Episode 4 - The Titan

NARRATOR

In the frozen north of the world, the ground is jagged and uneven, marred by deep chasms grown thick with lichen. Rolling gray hills stretch to the horizon, rising to tremendous cathedrals of stone silhouetted against the stars.

It is a clear night in the Monarch’s Spine, a desolate region inhabited only by the most tenacious nomads.  An elderly shepherd is leading his flock of sheep through a rocky gulley, its stone sides carved by the passage of ancient glaciers.

The shepherd finally emerges into the open, and he grimaces as he rubs an arthritic hand along his back.  Looking up, he spots the luminous eye of the full moon far overhead.  It must be nearing midnight.  With an exasperated sigh he continues his march.  

A glimpse at the tallest of the mountains prickles his mind with dread. Years of stories whispered in the dark have given him a healthy fear of those summits.  He recalls tales of the enormous things that are said to lurk there, legends of monstrous beasts that sleep within the earth.  Things older than the mountains themselves, as ancient and primordial as time.  With a shudder, he averts his gaze and mutters a prayer of protection.

In the distance, the tinny screech of a bird echoes across the landscape, unheard by the shepherd’s aged ears.  With a flash of chromatic light, a building appears on a stone shelf near one of the peaks. Its arrival sends a cascade of snow tumbling down the mountain.

Its windows twinkle with warmth as within, the Keeper, Amara, and Ellis dust themselves off.  The Brass Eagle Tavern has landed once again.

[Theme song plays as we begin the episode.]

 

KEEPER

Welcome to the Brass Eagle

Episode 4: The Titan

[INT. BRASS EAGLE TAVERN.  Sounds of water boiling softly and the ticking of a clock.]

NARRATOR

That morning, a thin shaft of light slips through a crack in the shutters.  It falls directly on the closed eyes  of Amara, sprawled out on the old sofa.  She groans, burying her face in her blankets.  Before long she hears the loud footsteps of the Keeper and feels the soft thud of a pillow being thrown at her.

KEEPER

It’s morning.  Get up.

NARRATOR

He flings open the shutters, forcing her to squint against the agonizing sunlight.  She sighs and tosses the faded quilt to one side, rubbing her eyes as she sits up.

AMARA (grumbling)

Jerk.  Good morning to you too, then.

KEEPER (cooly)

So you are alive.  I was starting to think you wouldn’t wake up at all.

AMARA

The clock kept me up again.

KEEPER

Ah, so you didn’t sleep well?

AMARA, disgruntled

No.

KEEPER

Another reason you should’ve stayed home.

AMARA

Well, I didn’t.

KEEPER

Unfortunately.

AMARA

You’re incredibly childish, you know that?

KEEPER

Takes one to know one.

AMARA

Gods, I’m not awake enough for this.  I thought you were finally warming up to me after we solved the whole thing with my aunt the tree ghost.

KEEPER

Your aunt made a mess of the place.

AMARA, exasperated

What do you want from me, then?

KEEPER

For one, clean up after yourself.  I don’t want to keep tripping over your guitar every five minutes.

AMARA

Ugh.  Fine.

KEEPER

Not just that.  Close cabinets when you’re done. Help put the chairs up before midnight. Glasses go in the padded cupboards, blankets get folded–

AMARA

I know, I know!  Just–stop for a minute.  My head is pounding and I need coffee.

KEEPER (not looking over)

…A pot is on the stove. Mugs are the third cabinet to the left, sugar and milk in the kitchen.

AMARA

So you are good for something.

KEEPER

Tsch.

[Sounds of Amara walking away.  After a beat, Keeper calls after her.]

KEEPER

Remember–close the cabinet!

AMARA

I KNOW!

NARRATOR

The Keeper rolls his eyes and sips from his steaming mug as he turns to the window.  Frost obscures the world outside.  He rubs at it with his sleeve, squinting as his eyes adjust to the light. 

The tavern is perched on a narrow rock shelf covered in snow, and beyond that the featureless expanse of the horizon stretches as far as he can see.  Jagged mountains scrape the sky, swollen clouds drifting lazily about their peaks.

A corner of the Keeper’s mouth begins to curl upwards in a smile of recognition. He flings the window open, letting in a squall of frigid air.  He throws his arms wide with a laugh and breathes deeply of the bone-chilling wind.

KEEPER

Ahahah!  Finally!

AMARA

What the hell?!  CLOSE THE WINDOW!

KEEPER (joyously exhaling)
Do you know where we are?

AMARA

The mountains…?

KEEPER

THE SPINE!  The Monarch’s Spine!  It’s been ages since I’ve been here!

NARRATOR

The Keeper leaves the open window and walks over to the bar.   His fingers trace the delicate carvings across its surface as he feels around for something. As he searches, the door of the storeroom creaks open and Ellis emerges, looking just as tired as Amara.

AMARA

Morning, Ellis.  Keep’s gone insane.  Coffee?

KEEPER

AHA!

NARRATOR

The Keeper straightens–he’s found what he was looking for.  He flips an unseen switch and a muffled clunk is heard.  A faint rumble reverberates through the wall of the tavern, joined by the clanking of hidden gears.  The Keeper shoos the other two away as panels in the wall and ceiling slide open, revealing an intricate network of copper pipes that snake throughout the tavern.

KEEPER

Step aside, step aside.
AMARA
Hey! You almost made me spill.

KEEPER (proudly)

There it is!  As fine as the day it was built.

ELLIS

What is going on?

KEEPER (distracted)

I have an old friend who lives in these mountains.  He usually isn’t the kind for company, but I like to let him know when I drop in.

