Act 1, Scene 1.

Empress Elana: There is to be no more fighting among the Nobles of Diminir! We are struggling to maintain a government that will not fall...perhaps today can be the day when we can create a lasting government, where the people will not feud, the "lower class" will not starve, and hopefully we can find a happy medium. 2000 years ago our mother's fathers formed a world of governing, and governments. Today we shall move into a new era. We have changed technologically, emotionally, and now, through our governments, perhaps we can improve the physical state of our lives.

(Enter Dian; Secretary to the Queen)

Yes Dian, what is it?

Dian: Your ladyship, Captain of the guards to see you.

Elana: Show him to the official parlor.

Dian: Yes Ma'am.

Elana: We will meet again tomorrow at 0800.

(There is a murmur and several voices are heard. People exit via side doors. Elana exits through a door behind the spot where she had originally stood. She enters a room opposite the first in the center station. This room's decor is old fashioned, but is comfortable. Jeun (Pronounced Wan) stands in the center of the room, facing the door.

Elana: Jeun, what is the problem now?

Jeun: The Tolec army, your cousins, is increasing its man power. They are preparing to declare war against you.

Elana: That's Enack for you. He doesn't like the idea of women ruling. How is my aunt? Is she well?

(moving to a seat where she motions for a servant to fill her tea mug.)

Jeun: She is healthy, but emotionally distracted. Enack and the Tolec Army have enclosed Tolec Castle and destroyed the house of Andri.

Elana: My father's house? Damn! I'd hoped to give that to my nephew.

(Stands, looking angry, but momentarily. Emotion subsides, and she resumes proper protocol)

Jeun: Shall we attack?

Elana: No. Contact Erala, tell her to come here. I want her safe. Also, warn Janiera. Tell her to be on her guard, and ready to supply troops. Holding Empires isn't easy. I want her to inform me of allies, and aide. If anyone moves, tell me.

Jeun: Lady Erala is on Diminir 5. She should be here before dinner.

Elana: Is she visiting then? Or was she just traveling?

Jeun: Your mother sent her.

Elana: Very well. (with a small wave of the hand) You are dismissed.

Jeun: Yes ma'am.

(Jeun exits. Elana sits in a dark red chair behind a desk in the corner of the room. Camera moves to Diminir 3. There is a clashing of swords and other weapons. The castle is on fire, and the walls surrounding it fall. People are seen running. No one knows where the missing mother to the empress (Annari) is. We are unsure as to whether she was captured, survived, or fled before the castle fell.

Scene Ends.

Scene 2.

(Camera is in Elana's private chambers. The Empress paces, waiting for news. It has only been an hour since the fall of Annari's castle. Erala has not yet arrived, and her mother is lost.)

(Enter Dian.)

Dian: Empress, Lor awaits you on Room 3's communication program.

(Elana exits the room ahead of Dian. Enters a room just a few doors down the hall from the first. This room is filled with computers and communication equipment. On one computer (Computer 3) there is an image of a woman dressed in black layered capes over a fitting red gown. She appears young, but is older than the empress.)

Lor: Elana, I am just telling you that I won't support the Tolec Army.

Elana: Glad to hear it....Why do we have to have such hard feelings toward each other?

Lor: I want the throne.

Elana: You know I can't give it to you. When Dad died, he gave me the throne. He didn't even pick by age, though often enough I wish he had.

Lor: Yeah, me too. 'Least then I would have come before you. Got to go. Bye.

(Machines stop running. The image of Lorine fades off the screen. Elana turns away. She is crying. A beep is heard above her sobs. Erala enters.)

Erala: My dear sister, what is it? Why do you cry?

Elana: No reason (wiping away her tears.)

Erala: Liar!

Elana: I'm sorry littleone.

Erala: Is it Lorine? What has she done?

Elana: She says she wont support the Tolecs.

Erala: That 's good isn't it?

Elana: It is dear, but she brought up Dad, and her desire for the throne.

Erala: She'll learn to live without it.

Elana: Let's hope so. (There is a momentary pause, and Elana motions for her youngest sister to take a seat) So, child, what's new with you? Why did mother send you here?

Erala: You know how she can tell when trouble's brewing.

Elana: You're not telling me something.

Erala: The house is gone. Mother is missing. What more is there?

Elana: I don't know...something.

Erala: Mm....any news from Janiera?

Elana: She's got a party out searching for mother. She said she'd inform me if anything went wrong, or if they found anything.

Erala: And if they don't.

Elana: Extra protection is being set up on 1,3,5,6, and 8.

Erala: And Enack?

Elana: He's traceable, but he's hiding from me. Come, littleone. You must be tired.

Erala: A bit, I guess.

