Script Comparison - Nelwyn Festival to Village Council Meeting

Early Script	Late Script	Transcript
		The next morning, Willow walks away from his house dressed in his best clothes and a cloak and carrying a heavy bag. He kisses Kiaya (who is holding the baby), and continues across the yard. WILLOW: Come on, kids! Let's go! They follow him as Kiaya waves goodbye.
EXT. NELWYN VILLAGE - DAY The raucous BAND plays as NELWYNS dance and celebrate amid brochs and wheelhouses garlanded with flowers. A crowd cheers wildly as MINERS battle FARMERS in a tug-of-war, finally yanking the farmers face-first into a puddle of mud. On a stage a HARLEQUIN dances delightfully. While on a raised platform the five members of the VILLAGE COUNCIL sit and observe, mildly amused. The head councilman is Burglekutt. Then WE SEE Willow on another stage. He flourishes his colorful sticks and cloths. In the audience WE NOTICE his friend MEEGOSH, who wears a miner's apron, rooting Willow on.	EXT. NELWYN VILLAGE - DAY A raucous BAND plays as NELWYNS dance and celebrate amid brochs and wheelhouses garlanded with flowers. A crowd cheers wildly as MINERS battle FARMERS in a tug-of-war, finally yanking the farmers face-first into mud. While on a raised platform, Burglekutt and the five members of the VILLAGE COUNCIL sit and observe, mildly amused. Then on another stage Willow completes a magic trick, making feathers appear out of nowhere. Among them Willow's friend MEEGOSH, wearing a miner's apron, roots Willow on.	Wild folk music is playing at the village festival, and the camera pans across a variety of entertainments. We see Willow onstage performing a trick with rings. We also see dancing, the band, a fire eater, a woman holding a baby, children playing, a rowdy tug of war, men drinking. The camera cuts back to Willow as he slips a small hollow log over his right arm. Ranon hands him a long stick with its tip in flames. WILLOW: Thank you, son. Willow flourishes the flaming stick before the audience. WILLOW: (dramatically) If you're easily shocked, please turn away! He thrusts the firebrand through the log, and, apparently, his arm, sawing it back and forth. The crowd gasps in amazement. Even Burglekutt is impressed, and nods in startled approval. Willow withdraws the stick, blows out the flame, removes the log, and displays his unscathed arm. He and Ranon bow before the applauding audience, which includes the very enthusiastic Meegosh, Willow's best friend. Cut back to the general festivities. Vohnkar the warrior walks up to a fruit stand. VOHNKAR: Give me a ripe one. (he receives one) Good. A young couple kisses, and the band plays on. The scene returns to Willow, who is holding a piglet in his arms.
WILLOW: And now! For our final amazing bit of magic, I will make an entire pig completely disappear! Meegosh applauds as Mims and Ranon trot out lugging a tiny baby pig in a crate. As Willow takes the pig out it bites his hand and gets away. Willow tackles and squashes it. The crowd laughs and half of them leave, and Meegosh covers his face.	WILLOW: And now! For my final amazing feat, I will make an entire pig disappear! Meegosh applauds as Mims and Ranon trot out lugging a baby pig. Willow takes the pig and it bites his hand. The crowd laughs as half of them leave. Meegosh covers his face.	WILLOW: And now! For my final amazing feat, I will make this entire pig...disappear! Burglekutt chuckles with anticipation. Ranon, now on the sidelines, looks worried. Willow covers the piglet with his cloak. Ranon points at the stage. RANON: (to Mims) See? Willow lifts the covered animal into the air.
