Circle of Swords --- Vanguard #2

 

 

[Circle of Swords]

[Vanguard]

 

[#2]

 

By

 

[Charles Crane]

 

 

 

Draft 2.0 - [12-4-11]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1641 12th St N

Fargo, ND 58102

701-260-9425

[email protected]

 

PAGE <1>

PANEL 1

Young Telmin in a cobblestoned city begging. A man is droping some coins in his hat.

PANEL 2

A soldier boxing him upside the head with the sheath of his sword as they walk into a tavern.

PANEL 3

Telmin looking bitter and angry.

PANEL 4

Telmin has raised his knife up in a stabbing position. The Soldier had turned his back.

PANEL 5

A gauntleted hand has reached out and grabbed his hand holding the knife. Another hand has grabbed him by his hair.

CURRAN STEWART

Hey now boyo.

PAGE <2>

PANLE 1

Telmin no longer has the knife, which is now in the hands of a Sell Sword named Curran Stewart. He is a long haired and bearded soldier wearing the green armor of House Viridian. He is pulling on Telmin by his hair.

CURRAN STEWART

If that’s your first reaction when an a*s pushes you down you won’t last long in this world.

PANEL 2

Curran has pushed him up against the wall of the building Telmin was begging by. He is eyeing the blade, while holding Telmin still with his other hand. Telmin looks angry, there is not a hint of fear. There is still blood on the blade?

CURRAN STEWART

This knife belonged to a man named Croxall. Can’t say the b*****d was a friend, but I wondered where this knife of his had gone when we split up his property.

PANEL 3

Curran is now looking at Telmin

CURRAN STEWART

All I really wanted was this knife, but it wasn’t there. It’s a fine blade boyo, it is enchanted though I doubt you were aware of that. It’s sharpness increases with each life it takes. Do you have any idea how many people Croxall killed with it?

PANEL 4

Telmin staring at Stewart with a seething intensity. Stewart stares back with a half smile.

TELMIN

I’m sure he had killed many, but I watched him kill his last.

CURRAN STEWART

Is that right?

TELMIN

My sister’s blood is still on the blade sir.

PANEL 5

A close up of the knife in Stewart’s hand. The blood is now dried, staining the otherwise handsome blade.

PANEL 6

A shot of Stewart looking a little taken aback.

PAGE <3>

PANEL 1

Stewart has backed off and his wiping the blood off the blade with a cloth he has tied around his waste. He looks earnest.

STEWART

As I said boyo, it’s fine blade.

PANEL 2

A shot of his hand holding the knife hilt side towards Telmin, offering it to him. Telmin is just staring at it.

STEWART OP

And it is yours by right, or by rule of spoils.  But I tell you this boy, you won’t last another week. This city is preparing for a siege by the Free Cities. My guild’s contract is fulfilled and we ride in the morning. This city is fucked no matter if we stay or no, and you can die right along with them if you stay.

PANEL 3

Telmin has just grabbed hold of the knife, still staring daggers at Stewart.

STEWART

What was your father’s vocation boy?

PANEL 4

Telmin is looking at the pristine blade. The intricate designs etched into the blade still filled with his sisters blood.

TELMIN

He was a blacksmith sir.

PANEL 5

Stewart’s face.

STEWART

And I’m sure you woulda made a fine one too. But he’s dead boyo, and so is the life you coulda had. But that life died back there in that valley with your family.

PAGE <4>

PANEL 1

Stewart is standing regally, very much a badass. Scars lining his face and neck are very prominent.

STEWART

Do you want to live to become a man boy? Do you want a warm meal every day for the rest of your life? Do you want more gold than you could possibly imagine? Do you want to live to feel the warmth of your first woman? Do you want the opportunity to die an honorable death?

PANEL 2

Telmin, his anger softened. Replaced with resolve.

TELMIN

Yes.

PANEL 3

Stewart has turned away from Telmin, walking in the opposite direction of the street.

STEWART

Then follow me.

PANEL 4

Telmin hasn’t moved, he’s still looking at the blade.

PANEL 5

Telmin has started walking after him.

