of it clings to JEREMIEL, forms a sort of tentacle around his leg, and begins to drag him into the morass. He yells. Some of the gargoyles come alongside and begin slashing at it, and they are finally able to cut him loose. They all scamper up to higher ground as the tentacle dissolves into vapor and settles back into the pool.

GABRIEL

Come on away from here. We can do nothing more as we are. Goliath!

With fierce effort, and not a few tears, GOLIATH turns away from the scene, and the gargoyles retreat. WARRIOR-ELISA continues to form up with a bit of hissing, as WARRIOR-AZRAEL watches.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. THRONE ROOM.

KATHARINE is standing in the throne room. GOLIATH, GABRIEL, JEREMIEL, and the other gargoyles enter. GOLIATH goes in past them, his back to the others.

KATHARINE

Where is Elisa?

GABRIEL

Taken by strange forces.

KATHARINE

Goliath?

GABRIEL

Those same forces would have taken him, or any of us. We could not fight safely.

He turns toward them, angrily.

GOLIATH

What kind of sorcery is this?

GABRIEL

I do not know.

OBERON and TITANIA enter. The others (except GOLIATH) bow to him.

OBERON

Stand, all of you. We are in a battle.

GOLIATH

Lord Oberon--

OBERON

Goliath. What has become of your companion?

GOLIATH

I think you know too well.

OBERON

Calm yourself. You accuse me wrongly. 

GOLIATH

Taken, in the rookery.

GABRIEL

The dragon rests there, my lord, with Azrael and Elisa, both taken.

OBERON

Taken?

GABRIEL

They have been given weird forms. They call for the clan to join them.

OBERON

(realizing)

Oh.

TITANIA

Gabriel, where is the rookery?

GABRIEL

It is under the courtyard, in the northeast corner.

TITANIA

In the old cavern there?

GABRIEL

Aye. We had hoped to extend it.

TITANIA

And you encountered several signal stones.

GABRIEL

We did, my lady.

JEREMIEL

Azrael found one overturned. He was going to reinforce it when I saw him last.

TITANIA

Well, then, my lord? You knew of this?

OBERON

Yes, my queen.

TITANIA

And you gave no warning? My lord, that seems--

OBERON

Yes, yes, yes. All right.

GABRIEL

What is this? It is not your sorcery?

OBERON

Gabriel, my knight, you well know I have sworn that my sorcery should never affect you or your clan.

GABRIEL

Aye, my lord.

OBERON

And your clan has been harmed?

GABRIEL

Yes.

OBERON

Well, then?

GABRIEL

It therefore is not yours. But then whose?

Suddenly, from above, WARRIOR-ELISA drops to the floor in a crouch, facing GOLIATH. She has fully taken the form of a large female gargoyle, and quite ferocious-looking, with glowing green eyes. GOLIATH reacts to this, as she smiles at him, and then she stands and faces OBERON.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Lord Oberon.

OBERON

Well, then. To what do we owe this honor?

GOLIATH

Elisa?

WARRIOR-ELISA

Yes, Goliath.

GOLIATH

What has happened to you? 

WARRIOR-ELISA

We have been awakened.

OBERON

No, overturning a signal stone should never have done that.

WARRIOR-ELISA

The stone merely restrained us. Now we are freed.

GOLIATH

Freed to take our friends?

WARRIOR-ELISA

Freed to take what is ours. You are all children of Avalon, and you all shall defend it.

GOLIATH

You are not a child of Avalon.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Am I not, then?

She comes toward GOLIATH, who stands firm.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Am I then not your mate? Are our children not bound to this island? Do they then not owe their very existence to it?

WARRIOR-ELISA caresses GOLIATH’s cheek.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Would you not embrace me? I would embrace you, my love.

GOLIATH

You are not my mate.

WARRIOR-ELISA

I could be.

She places her hand around his neck and begins to stroke his hair gently. As she does, she swings her tail around toward his leg. It dissolves into blue vapor, which begins to curl around GOLIATH’s leg.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Your mate had wanted to be a mother. Would you deny her that now?

GOLIATH

Elisa.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Goliath.

GOLIATH

Fight this off.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Why?

GABRIEL

Goliath, look out.