Mims and Ranon rapidly wave a bright blanket. Willow cleverly whips the pig under his legs and behind his back and suddenly it's gone! Impressed, the crowd gasps. Then the pig squeals and dashes through Willow's legs and leaps off the stage. CROWD: Aaww! Booo! Sssss! Burglekutt and the Council shake their heads as Willow, embarassed, picks up his things. Meegosh trots up with the pig under his arm.	WILLOW: [ ] Whuppity bairn, deru, deru! The pig is suddenly gone! Impressed, the crowd gasps. Then the pig squeals and dashes out of a hidden pocket in the cloak, through Willow's legs and leaps off the stage. CROWD: Aaww! Booo! Sssss! Burglekutt and the Council shake their heads as Willow, embarassed, picks up his things. Meegosh trots up with the pig under his arm.	WILLOW: Please watch very closely. Whuppity bairn, deru, deru! Willow whips the cloak aside. The pig is gone! The crowd goes wild. VILLAGER: What happened to your pig? Willow basks in the applause, but then his eyes widen in alarm as the piglet runs out from beneath the table with a loud squeal. Willow tries to catch it as the crowd erupts with uproarious laughter. WILLOW: (to the pig) Hey! Come here, you! Burglekutt is laughing louder than anyone else. Even Mims and Ranon are laughing. The crowd breaks up. BURGLEKUTT: (turning away happily) I've seen enough! Humiliated and alone, Willow slumps down dejectedly with his head on his hand.
WILLOW: Meegosh, I'm in trouble.	MEEGOSH: Round the bend! WILLOW: Not now, Meegosh. We're too old for this. MEEGOSH:Come on... round the bend. WILLOW: Alright... Fat rear end... MEEGOSH: He's a donkey! WILLOW: I'm your friend... and I'm in trouble.
MEEGOSH: Hey, it wasn't that bad. You need a better pig, that's all. But as they walk past the Village Council, and Burglekutt sneers down at Willow, Meegosh catches on. MEEGOSH: Now Burglekutt's got you in the squeeze. Soon you'll be down in the mines like me. WILLOW: Mining. I hate closed-in spaces. That's the last thing I'd ever do. (he shudders) I gotta get my crop planted. MEEGOSH: You know I'll help you as much as I can, Willow. The Village Council members stand up respectfully as the wise old HIGH ALDWIN hobbles through the adoring crowd. Mims and Ranon rush up to Willow with several other children who are eating candy. MIMS: Dada, can we get treacle candy? Can we, can we? Please? WILLOW: (preoccupied) Meegosh, can you watch the children? I gotta talk to the High Aldwin. MEEGOSH: (truly amazed) The High Aldwin?? Why? But Willow has already wandered into the crowd, leaving Meegosh with a dozen sugar-charged children and a pig.	MEEGOSH: That was excellent, Willow! A lot better than last year. You need a better pig, that's all. But as they walk past the Village Council, and Burglekutt sneers down at Willow, Meegosh catches on. MEEGOSH: Don't worry about Burglekutt. Once you're the High Alwin's apprentice, Burglekutt will grovel at your feet. Meegosh puts his arm around Willow. The two friends wander off into the crowd.
Willow desperately pushes past people and finally reaches the High Aldwin. WILLOW: Sir! I have to talk to you. HIGH ALDWIN: Not today, Willow. WILLOW: It's a matter of great importance to me! Burglekutt stares angrily from his platform. Slightly annoyed, the High Aldwin stops and places his hand on Willow's shoulder. HIGH ALDWIN: Intuition, Willow -- remember? I know you're eager to be my apprentice, Willow. But today is the spring festival. Suddenly a walking stick is pointed at Willow's nose.	EXT. NELWYN VILLAGE - DAY - LATER There's a flourish of horns and drums. The wise old HIGH ALDWIN is placed on a platform. COUNCILMAN: Attention! The High Aldwin will now make his choice for his new apprentice! Bring forth the hopefuls! An excited rumble goes through the crowd. Willow approaches the High Aldwin, along with two other CANDIDATES.	A fanfare announces the appearance of an old man with a long, white beard who is carried to the main stage in a thronelike litter. COUNCILMAN: (on the main stage) Attention! The High Aldwin will now make his choice for a new apprentice! Bring forth the hopefuls! Next to the stage, Meegosh shakes Willow's hand. MEEGOSH: (almost inaudible) You'll be OK. You'll be fine. Good luck. RANON: Good luck, Dada. Willow walks up the steps of the platform with two other candidates. Burglekutt does a double take at this.