Elana: Come to your chambers. I'll have Adrial sent to your room to help you, and two guards to stand in the corridor.

Erala: Are the guards necessary?

Elana: I want you safe.

Erala: But surely they'd be of better use to the army?

Elana: There are too many spies. I want you safe while you are here.

Erala: Very well.

(Erala and Elana leave the communication room. They walk through several corridors. They finally come to an oval door, which is opened by a series of #'s known only to Elana, Erala, and a guard. Elana leads Erala in, gives her a kiss on the forehead and smiles.

Elana: All will be well. Get some rest.

(Elana leaves. Erala paces for a few minutes, then sits on the edge of the bed. When Adrial enters she is crying.)

Adrial: My lady, what is the matter?

Erala: All is not well. My sisters feud. Do not tell my sister I am ill. She will worry over me.

Adrial: As you wish my lady, but I fear your sister worries over you anyway.

Erala: I know, but she should focus on mother. I wish I could help.

Adrial: Why don't you?

Erala: I'm pregnant.

Adrial: (dropping the pillow she had picked up to fluff) What!!

Erala: I couldn't believe it either. But I am.

Adrial: How long have you got?

Erala: 6 months.

Adrial: You should tell your sister.

Erala: No, she mustn't know yet.

Adrial: Very well. Rest now then. Dinner will not be served tonight, but if you are hungry call a guard outside and she will relay a message.

Erala: (laying down on the bed, and slowly drifting off to sleep as Adrial exits.) hhmmmmmm....

Scene End.

Act 1.Scene 3

Diminir 7, Lorine's castle.

Lor: I will have that throne! Guard!

Guard: Yes, Ladyship?

Lor: Are the spies still at Elana's castle?

Guard: Yes.

Lor: Tell them to kidnap Erala.

Guard: But that's your sister!

Lor: Yes. She's my ticket to the throne.

Guard: Yes, ladyship.

(Camera slips back to Elana's castle. A maid is cleaning Elana's chambers. She is silent, but Elana speaks to her from a chair in front of a vanity.)

Elana: I don't trust Lor.

Maid: After what she did to you, I can see why.

(in reference to a previous dispute in which Elana was wounded seriously)

Elana: mm; leave the fire down, it's warm tonight.

Maid: Yes, Ma'am. 'S there anything else?

Elana: Yes, bring me Adrial, then you may retire.

(The maid leaves, and 5 minutes occupied by the empress changing and brushing here hair pass. Adrial enters.)

Elana: Come here Adrial.

(Adrial approaches the empress)

What did Erala say?

Adrial: She asked me not to tell you.

Elana: Not to tell me? Or not to tell anyone?

Adrial: She doesn't want you to know ma'am.

Elana: Very well. I will speak to her in the morning. You are dismissed.

(Elana lies down on her bed, and begins a very unfitful sleep. Time jumps to morning. Elana rises from her bed, the blankets have been tossed about and by the circles under her eyes it is obvious that she didn't sleep well. She dresses in silence. When she exits her chambers, she goes to Erala's chambers. She finds her sister asleep.)

Elana: Erala? Awake Littleone.

(Erala is silent. She is lying flat on her back, with her hands over her stomach as if she were protecting it.)

Awake Littleone, or the sun will rise without your blessing.

(Erala moves her head slightly, her eyes flutter.)

Erala: Elana?

Elana: Yes Littleone.

Erala: I am not well.

Elana: I know.

Erala: Adrial...

Elana: She didn't tell me. I dreamt about you.

Erala: You still get those dreams?

Elana: So...What is wrong? What ails you?

Erala: I'm...

(Elana frowns. She looks to interrupts, but stops herself.)

Mom sent me here, because of the fighting. But there's another reason too...

Elana: What is it dear?

Erala: Mom doesn't want Lorine to use me as a pawn. Lorine thinks she can get to the throne through me.

Elana: She can, and she knows how.

Erala: How?

Elana: If I bear no children, any child of yours will be heir to the throne...

(She is silent a moment, not wanting to continue)

Erala: But surely you look to have children.

Elana: I haven't yet...I am unmarried, and I'm unlikely to marry in the near future.

Erala: But you have centuries before you must worry about that.

Elana: Yes, but you are more innocent. She believes she can use you. I only hope she is wrong.

Erala: Me too.

Elana: Well, Littleone, I must get to work. I have called council, and I have to get to the kitchen to have the cook prepare breakfast.

(Elana leaves Erala to dress. Adrial enters, and helps Erala into a green gown which is very flattering. She goes to the fireplace and begins to relight the fire.)

Erala: Thanks for not telling my sister.

Adrial: You are my favorite of your sisters. I could at least do this one thing for you.

