THE DUEL

Act 3,scene 3

Lionel continues his search for the banished girl but all efforts wriggle to no progress and fail. They depend on their tactics much later on as vital information comes from Phineas.

Lionel: Mother, what do you find so appealing in this tattered looking locker room?

Agada: This was where I and your father kept all your childhood memories.

Lionel: I have to say, this surely is most connected to what I wanted to ask.

Agada: feel free, my son.

Lionel: Mother, you really need to answer this question, it defines the outcome of the war. For the soldiers are seriously scared of their opposition and thus, frightened that their blows may be thrown aimlessly.

Agada: well, if it has to do with the outcome of this war, what is it then?

Lionel: Cornelius mentioned that at the very beginning of my childhood days, I had a friend who was banished from this kingdom. And this friend murdered her father who happened to be my Uncle. He is a legend but I never really understood how he died, for I was never told.

Agada: Crotches was your father's brother and of course everyone knows the legend of how he fought alongside your father and what he accomplished. Although the way he died wa outside the inlands of Serdia to fight, and on his impending victories he will bring gold and treasures of the outlanders into the Anila. The king at that time, your grandfather, became fearful of his son and begged him to reduce his greedy and excessive display of pleasure. But your uncle refused. He became so enticed in his lifestyle that he disregarded the king and sort powers from the outlanders. He became so powerful and strong, practically unbeatable. On one of his ventures, he brought an outcast to the land and her name was Emmanuella. She deceived him and killed him, stealing his powers. Her daughter who was only five when her father died, had to be banished because the king saw impurity from your Uncle and any further offspring's will not be the best of choices after such an outcome portrayed. He was meant to be King, but Emmanuella wanted more from him. She wanted him to kill his father to take over the throne. He refused, but could not exactly run from his past, could he?

Lionel: What is the name of Emmanuella's daughter?

Agada: I truly do not recall her name.

Lionel: what is the use of telling me a story without having a name?

Agada: look at the bright side, she might have changed her name. son, I really feel you shouldn't be running after someone who has uncontrollable dark magic. It has been years, you do not know what she is.

Lionel: She was my friend.

Agada: Being a king, takes massive dedication, to your kingdom and to the land. I need to get some sleep and you need too. You need to be in the fullest of strength to be able to fight. Kings make hard choices. They do not have friends.

Lionel: I know that mother. I am ready to fight now, but maybe there is a way we could fight this war without shedding blood. I mean look at these people outside, they have families. They only volunteer to join the army because they feel they will survive.

Agada: I know how much you hate violence, but sometimes, war is the only way out.

Lionel: Mother. All I need is a name. if you could just recall her name.

Agada: This is her picture. (hands him a picture from a book)

Lionel: She does look like someone I know. But obviously, it's not her.

Agada: who?

Lionel: Never mind, it's no one. I believe I should really get some sleep. See you tomorrow mother.

(Lionel leaves the locker room and heads to his bedroom)

(THE NEXT MORNING)

Cornelius: the soldiers should prepare, for great war is before them. Do the archers have enough weapons to fight?

Jorel: you know that such things as these, should not be brought before the soldiers during preparations.

Cornelius: To be honest, let me ask you one thing.

Jorel: I'm all ears.

Cornelius: If I die today, on this moment and you carry out this war, who will feel pain?

Jorel: oh, I have an answer, nobody, grandpa.

Cornelius: Exactly, nobody gives a heck, and it seems that nobody gives a damn about anything but me. The truth is, I only ask these things because I love Anila, and I have long served and advised Kings triple your age, boy, so give me my deserved respect.

Jorel: I don't beg for your experience, neither do I crave your indulgence, but you just have to understand that from here on in, we cannot discuss any thing tactics in a square meant for battle. Which is called a Battleground.

Cornelius: Fine, I'll take my leave.

Jorel: Good!!

Travis: Hello! Hello! Hello!

Cornelius: How may I be of help to you? And from where do you come?

Travis: Forgive my rudeness, I bring great message to you. I have been sent from the colony chief and chief adviser of the Queen of the north. Empress of the four heavens. She dictates in her letter the following >

I, Dearest Empress,

Emmanuella, the indignant seed, the most hated amongst your colonies, is very and deeply sorry that you all have chosen this part to war. I know how hated I am amongst you and I'm aware of the cunning by my chief adviser, Phineas. To your greatest dismay, Phineas has been executed and will not be of great interest to you anymore. So, if you believe in justice keep up the good work and prep into your death. For I assure you that none of you shall survive if you battle me. There is none but no way that it could be possible. This message is dedicated to all those who challenge my authority, and prove threats to my reign. My daughter has returned and has joined forces with me. I am very confident that you all understand what you have heard for the beginning has been outweighed by the end. Do not forget Phineas who deceived you to be the one responsible for a lead in justice. Congratulations.

Jorel: Do me a favor, will you?

Travis: I rather not to be honest, for there is great word in these words.

Cornelius: do you know where you are?

Travis: This letter is for you Jorel.

Jorel: How do you know my name?

Travis: I was sent by one, who knows you. I shall take my leave now. I beg that you collect this and search for justice.

Cornelius: sure, let me have this. We need to see the king. Jorel, we need to see the king, let's go.

(Soldiers grumble and murmur)