AMARA

Ok, but the pipes–

KEEPER (dismissively)

It’s just a little calling system I built. Amara, why do you keep getting in the way?–excuse me!

AMARA

Hey, watch it–

KEEPER

If you won’t move, at least help!

AMARA

HELP WITH WHAT?!

KEEPER

THE PIPES!  HELP WITH THE PIPES! (Huff)

NARRATOR

The Keeper shoulders past Amara and kneels down next to one of the bar’s supports, carved in the likeness of a strange, jagged figure.  He grips it below the chin and pulls off its head with a pop.  Beneath it is a copper-lined hole, into which he slots a long section of pipe ending in a flared trumpet-like shape.

KEEPER

And…there!

(noticing them) Oh, Ellis!  Good morning.

AMARA, grumbling

Ellis gets a good morning?

KEEPER

Ellis was invited to stay.

AMARA

Ugh.

ELLIS

Good morning…are…you going to call your friend?

KEEPER

Yes, that is the plan!  It should all be set up now.  Except…ah. Can one of you tighten that pipe?

AMARA (sighing)

Like this?

[Quick sound of a metallic squeak as Amara adjusts the pipe in question.]

KEEPER

…Perfect.

NARRATOR

The Keeper clears his throat before speaking into the horn.  His voice, reverberating through the pipes, becomes magnified and tinny as it echoes across the landscape.

KEEPER

HELLO, OLD FRIEND!  I’M BACK!  COME VISIT IF YOU’RE IN THE AREA!

[The Keeper pauses, his voice echoing between the snow-capped mountains.]

AMARA

(Beat.) …Now what?

KEEPER

Now we wait.  (remembering something) –Ah.

ALSO, I HAVE COMPANY THIS TIME!

(pithily) Usually I’m unaccompanied on these visits.

ELLIS

What’s your friend’s name?

KEEPER

Er, it’s a bit silly, but…Shivers.

AMARA

Shivers?

KEEPER, defensive

Yes, Shivers.  It’s really more of a nickname–

AMARA

(rolling her eyes) What, is he a snowman?

KEEPER

Don’t be ridiculous.   Also—can one of you help me fill some buckets?  I want to gather some ice from outside.

AMARA

You’re up, kid.

NARRATOR

Ellis sighs, rubs the sleep from their eyes, and follows the Keeper into the kitchen.  The two of them fill buckets with water and set them outside to freeze.  Amara shudders as she watches the two of them come in from the cold.

AMARA

Brr.  You left the window open.

KEEPER, petulant

Close it if it matters so much to you.

AMARA

I thought I was only supposed to clean up after myself.

KEEPER

You know that’s not what I meant.

AMARA

Well it’s what you said.

KEEPER

And you say I’m the childish one.

AMARA

You are.  I feel like I’m talking to a ten-year-old.

KEEPER

How would you know?  I’d be shocked if anyone would let someone as irresponsible as you within 100 feet of a child.

AMARA

Tch.  I had a sister.

KEEPER

I can only imagine what a great role model you were for her.

NARRATOR

Amara recoils as if struck.  The fight leaves her and she turns to the window, her posture withdrawn.  She hides stinging eyes and stinging cheeks as Ellis steps next to her, looking out at the landscape.

ELLIS, trying to distract

(beat) Hey, it’s…snowing.

AMARA, morose

…Huh.  Yeah, I guess it is.

NARRATOR

Amara sidles over to make room for Ellis at the window.  The younger tavern-goer stares up at the white sky, eyes wide as they take in the snowflakes drifting down from above.  Amara’s expression lightens when she sees their obvious awe.

AMARA

Have you not seen snow before?

ELLIS, in awe, not looking away

No…it never really snowed back home.

AMARA

Want to go outside?

ELLIS

Oh, um, sure!  Mr. Keeper, can we–

KEEPER

You don’t need my permission for it.

AMARA

Alright.  You bring warm clothes with you, Ellis?

ELLIS

No, I didn’t pack for cold weather.

KEEPER

I’ve got some coats and scarves around here somewhere.  Hang on and I’ll get them.

NARRATOR

He turns and disappears down a side corridor. Ellis smiles at Amara, who offers a tired grin back.  It doesn’t quite seem to reach her eyes.

Ellis reaches out to catch a snowflake, which prickles their bare skin with cold as it lands on their wrist.  They draw back their hand to look at it, warm breath fogging the air.

ELLIS

It’s so…detailed.

AMARA

They say no two are alike, you know?  Here, watch this–

NARRATOR

Amara extends a hand, catching a few more on her sleeve.  By the time she pulls her arm back all that remains of Ellis’ snowflake is a small droplet of water.

ELLIS

It melted.

AMARA, chuckling

Yeah, they do that.  There’s plenty more though.

[Returning footsteps as the Keeper comes back.]

NARRATOR

The Keeper returns with an armful of woolen jackets, scarves, hats and mittens, and dumps them onto the table.

KEEPER

Should be enough here for both of you to pick through.  I’m going to see about warming the place up a bit.  We don’t have much firewood, though.

AMARA

You don’t keep it stocked?

KEEPER

Normally I do, but with all the recent “excitement” it must’ve slipped my mind.  Just…keep an eye out for any while you’re out.

AMARA

And you can’t do that because–

KEEPER, pointed

I’ve got to plug up some holes your aunt made.

AMARA

Right.  …Fine.

KEEPER, apologetic
Before you go…Amara, I…I feel like I might have touched a nerve before.  I–

AMARA, curt

Don’t worry about it.  All suited up, Ellis?

