When a dragon-born and a princess make a vow of eternal love, the only thing stopping them from being together is an evil knight, a dark sorcerer, and a portal to another world.
TEASER
EXT. GRASSY HILL – DAY
On a grassy hill near a lake two children laugh and play. YOUNG AYLA LIOR, the 7 y/o fearless princess, stands with hands on her hips and declares to the world.
YOUNG AYLA
One day, when I’m all grown up, I’ll make it so that everyone can choose their own future. No matter how they were born or who they love... And you’ll be there by my side, right?
The shy 7 y/o dragonborn boy, YOUNG RHYS KENNA, sits and watches her in awe. Two small horn nubs barely protrude from his head, but his golden eyes gleam as he smiles.
Young Ayla turns to Young Rhys and pulls him up next to her.
YOUNG AYLA
And I’ll love you... forever.
She pushes one half of a small metal Celtic knot necklace into his hands.
YOUNG AYLA
You take this piece... and I’ll take this one. Keep it safe! Hold it close to your heart and one day, when we’re all grown up, we’ll meet again. We’ll match the two halves together... and then...
YOUNG RHYS
Yes!
YOUNG AYLA
We’ll get married!
AYLA (V.O.)
That was ten years ago. To this day, the necklace has never been made whole.
ACT ONE
EXT. FOREST – AFTERNOON
Swords CLASH and CLANG as a desperate pursuit takes place.
Black metal glints in the afternoon sunlight. The BLACK KNIGHT leaps over a fallen tree and looks behind to see--
--A red and gold cape flapping against silver metal as an armored figure, DIEDERIK EVANDER, late-20s, proud and arrogant, races through the trees.
DIEDERIK
Run all you want, Black Knight. You’ll never escape me!
The Black Knight SCOFFS and finally breaks through the other side of the trees, onto the edge of a cliff, and stops.
Diederik exits moments later and stops, hand resting on the hilt of his fine polished broadsword.
DIEDERIK
Nowhere to hide anymore. You’ve gotten in my way for the last time, Black Knight! The Princess will be mine and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!
BLACK KNIGHT
(to herself)
We’ll see about that.
The Black Knight faces Diederik and draws her sword.
DIEDERIK
I’ve gone easy on you up until now. This time, I’ll end you!
Diederik draws his sword and lunges.
The Black Knight thrusts and parries. She backs up Diederik and pins him against a tree.
She leaps up on a craggy rock, her sword swishing and swooshing. Raw passion and determination in each stroke.
She slashes down toward him, but he manages to block the strike and kicks her feet out from under her.
Landing with a THUD, the Black Knight falls on her back, her sword falling just out of reach.
Diederik saunters up and places a foot on her chest, the top of his sword at her throat.
DIEDERIK
Die, villain.
The Black Knight tries to grab his foot, but he kicks away her hand and leans in further.
DIEDERIK
You have been nothing but a thorn in my side. Ever since her father declared our match, you have tried to keep me away from the Princess. I want to know why.
The Black Knight stops struggling.
DIEDERIK
Tell me!
BLACK KNIGHT
You’re not worthy.
DIEDERIK
Excuse me?
BLACK KNIGHT
Did I stutter?
DIEDERIK
Who are you to dare--?
He leans down, grabs the Black Knight’s helmet, and yanks it off revealing PRINCESS AYLA LIOR, 17 with eyes of fire.
Diederik drops the helmet and staggers back a step.
DIEDERIK
Princess. You?
Ayla stands up and brushes off the dirt from where Diederik’s boot was pressed on her chest.
DIEDERIK
Why?
AYLA
I told you. You... are not worthy of the hand of a Princess.
DIEDERIK
But your father--
AYLA
(softly laughing)
How my father ever thought you would be a good match, I’ll never know. True, you are a loyal knight to him, but I choose my own path. Not him and most assuredly, not you.
DIEDERIK
You dare to look down on me, Princess?
AYLA
What?
DIEDERIK
Look around you. Out here all I see is a loyal Knight of the Crown... dispatching a villainous Black Knight. For the record, I would much prefer to marry you, than kill you, but either way your father will welcome me with open arms.
He picks up the Black Knight’s helmet.