Erala: I wish it had never happened. You know my child may be the fate of the empire.

Adrial: If the empress bears no children.

Erala: True, but-

Adrial: Worry not. All will turn out well in the end. Good is stronger than bad. Remember that. Take care of yourself, and the child. If your sister bears no children, and you lose this one, Lorine will get the throne anyway.

Erala: But how?

Adrial: She is with child also. You must care for yourself, and the child you carry.

Erala: So because she will be the one to bear the eldest child of the next generation-

Adrial: No. If you bring this child into the world, Elana will choose your child over Lorine's!

(Camera skips to Elana in the communication room. She speaks with Janiera.)

Elana: Good day. Janiera

Jan: Hopefully yours is better than mine.

Elana: Erala is here.

Jan: Good.

Elana: Is it?

Jan: What do you mean?

Elana: She's keeping something from me.

Jan: Everyone has their secrets.

Elana: Mm

Scene 4

(Camera skips to Lorine's Castle. She stands in what appears to be a private chamber. In the room with her is a man who turns out to be her husband. Dairin. They are dressing.

Dairin: Love, you are distracted.

Lor: Yes, but no matter.

Dair: What's the problem?

Lor: I'm ill.

Dair: Shall I send for our physician?

Lor: No.

Dair: Are you sure?

Lor: Please Dair, just leave me alone!

(Camera skips again. We see Erala walking through a garden. Birds are singing, and the garden looks peaceful, but Erala is distraught over her tough decision. A servant approaches. It is a woman spy for Lorine. Her name is Melian.

Melian: Lady, your sister has asked me to fetch you.

Erala: Lead the way. Is something wrong?

Melian: She wants to speak with you, to ask for your help.

Erala: With what?

Melian: I don't know. I'd assume with the war.

Erala: It'd be nice to lend a hand.

Melian: Mm.

(They continue in silence. They are approaching the garden entrance to the castle when several armed men jump out from behind some shrubbery and nearby walls. Both women are taken into the custody of Lorine's guards (Who miraculously made it through the castle gates...with Melian's help. Both women struggle and Erala is knocked unconscious.)

Scene 5

(Camera skips to the Empress's private chambers. Erala has been missing all day, and it is now late in the evening. No word has come of her whereabouts. Elana stops pacing and sits to cry. Never before was she this emotional, but in 2 days she has lost her mother, and now, her youngest sister. She is clearly frustrated with her inability to protect her loved ones.

A maid enters her chambers)

Maid: Lady, your sister wishes to speak with you.…...lady?

Elana: I'll be there. Just a moment. Which sister?

Maid: Lady Jan, ma'am..

(Elana rises and follows the maid out the door. Camera jumps to the parlour as the Empress enters the room. She runs to her sister for comfort and to offer some in return.)

Jan: Come, dear, you must be strong for Erala. you are the only one with the power to find her.

Elana: But I haven't done that since we were infants. She begged me never to read her mind again. How can I-

Jan: She might be able to tell you where she is and we may bring her home safely. I'll never understand how you got that power over her.

Elana: It's not over her. She has it too.

Jan: She has?

Elana: She just doesn't use it.

Jan: Oh...so, let's hear it.

Elana: I need to sit. I need something of hers. Maid!

(Enter Maid)

Maid: Yes, Ladyship?

Elana: Go to Erala's chamber, bring me something of hers, a ring, or necklace.

Maid: Yes Ma'am.

Jan: And you, Elana, there is something You do not tell me.

Elana: I've told all I know to tell.

(Enter Maid) Jan: When was the last time you ate?

Maid: She worked in the kitchen this morning. (handing a necklace with a green glass marble on it to Elana and bowing, then retreating to the doorway.)

Jan: Perhaps, but did she eat? (Turning to Elana)

Elana: No.

Jan: Elana, you must eat to keep your strength.

Elana: Let's try this and see if it works shall we?

Jan: (As if to herself) I don't know why I even try!

(Erala sits on the couch and closes her eyes. In one hand she holds the necklace, the other is wrapped around the first.)

Jan: I hope this works.

Elana: (Opens her eyes) Silence! Watch me, if anything goes wrong, send the maid to Adrial, she knows what to do.

(In her mind voice she calls out to Erala.)

Elana: Erala...Erala!

(There is silence a moment, and then Erala's voice is heard)

Erala: Elana?

Elana: Where are you?

Erala: I don't know. I can't see. They blindfolded me. Oh, Goddess!!

Elana: What's happening?

Erala: 'Lana, it's the baby!

Elana: What baby?

Erala: I didn't want you to find out about it this way...ooh it hurts!

Elana: Never mind whether you wanted me to know or not, I know now. What's wrong?