PAGE <5>

PANEL 1

Telmin is standing outside a tent on the outskirts of the city. The Sigil of the Circle and House Viridian are on the flap.

PANEL 2

Stewart has opened the flap of the tent.

STEWART

Alright get in here boy.

PANEL 3

Telmin standing in front of a semi-cirlce of seated Sell Swords. They are the commanders of the various factions of House Viridian’s host. One man wearing different garb from the soldiers in the center staring at Telmin. This man is Semyon Tansam, the Bondmaker. He is holding a small sword.

SEMYON TANSAM

How old are you Telmin?

TELMIN

I have seen eight winters sir.

SEMYON

Sell Sword Stewart has vouched for you Telmin. Do you realize the significance of what you are about to do?

PANEL 4

Telmin.

TELMIN

Yes I do.

PANEL 5

Semyon has stepped forward and has placed the sword in Telmin’s hand.

SEMYON

Then speak the words. You do not know them, but the sword will tell them to you.

PAGE <6>

PANEL 1

Telmin is holding the sword up like a salute. The blade his glowing green. His eyes are green as well. The sigil of the Cirlce and House Viridian are glowing on his hands, veins run like green webs through his arms, neck, and visible flesh, as he speaks. The sell swords in the room sit watching him.

TELMIN FROST.

My name is Telmin Frost. Until this moment, my life has been my own. I forfeit my life, so that I may be born into a new one. My hands are not my hands. My sword is not my sword. My mind is not my mind. By my blood and my flesh, I declare myself bound, a blade of the divine guild of the Circle of Swords.

PANEL 2

A close up of Telmin.

TELMIN FROST

Let all I have lived…

PAGE <7>

PANEL 1

Telmin Frost is in the tent of his commander Travan Mesaad the Eminent Blade of House Viridian. He is sitting in a waiting room within the tent, spacing out on the same sword that he held in his hands as a youth. It is sitting on a display on a dais of some sort.

TELMIN FROST YOUNGER OP

…be as if it were a dream.

PANEL 2

Telmin has turned to look down the walkway beside the waiting room. A flap has opened, and two armed guards, a robed woman with gaunt almost gray skin, and Eran Grassan are exiting it.

PANEL 3

Curran Stewart remains in the opening of the flap. He is much older than when we last saw him.

CURRAN STEWART

Telmin! Come on in boyo. We need to have words.

PAGE <8>

PANEL 1

Telmin Frost is in the tent of his commander Curran Stewart, now the Eminent Blade of House Viridian. Stewart is looking at Frost, holding a goblet of wine in one hand. They are standing on either side of a fire at the center of the tent.

CURRAN STEWART

You handled that situation very well Frost. It’s a pity about the boy’s hand, but all things considered Grassan should be grateful that’s all you took from him.

 

I’m impressed Telmin. Well done. I know Bruce and Aleva are itching for some bloodshed. Your next assignment won’t require this kind of finesse I assure you.

PAGE <9>

PANEL 1

Stewart has raised his goblet and is about to drink from it. His eyes are on the wine, and not on Telmin. Telmin is ignoring his wine. He’s looking straight at Stewart.

STEWART

Percival’s witch will arrive at his castle on the morrow with the Grassan girl, and then we shall receive official payment. The Vanguard is free to claim their bounty at the House’s treasury, full payment regardless of involvement.

TELMIN

Thank you Stewart. Most generous. The Vanguard will appreciate it.

PANEL 2

Stewart licking his lips after taking a sip of wine.

STEWART

I feel badly for all the s**t I put you through for the Crown. You are my best. It’s only right that I keep you happy and killing on the right side of things.

PANEL 3

They have moved and are sitting down in chairs by the fire. There is a small table between them. Stewart is refilling his goblet.

STEWART

Are you ready for your next assignment? I can’t imagine the mood from this business with Grassan has you in isn’t anything a good w***e couldn’t fix.

TELMIN

Actually Stewart, I have to talk to you about that.

STEWART

What a good w***e? I thought you had you’re favorite woman traveling with the House at all times?