BURGLEKUTT: Apprentice? To the High Aldwin!! Willow Ufgood??? His belly shakes as he howls with laughter, encouraging his councilmen to join in. Willow shrinks away, embarassed.	BURGLEKUTT: Willow Ufgood? A hopeful? How'd he get picked? Is this a joke? Burglekutt howls with laughter, encouraging his councilmen to join in. The High Aldwin silences them with a look, then addresses the three hopefuls.	BURGLEKUTT: (loud and mocking) Willow Ufgood?! A hopeful? How'd he get picked? Is this a joke? Willow looks resentfully at Burglekutt, who is laughing with his companions. The High Aldwin also gives them an angry look, then stands before the three would-be apprentices.
	HIGH ALDWIN: Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know, or think you know. All that you require is your intuition. (he holds up his hand with fingers outstretched) The power to control the world is in which finger? The High Aldwin holds out four fingers. The first two candidates each pick a finger, and the High Aldwin shakes his head. Willow hesitates. The High Aldwin encourages him with his eyes. Willow picks one of the two remaining fingers. Disappointed, the High Aldwin stands up straight and pounds his staff.	HIGH ALDWIN: Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know, or think you know. All that you require is your intuition. (he holds up his hand with fingers outstretched) The power to control the world is in which finger? The first candidate points to the High Aldwin's middle finger. The Aldwin grimly lowers that finger, and shakes his head, to the candidate's great disappointment. The second hopeful chooses the index finger. The High Aldwin lowers it and shakes his head again. There are only two fingers left to choose from. Under the stern gaze of the High Aldwin, Willow hesitates, looking at his own hand. With sudden decision he chooses the High Aldwin's ring finger, then waits anxiously for the High Aldwin's response. The High Aldwin lowers all his fingers then angrily strikes the ground with his staff.
	HIGH ALDWIN: No apprentice this year! Burglekutt laughs and the crowd breaks into chaos. Dejected, Willow approaches the High Aldwin. WILLOW: Sir! I have to talk to you! It's a matter of great importance. BURGLEKUTT: You had your chance, Ufgood. Now back away! I have a meeting...	HIGH ALDWIN: No apprentice this year! The crowd sighs with disappointment, but then the music starts again and the festivities continue. A thoroughly depressed Willow shuffles off the stage.
Then a terrified SHRIEK shatters the festivity. Music stops and people grab their children and run for their lives. A DEATH DOG rips a trail of destruction through the village. Meegosh holds onto Ranon and Mims. But when Mims sees Willow she runs right out into the open. Willow charges toward her, tackling her and rolling away from the beast's claws. DEATH DOG: Bordak! Bordak!	Then a terrified SHRIEK shatters the festivity. Music stops and people grab their children and run for their lives. A DEATH DOG rips a trail of destruction through the village, ransacking huts, dragging out cribs and cradles. It knocks over a garland-covered structure and destroys it. WILLOW: Mims! Mims! Willow and Ranon look everywhere for Mims. Then Willow sees her near the Death Dog. In a panic he charges toward her and grabs her.	Suddenly a loud howl interrupts the music, and a Death Dog bursts into the village. People scream and run for their lives. Willow hurries over to Meegosh and Ranon. Willow: Where's Mims? MEEGOSH: I don't know! She was right here! WILLOW: (pointing) Take Ranon in there, quick! The Death Dog rampages through the village. Mims is standing on a low platform, screaming and sobbing with terror. Willow dodges through the fleeing people, looking for her. WILLOW: Mims! Mims! Willow's eyes widen with shock when he sees the danger she is in. He runs to save her. MIMS: (wailing, doesn't see Willow) Mama! WILLOW: Mims! He grabs her hand and leads her to a hiding place near a small corral, then drops to his knees and holds her tightly. The Death Dog leaps into the corral, which was being used as a temporary nursery, and starts tearing apart the empty cribs.