Erala: I don't know...my stomach hurts so much..

Elana: Do you have any idea-any information as to where you are?

Erala: It's Lorine's guards, I saw one before they caught us in the garden.

Elana: You were in the garden when this happened? Who was with you?

Erala: Yes, a maid came to get me, she said her name is Melian. She told me you wanted to speak with me. When I started to follow her, we were attacked.

Elana: I didn't send for you until noon....where is she?

Erala: I don't know, I was knocked unconscious.

Elana: Are you hurt?

Erala: Not permanently, or dangerously. Minor pains.

Elana: .....I will see you soon. If you learn anything, or need comfort, call to me.

Erala: I didn't know this would still work. I didn't want to try, for fear that I'd fail, and then I'd really be alone, and trapped here.

Elana: Janiera is here, she sends her best (Changing the subject.)

Erala: And Mom?

Elana: No news.

Erala: I hear people, men, they are moving around. I hear metal armor, swords, and I sense someone, something, near me.

Elana: Have faith, we'll find you and bring you home safely. I must go, and prepare my troops.

Erala: I love you.

Elana: I love you too Little One. Take care of the baby.

Erala: Wait, Adrial said to me last night, Lorine is pregnant...I think she's as far along as I.

I must go, the guards are approaching.

Elana: See you soon Erala.

(There is silence, and Elana opens her eyes and at first does not remember where she is.)

Jan: Well?

Elana: It was Lorine.

Jan: I've received word that there is evidence at Mother's castle that it was the Tolecs who destroyed it.

Elana: Can you get your army there?

Jan: I can.

Elana: Good, get them there. I will have the Imperial guard and my personal army and I will go to Lorine.

Jan: You spoke too long for that news. What else did you speak of?

Elana: Both of our sisters carry children.

Jan: Erala and Lorine?

Elana: Go now, we must get to Mother, and Erala. I hope that neither of the children are harmed, and I hope that we can again be the family we once were.

Jan: I daresay Lorine crossed the line.

Elana: If she doesn't hurt Erala, and if Mother forgives her, so will I.

Scene 6

A small room in Lorine's castle. The door is barred shut. Inside the room is a bed with sparse coverings. On the bed lies Erala. She sleeps silently. Lorine enters the room, in her hands she carries a tray with food.

Lor: Erala, Wake child.

Erala (Waking) I am no child anymore.

Lor: You will be a child, always, to me.

Erala: You, I hear, are to be a mother soon.

Lor: As are you I hear.

Erala: I won't help you to the throne.

Lor: There you are wrong, but come, you must eat.

Erala: I'm not hungry.

Lor: Think of the child though, here, if you don't trust me, I will eat of your plate first.

(She takes fork and cuts softly through a piece of egg and a slice of toast, she takes a bite.) There now, eat. We will walk through the gardens later, and perhaps talk.

Erala: What are you doing? Why are you doing this?

Lor: You know why. Elana knows why.

Erala: Because of my baby?

Lor: And mine.

Erala: What are you planning?

Lor: I want Elana to come here after you.

Erala: Why?

Lor: She won't leave.

Erala: What do you mean?? Surely you wouldn't kill your own...

Lor: I've tried before, What makes you think I won't succeed this time.

Erala: When did you try before?

Lor: Oh, before you were born. Has she never shown you the semi circle scar on her abdomen? When she was much younger, and you only thought of, a lover came to her, and left her with child. I was jealous, because no lover had come to me. One night we got in a fight. It was serious. We both had knives. She kept backing up, trying to avoid me, but I got her to back into a beam. While she was doubled over from a blow, I struck her. She fell, unconcious to the ground. I carved that semi circle on her abdomen, and because of the loss of blood she suffered, she lost the baby. The scar tissue goes deep, and prevents her from having children.

(Erala is silent. She closes her eyes, and leans her head back.)

Lorine: I will return. There are some gowns in the wardrobe. You might find something to fit.

(She rises and leaves. Erala sits in silence a moment. She reaches into her pocket and finds the ring her sister gave her. She holds it in her hand and calls to her sister.)

Erala: Elana.

Elana: Erala? What is it??

Erala: Don't come here. She's not out to hurt me.

Elana: What does she want?

Erala: She wants you!

Elana: I can't turn back now.

Erala: You are not safe. Go home, find someone else to go, it's a trap. Please don't come!

Elana: We've got to get you out of there.

Erala: Please...

Elana: I'll be careful and alert my troops.

Erala: I love you.

Elana: And I you, littleone.

Erala: So, what are you planning??

Elana: We are approaching the castle gates now.

Erala: Already??

Elana: I was worried for you.

Erana: Mmmm..