TELMIN

No it’s not about that. I’m talking about the Vanguard’s next assignment.

PANEL 4

Stewart leaning back in his chair surveying Telmin suspiciously. Telmin is still visible in the shot. He is still staring right at Stewart. Telmin is holding up his gauntlet revealing the sigil to be glowing bright green.

TELMIN

We’ve already been bound.

PAGE <10>

PANEL 1

We have now jumped back to Telmin stand in the rain in Grassan’s Castle’s courtyard having his conversation with Duke Grassan.

DUKE GRASSAN

You spoke of revenge earlier? Is that an offer?

TELMIN

House Viridian is not like the rest of the Circle Grassan. We do not limit our clientele.

PANEL 2

A close up of Telmin.

TELMIN

We have fulfilled our side of the Contract. We are free to bind ourselves to anyone we wish.

PANEL 3

The Duke looking slightly crazed.

DUKE GRASSAN

Then consider yourself bound Frost. You shall kill Percival, BEFORE he has the chance to consummate this marriage. If you should fail in preventing him from doing so, then you shall fall on your own sword.

PANEL 4

Telmin’s sigils are gleaming, and his eyes and veins are giving off an iridescent glow.

TELMIN

I am so bound.

PAGE <10>

PANEL 1

Stewart his massaging the areas around his eyes with his fingers. His wine suddenly of no interest to him. Telmin finally raises his goblet and is taking a drink.

TELMIN

That last bit might have been for his son’s hand. Can’t say I blame him.

PANEL 2

Stewart looking annoyed and pissed. Telmin defiant.

STEWART

F*****g s**t Telmin. You realize what you’ve done?

TELMIN

I’m giving a father some justice, and I’m saving a child from the horrors of being wed to an admitted deviant libertine.

PANEL 3

Stewart.

STEWART

Yes! One who just paid House Viridian, and YOURSELF very handsomely to make sure he had this child to exercise his will upon and marry!

PANEL 4

Telmin staring into the fire. Stewart looking exacerbated.

TELMIN

I did what I did. And I will live with the consequences.

STEWART

No you mean WE will live with them. Percival has bound the Viridian Host to protect his wedding Telmin. I might as well kill you now, just to spare the thousands you’ve put in jeopardy.

PAGE <12>

PANEL 1

Telmin

TELMIN

The Host has been bound to defend the wedding. The Vanguard is not. The Host’s contract is fulfilled the moment his priests name them man and wife. The Host is free of any connection to what the Vanguard will do

PANEL 2

Stewart has stood up and is downing his goblet.

STEWART

Loopholes will only get you so far boyo. I need to think of the good of the Guild in this situation Telmin.

TELMIN

Naturally.

PANEL 3

Stewart drinking every last drop.

PANEL 4

Stewart standing quietly.

PAGE <13>

PANEL 1

Stewart has set aside his Goblet and is looking at a magical map showing the layout of the world, with different colored sigils designating the position of Circle Houses, troops, and units. Telmin is standing beside him.

STEWART

You and the Vanguard will ride tomorrow for Festos. I will write that you were contracted by Lord O’Barr to eradicate a troll infestation from his mine. His mine is clean, you’ll have no trouble moving through it.

PANEL 2

We are now with Telmin and the Vanguard as they enter a cave on the side of MASSIVE and perilous looking mountain. Aleva and Granov are flying up in the air.

TELMIN

See you on the other side. Don’t get spotted.

PANEL 3

Gentlman Bruce walking ahead of his human followers who are using torches. His orc eyes gleaming gold in the dark.

STEWART OP

O’Barr’s mine connects with the Spine a mile or so in,

PANEL 4

The Vanguard coming to an entrance to a cave. Aleva is sitting by a fire eating a lamb shank. Granov is eating an entire cow. A tall majestic castle is visible in the distance.

STEWART OP

There is a network of tunnels in the Spine that will drop you a mile north of Percival’s Castle.

PAGE <14>

PANEL 1

Stewart pooring another drink, he looks tired.