DIEDERIK
I can see it now: a brave knight, yours truly, battles with the evil Black Knight who kidnapped the Princess. When he realized that there was no escape, he killed the Princess and met his doom, falling over the cliff and into the abyss.
AYLA
You wouldn’t.
DIEDERIK
Wouldn’t I?
He raises his sword and points it at her.
DIEDERIK
It is your choice, after all. Agree to marry me... or perish.
She takes a few steps back and looks over her shoulder at the edge of the cliff and the misty rocks below.
Eyes glaring, she squares her shoulders in defiance.
AYLA
I would rather die than marry you.
Diederik snarls and raises his sword to strike.
When suddenly, out of nowhere, a FLAMING comet streaks through and kicks the sword out of his hand, landing between the two figures.
Ayla SCREAMS.
The fireball dissipates revealing RHYS KENNA, the 17 y/o dragonborn, who slowly rises, standing in front of the Princess.
His dragon horns twist and curve around his head as he slowly opens his golden eyes and looks at Ayla. He softly smiles.
DIEDERIK
What the--?!
Rhys snarls and looks over his shoulder at Diederik.
DIEDERIK
Who are you? Wh-what are you?!
Rhys turns his body and stands before Diederik, his hands igniting into fists of fire.
DIEDERIK
No! Dr-dra... Dragon!
Lunging himself at Diederik, Rhys hits him square in the face, sending him flying backwards into a tree.
Rhys quickly turns around and scoops up Ayla. In an instant, a pair of majestic dragon wings open from his back.
AYLA
Wait. What are you--?
DIEDERIK
Wait!
Rhys looks back at Diederik with a smirk and leaps off the cliff with the Princess firmly in his hands.
DIEDERIK
Princess!
Racing to the edge of the cliff, Diederik looks out just in time to watch a pair of dragon wings fly into the mist and disappear.
EXT. MISTY CRAGS – EVENING
Surrounded by mist, Rhys gently lands near a cave entrance and sets the Princess down.
Eyes still shut tightly, she immediately starts struggling and fighting him.
AYLA
Let me go! Let go!
Managing to get a hand free, she punches him in the chest.
RHYS
Ow! Stop. Ow! It’s okay, hey! It’s okay! You’re safe now. It’s me. Ayla! It’s me!
She stops hitting and struggling and opens her eyes “huh?”
He steps back into the light a bit more and smiles, expecting more of a reaction from her, but not getting one. His smile fades.
She composes herself and looks around as he sits on a rock, lost in thought.
AYLA
Look, thank you for saving me back there, but I had it handled.
RHYS
Is that what you call it? Because it looked to me like Mr Knight up there was about to...
AYLA
Hm? Was about to what?
RHYS
You know...
He traces his finger across his neck making a GACK sound.
AYLA
I would’ve been fine. You didn’t need to interfere.
RHYS
Uh huh.
(eyeing her)
You don’t remember me, do you?
She continues searching the rock wall.
AYLA
Should I? I’m pretty sure I’d remember meeting one of the Dragonborn before.
RHYS
It has been awhile, but I thought you’d at least...
(watching her)
What exactly are you looking for?
AYLA
A way out of here. I need to get back to my father and tell him of Evander’s betrayal.
RHYS
If you want to go home, I can just fly you--
AYLA
No, thank you. I’ll handle it on my own.
INT. CASTLE GREAT HALL – EVENING
Diederik pushes the castle doors open and marches into the great hall.
The KING LIOR, 40s, regal and just, sits at a large table conferring with his advisors.
DIEDERIK
My Liege, I have terrible news.
KING LIOR
Did you find my daughter?
EXT. MISTY CRAGS – CONTINUOUS
She grabs a rocky handhold and starts to climb the cliff. Rhys leans back and watches, slightly amused.
RHYS
So why was that guy attacking you?
AYLA
What? Oh, him. Because I wouldn’t marry him.
RHYS
I’m guessing he doesn’t take rejection well?
AYLA
That man never did like anyone to challenge him.
RHYS
(laughing out loud)
Then what did he want with you?!
Ayla glares down at him for laughing.
RHYS
Sorry, sorry. But, I mean, come on. You are about the farthest thing from... demure.