Elana: Rest now, you need your strength.

Erala: Be safe.

(There is a silence in her mind. Elana was gone. Erala sat in waiting for the noise which would come when the castle was attacked. In the Forest surrounding the castle, Elana stops her troops to hold council.)

Scene 7.

Elana: Guards! Rank 4! Sentries at posts!

(The Guards approach, the 4th line in the troop's parade form a circle around the remaining troops and guards.)

Elana: Lorine plans an ambush. There are spies near or among us. No one leaves their ranks, no one joins. Guards: Jeun, Jami, George and Randel...meet me before we move. (To Jami, George and Randel) Give me five minutes to speak to Jeun alone by the horses, then join us.

(Jeun leaves his spot at the front of the first line troops, and joins Elana as she walks away. As they reach the horses, Elana begins to load a horse(grey Quarter).

Elana: I will delay before I join you in the attack. Lorine's plan is to use my sister as a lure; to kill me, and use her forces to assume the throne. I want you to lead the troops. I'm going to make a quick announcement and then I'm headed back to the end of the troops.

Jeun: Lady, you mustn't. I beg of you not to...please!

Elana: I must, Jeun. It is to you I give the honor, will you take it?

Jeun: (Hesitantly) Yes, My lady.

(She mounts her horse, and searches the horizon just visible through the trees. Riding toward the center of the guards, she speaks loud and clear.)

Elana: You are to follow Captain Jeun. He has received my orders, and is prepared to carry them out. You must, for the safety of your leader, and the security of the throne, listen to him. This may also safe your life. I will wait until the last of you have traveled over the hill there, and will follow at an even pace to make sure no one tries to flank you. Be prepared. Lorine has planned an ambush ahead, and you must be ready!

(There is a moment of silence, broken only by the sound of Elana's horses hooves and the steady rythmic sound of the soldier's breathing.)

Elana: Move Out!

(The troops begin to march, or ride. There are only 2 ranks of foot soldiers, the others ride. Elana silently waits for her troops to march out of sight.)

Scene 8.

Tolec Castle. Just inside high stone gates, which show evidence of fire and damage caused by weapons and a wooden log smashing against it. There is fighting among soldiers. Janiera is fighting among the common soldiers on foot. (At this point a view should be shown of Enack fighting a few common sholdiers, then the two of them come face to face, or rather, side to back.) The first to draw blood is Enack, when he lunges and stabs Jan in the stomach. The wound is not fatal, and she stands again to fight before he kills her. She runs him through with her short sword, after having lost her broad sword, stabbing him in the chest near his heart.

He dies, and his troops turn and run. Having lost their leader, their cause is gone. Half of Jan's troops pursue for a while, then march on to the castle. The remaining half tend to the wounded, and carry the dead back to the ship to bring home for proper burial.

Jan boards the ship and waits in a private chamber as a physician tends to her wound, for contact from her sisters, or her mother. She is hopeful that one of the Tolecs might talk, and give any information pertaining to her mother's whereabouts.

Of the Tolec army, all the guards are given a chance to pledge allegiance to the empress, or imprisonment, or death. Only a few choose Death, and only a few more choose imprisonment. Those choosing imprisonment are bound and placed in a sentry circle under a large guard.

Inside the castle, in a chamber locked (with the key in the door) a soldier finds the empress's mother, Annari. She sits quietly in the corner sewing. The room is bare, with little furniture; a chair and a bed, and less tapestrey or carpeting than any other room in the castle. The woman's clothing is a little tattered, and shows signs of recent wear, but she appears unhurt.)

Soldier: Ma'am?

Annari: Yes? (Looking up from her work.)

Soldier: It's time to go and see your daughters...they've all been looking for you. 'Cept maybe Lorine.

Annari:(Requiring the help of the soldier: she rises.) Thank you, young man.

Soldier: My pleasure Ma'am. It's not every day I get to save royalty.

Annari: Those days are long gone now. My daughters have carried that line. It is too bad Elana will never bear children.

Soldier: Why not?

Annari: 5 years ago, in the war, the wound from Lorine's sword left her barren. She will never know what it's like to be a mother.

Soldier: On the contrary ma'am. I think she's done a fine job filling that role to her sister, Erala, and to the nation of Diminir.

Annari: Perhaps you are right, but she will never know the pain of childbirth.

Soldier: Would that not be to her benefit?

Annari: Oh, I don't know. You are a man, you would not understand what I mean.

Scene end.

Scene 9.

The Empress rides behind her troops.

Suddenly in front of her she sees some soldiers dressed in black uniform, the color of Lorine's soldiers uniforms. She whistles loudly, and the last rank of her soldiers turn and fight. Each on the sides are attacked also, and each turn and fight. She rides into the battle, and takes down several of Lorine's soldiers before she is pulled from her horse.