GOLIATH

I know. Elisa, I do not know what this is, but I will not permit it.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Your permission is irrelevant. You are mine.

GOLIATH steps back, but her tail has hardened around his leg, holding him firm. She smiles, and slides along as he drags her. GABRIEL leaps in and, with a massive strike, claws right through WARRIOR-ELISA’s tail, slashing it and releasing GOLIATH. She screeches. The flesh gathered around GOLIATH’s leg dissolves into vapor, and then returns to WARRIOR-ELISA’s tail, restoring it. Her eyes flash at him as she growls. GOLIATH’s eyes flash in response.

GOLIATH

I will have her back from you, whatever you are.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Then come to the rookery. She waits for you there.

She leaps up and is gone.

GABRIEL

My lord Oberon?

OBERON

Avalon’s magic.

TITANIA

That was restrained.

OBERON

No more. It has been released.

TITANIA

But there has to be more.

OBERON

Yes.

GOLIATH

Why did it demand a defense?

OBERON

The island itself is under attack.

JEREMIEL

From the dragon?

OBERON

No. The dragon is an expression of the island’s magic. So is what your mate has become.

JEREMIEL

And Azrael?

OBERON

Yes.

GABRIEL

Then what is the dragon?

OBERON

I think it likely that one other of your clan has been taken and changed into that form.

GABRIEL

Go and count the clan.

JEREMIEL

At once.

JEREMIEL exits.

KATHARINE

So what is attacking the island? Is it us?

TITANIA

No. The island would not arm itself so violently against any of us.

OBERON

No. The island’s inherent power is too strong for it to need that.

GABRIEL

Then what?

OBERON

I do not know.

TITANIA

Nor I.

OBERON

But it is said that Queen Mab tamed this island and brought its powers to heel. If it is her, we are in grave danger. And if it is not, then it is something equally terrible.

GOLIATH

Then we are not the target of the island’s wrath.

OBERON

Hardly. You are, as she said, warriors in its defense. Only I do not think the island would release any of us once taken.

INT. SCENE - AVALON ROOKERY.

WARRIOR-ELISA enters the rookery. WARRIOR-AZRAEL is on the center rise, scratching the dragon on its muzzle as it curls protectively around the egg. 

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Well, then? Their answer?

WARRIOR-ELISA

You know well what it is. It could hardly be affirmative.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Hmph. They are entitled to surrender, even if they do not take the option.

WARRIOR-ELISA comes up the rise and to the egg.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Warrior, what then of this egg? Shall we take it?

The dragon growls at this and moves to shield it.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

I do not think your sister Warrior would approve. It is not ready yet, in any case. In due course, perhaps.

WARRIOR-ELISA

As you say. This body, Warrior...

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

What of it, Warrior?

WARRIOR-ELISA

It vibrates. I feel the attack keenly within it.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

It is a strong human.

WARRIOR-ELISA

No, it is something else. Some...resonance, perhaps. I felt the same in Goliath when I embraced him. As though our enemy had them in its grasp already.

WARRIOR-AZRAEL

Why, then, it would be wise to take him without further delay. Sister?

The dragon squawks, and then whips its tail around, knocking over another of the signal stones. From the ground beneath it, the blue vapor pours out and begins to fill the cavern.

INT. SCENE - CASTLE. THRONE ROOM.

OBERON, TITANIA, GOLIATH, GABRIEL, and KATHARINE are gathered.

GOLIATH

Can they be saved?

OBERON

If the island can be convinced to release them, yes. I do not think they have been harmed.

GABRIEL

Azrael, or whatever he is now, said he had no intent of harming them.

TITANIA

No, and why would they? The island would hardly attack its own army.

GABRIEL

It would hardly leave an avenue for their escape, either.

GOLIATH

We must make one.

JEREMIEL enters, followed by TOM and ANGELA.

GABRIEL

Yes, exactly. How is it, Jeremiel?

JEREMIEL

All of the clan are accounted for except Azrael and Boudicca.

TOM

Many of your children are safe as well, lord. I cannot say all of them. Some are up in the orchard. I think they will be safe there.

OBERON

Thank you, Guardian.

ANGELA

Do we have a plan to save Elisa yet?

GOLIATH

We will.

TITANIA

Yes, we will. Are your powers up to the task, my dear?