ELLIS

I think I found a jacket that’ll work.  It’s big, though.

AMARA

But it’s warm?

ELLIS

Feels like it.

AMARA
That’ll do.  And…this one should work for me. Ready?

ELLIS

Yeah.  Let’s go.

[Sounds of the front door opening, and the whoosh of the storm.  Two sets of footsteps as they head to the door.]

KEEPER, calling after them

Don’t go too far!  Come back if the storm picks up!

NARRATOR

Amara waves him off and holds the door for Ellis before they disappear into the swirling white of the snow.  The Keeper sighs, then smiles a bit.  Perhaps he has been a bit too harsh on his guests.  Despite the headaches, life has been a bit more interesting recently.  He decides to start boiling some water so they’ll have something warm waiting for them upon their return.

As the two explorers brave the cold, Amara smiles as Ellis continues to look up, pausing to take it all in.  They trudge onwards, their breath billowing out as they leave deep furrows in the snow.

[Crunching footsteps in snow.]

ELLIS

(hushed, reverent) It’s so quiet.  It’s like everything is muffled.

[Amara has an idea.  She tries to distract Ellis while she packs a snowball.]

AMARA, distracted

I’ve always found it really peaceful.

ELLIS

It really is.  Amara…are you okay?

AMARA, too quickly

Yeah.  What do you mean?

ELLIS

Just…want to make sure you’re doing alright.

AMARA

I appreciate it, kid.  I’m alright though.  Really.

(changing the subject) Look–over there!

[Crunching of snow  as Amara packs a snowball.]

NARRATOR

Amara stoops down, her mittened hands packing snow into a tight ball while Ellis’ back is turned.

ELLIS

What am I looking at?

AMARA

See those trees?

ELLIS

Yeah, what about them?

AMARA

They’re cool, right?

ELLIS

They’re…trees.

AMARA

Yeah!  But they’re not as cool as…this!

[Faint grunt of effort as Amara throws a snowball, which splatters against the side of Ellis’ face.]

ELLIS

Ow!  What was that?!

AMARA

It was a snowball!  You’re not just gonna let me get away with that, are you?  Throw one back!

ELLIS

I, uh–okay! I just pack it together?

AMARA
Yeah, just like that.  I’m not gonna stand still and let you hit me, though!

NARRATOR

Amara darts away as Ellis lobs a snowball at her and gives pursuit.  She runs towards a stand of short, wind-blasted pines.  She ducks as a second snowball sails over her head.  In one swift motion she packs a snowball and returns fire.  She and Ellis dart and weave between the trees, laughing and exchanging barbs as the snowballs fly past.  After a while, she pauses to catch her breath.

AMARA, calling out and out of breath

Slow down a moment–It’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this.  Phew.

ELLIS

Tired already?  Ha!

(Sound of a snowball hitting Amara.)

AMARA

Ah!  Come on!  I’m gonna get you for that!

[Sounds of two people running through snow as Amara rejoins the game.]

NARRATOR

Amara runs forward, following Ellis’ laughter as they lead her through the blinding snow.  The wind picks up, sending eddies of white dancing across the mountainside.  Suddenly, she stops.  Ellis is gone, having disappeared in an instant.

AMARA

…Ellis?  Ellisss!

[Continuing through this narration, we hear Amara shouting Ellis’ name in the background as the narrator goes on.]

NARRATOR

Her only answer is the howling wind.  The world seems to grow even colder as she takes uneasy steps forward.  She calls out again and again until her voice grows hoarse.  It seems an eternity before she finally hears a faint reply.

ELLIS, muffled

Amara?

AMARA

Ellis, where are you?

ELLIS

I’m down here!

NARRATOR

A few steps further and Amara has to stop herself from tumbling into a narrow crevasse.  The sides are sheer, slick with ice, descending into impenetrable blue-blackness.  Ellis, huddled on a ledge about twenty feet below, raises their hand in a feeble wave.

ELLIS

Hi Amara.  I’m…I’m okay.

AMARA, breathless

Oh my god.  What happened?!

ELLIS

The ground gave way.  I tumbled down and ended up here.

AMARA, struggling to remain calm

…Ok.  Ok, ok, ok.  Have…have you tried climbing out?

ELLIS

It’s too slippery.

AMARA

Can’t you…magic your way out?

ELLIS

I’m…not sure.

AMARA

You have to try!  I…I don’t know if there’s a way for me to pull you up.

NARRATOR

Ellis nods, trying to remain calm.  They close their eyes and begin to focus their intent.  Steam rises from their hands, which begin to glow with a red-hot intensity.  They open their eyes and place an uncertain palm on the  . It melts under their grasp, creating a handhold in the otherwise smooth surface.  They scrabble up the icy cliff, struggling to boost themselves hand over hand, foot over foot, until they feel their concentration slip and the magic breaks.  They tumble back down to the ledge, landing in a heap on a snowdrift.

AMARA

Ellis!

ELLIS, panting

I’m…alright.  I just…I don’t think that’s going to work.

AMARA

Agh, okay!  Let me–let me find something!

NARRATOR

Amara turns, looking for something, anything, to help. She finds nothing but the scraggly pines and the endless blizzard.  With no other options, she rips a long branch free of its trunk.  She runs back to the pit, dangling the branch down…and well out of Ellis’ reach.

AMARA

You’re going to have to climb again.  This is as far down as I can get.

ELLIS

I-I’ll give it another shot.