All of Lorines soldiers pull out from Elana's when they see that the empress has been captured. Elana is tied on a horse and the horse is led by a guard away from the diminishing battle. Elana's men are kept from coming to her aid by ranks of Lorine's soldiers.

Elana closes her eyes. With her mind she calls to Erala, who sits alone in the same room we have seen her in before.

Elana: Erala.

Erala: Elana? What's going on? You should be here by now.

Elana, I'm on my way, I think.

Erala: What do you mean...did Lorine's men capture-

Elana: Yes, but they haven't hurt me. I don't think they will either...

Erala: I'm so sorry...

Elana: Don't be. This isn't your fault. How're you holding up??

Erala: She hasn't made an attempt to hurt me yet, or the baby.

Elana: Be on your guard though.

Erala: I know.

(Elana is pulled off her horse, and is knocked unconcious.) Elana? Elana?

(Lorine enters to find her crying.)

Lorine: What is it dear?

Erala: You can think about that!

Lorine: Tough situation hunh?

Erala: mmmmm.

Lorine: You'll get over it dear.

Erala: Stop calling me that! You don't care about me. Your just using me. I can't believe you'd do this. You better not have hurt mother!

Lorine: What do you mean? I haven't seen mother in nearly 3 years...

Erala: So it was Enack, and the Tolecs.

Lorine: (Now looking upset) You mean something's wrong with mother? (This little bit of emotion shows that Lorine really does care about her mother, and has some capacity for compassion.)

Erala: The castle fell the night before your guards kidnapped me. She sent me to Elana to keep me safe...

Lorine: From them, and from me.

Erala: Right.

Lorine: Damn! I've go to go. Get some sleep. You need it.

(Lorine exits.)

Erala: (To herself) like you really care about me Lorine.

Scene 10.

Elana lies on a sacraficial alter, bound at the hands and feet. She remains unconcious, while some guards stand watch. Lorine enters, showing that this is a room in her castle(A tower room). She approaches Elana with a bottle in her hand.

Lorine holds the bottle just under Elana's nose. She awakens to the smell of the salts. At first, she is confused and looks about to determine where she is.

Lorine: It's about time you woke up.

Elana: It's your fault I wasn't awake in the first place.

Lorine: Ohhh. come now, I'd say it was father's fault.

Elana: Perhaps for passing the throne to me, but by no fault of his was I lying unconscious. Why do you have me bound? Do you fear I would harm you.

Lorine: No, my only fear now is for my child.

Elana: A child which will grow to be hated by all if you do not stop this insanity!

Lorine: No, My child will be loved by all. She will be a great ruler!

Elana: Why do you want the throne?

Lorine: Self explanatory isn't it deary?

Elana: Not really. You want control, right?

Lorine: Right.

Elana: Why? Don't you understand what power does? You're own child will grow to hate you. You will never have the time to play with your child, and you will wish every day for the rest of your life that you had never wanted the throne...Lorine, go ahead, kill me, imprison me, do whatever you wish, but the people will never follow you. You will have no power.

(Suddenly Lorine grabs a dagger from her side and uses it to cut a crescent circle on Elana's stomach( There is already a larger crescent there, this once faces the opposite direction, creating two crescent moons facing eachother, and touching at each tip.) Elana screams out in pain.)

Lorine: There, I have finished what I started so long ago. You now bear the mark of the Moon Lady, and will be sacrificed to her at midnight tonight.

Elana: No...

Lorine: Yes. And now it's time for me to make an end of my struggles...

(She lifts the dagger and as she brings it down over Elana's heart, the door slams open. Annari enters, accompanied by several soldiers.)

Annari: Lorine, put the knife down!

Lorine: I want to end it. I want the people to know who is the rightful leader!

Annari: They will not follow you. They will send you into exile, and no one will love you.

Lorine: My child will be the leader!

Annari: If your servants do not kill you first...

Lorine: They wouldn't dare!

Annari: You'd be surprised.

Lorine: They wouldn't dare hurt me!

Annari: Why not? So you can push them around?

Lorine: What are you trying to do?

Annari: Lorine, I can do nothing for or against you. You are my daughter. But hear Me! You will not rest peacefully if you harm Elana. Your child will not rest peacefully in this kingdom a day of it's life. Your sisters will not protect your child, they will never forgive you!

Lorine: Mother!

Annari: That is all I have to say. I love you Erala, and I hope you understand.

Erala: I love you too mother.

