Gilbert & Sullivan Present... ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÜ Û Ü ÞÛ Û Û ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ Û Û ÜßßÜ ÞÛ ÛÛ Û ÜßßÜ Û * Û Û ÛÜßÜÛÜÜÜÜÛÞÛ ÛÛ Û ÛÜÜÜÜÛÛ Û ÜßßÜ Û ÜßßÜ Û Û ÛÛ ÞÛ ÜÛÛ ÛÝÛ Û Û ßÜ Û ßÜ Û Û ßÜÜÜß ßßßßß ßÜÜÛ ßÜÜÜßÛÜÜÜßÛßÜÜÜß ÛßÜÜÜß The Duelists (Or, A Slave to Mana) Cast of Characters 1000 flying men (Mixed Chorus) Lord Clarence Cotierre (A Tenor and Blue Mage) Lady Clarinda Cotierre (An Alto and Blue Enchantress) Sabrina Cotierre (A Soprano and Green Mage) Thomas deGracey (A Tenor and White Priest) Blechnaudd Gallowrope (A Tenor and Black Sorcerer) Torienda Bleauxhardd (A Contralto and Red Witch) Pandemonius T. Knicknack (Baritone, Artificer and Wizard-King) The Knights of Knicknack (Tenor Honor Guard and Fodder) Fairies, Imps and Other Critters The Madrigals Bonnie (A Soprano and Verduran Enchantress) Titania (An Alto and Green Fairy Lady) Hans (A Tenor and That Guy on "Unholy Strength") Vinnie (A Baritone and Assasin) Setting: Modern Dominia. Gothic Architecture and costumes from all known time periods between Early Roman and Late Victorian, with the occasional squirmy monster-type creature for background color. SCENE I [Large flock of Flying Men on rugs, soaring past blue backdrop "sky."] "Oh, to be a Flying Man" [Sung by CHORUS] [Baritone Solo] Oh, to be a Flying Man A Champion of Blue, Nothing's faster, nor as handsome As a Flying Man like me or you! [All] Nothing's faster, nor as handsome As a Flying Man like me or you! [Tenor Solo] Men on carpets, flying higher, Soaring quickly to the frey, To protect the Cotierres, In a Flying Manly way! [All] To protect the Cotierres in a Flying Manly way! [Baritone, Light of foot and quick of sabre, heavy Vibrato] Strong and daring as a rule Even though it takes a dozen Just to stop a Kabal Ghoul... [All] Even though it takes a dozen Just to stop a Kabal Ghoul! [Random Tenor] As the Flying Men go soaring Hark'ning to our Master's Call, We don't wear helmets and seat belts For the Flying Men don't fall! [All] We don't wear helmets and seat belts For the Flying Men don't fall! [Brief Orchestral Interlude] [Original Borne on carpet, we were called for Baritone] Lord and Lady Cotierre And of course, we all shall join them With our Flying Manly flair! Mighty Flying Men are coming To defend against a Roc Proudly soaring flying warriors Sixteen mana for a flock! [All] Proudly Soaring Flying Warriors Sixteen mana for a flock! Repeat lines, beginning from Orchestral Interlude as CHORUS draws near to LORD and LADY COTIERRE, at edge of battlefield. LORD COTIERRE wears a tight blue tuxedo and blue top hat; LADY COTIERRE wears an Elizabethan court dress in monochrome blue. They turn to reguard the CHORUS, who snaps to attention. Sounds of battle roar in the far distance. A very large oak tree stands stage rear. Stage Right dominated by a rather large temple, in cross section, so that its interior is plainly visible.] LADY C: Ah. Dear, it's our flying men. LORD C: They've arrived already? Well, well. Send them on their way. LADY C: Right, then. You men go and take out the nasty bird what's been othering Mommy and Daddy. [CHORUS postures on their rugs, assuming "WASHINGTON CROSSES THE CARPET" poses. They glide stage left and out, from whence issues numerous screams and the occasional turban.] LADY C: Well, they DID get the roc. LORD C: We could hardly ask for more. Hah, hah, I've yet to see a Scryb Sprite do as well! [LORD and LADY C share a giggle.] Nevertheless, I fear that our lovely daughter will be somewhat distressed at this unfortunate" loss of life. With creaking sound, previously unnoticed door opens in oak tree. SABRINA COTIERRE emerges. She is wearing a green gown decorated in a grapevine pattern, and looks simply _furious_.] SABRINA C: Mother, father, I see the battle proceeds nicely. I trust you have been taking every possible precaution to preserve the lives of your summoned subjects? LADY C: Oh, indeed! 