She grits her teeth and climbs a few more feet up.
AYLA
Keep speaking like you know me and I’ll cut out your tongue.
Ayla looks tentatively back down to the ground, but no longer sees him.
RHYS
Well?
Suddenly, he’s hovering next to her, wings spread.
Startled, she loses her grip and starts to fall when his hand reaches out and grabs her.
He lowers her to the ground and stands next to her. Too close. He respectfully takes a step back.
She squares her shoulders with a “hmf!” and starts to climb.
RHYS
You know, I still have it. I’ve kept it safe all these years. Just like you asked.
AYLA
Oh really? What’s that?
Rhys pulls out his half of the necklace and with eyes averted, holds it out to her.
RHYS
You said that when we grow up... we’d match the two halves again... and...
Ayla stops and looks down at him.
RHYS
It’s stupid. I’m sorry. Just forget it. I’ll take you back to your home now.
She jumps the couple of feet back down to the ground and grabs his hand, inspecting the necklace.
He watches her, but when she looks up, he quickly looks away.
Reaching out a hand, she turns his face towards hers and for the first time she really looks into his eyes. His nervous, shy golden eyes.
Then she sees it, sees him, and all the tension leaves her body and she smiles.
AYLA
Rhys, is it really you?
She reaches under her armor and pulls out her half of the necklace.
AYLA
You found me. I never thought I’d see you again!
Rhys smiles and embraces her.
RHYS
I never forgot about you. After the hunts started, we fled and I...
AYLA
I never knew what happened. One day you just disappeared. But now you’re here.
She pulls him into a passionate kiss and then just as quickly pushes him away, much to his surprise.
RHYS
What just--?
AYLA
We have to go to my father now.
RHYS
Right now?
AYLA
If Diederik gets to him first and tells him that a dragonborn kidnapped me, my father will send the entire legion after you.
RHYS
I mean, I think I can handle one little legion...
She gives him an “oh, really?” look.
RHYS
(innocently)
What?
AYLA
I seem to remember you losing a fight to a cat.
RHYS
Hey, that cat was mean! And fast! And I was a kid.
(confidently)
I can do a lot more now.
AYLA
But I can’t lose you again. Not after we just found each other.
RHYS
You’ll never lose me again. I promise I will always find you.
INT. CASTLE GREAT HALL – LATER
The King listens as Diederik finishes his story.
KING LIOR
Is this true?
DIEDERIK
Every word, my Liege.
The King takes a moment and then stands, announcing to the advisors and various knights gathered.
KING LIOR
Send word that the Dragonborn have returned and stolen the Princess! Prepare the Legion!
The King leaves followed by his advisors. The knights go to their posts. And Diederik smirks as he exits through a rear door.
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – MOMENTS LATER
The dark sorcerer MAGUS JADOO, late-50s with definite creep vibes, stands over an alchemists table. Various colored liquids, books, and assorted herbs lay scattered around.
Jadoo is chanting something low and rhythmic as Diederik enters. He pauses in the doorway, uneasy, but with purpose.
The chanting stops.
JADOO
The boy returns, does he?
DIEDERIK
So you’ve heard?
JADOO
I’ve seen it.
DIEDERIK
I thought I killed him when I killed the rest of his family. And I was so close!
JADOO
What would you have me do?
DIEDERIK
Whatever you must, but get rid of him this time. I can’t let him interfere now.
(on second thought)
Wait. Don’t kill the boy. A dragonborn’s horns are their source of power, right? I want them. I deserve them.
JADOO
Whatever you desire.
ACT TWO
EXT. MISTY CRAGS – LATER
Ayla exits the cave, no longer wearing her armor, but simply dressed in a blouse and brown leather pants and boots.
RHYS
Going for a new look?
AYLA
I can’t very well return to my father dressed as the Black Knight.
RHYS
Armor or gowns, you look radiant no matter what you’re wearing.
AYLA
Thank you, but we need to hurry. You don’t mind--
But Rhys has already scooped her up.
RHYS
Shall we?
He spreads his wings and the two launch off the ground and into the night sky.
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – MOMENTS LATER
Jadoo selects a particularly ancient looking tome & opens it.