STEWART

I will not give you advice on strategy. You and the Vanguard are more than capable, and you must have a plan otherwise you wouldn’tve agreed to this.

PANEL 2

Stewart looking at Telmin seriously and honestly.

STEWART

But if there is any shred of evidence that connects House Viridian to the death of Lord Percival then I will have no choice but to kill you myself.

PANEL 3

Telmin looking right back at him.

TELMIN

Stewart, my old friend…

PAGE <15>

PANEL 1

The Vanguard being towed on gliders magically attached to Granov’s hind legs. Aleva and Granov are almost indistinguishable from the night sky. Their armor and skin have changed color. They are stealth dragon and Rider. In fact the whole group is stealthed out. Their usual bright and almost garish armor replaced with plain black clothing and armor. The whole Vanguard is there except Broag, but a large black object is also being towed along with them.

TELMIN OP

I would expect nothing less.

PAGE <16>

PANEL 1

We are on a large turret with eight of Percival’s soldiers. They are alert, but look pretty bored. They’d rather be down at the wedding feast celebrating.

PANEL 2

A large object has fallen in the center of the turret. They all react and turn to figure out what it is.

PANEL 3

It is Broag, all tied up, bound and gagged.

PANEL 4

A shot from behind and above the soldiers. We see the rest of the team landing in a pentagram around the circle they have formed. Aleva’s outfit has now taken on the color and texture of the Turret.

PAGE <17>

PANEL 1

A giant shot of all of the soldiers being violently, and quietly killed by the Vanguard. Broag has thrust his hidden spear up through two of the guards, Aleva has jumped on on the back of another, wrapping her legs around his waste and slitting his throat. Bruce has brought his Axe straight down on one’s head, breaking through his helm and cleaving it in two. Aruska has turned one to stone. Telmin and Garin have killed two by cleaving off their heads. Two remain. They are petrified.

PANEL 2

Telmin, Garin, aleva, and Bruce  quickly silence the others before they can draw their swords. Telmin and Garin stab theirs through his chest and throat. Aleva stabs him in the heart from behind while Bruce has bitten his throat and ripped it open. Our heroes are covered in blood and gore, the result of their violence.

PAGE <18>

PANEL 1

Aruska is casting a spell, disintegrating the bodies Broag has untangled himself, Aleva has called down Granov who is crouching low on the edge of the battlement to avoid being seen. Garin, Telmin, and Bruce have lifted the up the trapdoor leading down to the stairway leading into the castle.

TELMIN

Aruska, hurry, cast your wards.

ARUSKA

One thing at a time Telmin.

PANEL 2

The half showing the ward, which makes the Turret look as it did before our heroes landed and killed everyone.

PANEL 3

right next to it the other half showing Aruska casting the spell. Telmin is looking out over at the main section of the castle. Aleva and Broag are opening up a box that Granov has dropped.

BROAG

I don’t know how you can stand riding that thing.

ALEVA

We were kind of joined at birth Broag. If you weren’t fat enough to break his back I might ask him to give you a fly every once an a while.

BROAG

Ah shut up…

 

PANEL 4

Garin looking down at the host of House Viridian assembled on the outside of the castle. Bruce is next to him, licking the blood off the blade of his axe.

GARIN

This feels wrong. It’s almost like, we’re working against ourselves.

PANEL 5

Garin and Bruce have caught each other’s eyes. Bruce is in mid lick, his face covered in blood. Garin looks disgusted.

PANEL 6

Garin has looked away, and Bruce is making a troll face, licking blood from his long pointy teeth.

GARIN

I wish you wouldn’t do that.

BRUCE

Can’t blame an orc for enjoying his kill. It’s not like I’m eating him.

GARIN

Then what’s stopping you?

BRUCE

My one shred of humanity I guess.

PAGE <19>

PANEL 1

Aruska and Telmin  talking. Telming is wiping the blood from his sword. Behind them we can see Aleva and Broag constructing a giant crossbow.

ARUSKA

Any idea where we’re supposed to be aiming?

TELMIN

Not in the slightest. I think we’ll be able to figure it out.