[sounds of climbing, periodic grunts and noises of effort]

NARRATOR

Ellis re-ignites their hands, attempting to climb back up the slick sides of the pit.

ELLIS

Nononono  eIt’s too slippery!  I’m gonna— AH!

NARRATOR

They slide back down once more, and look up at Amara, nose red and raw from the cold, eyes watering.

ELLIS

Amara…I’m stuck.

AMARA, pacing

Are you sure?

ELLIS

I can’t keep trying the same thing!

AMARA, losing her grip

Well…I don’t know what else to do!  Damnit.  DAMNIT!  I can’t lose you too.

ELLIS, confused

…Lose me too?

AMARA, sighing, on the verge of sobs

My…my sister.  Before the tavern, I was touring with my band.  She got sick, and I was away, and by the time I got back, she was…gone.  I can’t…I can’t…

[Music fades as Amara tries, unsuccessfully, to talk herself down from the panic.  Beat.]

ELLIS

…Amara?

AMARA

No.  No! I’m sorry Ellis.  I’m so, so, sorry—this is all my fault.

ELLIS, quietly then forcefully

Amara.  Amara!

[Amara’s pacing stops, and her breathing slows as she is temporarily distracted by the change in tone.  She looks at Ellis.]

ELLIS

I’ll be fine, okay? You need to get the Keeper.  Go find him, and I’m sure he’ll know what to do.

AMARA

I don’t want to leave you–

ELLIS

You have to.

AMARA

Ellis, he…he doesn’t care!  About anyone!  Have you heard the way he talks about us? He won’t even leave the tavern!

ELLIS

I know!  But…I don’t think he’d just leave us out here.  He helped me with…the mob.  And you with the ritual.  Besides, he’s all we have right now.

AMARA

I…I don’t know.

ELLIS

Please.  We need his help.  Yes, he sucks sometimes. I don’t know if he meant to be so cruel this morning, but that doesn’t make it right.  If…If you get me out of here, I promise I will be there for you so you can give him a piece of your mind, okay?

AMARA, exhaling a shaky breath

Okay.  Okay, yeah.  I’ll go get him. We’ll get you out. And then…I’ll tear him a new one.

ELLIS

I’m not going anywhere.  I’ll see you soon.

NARRATOR

Amara rips herself away and slams her eyes shut, skin burning with anguish.  She grabs fistfuls of snow, throwing them at her reddened face.  She centers herself long enough to slow her breathing as Ellis’ words sink in.  She bites her lip to stop it from trembling 

and then she turns back towards the tavern, tremulous resolve swelling within her.

NARRATOR

The Keeper sits alone in the dim tavern, the ticking clock and the howling wind his only company.

[Transition to tavern interior.]

KEEPER, worried

…They should’ve been back by now.

[Sounds of footsteps crossing the room.  Door opening, howling wind.]

KEEPER

Still nothing out there but the blizzard.  And it’s gotten  worse.  ELLIS?  AMARA?!  TIME TO COME BACK! (beat)

NARRATOR

His frown growing deeper, the Keeper closes the door and disappears down the hallway.  He returns bundled in a knit cap, thick mittens, heavy boots and a woolen coat.  He opens a pack and begins filling it with equipment: a weathered icepick, rusty crampons, a spool of rope.  He shoulders the bag and fumbles the door open with a mittened hand, but the wind rips it away from him.

NARRATOR

He steps into the blizzard, the driving snow stinging his exposed skin. He wrestles the door shut and tries to lock it behind him.  

His clumsy mittens make the task impossible, so he stuffs the key into a pocket.  He turns and begins to trudge through the deepening snow.

KEEPER

Ellis!  Amara!

AMARA

Keep!  Oh, Keep, thank god.

KEEPER

Amara!  Where…where’s Ellis?

AMARA

They–they fell into some sort of hole.  I—I tried, but couldn’t pull them out, and…I came to find you.  We need to go, now!

KEEPER

You LOST them?

AMARA

It was an accident—

KEEPER

It’s DANGEROUS out here!  Were you thinking at all?!

AMARA

I KNOW WHAT YOU SAID!  I MESSED UP, okay?!  Is THAT what you want to hear?  Congrat-you-LATIONS.  You were right!

KEEPER

I didn’t mean—

AMARA

(Voice breaking) Just shut.  Up!  And follow me.  PLEASE.

[Sounds of trudging through snow as music picks up, blizzard is howling]

KEEPER (accusatory)

What were you two doing so far out?

[Amara doesn’t answer.]

KEEPER

Amara? (beat) Amara!  Are we close yet?

AMARA, ignoring him

Ellis?  Ellis!

 

ELLIS, distant

Over here!

[Footsteps crunching through snow as they come to the ledge]

AMARA

Ellis! Are you alright?

ELLIS

Yeah, I’m fine!  Just cold.

 KEEPER

You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt.

ELLIS, less enthusiastic than would be expected

…Hi, Mr. Keeper.

KEEPER, unfazed

I’m going to toss you some rope.  You’ll have to tie it around yourself so we can help you climb out.

ELLIS

Ok, I can’t really get a grip on the sides though.

[Sounds of a bag opening, and metallic jingling as tools are taken out.]

KEEPER

We’ll have to pull you then. Okay.  I’m letting the rope down now.  Have you got it?

ELLIS

...Yeah. I have it.

KEEPER

Good.  Loop it around yourself and make sure to tie it tight–but not too tight.  Yes, just like that!  Make sure it’s secure.

ELLIS

(beat) I think it’s good!