Lorine, I will forvie you and set differences aside if you will let me live. If you will be content with the lands our father gave you, and if you can raise your child to be loving, caring and honest, if you will help us defeat the Tolecs, and raise mother's castle again, I will forgive you, and grant you pardon. I will protect your child with all that I have. He or she will grow with status in this kingdom. I'm begging you, Please?

(Lorine raises the dagger one more time. She holds it above Elana's heart again. Just as she is about to bring it down, she collapses into a heap on the floor. As she hits, Jan rushes in with Erala. Annari goes to Elana's side, and releases the cuffs which bound her to the altar.)

Annari: Rise child, if you can.

(Elana stands slowly, and approaches Lorine. She puts her arm around her and calls to Jan.

Elana: Jan, come, help me.

(Jan approaches and silently the two lift Lorine to the altar, and lay her down.)

Elana: There are salts somewhere...there, by the door. Bring them to me.

(Erala brings her the salts. She has tears running down her face. Elana passes the salts under Lorine's nose. She moves, but doesn't wake.)

Elana: She will be alright. Come, there is much to be said. Send for my physician. Erala, I want you to have him check on you too...to make sure that you and the baby are both well. Jan, Mother, Come please.

Annari: Elana, you really should have the doctor look at your wound.

Elana: I'm fine mother, honestly.

Annari: Then let me look at it for my satisfaction.

(Elana starts toward the door and out into the corridor. She is held up by both her mother and Jan.)

Jan: She's right Elana, you could get a serious infection.

Elana: Just help me get to Lorine's communication room. I need to find my troops.

Jan: They're outside, at the castle entrance.

Elana: Oh, What about Jeun?

Jan: He's in the other room with my guards.

Elana: Okay, let's stop then, it's starting to hurt. Oohh...

Annari: Stop here, there's a bench.

Elana: Goddess it hurts!!

Annari: Sit!

Elana: I'm sitting!

Annari: Relax, lean back. When it stops hurting, we'll go into that room right there. Jan, will you go get some warm water. Tell Erala that as soon as she is done, we will need her. And if Lorine is up to it, we will need her too.

Jan: Oh, She'll be up to it. I can guarantee it.

Elana: Don't you hurt her!

Jan: Worry about you. I'll worry about her.

Elana: I mean it.

Jan: I know. Mother, can you take her in there without my help.

Annari: Yes, go now. Hurry.

(Elana stands with help, and they go into the nearby room. Annari undresses her and puts her on the floor. Elana is shivering as her mother finds a towel (They entered a private chamber) She begins to gently clean the wound.

Annari: Come on dear. Talk to me, littleone.

Elana: You haven't called me that in years.

Annari: You've grown.

Elana: It's nice to be the one getting cared for every once in a while, instead of the one caring.

Annari: I know, but it will grow old soon enough. You must get well. Your nieces and nephews are counting on you to give them part of your empire. Who will rule if you can not.

Elana: Erala could.

Annari: No, you would not give her that burden at such a young age, would you?

Elana: Perhaps not, I will think on it.

Annari: There may not be time.

Elana: Mother?

Annari: You have lost so much blood (this is spoken matter of fact-ly, and quietly.)

Elana: It doesn't matter now. The fight is over. Erala is safe. Jan will protect you. Lorine lives, and has stopped her crusade.

Annari: You are wrong, there is much yet to come.

(Jan enters with Erala and Lorine. She carries a bowl of water. Lorine is crying, leaning on Erala. Erala helps her to sit near the door, then goes to her mother's side. Elana's eyes are clsoed.

Erala: How is she?

Annari: Not well. She is already in shock.

Erala: Will the moonstones help?

Annari: No, she herself must fight.

Erala: Is there anything I can do?

Annari: She does not want to fight it.

Erala: It is her decision.

Annari: You must rest.

Erala: I will stand watch over her. You must rest too.

Annari: Are you sure?

(Erala nods) Very well. Ring if she wakes.

Erala: Jan, take Lorine to her chamber please.

(All exit)

Erala: You must wake. My child will want to know her aunt. And even if you do not live through this, you must wake to appoint another to the throne, and so I can bid you farewell.

(Erala sits on the floor next to Elana, and picks up her hand.)

I love you Elana.

Scene 11.

Lorine's Chambers.

Jan: There is no reason why you should be so weak Lorine is there ??

Lorine: You know that I'm pregnant right?

Jan: Yes, I know.

Lorine: That's the only think I can think of.

(A pause) Where's Dairin? Do you know? He has no idea about the baby.

Jan: How long have you got?

Lorine: Seven months.

Jan: Erala's baby comes first then.

Lorine: Yes.

Jan: Rest, and I will find Dairin

(Jan leaves. She is shown walking through several corridors, (portions of corridors) until she enters a room with several people, including her guards, and some of Lorine's Castle Kitchen Crew. Dairin is found leaning against the mantle on the opposite side of the room.)