A loud war cry distracts the dog. VOHNKAR, the toughest warrior in the village, leads a charging army of miners and farmers wielding shovels and picks. Willow and Meegosh grab sticks. The Nelwyns battle the Death Dog. At last, Vohnkar drives a spear through its chest and it dies hideously.	Then a loud war cry distracts the dog. VOHNKAR, the toughest warrior in the village, leads a charging army of miners and farmers wielding shovels and picks. Willow and Meegosh grab sticks. The Nelwyns battle the Death Dog. At last, Vohnkar and two of his best men drive spears through its chest and it dies hideously.	Vohnkar runs up, leading several other men armed with spears and pitchforks. VOHNKAR: Come on! They swarm into the corral, and fight the Death Dog as Willow and Mims watch. Vohnkar stabs the creature, losing his spear in the process. The wounded beast charges him, but another soldier quickly throws Vohnkar another spear and the beast impales itself on it. The soldiers stab the Death Dog repeatedly to make sure it's dead. With the festival mood utterly shattered, the villagers return slowly and silently to look at the dead beast. Ranon runs toward his father. RANON: Dada! Dada!
MEEGOSH: What was it looking for? A VILLAGER: It said "bordak"! What does it mean? COUNCILMAN: (scholarly) Baby! It means baby! It was looking for somebody's baby! Mothers grab their children, people look around the wrecked village in terror. There's a haunting silence.	A VILLAGER picks up a broken crib. VILLAGER: It was looking for somebody's baby! People look around their wrecked village in terror. The garland structure, which is a symbol of their way of life, lies shattered. There's a haunting silence.	Relieved, Willow embraces him, then looks back at the scene of carnage. Vohnkar holds up a broken crib. VOHNKAR: (puzzled) It was looking for somebody's baby. A woman looks fearfully at the baby in her arms and then at her husband, who pulls her into an embrace. Mims looks up with tearstained eyes.
MIMS: Mommy? Suddenly alarmed, Willow races toward his distant farm, his children hurrying behind. WILLOW: Kiaya! Kiaya!	MIMS: Mommy? WILLOW: [ ] Suddenly alarmed, Willow races toward his distant farm, his children hurrying behind.	MIMS: (faintly) Mommy! WILLOW: (with sudden fear) Kiaya! He frantically runs home. He bursts through the door, to be greeted by emptiness and silence.
INT. UFGOOD HOUSE - DAY Willow bursts in and finds Kiaya calmly feeding the baby. Relieved, he throws his arms around her. WILLOW: We can't keep this baby, Kiaya. We must take her to the Council. The children run in and they all huddle together, cherishing their precious lives.	INT. UFGOOD HOUSE - DAY Willow bursts in and finds Kiaya calmly feeding the baby. Relieved, he throws his arms around her. WILLOW: We can't keep her, Kiaya. We have to take her to the Council. Willow gently and lovingly touches the baby's nose, and she smiles at him. Mims and Ranon run in and they all huddle together, cherishing their precious lives.	WILLOW: (terrified) Kiaya!! Kiaya!! Kiaya walks across the bedroom doorway with the baby in her arms. KIAYA: (calmly) I'm here. Willow heaves a massive sigh of relief. Kiaya lays the baby on the bed as Willow rushes over to embrace her. WILLOW: Oh, Kiaya. (turning to look at the baby) We can't keep the baby, Kiaya. We have to take her to the village council. Kiaya nods in understanding, and they cling together sorrowfully.