KEEPER

Alright.  Keep a tight grip on it, just in case! Ready, Amara?  Three, two, one…pull!

KEEPER (grunts of effort)

AMARA (grunts of effort)

[KEEPER and AMARA begin pulling, the sounds of rope creaking and grunts of effort.]

ELLIS

It’s working!  I’m almost halfway!

NARRATOR

As Amara and the Keeper struggle against the storm, hoisting Ellis up inch by agonizing inch, a distant THOOM rises above the howling wind.  It is a deep, reverberating sound that bounces between the mountaintops. It thunders once, then twice.  All three of them pause for a moment to listen. The tremors seem to be growing in intensity. 

[A series of distant, echoing booms is heard…]

AMARA

…What is that?

KEEPER

We need to hurry.  Come on!

[Grunts of effort as they talk in between coordinated pulls.  The tremors increase.]

AMARA, strained, rising panic

What is that?

KEEPER, strained

We–rrgh–need to get back to the tavern!

ELLIS

I’m almost there!

KEEPER

Got you!

NARRATOR

As Ellis crests the lip of the ravine, the Keeper snatches them by one arm as Amara grabs the other.  The two of them pull Ellis back onto solid ground.  Amara wraps them in a relieved hug while the Keeper hastily stuffs the rope back into his bag, then points urgently in the direction of the tavern.

KEEPER

WE’RE MOVING! NOW!

NARRATOR

The rumbling is omnipresent, now. The snow nearly blinds the trio as the Keeper leads them through the storm.  Before long the dim silhouette of the Tavern emerges from the swirling white.  With dismay, the Keeper sees that the door has blown open and a large drift of snow has accumulated within.  All three rush inside.

KEEPER

You two!  Close shutters, doors, anything you can find!  It sounds like an avalanche!

NARRATOR

The building shakes, the windowpanes rattling noisily in anticipation.  The growing din of an avalanche rises to a roar as Ellis races around the inn slamming windows closed. Amara stands nearby, paralyzed to inaction, gripping the bar with a white-knuckled hand.  Across the inn, the Keeper has one window flung open as he screams into his copper horn, his voice strained almost to the breaking point.

KEEPER

SHIVERS!  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  COME ON!

NARRATOR

The tremors grow in intensity as Ellis staggers over to Amara, wrenching her away from the bar and hurling them both to the ground.  And then, time seems to slow.  Eyes stinging with tears, Amara stares past the Keeper and out the open window.  

She sees a massive pointed shape emerging from the blizzard like a ship cutting through the waves.  It is joined by four other silhouettes: vast, jagged shards of snow-dusted ice.  They seem to unfurl like the petals of a flower as they draw nearer to the tavern.

The building groans, shuddering from the many forces at play.   Then the tavern creaks as it is gently pried away from the mountaintop.  Amara hears the thundering avalanche rush past below, having somehow missed them completely.

Outside, a massive, glacial hand cradles the building.  It lifts it higher and higher, above the tallest peaks, and then above the very clouds themselves.  The Keeper exhales a deep sigh of relief before turning back to the others, his features slackening.

KEEPER

Phew! I’m glad that’s over with.

NARRATOR

The tavern groans as the hand holding it raises it even higher.  Outside, snow and ice slough off of the roof as mountaintops sail past.  The building briefly stops moving as something round and yellow comes into view of the window.  The sun…?  No,  Ellis and Amara both realize.  It is a great glowing eye, gazing back at them.

 The cool yellow light of the eye is suffused and fractured, like sunlight scattered through cool water.  A deep voice reverberates from all around, and with a start they both realize that they are staring at a monumental face of ice.

SHIVERS

Welcome to the Monarch’s Spine, travelers.

KEEPER

This is Shivers.

ELLIS, tiny

H-hello.

SHIVERS, mild confusion

Little Keeper, did you not tell them of me?

KEEPER
Er, there isn’t really an easy way to explain…you.

SHIVERS

Hmph.
KEEPER

You know what I mean.

ELLIS

You’re…Shivers?  You’re a giant?

SHIVERS

A Titan, more appropriately.

ELLIS

…Like…in the old stories?

AMARA, quoting a myth

I…I think it must be.  A Titan.  “Firstborn of the cosmic void, primordial force of destruction, herald of the end times”—

KEEPER

AND, a good friend of mine!

SHIVERS

Those are quite the epithets.

AMARA

Sorry!  Sorry.  Didn’t mean to be rude. I just…your reputation precedes you.

SHIVERS, dry

So I’ve heard.  That’s the thing about stories– powerful as they may be, they can also be venomous, bitter things if told recklessly.

KEEPER

I assure you both, Shivers is not some apocalyptic harbinger.  We’d be dead if not for his help.  Thank you for that, by the way!

SHIVERS

It’s no matter.

ELLIS

…Thanks, Mr…Shivers.  Is—is that your real name…?

SHIVERS

It is not.  

KEEPER

You don’t have to tell them—

SHIVERS

My kind do not normally take names.  By its very nature, a name limits something to a single definition.  I have had many names, but for millennia I had none.  Name or not, I am as I am.  But this one–”Shivers”--was given to me by your friend here.

KEEPER

Are you really going to make me explain–

SHIVERS

Either you can or I will.

KEEPER (embarrassed)

…Fine.  The first time I came to the mountains I nearly froze to death.  Lo and behold, a giant hand scooped up the tavern, and I was face to face with a Titan.  They didn’t have a name arnd I suggested…

SHIVERS

Shivers.

KEEPER

Yes.