'Tis a good thing that our worthy opponent, Miss Bleauxhardd, has command over Earth, for she will have many bodies to bury! [LORD and LADY C share a giggle]. SABRINA C: Ah, but the loss of any life, no matter how small [A Tenor screams off Stage Left, and a turban is tossed on stage] is a sad, sad thing! What did Torienda Bleauxhardd do to deserve your righteous anger? LORD C: Do? Why, she insulted my beloved's fingernail polish! LADY C: (sniff) She said azure was passe'! SABRINA C: And over so mild a slight you do battle? LADY C: Oh, there is more to our dueling than that! LORD C: And, I think, it is time for you to learn the facts of a wizard's life. In verse, of course. [soft Music begins.] "Why we Duel" Sung by COTIERRES and CHORUS LORD C: Whennnnn...a Wizard is born, that star-touched morn Is a time for alot of rejoicing, But a competitive Mage or a theurge of age A lot of complaints will be voicing! LADY C: I think that you'll find that all Sorcerer-kind Is a fiesty and powerful order, And each newborn source of magical force will set off our competitive ardour. SABRINA C: You're saying you duel as a general rule To bump off excess competition? LADY C: That is our way, and as Dickens would say, It decreases the surplus population. L & L COTIERRE: Ohhhhhh... We Mages sing, And creatures bring, To the light with our powerful magic, And those who fly, Or might defy Our will shall meet an end tragic! SABRINA C: I don't understand why throughout the land Mages throughout the world battle, Nicer it would be to be kind (just like me), Than to slaughter your minions like cattle! [L & L Cotierre look distressed] LADY C: Our point we're not making, our lessons aren't taking, Sabrina, you're usually much quicker. duelling has its base in a political race, It's not like mages simply dicker! LORD C: My dear, the throne all mages own, It's our birthright and sorcerous honor, And the thrown must be earned by the mage who has turned The most opponents into powder. L & L COTIERRE Ohhhhhhhh... and all To gain the Throne surviving We're on our own, CHORUS: Each Magus could battle his brother. And through each frey, Our spells we lay, Our competitition to smother! LADY C: You see, my dear, wizards must fear All slights and insulting prattle. Such comments normally are rude, but could be A concealed invitation to battle! LORD C: And as such, this is why, we send minions to die By the hundreds to deaths quite distasteful. I think you'll agree, beter them than poor we, There's so many, their deaths aren't so wasteful! SABRINA C: And yet, any waste, in all kinds of taste, Is a waste that should not be taken. If one would, in a breath, send creatures to their death, 'Tis a sad world, be not mistaken! COTIERRES Ohhhhhhhh... (all): A jolly cant Blue Mages chant, And send thousands of creatures to the slaughter, And Sabrina says, We should mend our ways, And not Duel, because we shouldn't oughtter! CHORUS AND A jolly cant COTIERRES: Blue Mages Chant, (in descant) And send thousands of creatures to the slaughter! SABRINA C: You're saying, then, that you intend to send even more creatures to a terrible death by Roc and fire? L & L COTIERRE: [ad lib] Yes, yes, oh, definately, no doubt about it, verily, as thou dost say it! SABRINA C: Ah. Well, then, you'll excuse me, for I don't feel particularly inclined to wait around and heal you when Bleauxhardd tries to disintergrate you. LORD C: Your choice. I, for one, would enjoy sending a few djinns into this battle, and make it a little more lively. LADY C: Oh-ho-ho, yes! I'll take the spell, and if you would, you draw the mana! [Both stand on tip-toe. LORD COTIERRE begins a complicated tap dance, LADY COTIERRE chants] LADY C: Et tite, et