Reading the short list of ingredients, he grabs the various herbs and items and starts grinding them together.
EXT. NIGHT SKY – MOMENTS LATER
Rhys and Ayla happily soar through the night sky, but as they approach the castle, they start to see torchlights and movement.
Rhys pauses and the two hover.
He looks around and spots a grove of trees nearby. Diving down, the two land in the trees and hide.
A nearby knight shouts to his men to spread out.
Ayla starts to step forward, but his hand grabs her wrist and stops her. His eyes pleading.
RHYS
Let’s go. Flee. Just you and me.
AYLA
What are you talking about?
RHYS
Ayla, if they find you here with me, they’ll... I can’t. I just can’t! This was a mistake!
AYLA
Where’s all the bravado from earlier, Mister “I can handle anything now”?
RHYS
Fine. But, just stay here. I’ll come back for you. I promise!
AYLA
I can handle myself.
RHYS
Dammit, Ayla. Just let me protect you!
AYLA
I’m not some damsel that needs to be saved!
RHYS
Shh!
AYLA
Don’t shush me.
Rhys quickly covers her mouth and pulls her down behind a bush just as a pair of KNIGHTS walk nearby.
KNIGHT 1
Did you hear something?
KNIGHT 2
Probably just the wind. You don’t think there’s actually any dragon-born still around, do you? Weren’t they exterminated years ago?
KNIGHT 1
Who knows.
Ayla tries to scoot forward to get a better view, but falls into the bushes.
KNIGHT 2
Wait. Over there!
RHYS
Always the graceful one.
AYLA
Shut up and help me!
Rhys grabs Ayla and launches into the sky again.
The knights fall back in shock and then immediately start shouting “Dragon!”
Suddenly, flaming arrows zip past them as Rhys tries to fly his way faster towards the castle.
Ayla watches his skin start to turn to scales and fangs grow past clenched teeth, his horns beginning to glow.
AYLA
Rhys--
RHYS
It’s okay. As long as I can get you over the castle wall, it’ll be okay. We’ll find each other again, I promise!
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – MOMENTS LATER
Jadoo pours the ground ingredients across the alchemist table and across its runes.
As he chants, the runes glow with an eerie incandescent green light and a ball of smoke begins to form.
EXT. NIGHT SKY – CONTINUOUS
Rhys begins to cough, his scales and fangs receding.
AYLA
Rhys, what’s wrong?
RHYS
I don’t know. I can’t-- breathe--
The castle wall quickly approaches.
The coughing gets worse and the two rapidly lose altitude.
AYLA
Rhys!
Like a meteorite, the two crash into the ground just in front of the castle doors, surprising several knights at the rear guard.
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – CONTINUOUS
Jadoo’s chanting gets louder and the ball of smoke swirls, turning black and gold.
Tendrils of black smoke stretch out from the ball, filling the room, and reaching out through the open window.
EXT. CASTLE WALLS – CONTINUOUS
Rhys unfurls his wings, letting Ayla out safely, as his coughing gets worse and worse.
Soon, he coughs up blood as Ayla tries to hold him.
She shouts to the nearby knights.
AYLA
What’re you staring at? Get help!
The knights stare, unsure of what to do.
AYLA
I am your Princess! Now go fetch the healer. Now!
A pair of knights race off.
RHYS
Ayla!
AYLA
I’m here.
RHYS
My wings-- I can’t-- feel--
His wings singe and burn as if a fire was devouring them, disintegrating them into black smoke.
Suddenly, he SCREAMS out in pain as his horns ignite into flames.
AYLA
RHYS!
As with his wings, his horns quickly disintegrate into black smoke leaving Rhys writhing and screaming in blinding pain.
And just as suddenly, his screaming stops. His horns and wings gone.
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – CONTINUOUS
Jadoo stops chanting and looks down at his table as the black smoke dissipates revealing Rhys’ horns still glowing with a fiery power.
DIEDERIK
Is it done?
JADOO
His power is now yours.
Diederik’s eyes glitter as he picks up the horns.
DIEDERIK
Perfect. Now get rid of him. Somewhere he can never find her.
JADOO
As you wish.
Jadoo begins mixing a new potion and walks it over to a large glass sphere seated on an arcane podium.