SHIVERS

I find it has a certain charm to it.  I prefer it to the more terrible things I’ve been called.  Speaking of…what do you call yourselves, humans?

ELLIS

I’m Ellis, and this is Amara.  It’s…a pleasure.

SHIVERS

Likewise.

KEEPER

…Right.  Well then.  Now that introductions have been made, excuse me.  I have some catching up to do with my old friend.

NARRATOR

With a well-placed thump from the Keeper’s fist on the wall, a ladder unspools itself from the ceiling, leading up to the skylight.  The Keeper gives an awkward nod to the other two before excusing himself and climbing to the roof.

Amara slumps down in a chair, sighs, and begins massaging her temple.

ELLIS

Amara?

AMARA

Hey, kid.

ELLIS

Thanks.  For…helping me out of there.

AMARA

Of course.  I wasn’t gonna leave you behind.

ELLIS

I didn’t think you were.  But—can we talk?

AMARA

I don’t know.

ELLIS

I think we should.  I’ve…been thinking about what you said back there.

AMARA

Look, I’m…I’m sorry.  I lost it a bit. I just…I’ve had a lot going on.

ELLIS

It’s ok.  I know the feeling.

AMARA

What Keep said…about me being a bad role model…that opened up some wounds.  ‘Cause he said exactly what I’ve been thinking.

ELLIS

Well…I don’t think what he said is true.  I’m sure you were a great older sister.  And I’m…I’m sorry for your loss.

AMARA

That means a lot, coming from you.  Thanks.

ELLIS, smiling

Of course.  Hey…remember what I promised you?

AMARA

That you’d hit me with a snowball?

ELLIS

Well, yes. Which I did. But you wanted to give him a piece of your mind, right?

AMARA, sighing

Yeah.  I should.  But…I think I just want to sit for now. Let that bastard talk to his living snowman—they’re the only person I’ve seen him get along with.

ELLIS

Amara…

AMARA

I’m okay.  Really.

NARRATOR

Ellis notices that Amara somehow seems older than before.  The mischievous glint in her eyes is gone. She just seems tired, pressed under the weight of grief she has been struggling to keep from crushing her.

Ellis thinks for a moment and glances over at the ladder to the roof.

Meanwhile, the Keeper sits on the dormant chimney, listening as the gigantic, glacial head of the Titan speaks.

SHIVERS

The mountains remain the same as ever.  However…strange winds have been blowing.  I sense a change coming soon.

KEEPER, perturbed

…And what kind of change might that be?

SHIVERS, thoughtful

I do not know.  A…change of fate, perhaps.

KEEPER

Hm.  Well…you’ll have to let me know how that goes.

How are the others, by the way?  It’s been ages since I’ve seen them.

SHIVERS

You know my kin.  I only ever see them in passing.

KEEPER

Give them my regards the next time your paths cross.

SHIVERS

Mm.  So.  How did those two come to join you?

KEEPER, sighing

One, well…she got drunk and stayed past closing. I guess she wanted to do some sightseeing. The other…well, they didn’t have anywhere else to go.

SHIVERS

You sound unhappy about this.

KEEPER

Can you blame me?  The tavern hasn’t gone anywhere half as dangerous as usual. But it’s only a matter of time...

SHIVERS

If I know you, you’ve told them the risks of staying.  

Several times, I’m sure.  In fact, it sounds like they’ve seen some dangers first hand.  If they’re still here…well, that’s a choice they’ve made for themselves.

KEEPER

(In a rare moment of true vulnerability)

Shivs, you know how this ends.  Every time.  People come into my life, and eventually, they leave, one way or another.  And then it’s just me.

SHIVERS, interrupting

–You don’t know that.  Maybe this time it’ll be different.

KEEPER

How can you believe that?

SHIVERS

I’ve persisted far longer than even you.  Seasons change, little Keeper.  Nothing lasts forever.

NARRATOR

The sound of someone climbing the ladder is enough to turn both their heads.  Ellis’ head crests the lip of the snowy roof as they look up at the Keeper with an uncharacteristically grim expression.

ELLIS

Mr. Keeper.  A—a word, please?

SHIVERS, amusedly

Sounds like there’s a conversation you need to have.

NARRATOR

The Keeper throws a glance over his shoulder at his old friend, rolling his eyes impetuously.  A wry grin spreads across the titan’s face, ice cracking as he smiles.  The Keeper crosses over to Ellis and gives them a quizzical look.

ELLIS

Mr. Keeper, I…I know I’m just a visitor here.  Maybe I shouldn’t even say anything, but–

(Blurting out) But I think you owe Amara an apology.

KEEPER

…For what?

ELLIS, nervous but determined

Well, when it was just us in the storm…she was pretty broken up.  She’s been struggling.

KEEPER

Do you think I had something to do with that?  I haven’t—

ELLIS, cutting him off

You…said something to her this morning that brought up some bad memories but you two need to talk through it. …Please.

KEEPER

…Alright.  …Thanks for telling me, Ellis.  I’ll talk to her.

NARRATOR

The Keeper watches as Ellis descends the ladder and disappears into the kitchen.  Once they’re on the other side of the swinging doors, they let out a sigh.  Phew.  It’s the Keeper’s turn now. 

The Keeper excuses himself to Shivers and climbs down after Ellis. He finds Amara slumped dispiritedly at a table.

KEEPER

…I’m told I owe you an apology?  Something I said?

AMARA

If that’s how you’re going to be, don’t even bother.

KEEPER

Can’t you just…say what it is?

NARRATOR

An uneasy silence hangs between them, and he fidgets as Amara avoids looking at him for a long moment.