file, et cogito sum, Nyceum te lunus, et tu Brute tum Oyay Magna Carta, Titipu kin, Lyceum nycunthrupus, summon a Djinn! [With smoke, lower Djinn slowly from ceiling. He should be a terrible monster executed in blue. Djinn roars, runs Stage Left and off. Red light floods, smoke billows in from Left.] LORD C: Was that really worth our while, darling? LADY C: No, not as such. LORD C: Still, it will be a while before Bleauxhardd can conjure up a fireball that warm! [L & L COTIERRE share a giggle] Ah, well, enough fun for one day. Darling, would you finish her off? LADY C: Only if you would grant me that singular honor, Beloved. [Then, with surprise and disgust] Oh. LORD C: Oh? LADY C: Well, look. She's waving a white flag. LORD C: Can she do that, my only? LADY C: Yes, and as mages of honor, we must accept her surrender. [pouts] LORD C: Oh, my pet, my heart, we _shall_ find a new opponent. But please, tear that frown away from your delicate brow. Anger is such a terrible thing on your beautiful-- LADY C: She's coming this way. LORD C: Ah. And shall we corrupt her spirit, or destroy her mind from the inside out? LADY C: No, never before dinner. Torienda, how wonderful to see you! [TORIENDA BLEAUXHARDD enters, dressed in slightly charred red furs, as of a Viking run through an elaborate dying procedure.] TORIENDA: Clarinda, dear, what a small kingdom! And, if I may say, that was an exquisite Djinn you set against me. LADY C: Oh, thank you, how kind of you to say that! And your fireballs, they were lovely! TORIENDA: I believe I just might have come out ahead had you not turned my dragon against me. Oh, how clever! [Embraces LORD COTIERRE, kisses both cheeks. Begin background music] Gay Spirits [Sung by TORIENDA BLEAUXHARDD and L & L COTIERRE] TORIENDA: What a clever thing to do, clone my Giant, making two, Or counting by heads, making four, I brought a Goblin, you brought more-- LORD COTIERRE: A jolly duel, it's true, Your Red against our Blue, So glad I had Flash Flood to cast, Without it we just couldn't last! LADY COTIERRE: But for someone new, My last opponent who Surrendered left me in the ditch, Unable to destroy that...witch... TORIENDA: For when the battle's done, LORD COTIERRE: And since 'twas all For when the battle's in fun, done, LADY COTIERRE: And since 'twas all Now that the battle's in fun, run, With strategies undone, TORIENDA, L & L COTIERRE: Tomorrow IS another day! LORD COTIERRE: [Bowing to TORIENDA BLEAUXHARDD] And Torienda dear, It is so very clear Without you we'd have been so bored, And ennui's such a fearsome lord-- TORIENDA: How nice, but it's quite queer, Sabrina wasn't here. Her future as a mage is bright, A marriage could just set her right-- [LADY COTIERRE looks shocked, indignant] LORD COTIERRE: "Respect for life," we fear, Could mar her bright career. We feel that it's a passing stage, A qualm to pass with waxing age. LORD COTIERRE: Mind not our Daughter, nor her way, This, too shall pass TORIENDA: Within our day, Is she troubled, Who's to say? Betrothal mends LADY COTIERRE: all disarray, Would that this were but infant's play, My daughter's malady might stay, L & L COTIERRE, TORIENDA: But keep our spirits gay! LORD COTIERRE, TORIENDA walk Stage Right and off, chatting amiably. LADY CLARINDA COTIERRE remains, alone, in spotlight.] LADY COTIERRE: [Immensely complex musical scheme, slow and stately, with great vibrato] Sabrina dearest, darling my, Wherefore does your spirit fly Against all hopes we may decry, To sting our hearts with cruellest lye? Beloved daughter, Sabrina mine, Whos love surrounds our summoned kine, Wherefore does your soul decline To send your pets to battle's line? Where I have failed, a wedding may Put you on a righter way. Else your spouse Lord Clarence flay, Or Spirit Bind to Primal Clay, But let me keep my spirit gay! LADY COTIERRE