OBERON

Tut, I have not lost my strength over the years.

TITANIA

Well, then, get to it.

OBERON

Yes, all right. Come.

They exit.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. COURTYARD. (NIGHT)

OBERON, TITANIA, GOLIATH, GABRIEL, ANGELA, TOM, and JEREMIEL exit into the courtyard. They start toward the rookery. Several of the Third Race (including RAVEN, close by the rookery) are circulating.

OBERON

It is earth magic that has taken on aspects of air magic to make its escape. This is not difficult to manage at all. It has not the full strength of either. It need only be persuaded to return--

GABRIEL

Pardon, my lord, but does it seem to be escaping the rookery?

They stop and look. The bluish vapor is beginning to overflow from the mouth of the rookery and into the courtyard.

OBERON

Oh. Well. Oh.

TITANIA

Action, not words, my dear.

OBERON

At the speed of light, my lady.

He kneels down and places his hands on the earth.

OBERON

Spiritus terrae, resumere vestri somnus!

A flash of light travels out from his hands along the surface of the earth toward the rookery. It flares up as it reaches the front of the vapor, crashing into it, but the vapor flows up over the flash, pouring over its top. The shockwave of the flash, traveling under the layer of vapor, creates a large splash in the vapor. The wave of vapor rears up and crashes down. The splash reaches RAVEN, snaring him and clinging to him. He yells, and tries to pull away. 

Seeing this, ANGELA leaps up onto the wall and takes the air, gliding over to him. She dives fast, grabbing for him, and pulls him up into the air.

GOLIATH

Angela, no!

GABRIEL

Angela!

She lifts RAVEN into the air, but the vapor clings firmly to him. As it engrosses his legs, the vapor draws itself up his body (a la The Blob) and clings hard to him. ANGELA stalls, and begins to be drawn down. RAVEN reaches up and tries to get a better grip on her. The vapor rapidly builds up over him, and he begins dragging her down. She is resolute about rescuing him, but as his torso begins to be consumed, she finally releases him and he falls into the vapor. She glides around, landing just ahead of the vapor, which lunges toward her. GABRIEL runs toward her, she runs to him, and they both run away, staying clear.

OBERON kneels down for another try, and as he does, TITANIA does likewise.

OBERON

Spiritus terrae, resumere vestri somnus!

The flash travels out from his hands and TITANIA’s with the same effect on the vapor. The vapor, in response, begins to spread more quickly, flowing toward OBERON and the others.

GABRIEL

Jeremiel, get everyone upstairs.

JEREMIEL

At once.

(yelling)

Now, all of you, get to the upper floors!

He leaves to round up some of the fair folk in the courtyard.

OBERON

I do not understand. This worked the last time.

GABRIEL

Lord Oberon, perhaps now is a good time to depart.

OBERON

I cannot do this up in the castle. I must touch the earth.

GOLIATH

You will be doing it in service of the island in a moment.

OBERON

One more time. I am sure of it.

TITANIA

Fly, my lord. There is no more time.

He looks at her, and for the first time there is a twinge of despair in his eyes. Across the courtyard, RAVEN rises, another massive gargoyle-like creature with green glowing eyes. He looks toward them and begins approaching.

TITANIA

Goliath?

GOLIATH grabs OBERON and picks him up. Slinging him over his shoulder, he rushes to the castle wall and begins climbing.

OBERON

How dare you? Release me at once. I can control this.

GOLIATH

I am sorry, Lord Oberon, but if you are taken, so are we all.

GOLIATH climbs clear.

TITANIA

My knight?

GABRIEL

Aye, my lady.

He gently picks her up and carries her to the wall, followed by ANGELA, and they climb up as the vapor begins to overflow the courtyard.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS. (NIGHT)

GOLIATH climbs over the wall with OBERON, and sets him down. OBERON goes to the side of the wall and looks down into the courtyard below, which is now full of vapor. One or two stragglers are being consumed by the vapor, built up into creatures like the others. GABRIEL ascends, dropping off TITANIA, and he and ANGELA climb up onto the wall. TITANIA goes to OBERON’s side. There is a scream from below as someone else is captured.

OBERON

I do not understand. I have had full command of this island for centuries. We have lived with it in peace. Why has it turned on us now?