INT. COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY Arguing villagers pack the church-shaped room to the open door at the back and into the balconies above. The councilmen sit on a platform at the front, with the High Aldwin seated in a special chair above them. Taking charge, Burglekutt stands and pounds the floor with his walking stick. BURGLEKUTT: An evil beast from the outer world has invaded our peaceful village, looking for a baby! This only adds to the frenzy. A VILLAGER: It's a sign! An omen! ANOTHER VILLAGER: Our crops will die! BURGLEKUTT: Silence! One beast we can kill. But there may be more! And they won't give up their search till they've found what they're looking for! MEEGOSH: Whose baby is it? OTHER VILLAGERS: Who's to blame for this!	INT. COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY Arguing villagers pack the room to the open door at the back and into the balconies above. The councilmen sit on a platform at the front, with the High Aldwin seated in a special chair above them. Burglekutt pounds the floor with his stick. BURGLEKUTT: Silence! One beast we can kill. But there may be more. And they won't give up till they've found what they're looking for! At the back door, holding the baby, Willow tries to push his way through the jostling crowd. VILLAGER: It's a sign! ANOTHER VILLAGER: There'll be a drought! Or a plague! Our village will be destroyed! OTHERS: Who's to blame for this? Let's find the culprit and throw him in the pit! [ ]	Cut to a hastily convened council meeting in a barn. The whole village is present, and it's noisy and chaotic. BURGLEKUTT: Silence! One beast we can kill, but there may be more! And you can be assured that they won't give up until they find what they're looking for! During this speech, Willow and his family cautiously enter the barn. Willow is carrying the baby. The villagers respond loudly to Burglekutt's statements. FIRST VOICE: It's a sign! SECOND VOICE: Who's to blame for this? THIRD VOICE: We must find the culprit and throw him in the pit! MANY VOICES: Yeah! The pit! (chanting) In the pit! In the pit! In the pit! In the pit!...
Amid the chaos the High Aldwin slowly stands up. As if he senses something, he looks over the crowd toward the back. At the back door, holding the baby, Willow tries to push his way through the jostling crowd. The High Aldwin raises his hand. It flashes magically. He points as he speaks: HIGH ALDWIN: Willow Ufgood! Come before me! The crowd stands apart as Willow walks the length of the room. Kiaya and the children follow part way and then stand aside next to Meegosh. Burglekutt simmers as Willow approaches the platform. HIGH ALDWIN: Earlier today you tried to tell me something, Willow.	Hearing this, Willow turns around and starts to leave. The High Aldwin looks out over the crowd as if he senses something. He raises his hand and points. HIGH ALDWIN: Willow Ufgood! (Willow freezes) Come forward... The crowd stands apart. Willow turns and walks the length of the room. Kiaya and the children follow part way and stand next to Meegosh. HIGH ALDWIN: Earlier today you tried to tell me something, Willow.	Willow exchanges a significant glance with Kiaya, then quietly turns and starts to walk out of the barn. The High Aldwin gazes after him. HIGH ALDWIN: Willow! Willow Ufgood. Come forward. As he speaks, the crowd falls silent and turns to stare at Willow. Caught, Willow reluctantly turns around. As he approaches the High Aldwin, the startled villagers murmur about the strange baby in his arms.
WILLOW: (bows his head) My family found this baby in the river, High Aldwin. The crowd stirs but the High Aldwin silences them with a simple gesture. He gazes down at the baby mysteriously. HIGH ALDWIN: A Daikini child... (his eyes close) ...of some importance, I feel... BURGLEKUTT: That's what the beasts want! Give it back! The crowd rumbles, many agree. WILLOW: They'll kill her! We can't let this baby die! BURGLEKUTT: What do we care!	WILLOW: (bows his head) My children found this baby in the river, High Aldwin. The crowd stirs but the High Aldwin silences them with a simple gesture. He places his hand on the baby. HIGH ALDWIN: A Daikini child... (his eyes close) ...of some strange... I feel... BURGLEKUTT: That's what the beasts want! Let's give it back to them! The crowd rumbles, many agree. WILLOW: But they'll kill her! You can't! BURGLEKUTT: It isn't one of us!	WILLOW: My children found this baby alone by the river, High Aldwin. He lays the baby at the Aldwyn's feet. The High Aldwin bends down to look at her, then looks up at the crowd. HIGH ALDWIN: A Daikini child! BURGLEKUTT: That's what the beasts want! Let's give it back to them! VILLAGERS: Yeah! Give it back! WILLOW: (to Burglekutt) They'll kill her! You can't! BURGLEKUTT: It isn't one of us!