collapses of a dreadful disorder of the emotions, laying prone on a bench. Dim lights, pause for appropriate length of time before church bells sound. Lights brighten slowly, shining off of the dazzling white robes of THOMAS deGRACEY and his benevolent smile.] LADY C: You! Are you the _priest_ my daughter speaks of? The servant of the Gods of Light what has so captivated my beloved's heart? [pause] I must say, you're hardly the tome-thumping hypocrite I had imagined! But as they say, appearances may decieve... deGRACEY: You wound me! Gentle lady, your wretched demeanor does not lend itself to the heartless, malign and callous countenance your daughter painted for me. But, in your words, "appearances may decieve." LADY C: I assure you, they do! My daughter paints an accurate picture of me. If it were less flattering, I should vanish her to a creative form of Hell without hesitation. deGRACEY: Dear me, and I thought our local Black mages were in need of salvation. Perhaps, poor lost lamb, you should step into my modest temple? LADY C: No, no, I've...left the black vice running. deGRACEY: Come, lamb. You will find that the Church of St. Samus the Monochromatic is forgiving in the extreme. Do join us for tea and vespers? The weather is becoming most hostile. LADY C: Well, then my spell worked. No, priest, I've not time to dabble in tea and vespers. I have duchies to conquer, minds to inflict grevious harm upon, haha, you know how it is. deGRACEY: Thrice-blessed powers of Light, hear the prayers of this, your utterly obsequious servant, and open the heart of one of your lost flock, bring her into our modest temple and give unto her great generosity of pock--spirit, that she might... LADY C: The black vice can wait. Tea and vespers does sound like a fine way to pass a dreary afternoon, then. It should be a welcome change, I do not believe I've experienced that one before. [deGRACEY bows and traces his chest in a complex stellated octehedron] deGRACEY: Blessed St. Samus the Extraordinarily Sanctified, thank you for granting a small prayer--Delightful! Do follow me, then, we were JUST hearing the choir at their psalms. [The two, who have been walking, arrive at the modest temple of St. Samus. deGRACEY opens the door, and LADY COTIERRE pushes through. Inside, at rear wall, a small portion of Flying Men have donned choir robes and are singing. LADY COTIERRE takes a seat at a pew.] In the Chapel of St. Samus [Sung by an abridged CHORUS, slow & stately] TENOR SOLO As the sun sets in the sky, So the souls of men do fly, Souls of females and Scryb Sprites too Saint Samus, we pray to you... All CHORUS Protect us from the dread of Blue, Bane of black and Red, that too. Hide us from the hounds of Green, C-o-P us, healing spring. [Pause] TENOR SOLO Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, Saint Samus, who see-eth all. As Vampires and Orcs attack we, Healing Salve us, lest we fall. All CHORUS Blessed Wards wrap and infold us, As the Plague Rats do descend. Bearer of the whitest mana, Our honor and hides defend! [Pause] TENOR SOLO Amazing Saint, who once did cast a Holy Strength for me, Bring forth, Samus, now and at last A Lanced Angel or three... All CHORUS Amen. LADY C: How nice. Do you do this for every waif and stripling sorcerer, or just for the Great Mages? deGRACEY: Of course not. Our modest temple holds a twenty-four hour singing vigil throughout the year. LADY C: Surely that must be a great stress on your choir's throats. deGRACEY: 'Tis not even the slightest penance to be paid for the great evil wrought by our birth. Concieved in sin...lived in sin...strained vocal cords could hardly be fitting punishment. LADY C: Nevertheless. deGRACEY: Well, it does tend to be somewhat costly in choir members. LADY C: Ah! And Sabrina says that we of the Blue College are cruel to our subjects. deGRACEY: Dear lady, that is what Death Ward is for. LADY C: I think that I could learn to love the church as a second home. [Distant sounds of chariots/cheering] Is that the King's chariot I hear? deGRACEY: [Inclines his ear] I believe it is. But he only visits the church on holidays. LADY C: Perhaps he declared it a holiday? deGRACEY: Don't be silly, he's an artificer. Holidays are a White thing. LADY C: Reguardless, that is his chariot drawing near. We should go to pay the proper homage. deGRACEY: Homage to no-one but St. Samus, as is our creed, but let us go out with all haste. [Both exit TEMPLE. Outside, near battlefield, a modest collection of Mages have gathered. We notice the throng as lights brighten, revealing TORIENDA BLEAUXHARDD, BLECHNAUDD GALLOWROPE, LORD and SABRINA COTIERRE. LADY COTIERRE and deGRACEY run to join. Millitant, patriotic and thrilling music begins as KNICKNACK'S HONOR GUARD enters, in pairs. Each guard is smothered in armor, hidden from view, and is at least a foot taller than any normal human being.] Tick Tick Or Knicknack's Honor Guard [Sung by KNICKNACK'S HONOR GUARD] TWO GUARDS [entering from behind scenery] Tick, tick, tick, tick. TWO MORE GUARDS [entering behind originals] Tick, tick, tick, tick. TWO MORE [All singing on rising note] Tick, tick, tick, tick. LAST TWO Tick, tick, tick, tick. ALL GUARDS [Engaging in complicated Tick, tick, tick, tick. choreography] Tick, tick, tick, tick. Tick, tick, tick, tick. First TWO GUARDS From the day we first are summoned, [other guards Since the day we're tightly wound, continue background We have felt for our beloved ticking] Master a love profound ALL GUARDS Tick, tick, tick, tick. SECOND GUARD PAIR As we work to do his bidding [Others tick] Taking not a pound nor gold We raise our voice in ceaseless ticking 'Til the day our springs explode ALL GUARDS Tick, tick, tick THIRD PAIR OF GUARDS His majesty the King approaches We come to defend his pride Men and ladies prostrate fallen, Kindly, kindly step aside ALL GUARDS For Knicknack's Honor Guard! Tick, tick, tick. PAIR TWO Wear all of your finest vestments As our King is drawing nigh Put on your happy faces, We'll decapitate all those who cry [Tick, tick] PAIR THREE Rejoice and sing ye Mages, As the King chariots through town It's a time for celebration. We're told to shoot those who frown. PAIR FOUR Praise to our beloved Monarch, [Others tick on And his magical creations, too dropping pitch] On a small red Mana Batt-ry, We smartly march SECOND GUARD Smartly march FIRST GUARD [Drawn-out baritone] Smartly march ALL GUARDS: Two by two! FIRST PAIR Gentlemen, our King approaches [Others: Ticking Ladies all, nearer he drives alternates between Drop down on your hands and kneeses, High-Low pitch] As his chariot now arrives! [HONOR GUARD ceases elaborate choreography, but continue ticking, facing Stage Left. All mages look Stage Left expectantly for at least twenty seconds. HONOR GUARD, while utterly expressionless and standing at attention, act in an uneasy manner.] SECOND PAIR Honored Guests, our king's a'coming [Others tick on Driving fast as he knows how alternate High/Low] Coach drawn by Ebony Horses, He'll be here any moment now! [HONOR GUARD ceases elaborate choreography, but continue ticking, facing Stage Left. All mages look Stage Left expectantly for at least twenty seconds. HONOR GUARD, while utterly expressionless and standing at attention, act in an uneasy manner.] FOURTH PAIR Play a flute and raise a chalice, [Others tick on Fairest maidens dance and sing, alternating high/low] Throw a firey pyrotechnic As we welcome the royal King! [HONOR GUARD ceases elaborate choreography, but continues ticking, facing Stage Left. All mages look Stage Left expectantly, and begin murmuring--"The King!" "Oh, it's him!" "Look, Knicknack's coming!" etc. as KNICKNACK rides