GABRIEL

Avalon helped me to find Goliath. Could that be related?

TITANIA

Perhaps it could.

Below, WARRIOR-AZRAEL, WARRIOR-ELISA, and the dragon exit the rookery. They look up at OBERON in synchrony. 

GOLIATH

It took Elisa and she wanted to take me. If I went--

ANGELA

Then it would have taken both of you and it would be that much stronger.

GABRIEL

That’s right.

GOLIATH

But if I were protected somehow? Oberon, can that be done?

OBERON

No. You are immune from my spells as are your whole clan. They did nothing against Boudicca as a dragon.

GOLIATH

But Avalon is not immune.

OBERON

No.

GABRIEL

What would you do, then?

GOLIATH

The stones were overturned. Would righting them put the island to rest?

TITANIA

No, but it might soften its resistance.

TOM and JEREMIEL enter from below.

TOM

My lord. As many as could be saved are in the upper levels of the castle.

JEREMIEL

But there is more. This miasma is overflowing the castle below.

TITANIA goes to the other wall and looks down, followed by GABRIEL. Below, the vapor is flowing down the road from the castle and flowing out into the orchards; the distant cries from the orchard tell the tale of Oberon’s Children being ensnared. Below, the vapors are flowing out across the beach, surrounding the skiff in the distance.

GABRIEL

Where is Ophelia?

TOM

Taken while working to get some of the others upstairs. I’m sorry.

GOLIATH

Can it be done?

OBERON

Yes. I think it might.

GOLIATH

Then let it be done.

GABRIEL

No. I will go. This is my island, my home, and my rookery, Goliath. I must protect them.

GOLIATH

You will need help.

GABRIEL

That I will. Angela?

ANGELA

Of course.

GOLIATH

Angela.

ANGELA

Father, I can do this.

GABRIEL

You will be needed here. Now, father, I charge you: if this fails, you will take who you can to the skiff and leave the island for safety.

GOLIATH

Avalon may not let us leave.

OBERON

That it may not, but I can overcome that.

GABRIEL

And...

He looks down. Below, WARRIOR-RAVEN, WARRIOR-AZRAEL, and WARRIOR-ELISA are all climbing up toward them, with several others behind.

GABRIEL

You are about to be challenged. Defend my people here.

GOLIATH

I will.

GABRIEL

Now, my lord.

OBERON

Leap off. I will shield you as well as I can.

TITANIA

We will do this.

OBERON

We will do this.

He takes TITANIA’s hand.

OBERON

Now, knight!

GABRIEL leaps off into the courtyard and takes to the air. He looks back to GOLIATH once, grimly. He then spirals down toward the rookery. OBERON raises a hand toward him.

OBERON

Spiritus caeli, involvent et defendat.

A bolt flies out from OBERON’s hand and strikes GABRIEL. He is covered briefly in magical energy, which forms a sort of bubble around him. He descends. Behind him, ANGELA launches off into the air to follow him.

TITANIA

Spiritus caeli, circumdari et custodire eam.

A bolt flies out from TITANIA’s hand and strikes ANGELA, similarly covering her, and she dives toward the rookery. Seeing this, WARRIOR-AZRAEL leaps off the wall and begins gliding toward them.

GOLIATH

Jeremiel!

JEREMIEL looks down, and then leaps off to give chase.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. COURTYARD. AERIAL. (NIGHT)

WARRIOR-AZRAEL chases GABRIEL and ANGELA. He is in turn being chased by JEREMIEL, who roars at him. WARRIOR-AZRAEL looks back at him, smiling, and then breaks off his chase as JEREMIEL lands on his back, pinning his wings. WARRIOR-AZRAEL laughs as they dive together toward the vapor. JEREMIEL releases him just in time to pull out of the dive well clear of the vapor. WARRIOR-AZRAEL dives through the vapor, leaving a wide wake, before circling back up to chase JEREMIEL.

INT. SCENE - ROOKERY.

GABRIEL and ANGELA land in the rookery, in the middle of the mist. The mist spreads away from their feet, held back by the protective bubble around each of them. GABRIEL looks around quickly.

GABRIEL

I can right this one. Can you take that one?

ANGELA

Yes.

GABRIEL

Quickly, then.