Burglekutt whips up the shouting crowd. The High Aldwin raises his hands, feeling the air above him. Almost in a trance: HIGH ALDWIN: ...importance...yes...this child is special... COUNCILMAN: What should we do? Instantly, the High Aldwin drops his arms and opens his eyes. HIGH ALDWIN: This child must be taken beyond the boundaries of our village. All the way to the Daikini crossroads. The room goes silent. A VILLAGER: Who will do that?	Burglekutt whips up the shouting crowd. The High Aldwin gropes, almost in a trance. HIGH ALDWIN: ...yes...this child is special... Instantly he opens his eyes. The room goes silent. HIGH ALDWIN: This child must be taken beyond the boundaries of our village. All the way across the great river to the Daikini crossroads. A chill goes through the crowd. They panic. VILLAGER: Who will do that?	The High Aldwin has been studying the child. HIGH ALDWIN: This child is special! This child must be taken beyond the boundaries of our village. All the way across the Great River, to the Daikini Crossroads! VILLAGER: Well, who'll do that?
SEVERAL VILLAGERS: Vohnkar! Vohnkar! Vohnkar the warrior elbows his way to the front and pounds his chest once with his fist. HIGH ALDWIN: The outer world is dangerous and corrupt, Vohnkar. And this baby is hunted by blood-hungry beasts. Are you willing to sacrifice your life? Brave Vohnkar swallows and shifts his weight doubtfully. VOHNKAR: If I go, who'll defend you if other beasts attack? The crowd rumbles and shouts, and Vohnkar mops his brow and scuttles away from the platform.
BURGLEKUTT: He's right! It seems only fair that the man to take this baby to the crossroads... (walking stick up) ...be the very man who plucked it... (walking stick down) ...out of the river! All eyes turn to Willow. Kiaya gasps and Meegosh holds her back. WILLOW: I can't do it! I haven't put my crop in! A COUNCILMAN: You caused this trouble. You found the baby...you get rid of it! BURGLEKUTT: I nominate Willow Ufgood! The crowd cheers wildly. The High Aldwin steps forward to the edge of the platform. With a flourish he waves his arms.	BURGLEKUTT: It seems only fair that the man to take this baby to the crossroads be the very man who plucked it out of the river. I nominate Willow Ufgood! He points at Willow. The crowd shouts wildly. WILLOW: No, wait, I can't go! I haven't put my crop in yet! The High Aldwin reads the excited crowd. He steps forward and rattles something in his cupped hands.	The High Aldwin is about to speak, but Burglekutt beats him to it. BURGLEKUTT: It seems only fair that the man to take this baby to the crossroads be the very man who plucked it out of the river. I nominate Willow Ufgood! Burglekutt claps his hand on Willow's on the shoulder while the crowd roars its approval. Willow shakes his head in futile protest. Kiaya cries out "No!", but can't be heard above the din. The shouting dies down as the High Aldwin starts shaking a gourd hanging from around his neck.