in on chariot, pulled by mocked-up black horses. HONOR GUARD applauds until KNICKNACK glares.] KNICKNACK: Greetings, all, greetings. It is my horrendously great pleasure to be able to speak to you, fellow citizens of Dominia, land of the Great Sorcerers, heir to one thousand years of fascinating history, and the lands of outlying Arabia and Uselyssia besides, holder of the Forgotten Empires, bearer of the Great Cities of Knowledge, birthplace of the Plague Rat and Rabid Wombat. And I, as your king (by dint of my victory over Fweezl the Usurper during the year of the cacophonous goblin, as you all remember)-- HONOR GUARD #6: And if we don't, you'll tell us! KNICKNACK: As you all remember, am a benevolent monarch. HEARING the request of my loyal subjects, my heart goes out to you. My plans for restoration of the damage wrought by Lord Gallowrope's plague are nothing short of thorough-- HONOR GUARD #6: As are the speaches! KNICKNACK: [apologetically] Faulty equipment. I could never get a proper grip on these new fang--oh. Oh dear. This isn't right at all. [Pained expression.] I-I-I think--is someone casting a Drain Life? Or is it a...Siphon Soul? [GALLOWROPE sidles back out of crowd, TORIENDA looms over KNICKNACK, who is slumping to the ground.] TORIENDA: Mi'Lord, are you ill? Have you fallen victim to some fell sorcery? [KNICKNACK nods frantically as he struggles to regain his feet. TORIENDA grins wickedly, L & L COTIERRE share a giggle, GALLOWROPE looks predatory] TORIENDA: How sad. I think medical science has advanced a proper cure for your affliction. [Music, reminiscent of Flight of the Valkeries flares up from background.] The Duel [Sung by CAST] [TORIENDA draws a large battle axe--red--and begins waltzing with it] TORIENDA: A call to the Kobolds, a cry for the Kird Apes, Forces of Fire far-flown Earth Elementals and Keldon war Gen'rals, Rout of the Red, come ye home! [Music switches abruptly to a variation on Danse Macabre, as GALLOWROPE begins swaying back and forth, hands behind his back, and chanting] GALLOWROPE: From the vault of cavernous darkness Hidden away from the bane of the Light Horde of the fearless or host of the soulless, Come forth all ye minions of Blight! [SABRINA C looks horrified, deGRACEY is aghast. LADY C begins a complicated tap dance, while LORD C begins a chant. Background music: no change from Danse base.] LORD C: Negotem Tenebris, Au reverse teo rufus Cavernum sancre tus sum Calamari Defestravus sic semper transitus Counterspell that which may come! KNICKNACK Onward, Knicknack's soldiers, Onward, clockwork beasts, Onward to shield your master 'gainst the battle's griefs! Take up your Kry Shield, And your ancient sword Charge, Ornithopters, In a mechanical horde! KNICKNACK'S Forw-- HONOR GUARD (half sing, half tick) [Remainder of verse cut by TORIENDA's axe, which knock's off lead GUARD's helmet. There is nothing underneath, and the troupe topples like dominoes. Chaos begins to reign on battlefield, as a quintet of black- garbed children, dressed as imps, wanders on and with a quartet of green-garbed faries begin to torment various members of cast. All mages continue their individual dances, LORD C claps to accompany LADY C's steps, but NO-ONE chants.] deGRACEY: [spoken] Oh, my darling Sabrina--I fear that, amidst this frey, you may injure your delicate self! No, I could never live if such a thing took place--I shall surround you with circles of protection, so that no dark minion--nay, nor those red or blue--should so much as tear the hem of your dress! [Sung] Saint Samus, who helps those who lack, Save my beloved, hear my prayer, Shield her from the toys of Knicknack, Guard her from water and air. As she standeth in her battle Guard her from both Dark and Red Draw thy circles all around her, I'll be broken if she's dead! [While this is taking place, only