Grabbing one of Rhys’ horns, he chants something and pours the potion over it and the sphere.
The glass illuminates with the image of an unconscious Rhys on the ground.
A whirlpool begins to form around the glass sphere.
EXT. CASTLE WALLS – CONTINUOUS
Rhys lays unconscious on the ground, blood trickling out of his mouth and from his head.
Ayla cries and screams his name to no avail as the HEAD KNIGHT makes his way towards them.
HEAD KNIGHT
Princess, quick, while he’s unconscious!
AYLA
Get away from me! Rhys! Rhys! Open your eyes. Please!
HEAD KNIGHT
Princess...
Suddenly, lightning CRACKLES and a whirlpool vortex opens up under Rhys’ body.
AYLA
What’s happening?!
Rhys’ body falls into the whirlpool, disappearing in an instant.
The Head Knight grabs her, preventing her from falling in.
AYLA
No!
HEAD KNIGHT
Princess, are you alright?
Through tear stained eyes, she stares at him.
AYLA
Tell my father, I love him.
Squaring her shoulders, she takes once last look, and leaps.
INT. MAGE’S LABORATORY – CONTINUOUS
Diederik looks on through the glass sphere and watches Ayla jump into the vortex and disappear. The vortex closing behind her.
DIEDERIK
(screaming)
No!!
(to Jadoo)
Bring her back!
JADOO
That’s not how this works.
DIEDERIK
Bring. Her. Back!
JADOO
I can not.
Diederik roars and smashes several nearby jars.
DIEDERIK
You promised me she would be mine!
JADOO
I promised you I’d get rid of the boy. Which I did, mind you. Obviously his hold on her is stronger than either of us imagined.
DIEDERIK
Fix this.
JADOO
The girl jumped into a portal to another--
DIEDERIK
Fix this!
JADOO
There is something...
DIEDERIK
What is it? Do it!
JADOO
While I can’t bring her back here, I can send you to where she is.
DIEDERIK
But what about--
He looks over to the pair of horns on the table.
JADOO
You’re correct. He’s helpless. As helpless as a human teenage boy. Kill him and take the girl for yourself.
Jadoo picks up one of the horns and hands it to Diederik.
JADOO
Take this one with you. It’ll allow you to use the dragonborn’s power, but a word of caution: it has its limits. Do not overuse its power or you’ll be stuck there in the other world.
DIEDERIK
Other world?
JADOO
Pay attention. The other shall remain here. The dragons have an interesting ability to connect time and space. Once you have killed the boy and secured the girl, you can use its power to return here... with your bride.
DIEDERIK
I always wanted to save the Princess from a Dragon. After all, I am the true hero.
JADOO
Ready?
INT. PENRITH HIGH SCHOOL – MODERN ERA – MORNING
Ayla lays asleep on a bench outside the school office of Penrith High School.
The office assistant, EMMA GALEN, a 16 y/o sweet but ordinary girl, pokes her.
EMMA
Uhm, excuse me?
AYLA
(waking up)
Where am I?
EMMA
The principal will see you now.
AYLA
Who?
EMMA
Principal Bliant? He’s ready for you now. By the way, I like your outfit. Very cool. If we didn’t have to wear uniforms here, I’d totally rock the renaissance look, too.
AYLA
What? I’m sorry, who are you?
EMMA
Oh, I’m Emma. Nice to meet you!
INT. PENRITH HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – LATER
Ayla picks at her new school uniform as Emma leads her down the hallway.
EMMA
It looks good on you! I look like something the cat dragged in, but somehow you look radiant no matter what you’re wearing!
AYLA
What did you say?
EMMA
Hm? Oh, I’m sorry. I’m not hitting on you or anything. Not that I wouldn’t, I just, I don’t swing that way. Which is totally fine if you do, I’m just saying me, not so much... I’ll stop now.
AYLA
Yes, that would be best. Where are you taking me?
EMMA
To your first class? It’s already 2nd period, so for you that’s...
She looks at the small slip of paper in her hand.
EMMA
English.
AYLA
But I already speak English.
EMMA
I like you. You’re funny.
She stops in front of a particular door and knocks.
