Episode 3: House Of The Serpents

INT. PALACE, KING'S STUDY - NIGHT 3

The study is quite, illuminated by fire and candlelights. King Eumelanin sits behind his desk, his eyes staring into the distance, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, and an OUT-OF-BREATH MESSENGER rushes in.

MESSENGER: (restless) My king, the northern border! The Snowcrest has breached the first lines of defense!

The king leaps to his feet, his features hardening.

EUMELANIN: (sharply) Sound the alarm! Summon the generals! We must mobilize the troops!

The messenger nods and sprints out of the room, leaving the king in the silence of his study, his mind racing with the implications of the news.

INT. PALACE, MELAS'S QUARTERS - NIGHT 3

Melas, now dressed in his military attire, looks over the maps of the northern border with a furrowed brow.

MELAS: (to himself) What have I gotten myself into?

Don rushes in, his face grim.

DONTRELLE: (urgently) The king calls for you, Prince Commander. The situation is dire.

Melas nods solemnly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

MELAS: We must act swiftly, General. Time is of the essence.

The two of them share a look of determination before running for the door. As they exit the quarters, the urgent sounds of the palace come alive, with action echoing around them.

INT. PALACE, THRONE CHAMBER - NIGHT 3

The hall is a whirlwind of activity as Melas and Don rush in to find GENERALS and ADVISORS gathered around the king with a mix of fear and resolve. The map of Melania is spread out before them, with miniature figurines representing their troops scattered across the landscape.

EUMELANIN: (barks orders) General Kwame, assemble the eastern forces! General Abena, prepare the navy! We must repel this invasion before it reaches our heartlands!

The generals bow and hurry off to carry out their orders, leaving the king, Melas, and a few trusted advisors.

EUMELANIN: (turns to Melas) My son, I am placing my faith in you. You must ensure our cities and villages are fortified.

MELAS: (bows deeply) I will not disappoint you, father.

The king's hand rests briefly on Melas's shoulder before he turns to address the remaining advisors.

EUMELANIN: We must be vigilant. The Snowcrest has never been known for such aggression. There is something more at play here.

INT. PALACE, EBONY'S QUARTERS - NIGHT 3

Ebony stands by the window, her eyes glinting in the moonlight as she watches the chaos unfolding below.

EBONY: (to herself) So, the time has come for our true reign to begin. 

Her father, Awi, emerges from the shadows, his expression as cold as the stone walls around them.

AWI: (whispers) We must be patient, daughter. Soon, all of Melania will be ours.

Ebony nods, her mind racing with the possibilities.

EBONY: (concerned) But what of Melas? He stands in our way.

AWI: (smirks) Do not worry about the prince. We will deal with him when the time is right. For now, we must ensure our pawns are in place.

The two share a knowing look before turning back to the window, watching the troops as they march for the northern border, unaware of the storm brewing within their own walls.

INT. PALACE, EFREM'S STUDY - NIGHT 3

Efrem sits at his desk, surrounded by scrolls and parchments, a flickering candle casting eerie shadows on his face. He writes swiftly, a malicious glint in his eye.

EFREM: Let the cubs fight and bleed for their pride. In the end, it is the cunning fox who will claim the throne.

He rolls up the scroll and seals it with crimson wax, the emblem of a lion impressed into the crimson seal. 

EFREM: (calls out) Messenger! 

One of his trusted men enters the study, ready to execute his orders.

EFREM: Take this to Lady Morgana at Eden's Gate. Inform her of the situation and bid her to stand the Keepers ready.

The messenger nods and takes the scroll, slipping out into the night to deliver the chilling message.

INT. PALACE, MALAINO'S QUARTERS - NIGHT 3

Melaino sits in the darkness, his thoughts swirling with anger and betrayal.

MELAINO: (mumbles) How could father do this to me? After all I have suffered? 

He reaches for a nearby goblet, his hand shaking with rage, and takes a deep drink. The wine does little to ease his bitterness.