 

PANEL 2

Telmin has finished cleaning it and has put it back in its sheath. The crossbow is nearing completion. Aleva is gesticulating at Broag in frustration behind them.

ARUSKA

Do you intend to kill him yourself?

TELMIN

Well that was the general idea. Unless you have a strong desire to do so?

ARUSKA

I think the smaller our footprint the better. Aleva and you going in is more than enough if you ask me. But having the rest of us leave is just folly Telmin.

PANEL 3

Aruska and Telmin

TELMIN

You said it yourself Aruska, the fewer of us involved the better.  The plan has worked thus far.

ARUSKA

Getting us in was one thing. It’s you and Aleva getting out I’m worried about.

PANEL 4

Telmin and Aruska

ARUSKA

Should you fail…

TELMIN

Then I’ll be the only one dying. There is no reason for you and the others to fall with me.

ALEVA OP

Oy!

PANEL 5

The crossbow complete. Aleva and Broag standing triumphantly.

ALEVA

You ready to make a cuckold of this f**k or what?

PAGE <20>

PANEL 1

Broag is straining and placing a giant bolt in the crossbow.

PANEL 2

Aleva is aiming is, looking through a telescope, her tongue poking out the corner of her mouth. Telmin is crouching next to her

 

ALEVA

Any idea which window I should be aiming for?

TELMIN

As long as we get inside undetected I don’t think it matters.

ALEVA

So one with no lights.

PANEL 3

The bolted arrow slams into the wall of the castle just above a window.

PANEL 4

Telmin and Aleva strapping themselves to harnesses as Telmin gives final instructions. Garin is close by. Bruce and Broag, and Aruska are not.

TELMIN

Granov will drop you off by the cave. If we don’t return by dawn, head back to House Viridian.

GARIN

I don’t like this Telmin

TELMIN

You’re not the only one.

PANEL 5

The pair’s silhouettes as they zip line down the rope to the window.

PAGE <21>

PANEL 1

They have landed inside an empty hallway within the castle.

PANEL 2

Aleva and Telmin moving quietly through past a pair of guards. They are shadows. The guards don’t even notice.

PANEL 3

We see they have stopped outside a hallway lined with guards wearing more ceremonial armor.

PANEL 4

Aleva looking over at Telmin.

ALEVA

I think we found it.

PAGE <22>

PANEL 1

Shadows fall down a from a doorway further down from them. The pair are looking at it a little shocked.

PANEL 2

They each have pressed a sigil on their shoulders, and they have begun to fade into the wall. The shadows are bigger.

PANEL 3

They are gone. The shadows are now Lord Percival, a tall thin blonde man, wearing a white wedding outfit with ceremonial armor. He is in his forties, and looks positively creepy. He’s a pedophile if he was royalty. Eran Grassan, looking even more childlike next to such a tall man is wearing a white dress with a veil. Stewart and some guards are with them.

PERCIVAL

I thank you for your services Eminence Stewart. House Viridian has held up its end. My bondsman will have your payment waiting at the gate.

Stewart

It was House Viridian’s pleasure Lord Percival.

PANEL 4

Percival is now standing in the doorway where Aleva and Telmin had been previously. Eran is front of him and he has his hands resting on her shoulders. She is looking at the ground. Travan Mesaad has his back turned to him and is walking away with his soldiers.

PERCIVAL

And now I will take pleasure in claiming what is rightfully mine. Now get out of my castle.

Stewart

As you wish, Lord Percival. Our contract is over. I wish you and your bride a bountiful future.

PAGE <23>

PANEL 1

Percival and Eran are now inside his bedchamber. It is replete with perverse sexual devices. It’s more of a sex dungeon than a bedroom. She has her back turned to him. Avoiding his gaze as he holds her hair, leaning in to smell it.

PERCIVAL

You won’t warm to me yet. None of the others ever do. But unlike all of the others I expect this of you.

PANEL 2

He has lowered her hair. He exudes creepiness.

PERCIVAL

Unlike the other girls, you are my wife. The court has expectations. I have expectations. And you will meet them.

PANEL 3

Him sneering down at her.