KEEPER

Nothing?

(beat)

AMARA, sighing, voice cracking

I’m taking the hint. Tomorrow, wherever we end up, I’m gathering my things and leaving.

KEEPER

…Hm.  Well, if you want to get home, that is the best way.

NARRATOR

The kitchen door swings open as Ellis storms into the room, and speaks in as commanding of a voice as they can manage.

ELLIS

Both of you—stop it.  Amara—tell him what’s on your mind.  Keeper—apologize.  Be done with it already!  Aaah!

NARRATOR

With that, Ellis turns on their heel and disappears back into the kitchen.

KEEPER, agog

Ahh…alright.  I…suppose we should talk, then.  What’s bothering you?

[Amara sighs and runs a hand over her face in exasperation.]

AMARA

 Fine.  But I need a drink.

KEEPER

Here.

[Sound of a cork popping and the pouring of a liquid.  Amara takes a swig and places the glass back down.]

AMARA, exhaling, struggling

A while ago, my sister…got very sick.  I was away with my band, and by the time I heard the news and got home she was…gone.  I missed her last moments by a year.  It’s been hell ever since.  I blamed myself for not being there and I still do.

I’m happy I got to talk to Elora, but…that brought everything back up.  I wasn’t there for Lily, and I didn’t even get to say goodbye.

(Sighing) I’ve not been okay for a very long time.

KEEPER

Amara, I didn’t realize—

AMARA

I keep telling myself if I had stayed home it would have been different somehow.  I feel like her disease was…I don’t know…karma?  Punishment for my bad choices?  But that’s a selfish thing to think.  Maybe it was just plain old bad luck. I don’t know.  

…Before I knew about Lily, I became obsessed with finding this place.  A teleporting tavern?  Hell yes.  Then, it just so happened that the tavern was in town the day I learned that she was gone.

I told myself I just wanted to prove the stories wrong by staying here, but that wasn’t really it.  I wanted to leave. To get away, find someplace where I wouldn’t be reminded of her.  That’s why I’m here.

KEEPER

Amara…

AMARA

And one more thing! What you said, about me being a bad role model?  It’s true.  I wasn’t there for her, and then I left her behind.  I left my mum behind.  Hell, I’m still doing it, even now.

KEEPER

I had no idea.

AMARA, more bitter

Of course not.  How could you have ?  You’ve been miserable to us this whole time.

KEEPER

I…I’m sorry.  I haven’t been…the kindest.  But I’ve been trying to protect you.  And Ellis, too.

AMARA

That’s what this is?  Because it sure feels like you’ve just been an asshole.  I’ve seen the sneers, the eye rolls.  Me?  Fine. I made myself welcome when I knew I wasn’t.  But what did Ellis do to deserve it?

KEEPER

I—the tavern is dangerous!  You know that!  Even what we’ve seen–that isn’t half as bad as it could be.  I just hoped that if I was…terrible…enough, you’d wise up and leave.

AMARA

That’s your excuse?  A normal person would have said that from the beginning!

KEEPER

I tried my best!  Be honest, would you have listened? But…you’re right.

AMARA

Seems like we both have communication issues.

KEEPER

I suppose so. (Leaning over) How much is left in that cup?

NARRATOR

Amara slides the half-empty tankard across the table. The Keeper swirls it around before downing the rest, placing the empty mug next to Amara and refilling it from the bottle.

KEEPER

Here’s some more.  …You know, you two aren’t the first to stay here.

AMARA, stating the obvious

It’s a tavern.  I didn’t think we were.

KEEPER

Well, obviously.  But I meant as overnight guests.

AMARA

…Do you get in the habit of keeping company on the couch?

KEEPER, sighing

No, I…I closed off the guest wing a long time ago.

AMARA

There’s a guest wing?!

KEEPER

…Yes.  A lot of people have come and gone.  Some stayed because they wanted an ‘adventure’, some just for the hell of it.  I even enjoyed the company, I suppose.

AMARA

…What happened to them?

KEEPER, taking a swig and counting on his fingers

Well, different things.  Drowning, one.  Suffocation, another.  Burnt to a crisp in a volcano, frozen solid, vaporized, devoured…the list goes on.  The smart ones get out early.   …And yet, I remain.

AMARA

Hell, how have you been able to survive?  Why stay?

KEEPER

I’ve gotten lucky.  At this point, maybe unlucky? I don’t know. And I told you before, I don’t have anywhere else.

AMARA

…I know the feeling.

NARRATOR

The two sit on opposite ends of the bench, passing the bottle back and forth.  As he finishes off the last of the drink, the Keeper glances at Amara and sighs.

KEEPER

So I suppose this’ll be your last night here then.  I really am sorry.  I should have been kinder.

AMARA

…It’s fine.  And I’m sorry about your…friends?

KEEPER

Heh.  Some of them. (humorously) Others…eh.

NARRATOR

The Keeper pauses.  He glances between Amara and the cracked kitchen door, which quickly swings shut as he looks over.  Suppressing an exhale that is equal parts sigh and chuckle, he begins to fumble with something in his pocket.

KEEPER

Ellis—I see you.  Please come out if you can.

ELLIS

…Have you two talked?

AMARA

We’re good.  But I’m sure you heard that.

ELLIS

…Yeah.

KEEPER

I owe you both an apology.  It’s easier for me to sleep at night when there aren’t other lives at stake.  But that’s no excuse.  Circumstance has brought you both here, for better or worse.