Jan: Dair?

Dair: What is it Jan? Is Lorine all right??

Jan: Better now, but you should come and speak to her.

Dair: Is she really ill?

Jan: I have sent for the physician.

Dair: Is it serious then?

Jan: Not too bad. She's awake, and waiting for you. Go, now.

(Dairin leaves the room. Jan commands her guards to set up pavilions outside, they will be staying until the Empress was well enough to travel. Jeun approaches her.)

Jeun: Jan, the lady Elana, how is she?

Jan: Not well Jeun. Could you please help the troops set up. I am putting them in your control. I must get back and help my sisters keep watch over her.

Jeun: Of course, ma'am. And please, let me know how she fares later on.

Jan: I will Jeun.

Scene 12.

Back in the Private Chamber the Empress occupies.

(Erala awakens to Elana sqeazing her hand.)

Elana: Wake, child, or the sun will rise without your blessing.

Erala: Better my blessing than your life.

Elana: Oh, Dear. It couldn't have been so bad. I just lost a lot of blood.

Erala: You lost a lot of blood, and were feverish much of the night.

Elana: I don't remember it.

Erala: It was scary. You were delerious. Jan has been in and out of here. Mother too. Jeun has asked for you many times.

Elana: Oh, Really?

Erala: Yes. Perhaps that is a relationship you should focus on improving once you are well.

Elana: It seems unlikely such a relationship as you are suggesting would be permitted.

Erala: Darling, you are the empress.

Elana: I know, but still I am subject to the voice of the people. Besides he's not for me in that sense. 'Least I don't think so.

Erala: Perhaps in the future you will know for sure. Rest now dear, you will need your strength.

(There is a sigh heard from the empress, who is already well on her way to sleeping.)

Scene 13.

Lorine's Dining Hall, Breakfast time.

Lorine: Erala, Where is Elana? Is she still not well enough.

Erala: She should be joining us soon. But wait a moment before serving, and I will go see to her.

Lorine: We will wait a moment. Go, and see to her, please.

Erala: Certainly. I'll be but a moment.

(Erala leaves the hall, we see her to Elana's room. From within the room, a knock is heard on the door as Erala enters.

Erala: Elana, are you feeling well?

Elana: (Coughing) Better. Thank you.

Erala: Will you be joining us at breakfast?

Elana: That time already? I suppose so. Will you help me up?

Erala: Of course, here, give me your arm.

(Erala stands at the side of the bed. Elana's arm is across her shoulder. Erala helps Elana to stand and cross to a stack of clothing Lorine sent in for her, picking out a dress and helps her into it. The dress is green with gold embroidery of leaves on the seams, and the skirt. The dress is very fitting.)

Elana: Oh, I'm surprised this dress fits me, perhaps I shall buy it from Lorine.

Erala: Come, we should go and eat if you are ready.

Elana: I am ready. Lend me your arm again if you would please.

Erala: Certainly. Here.

(Offering support of her arm.)

Elana: Thank you. Did I ever tell you what a wonderful sister you are?

Erala: Aye, but not in so many words.

Elana: Oh, good. It's true.

Erala: Let's go. They're waiting on us.

(They exit the room, and walk down the corridor talking.)

Elana: So, what has been happening these last few days?

Erala: Many of the soldiers have returned home. The Tolecs have totally given up now that Lorine is on our side. They're not strong enough to fight the entire family.

Elana: I'm surprised they even tried to fight against the Empress's troops.

Erala: Me too, but I guess they didn't want to answer to a woman.

Elana: What's wrong with Women?

Erala: Nothing. They're just men. (this as they enter the dining hall, quiet enough that it is their entrance that causes the silence in the hall, and not the comment.)

Lorine: (Standing) Welcome back sister. Are you feeling well?

Elana: As well as can be- and you? The Baby?

Lorine: Both well, thank you.

Elana: Glad to hear it.

Annari: (To Elana) Come child, and sit by me. I want to keep my eye on you.

Elana: Truly mother, I am much better, but thank you for your concern.

Lorine: If you are well enough, we can start making arrangements for your travel back to your castle.

Elana: Good, I am ready for it. Thank you for the use of your castle and grounds.

Erala: Jan, you are quiet. Is something wrong?

Jan: No, I'm just thinking about the future.

Annari: Dear, the future is yet to come, leave it for then, and join us now.

Elana: This is nice. The whole family together again. I love you all.

Erala: And I, you.

Jan: And I, you.

Lorine: And I, you.

(There is a smile on Annari's face)

Annari: My children, I love you all too. Come, let us eat!

The end.