MS CAMILLE (O.S.)
Come in.
Emma opens the door and leads Ayla into the classroom. MS CAMILLE, a mid-30s teacher with a keen eye, stands at the front, mid-lesson.
EMMA
I’m sorry, Ms Camille. This is the new transfer student: Ayla Lior.
MS CAMILLE
Ah yes. I was expecting you.
AYLA
You were?
MS CAMILLE
Class, this is Ms Lior. Please make her feel welcome.
(to Ayla)
Go ahead and take a seat over... there.
She points to a seat towards the back.
MS CAMILLE
Thank you, Ms Galen.
EMMA
My pleasure! See ya later, Ayla.
Emma leaves and Ayla stands at the front of the classroom utterly confused.
MS CAMILLE
Ms Lior? Please take your seat.
AYLA
I’m sorry, this must be some mistake. I’m actually looking for someone, maybe you’ve seen him?
MS CAMILLE
Please, Ms Lior. Your seat.
She points to the back of the classroom again and turns back around to the board, continuing her lesson.
Setting her jaw, Ayla makes her way to the empty seat and sits down, lost in her thoughts.
The classroom door opens again and a boy enters.
MS CAMILLE
Did you get lost on your way back?
RHYS
No, Ms Camille. The sunlight just felt too nice to rush back inside.
MS CAMILLE
Take your seat, Mr Kenna.
Rhys takes his seat, right next to Ayla, who is still dazed.
RHYS
Are you new? Here, you can share my book.
Ayla half-nods a thanks and looks over.
RHYS
Hi, I’m Rhys. What’s your name?
Her eyes go wide and she stands up in shock, letting out a small yell.
MS CAMILLE
Ms Lior!
AYLA^
Thank the gods! You’re alright! I thought I’d lost you again!
She throws her arms around him. The class looks and giggles.
Rhys pries her off of him looking completely mortified.
RHYS
I was just offering to share my book--
AYLA
I can’t believe I found you here. Where is here, by the way?
MS CAMILLE
Ms Lior, take your seat.
RHYS
I’m sorry, but do I know you?
AYLA
What’re you talking about?
MS CAMILLE
Ms Lior!
AYLA
That’s not funny, Rhys. It’s me.
RHYS
Look, I don’t know if you’re having a mental breakdown or what, but I promise you we’ve never met before.
AYLA
What?
MS CAMILLE
Ms Lior!
She looks around at all the faces staring at her. Students whispering to each other. Ms Camille glaring at her. And Rhys, who looks surprised and confused and embarrassed.
Ayla grits her teeth and runs out of the classroom, down the hallway, past the school office, and out the front doors into the sunlight.
She stops, fighting back tears.
Ayla watches cars pull up and drop off late students. An airplane flies past overhead. A parent stands on the sidewalk yelling into a cell phone.
The world starts to spiral around her.
Emma and Ms Camille come rushing out of the school doors and approach her.
Ayla turns to them, tears in her eyes.
AYLA
Where am I?! Please! Someone just tell me what’s going on!
She falls to the ground and pulls out her half of the necklace, muttering “please” into it like a sacred talisman.
Rhys, along with the other students who raced out to watch, stops and touches his chest. Touches the necklace hidden under his school uniform.
He turns and pushes his way through the crowd, disappearing.
Emma puts her hand on Ayla’s shoulder.
EMMA
Are you okay? What happened?
Ayla stops, composes herself, and with a fire in her eyes, looks up.
AYLA
I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.
TAG
INT. PENRITH HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE – DAY
The principal, LUCIUS BLIANT, sits looking over a resume as a well-dressed figure sits in front of him.
BLIANT
I’m so glad you could join us on such short notice. Unfortunately, our History teacher took a sudden leave of absence. Lucky for us, the agency was able to send someone over so quickly. I’ll have Ms Galen show you to your new classroom.
Mr Bliant stands and shakes the man’s hand.
BLIANT
Ms Galen?
EMMA
Yes, sir.
BLIANT
Please show our new teacher to the History classroom.
EMMA
You got it, sir! Right this way, Mister...?
DIEDERIK
Evander. Please, lead the way.
Emma smiles at him and leads him out of the office.
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