PERCIVAL

Look at me!

PANEL 4

She has turned towards him. We can see the shadow of him looming over her. Her eyes are wide. She isn’t looking at him, but behind him.

PERCIVAL

Good girl. Now take off your dress and lie on the bed

PANEL 5

What she is seeing. Behind Percival stands Telmin Frost. The man who is responsible for her being there. Percival has half-ways turned to see what she is looking at.

PERCIVAL

What are you looking at?

PAGE <24>

PANEL 1

Telmin cracking Percival in the face with his gauntleted hand, blood spewing out of his mouth.

PANEL 2

Telmin is standing over Percival. Eran is huddled over by the bed. Percival is daintily wiping blood from his face with a handkerchief.

PERCIVAL

I don’t know who you are, but you are f*****g dead.

Guards!

TELMIN

I wouldn’t expect help from anyone right now Percival.

PANEL 3

The door to the room has been opened by Aleva, she is bathed in blood, and the room is filled with the carnage and gore of what remains of the guards. She has a swagger. She’ knows she’s badass.

ALEVA

Especially from those hooples. No wonder you had to hire Viridian to hold your hand while you tied the knot.

PAGE <25>

PANEL 1

Percival holding himself up. looking up at Telmin and Aleva

PERCIVAL

Who sent you?

TELMIN

Duke Grassan

PERCIVAL

That b***h. How could he possibly afford Sell Swords? He had to sell me his daughter just to stop the Crown from f*****g wit him.

TELMIN

He has something we wanted.

PERCIVAL

Is that all? If I had known that I wouldn’t have paid your master as much as I did.

PANEL 2

Telmin has pulled out the enchanted knife he stole from Croxall at the beginning of the issue.

PERCIVAL

What does he want? His daughter back? He can have her.

TELMIN

Oh he does want his daughter. But thats not all.

PANEL 3

Telmin has planted his foot on his chest pushing him down. Aleva has pulled down his pants.

PANEL 4

Telmin leaning in towards him.

TELMIN

Grassan wants your balls.

PAGE <26>

PANEL 1

Percival’s terrified face.

PERCIVAL

No…I’ll pay you! Please Stop!

PANEL 2

Telmin holding his knife up above Percival’s crotch. Aleva is over by Eran, covering her eyes and ears.

TELMIN

Begging and pleading won’t help you now Percival. I’m bound.

PERCIVAL

NOOOO!!!!!

PANEL 3

Telmin has brought his knife down on Percival’s crotch, blood splashing from the strike. Percival’s face is in agony.

PANEL 4

Telmin twisting the blade, escalating his pain and suffering. Percival is trying to crawl away.

PAGE <27>

PANEL 1

Aleva has picked up Eran and has walked over to the window. Telmin has removed his blade. Percival is hunched over.

TELMIN

And now, your life.

PANEL 2

Telmin unceremoniously slits his throat.

PANEL 3

Telmin is placing what are presumably Percival’s balls into a deerskin bag. Looking down at Percival’s body. Aleva is sitting in the window with Eran.

ALEVA

Granov’s here Telmin. We should go.

PAGE <28>

PANEL 1

The trio riding Granov in the night sky.

PAGE <29>

PANEL 1

We find ourselves at Harichon, the home city of House Viridian. We are in Stewart’s office. He is sitting drinking wine, as is his custom. He really has a problem to be honest. He is doing paperwork.

PANEL 2

Telmin has entered and Stewart has looked up.

STEWART

Nicely done. Whose idea was it to cut off his balls, yours or Grassans?

TELMIN

That was Aleva’s actually. Grassan agreed it was fitting.

PANEL 3

The pair sitting across from each other.

STEWART

Might I ask what Grassan paid you with?

TELMIN

Information.

PANEL 4

Telmin holding out a scroll.

TELMIN

This.

PANEL 5

Stewart reading the unrolled scroll.

STEWART

Have you read this?

TELMIN

Yes.

PAGE <30>

PANEL 1

Stewart staring at it in shock and fear.

STEWART

No one must learn of this. No one.

To be Continued