deGRACEY is in spotlight. All else should be dark, but obviously hectic. When lights brighten, SABRINA is standing in three large circles drawn in red, blue and black and beige.] SABRINA C: [shouts] Enough of this! [sung to the tune Powers of Green, of "Poor Wandering Forces of nature and life, Ones," from Magic of Tree, Pirates of P., I invoke thee, if you're curious] Powers of green... TORIENDA: [spoken] What is she doing? GALLOWROPE: That's the incantation for Gaia's Leige! KNICKNACK: Don't let her finish the spell! LADY C: Get her! [Music: Danse, again] GALLOWROPE: Pains abdomenial through spells reprehensible, Cthothian ills to wither yon Green With unbidden weaknesses from sources invisible, Sabrina to suffer from damage unseen! [Something Norse] TORIENDA: From Cinderous sources, Scorching cirrocos And the infernal regions the Red mages call Dragon breath, pyre, pyroclasts, fire, Come forth to form a fireball! [Heavy black smoke seaps down from the Catwalk near SABRINA, and red light flares on Stage Left side.] LORD C: She is our daughter-- LADY C: But her spell could cost us our duel! We must be delicate. Let's summon a sea serpent. Dearest? [LADY COTIERRE dances frenetically and blue light shines on the pair] LORD C: Kingdom Animalia, vivium carbonus Phylum Chordata con vertebratus Class Reptilia con sanguis frigida Order Aquatica Suborder Carnivora Family Serpentia, Subphylum Thamagurgy. Genus Dracona, Species Flavus Bring up the Serpent of the Sea. [L & L COTIERRE stop dancing/singing. Blue Glow brightens. From Stage Left a large red ball slowly swings down from Catwalk. From Stage Right a large oriental dragon executed in blues steps out--can we use the one from last week's showing of The Mikado? The two twin collumns of black smoke falling from Catwalk move together, centering on SABRINA. Fireball begins a graceful arc towards SABRINA. Dragon charges SABRINA. SABRINA, under green light with her eyes closed, is oblivious.] SABRINA C: Powers of Green, Drawing together your might, Strength of a Pine, from redwood and vine, Powers of green... deGRACEY: My beloved sorceress! She will surely be crushed! Crushed, and plagued, and burned to a lovely green powder! I cannot let that happen! Not while I draw breath. I think that my Circles could stop the sea serpent, or perhaps the fireball, or even Gallowrope's pestilence, but all three? No, I must draw upon more Mana--such a thing does not come easily to a Priest. [Looks towards GALLOWROPE] I hate to break my White vows, but, all's fair in Love and Duelling... [Resume Danse Macabre music. deGRACEY begins to sway w/hands behind back, emulating GALLOWROPE.] From the vault of cavernous darkness Magical Font of Hell's bile and gall, Charge me fully with abysmal energy, Upon the dark and maleficient call. [deGRACEY concentrates. Green light over SABRINA fades, to be replaced by bright, bright white. Fireball swoops over SABRINA, but bumps KNICKNACK to the floor. Sea Serpent tramples KNICKNACK, but runs past SABRINA and past curtain. Black smoke from ceiling fades.] LORD C: We missed! TORIENDA: Oh, all that wasted magic! Well, I shall just have to prepare a disintergrate-- LADY C: No, wait! I order you to stop! TORIENDA: Order? By what right? LADY C: As queen of Dominia, I may order you if I choose. Look! [All look at KNICKNACK, who does nothing but lie on the ground. TORIENDA walks to the late monarch, picks up his wrist, and drops it. A heavy clunk sounds as wrist hits the stage floor.] TORIENDA: The ash on his clothing, his eyebrows are missing. It looks as though my Fireball did him in-- LADY C: No, he was still kicking when our Sea Serpent ran him into the earth. LORD C: But that means, dearest, that we are Dominia's latest monarchs! [L & L COTIERRE share a giggle as light fades. Curtains close.] END ACT ONE (To be continued!)