HIGH ALDWIN: I will consult the bones! Something rattles as he shakes his cupped hands. The crowd jumps away. The High Aldwin scatters small bones across the floor below him. He leans down and studies the bones. Willow looks at Kiaya, who is worried and afraid. The High Aldwin speaks softly to him: HIGH ALDWIN: The bones tell me nothing. (he eyes Willow) But I must make a decision. Is there love in your heart for this child? Willow hesitates. He looks at the baby.	HIGH ALDWIN: I will consult the bones! The High Aldwin scatters small bones across the floor. He studies them then speaks softly to Willow. HIGH ALDWIN: The bones tell me nothing. (he eyes Willow) But I must make a decision. Do you have any love for this child? Willow hesitates. He looks at the baby, who stares sweetly up into his eyes.	HIGH ALDWIN: I will consult the bones! A hush falls as the High Aldwin tips five small pieces of bone out of the gourd and onto the ground. The High Aldwin squats down to examine the pattern they make and whispers conspiratorially to Willow, who has also bent down for a look. HIGH ALDWIN: The bones tell me nothing. Confused, Willow looks glances back and forth between the High Aldwin and the bones. HIGH ALDWIN: (still whispering) Do you have any love for this child? Willow solemnly looks down at the baby, then nods and looks back at the High Aldwin with a faint smile touching his lips.
WILLOW: Yes. The High Aldwin bolts straight up, broadcasting: HIGH ALDWIN: The bones have spoken! Willow? The security of this village depends on you! The people shout and cheer and applaud and begin to leave. Kiaya and Meegosh and the children push their way toward Willow, who stands there staring at the baby.	WILLOW: Yes...yes I do. The High Aldwin bolts straight up, broadcasting: HIGH ALDWIN: The bones have spoken! Willow? The security of this village depends on you!	WILLOW: Yes. Yes I do. The High Aldwin stands up. HIGH ALDWIN: (to the crowd) The bones have spoken! Willow Ufgood, the safety of this village depends upon you.
	BURGLEKUTT: Praise the bones! The crowd cheers, encouraged by Burglekutt. HIGH ALDWIN: But you will need help. The outside world is a dangerous and corrupt place, and this baby is hunted by bloodthirsty beasts. Who has the courage to protect our brave fellow on his journey? [Note different volunteer sequence] Vohnkar elbows his way up with two strong WARRIORS. VOHNKAR: I'll go! THE CROWD: Vohnkar! Vohnkar! BURGLEKUTT: No! Not Vohnkar! He's the best warrior in the village! What if the beasts return? We need him here. THE CROWD: (agreeing) He must stay! Vohnkar must stay! BURGLEKUTT: Vohnkar, step back! Vohnkar and his men step back among the crowd. KIAYA: What are you thinking of? He can't go alone! Everybody looks at each other but nobody volunteers. Finally Meegosh steps forward. MEEGOSH: I'll go with him. BURGLEKUTT: Good! Excellent choice! Praise the bones! The High Aldwin gives Burglekutt an irritated look.	BURGLEKUTT: Praise the bones! The villagers echo his cry, while Kiaya closes her eyes in sorrow. Willow grimly picks up the baby. HIGH ALDWIN: But you'll need help. Who has the courage to protect our brave fellow on his journey? Meegosh steps forward. MEEGOSH: (with quiet determination) I'll go with him. Willow smiles and nods in appreciation for his friend's support. BURGLEKUTT: (grinning) Ah. Meegosh. Excellent choice. Then Vohnkar steps forward, spear in hand. VOHNKAR: I'll go. The crowd shouts their acclaim for the great warrior. THE CROWD: Vohnkar! Vohnkar! BURGLEKUTT: No! Not Vohnkar! He's the best warrior in the village! We need him here! Vohnkar, step back! Vohnkar looks at Burglekutt with disgust, but does as he is told. The High Aldwin is not pleased. Burglekutt stares at him defiantly, but the Prefect is no match for the crafty old man.
	HIGH ALDWIN: Now all this expedition needs is a leader, and according to the bones that leader is....you, Burglekutt! The grin on Burglekutt's face instantly vanishes. He bends down and looks at the bones. He looks at the High Aldwin, who solemnly nods. Then Burglekutt shouts. BURGLEKUTT: Vohnkar!	HIGH ALDWIN: All this expedition needs is a leader. And according to the bones, that leader is....you, Burglekutt! Burglekutt's eyes bulge and his jaw drops. He turns in the direction of the departing warrior. BURGLEKUTT: VOHNKAAAAAR!