MELAINO: (raises voice) By the ancestors, I will not stand for this!

In the shadows, Ebony emerges, her expression calculated.

EBONY: (calmly) Dearest, let us not act hastily. We must bide our time and find our moment.

Melaino's eyes narrow as he considers her words. He knows she is right, but the injustice feels like a burning coal in his chest.

MELAINO: (slams the goblet on the floor) But how long can I wait? How long before Melas is crowned and I am forgotten?

Ebony crosses the room for him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

EBONY: (softly) Patience, my love. We have allies who still support your claim. The time will come for vengeance, and when it does, we shall strike swiftly and without mercy.

Their eyes meet, and at this moment, a silent pact is formed, a promise of power and retribution.

INT. PALACE, THRONE CHAMBER - MORNING 4 

The hall is dimly lit, the only light coming from the high windows, casting a solemn glow on the proceedings. The king, flanked by Efrem, sits on his throne; his presence is felt heavily by all. The guards at the door step aside as Jabari is brought in, his wrists bound in heavy iron chains. 

EUMELANIN: (sternly) You stand before me, Jabari of the West, accused of treason and disobedience. What do you have to say for yourself?

JABARI: (bows gravely) My king, I acted in haste, driven by the desire to protect our lands. If it pleases the crown, I will take my punishment.

The king studies him for a long moment before speaking in a calm tone.

EUMELANIN: Your valor on the battlefield is undeniable, but your actions have consequences. I cannot simply overlook your disobedience. However, I see potential in you.

Jabari's eyes widen as the king approaches, a spark of hope igniting in his chest.

EUMELANIN: If you can bring back the head of the Snowcrest leader, I will spare your life.

The room falls silent, and the air is charged with anticipation.

JABARI: (swallow hard) I will not fail you, my king.

EUMELANIN: (nods, commands the guards) Release him. He leaves for the north right away.

The chains fall away, and Jabari stands tall, a new fire in his eyes.

INT. PALACE, KING'S STUDY - MORNING 4

The king sits on his desk. He looks weary, his crown heavy on his brow.

EUMELANIN: (to himself) This is the only way to ensure Melania's future.

He reaches for a parchment, his hand shaking slightly as he signs his name. It is a letter of pardon, should Jabari succeed in his quest.

INT. PALACE, COURTYARD - MORNING 4

The God of Light showers over the city as Jabari, now dressed in the armor of the Royal Guard, mounts his steed. The crowd has gathered to see the fallen hero off; some whispering words of encouragement, others casting doubtful glances.

DONTRELLE: (whispers) Remember, old friend. For Melania.

JABARI: (nods solemnly) For Melania.

With a final look at the palace, Jabari spurs his horse and gallops out of the courtyard, his fate intertwined with that of the kingdom he has sworn to serve.

INT. PALACE, MELAINO'S QUARTERS - MORNING 4

Melaino sits brooding, the news of Jabari's pardon and mission weighing heavily on his mind.

MELAINO: (sternly) This is not over.

Ebony responds from far side of the room, her eyes gleaming.

EBONY: What do you have in mind?

Melaino rises and approaches her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

MELAINO: The Snowcrest's attack is our opportunity. If they can be provoked further, it may lead to a war we can use to our benefit. But we must act swiftly.

EBONY: (nods in thoughtfully) We must be careful though. Your mother's passing has taken a toll on the king, and he's now more unpredictable than ever.

MELAINO: (confidently) Leave that to me. I will ensure our interests are protected.

EBONY: (smirks) And how do you intend to do that, my love?

MELAINO: (whispers) Through the one thing the king values above all else—his precious Melas.

The two share a knowing smile, their minds racing with the implications of their plan.

INT. PALACE, EFREM'S STUDY - DAY 4

Efrem sits in his office, the heavy scent of burning incense hanging in the air. His fingers tap an impatient rhythm on the desk as he awaits the return of the messenger he sent to the Sworn Keepers of the Gate. The door opens, and the messenger enters, breathless.