They wade into the vapor until it completely covers them. It coalesces around each one’s bubble but does not gel.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS. (NIGHT)

WARRIOR-ELISA comes over the battlements and up onto the wall. TOM puts one hand to his sword as GOLIATH turns to face her. She grins, and begins to come toward GOLIATH.

TOM

That is close enough.

WARRIOR-ELISA

Not hardly so. I will not be satisfied until he is a part of me as well.

GOLIATH

More than I am?

WARRIOR-ELISA

More than you ever could be. Come, Goliath, embrace me as I embrace you.

GOLIATH positions himself between her and OBERON, who continues (with TITANIA) to maintain protection on GABRIEL and ANGELA. WARRIOR-ELISA reaches toward GOLIATH, and her arm suddenly grows and her hand flies out to grasp his arm from several feet away. He tries to pull it away, but it is solidly seized, and her hand begins to seal onto him. But as it does, TOM draws his sword and slices down through her arm, severing it. She screeches and draws back, and her hand vaporizes and flows back to its original position. She shakes out her hand peevishly.

WARRIOR-ELISA

My love, would you permit such harm to come to me?

GOLIATH

Yes.

He charges her and grasps her.

GOLIATH

I am sorry.

He throws her off the wall. She tumbles briefly, and then takes to her wings and glides away.

TOM

The others are nearly up.

GOLIATH

Hold them off as long as you can.

TOM

Aye. If I don’t get the chance, it has been nice knowing you, Goliath.

He takes up a defensive stance to one side of TITANIA as GOLIATH takes up one to OBERON’s side. The other warriors begin to climb over the top of the wall, and they fight with GOLIATH and TOM.

INT. SCENE - ROOKERY.

GABRIEL and ANGELA have gotten to their stones, but the pressure of the vapor has greatly constricted their bubbles. They begin to lift them up and set them back into position. GABRIEL is first to set the stone; there is a sort of popping noise as it clicks into place. ANGELA struggles to get hers set upright. GABRIEL goes to help her, but as he leaves, the stone slumps forward: the earth is not strong enough to hold it. He goes back to push it upright, but the soil is flowing out from below it.

GABRIEL

Angela! The footing for this one is slipping, I cannot leave it.

ANGELA

I almost have this one, just keep going!

From behind them there is a growl as the dragon enters the rookery. It looks around, sees both of them working to right the stones, roars, and then makes for ANGELA first. She looks back, gasps, and then pushes hard against her stone trying to get it set. The dragon gets to her and swipes at her. She dodges, jumping up onto the ledge above, and then gets a hold on her stone, lifting it and setting it down. The dragon swipes at her again, and she leaps away. The stone remains where it is, pops into place, and there is a small blue flash. The dragon squeals at this, and then lunges at her again. She leaps off the ledge and reflexively spreads her wings as she lands; however, this causes her wing to pierce the bubble directly into the vapor, and it instantly clings to her. She yelps as she realizes, and begins fighting to draw her wing back in.

ANGELA

Gabriel! It has me! Gabriel!

GABRIEL

Angela!

The vapor pulls her wing out of the bubble, engrossing it as it goes. She is pulled against the side of the bubble, pinned. She roars and fights to get away, but it has her. A small leak forms along where her wing has pierced into the mist, and a fine tendril begins to creep its way down along her wing and up across her shoulder. She cries out and looks to GABRIEL, who looks at her with horror.

ANGELA

Keep going, you almost have it.

GABRIEL

No, Angela, fight this, please!

And she does, but her resolve weakens as the tendril wraps itself up around her face and head. As this happens, the dragon grunts and begins coming toward him. Snapped out of his distress, GABRIEL looks down at the stack of stones. He begins to stick them into the bank as fast as he can. The dragon gets closer and closer, and finally GABRIEL has enough stones in to stabilize the soil. He leaps up onto the bank as the dragon slashes at him, picks the stone up, and definitively sets it in its place. There is another flash and a pop, and a squeal from the dragon, which full-on lunges to bite down on GABRIEL. He vaults the dragon’s head, runs down its back on all fours, to the ground, and out of the entrance. The dragon turns and gives chase.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS. (NIGHT)

TOM and GOLIATH continue to fight off the invaders as OBERON and TITANIA continue. TITANIA is shaking and visibly distressed: she can feel ANGELA’s pain and distress. Out into the courtyard comes GABRIEL, with the dragon hot on his heels.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. COURTYARD. (NIGHT)

GABRIEL

My lord! The stones are set!