  My being an ass won’t help anything now. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.  So if you’ll still have me as a host—I’d like to extend the offer for you both to stay here as proper guests.  Until you see fit to leave.

NARRATOR

The Keeper produces a large key ring from his pocket and stands.  He walks over to the door Amara had always assumed to be his bedroom and unlocks it, revealing a corridor lined with closed doors.  Dusty number-plates adorn each one except the furthest two.

Amara cranes her neck to peer at the unmarked doors: one is a plain, uninteresting door that resembles the others, save for the lack of a number. The other is a heavy, dense thing of stained black wood.  An ancient knocker is bolted to it, and a series of four large keyholes secure it shut.

The Keeper offers two silver keys to his guests.

KEEPER

Rooms 1 and 2.  If you’ll have them.

AMARA

I get all worked up to leave and now you offer us cushy guest rooms?

KEEPER

Cushy?  It’s…been a while since they were cleaned.

AMARA

That’s more like it.  Ellis…what are you thinking?

ELLIS

I still don’t have anywhere else to go.  Besides…I’ve kind of got a good feeling?  It’s weird.  I think I’ll stay for a while.

AMARA

Tacky, kid.  Tacky.  But glad to hear it.

(sniffing, wiping her face)

Ugh, I’m a mess.  Alright, Keep.  I accept.  Let’s try this thing again.

AMARA, cartoonishly

Hi!  I’m Amara.  May I stay at your inn?

KEEPER, slow on the uptake

…What?

AMARA, gritting her teeth, doubling down

HI!  I’m Amara.  And you are…?

KEEPER

Uhh…oh. You can…call me Keep.

AMARA

Wonderful to meet you, Keep!  I do so look forward to staying at your lovely inn and for us to NOT be terrible to each other.

KEEPER

Agreed.  

NARRATOR

Keys in hand, the two unlock their doors to find cozy—albeit dusty—accommodations.  The furniture is bolted to the floor: beds covered in faded quilts, storage chests and wardrobes, and a personal washbasin in each room.  Ellis heads into their room as Amara collapses onto her own bed, sending up a plume of dust.

AMARA

Ohhhh...this is so much better than the couch.

KEEPER, disappointed

You’re not going to give me the chance to turn out the sheets?

AMARA

Nope.  Sorry.

ELLIS

Mr. Keeper—

KEEPER

‘Keep’ is fine.

ELLIS

What is this?

NARRATOR

The Keeper turns, to find Ellis holding an old, dog-eared sketchbook with fragile pages and a rolled leather pouch containing a series of well-used charcoal nubs.

KEEPER, quietly

…Where did you find these?

ELLIS

 (Flipping through) In my bedside drawer.  Are they yours?  The drawings are really good—

KEEPER

Not mine.  They…must have been left behind by another guest.  …Do you mind if I take those?  I’ll make sure to dispose of them.

ELLIS

Uh, sure.

KEEPER

Thank you.

(Clearing his throat, regaining composure)

Make yourselves comfortable. Again, I’m…I’m sorry for how I’ve been.  I’ll see you both tomorrow.  And…please don’t bother the locked rooms at the end of the hall.  That’s my only request.

NARRATOR

Ellis nods, offering a smile as they close the door.  From her bed, Amara doesn’t move except to offer a thumbs-up.

NARRATOR

The Keeper leaves the hallway and returns to the ladder, sketchbook tucked under one arm.  Shivers, still carrying the tavern through the mountains, awaits him.

[Sounds of footsteps and climbing ladder, ticking fades and wind picks up as Keeper exits.]

SHIVERS

You’re back.

KEEPER

They’ve decided to stay.

SHIVERS

That’s good.

KEEPER

I don’t know.

SHIVERS

You can’t keep yourself closed off forever.  It’ll be good for all three of you. (pensive) You humans are peculiar creatures.  One minute thing happens, and it’s as if the whole world is crashing down around you.

KEEPER

It’s never that simple. I…I just can’t keep doing this.  Not again.

SHIVERS

Nothing is set in stone.

KEEPER

Some things are.

SHIVERS

Nothing.  Is set in stone.

KEEPER, holding up the sketchbook

(Sigh) Ellis found this.

SHIVERS

Oh.  I haven’t seen that in a while.

KEEPER, wistful

…I’d almost forgotten what her drawings looked like.

NARRATOR

The Keeper opens the old sketchbook and flips gently through its fragile pages.  Shivers leans in, their interest apparent.  The glow from their luminescent eyes is enough to cast a dim light over the pages.  Beautifully drawn images flip past—a bustling village square, a babbling brook, a lovely pond with ducks–and then, the Keeper’s breath catches in his throat.  In lovingly rendered lines, his own face looks up at him.  The paper is brittle, yellowed with age, but the colors are as vibrant as the day it was drawn.

Although not an old man, in the picture he seems younger, more…alive somehow.  Beside him is the figure of a dark-haired woman, and both of them smile and laugh together.  The Keeper’s hand lingers on the page, and his eyes burn.  Shivers sighs.

SHIVERS

Mm. What will you do with it?

KEEPER

…I guess I’ll put it with the others.

SHIVERS

Alright.  Please, take care of yourself, little Keeper. For their sake, now.

KEEPER

…Alright.

NARRATOR

The Keeper stows the sketchbook and pulls his legs to his chest, wrapping his arms around his knees.  He sits in silence in the monumental shadow of his oldest friend.  The sketchbook—the memories, the relic of a past life—rests deep within his jacket, in a pocket just above his heart. Below him, as Amara and Ellis slumber, the clock ticks ever on, closer to midnight and closer to the unknown.