OBERON

Then get yourself clear!

GABRIEL leaps up onto the wall and bounds up it, just getting away from the dragon’s jaws. 

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. BATTLEMENTS. (NIGHT)

OBERON shakes out his hand and releases TITANIA’s.

OBERON

Goliath, get me down there now.

GOLIATH looks to TOM, who looks back and nods. GOLIATH takes up OBERON and leaps down the wall.

EXT. SCENE - CASTLE. COURTYARD. (NIGHT)

GOLIATH drops OBERON gently into the vapors and then loops back up to the wall. The vapor rapidly overtakes OBERON, who casually stretches his fingers and then kneels down into it, hands on the earth. The vapors rapidly congeal around him, clearly forming what will be the largest and nastiest Warrior of them all. Before they can cover his mouth, he gets out:

OBERON

Spiritus terrae, resumere vestri somnus!

There is a brilliant flash from under the vapors as he is overcome. It ripples out through them, generating a huge wave as it goes, and as the wave crashes down behind the flash, it pours right down into the earth and keeps going, leaving clear ground behind it. The congealed vapor around OBERON cracks and shatters, likewise absorbing into the earth. The wave spreads, striking the dragon and shattering it, leaving behind BOUDICCA but sending her sprawling onto her side.

The wave finally rolls into the mouth of the rookery, and a moment later, all of the Warriors freeze into stone, including an airborne WARRIOR-ELISA, who begins to plummet. GOLIATH, seeing this, leaps off and catches her, bringing her to earth gently. He sets her down. The Warriors on the wall slip and fall to earth, shattering, revealing the people they had been formed out of. GOLIATH, seeing this, grabs WARRIOR-ELISA’s head and squeezes it; it crumbles, and inside is ELISA. She takes a deep breath, and opens her eyes, looking right at GOLIATH. She smiles.

ELISA

Good evening to you too.

GOLIATH heaves an enormous, relieved sigh, and strokes her hair to get the crumbs of petrified Warrior out of it. She looks down at the stony carcass enclosing her body.

ELISA

What was it you said about not letting the island define you?

They kiss.

EXT. SCENE - AVALON. BEACH. (NIGHT)

GABRIEL, ANGELA, ELISA, and GOLIATH are on the beach, along with OPHELIA and OBERON.

OBERON

My knight, and my general. You have our thanks. Avalon is tamed.

GABRIEL

But not healed?

OBERON

No, not healed. Something continues to disturb it. Do you remember anything?

ELISA

Not very much. But I do remember just feeling terrified, like something was coming after me. Like a storm was coming.

OBERON

Again. Well, if that is the case, then we may be able to find the source. My knight!

GABRIEL

Yes, my lord.

OBERON

You will accompany me on this journey.

GABRIEL

There is a rookery to be built.

OBERON

Your second may manage that.

OPHELIA

That is undoubtedly true.

GABRIEL

I cannot say when I may come back.

OPHELIA

Come back when you will. I will await you, as will your clan, and its children.

GABRIEL

And you will not stay? There remains a danger from Avalon.

GOLIATH

You handled it well. I would not do better. And my home is elsewhere. We must protect it.

OPHELIA

Indeed so.

GABRIEL

Well, then. I think you may be right. Shall we go, then?

GOLIATH

Yes.

They start for the skiff.

OBERON

Now, what is this? That boat is unreliable.

GABRIEL

It is our transport, my lord.

OBERON

Do you think Avalon would release you so easily? No, no. You are as likely to find yourself sent to the scullery as anywhere if you go that way. Come! We travel directly.

OBERON makes several gestures, forming a glowing ball of energy around himself. The others join him. The ball rises off the ground, carrying OBERON, ELISA, GOLIATH, ANGELA, and GABRIEL with it, and it flies out over the sea. OPHELIA looks on after, and the turns to go up the beach.

In the background, a small, luminous blue tendril snakes up from the ground, like a gas flame, burning briefly, and then extinguishing.

=END=