EFREM: (sharply) Well? What news from Eden's Gate?

MESSENGER: (panting) They have received your missive. The Keepers stand ready to serve.

EFREM: (nods) Good. The time for patience is over. We must secure our alliances.

The messenger exits, and Efrem's gaze drifts to the map of Melania on the wall, his thoughts racing. His eyes linger on the southernmost point, where the Keepers stand vigilant.

His fingers trace the path to Eden's Gate, his mind racing with potential alliances and the power they could bring. He knows that controlling the gateway to the desert lands is vital to the kingdom's security, and he is not above using any means necessary to ensure its loyalty.

INT. PALACE, THRONE CHAMBER - DAY 4

The grandeur of the throne room is marred by the tension hanging in the air. The court members, dressed in their finest silks and furs, murmur amongst themselves, their whispers a cacophony of speculation and fear. King Eumelanin sits upon the throne, his face a mask of stoicism as he listens to the reports of his spymaster.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (whispers) My king, the spies have uncovered whispers of treachery from the Snowcrest Kingdom. They seek to exploit our internal strife.

EUMELANIN: (firmly) Tell me everything.

The spymaster bows before speaking again, his voice low and urgent.

SPYMASTER KOFI: My king, it appears the Snowcrest has a new ruler, one who hungers for power and seeks to claim what he believes is rightfully his. Whispers has it that he has made alliances with the Desert Manes, hoping to strike Melania from both sides.

EUMELANIN: (eyes narrowing) A new king on the Snowcrest? This changes everything.

The court falls silent, their fear palpable. The king's gaze lingers on Melas, who stands tall, his eyes reflecting the flaming torches that line the walls.

EUMELANIN: We must be ready to face this new threat from the north. I am placing Supreme Chancellor Efrem in charge of internal affairs. Melas will follow the generals and lead our forces against the Snowcrest.

The court nods in assent, though some exchange wary glances. The king's favoritism towards Melas has not gone unnoticed.

EUMELANIN: Melas, prepare the remaining western armies for battle. 

MELAS: (nods) As you command father.

EUMELANIN: (to the court) We must be vigilant. If the Snowcrest seeks to take advantage of our mourning, we will show them the full might of Melania! As for the Manes, we shall fortify the Gate, the sea, and the coastline fortresses. We must prepare for any eventuality.

The room remains tense, their minds racing with the implications of the spymaster's words.

EUMELANIN: You're dismissed. All of you. (to Kofi) Spymaster, stay behind.

The court members file out, their footsteps echoing through the vast chamber. 

EUMELANIN: (serious) Kofi, I need your most trusted agents to investigate Amisi's death. Discreetly. I want the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (nods gravely) Your will be done, my king.

INT. PALACE, MELANIE'S QUARTERS - NOON 4

Melanie, dressed in warrior's garb, practices her archery in the quiet of her quarters. Each shot is a silent declaration of her own determination to protect her family's legacy. Her eyes narrow as she hits the bullseye once more, the thwack of the arrow resonating through the stone walls.

Melas enters, his steps hesitant, the weight of his new title pressing down on him. He watches his daughter, admiration and concern mingling in his gaze.

MELAS: You grow stronger every day, Melanie.

MELANIE: (looks up, smiling) Thank you, father. 

MELAS: But you must remember, Melania needs more than just strength. It requires wisdom and strategy.

MELANIE: (determined) I will not let you down father.

MELAS: (smiles) I know you won't. But heed my words, daughter. In the game of thrones, even the most skilled archer can fall prey to whispers in the dark.

Melanie nods thoughtfully, setting her bow aside.

INT. PALACE, ANCESTRAL SHRINE - NOON 4

The heavy oak doors to the Shrine of the Ancestors creak open, and Melas steps in, his footsteps echoing in the sacred space. He carries a candle, its flame flickering as he approaches the ancient statues of the past rulers.

MELAS: (whispers) Guide me, ancestors. Show me the path to safeguard our kingdom.

He lights the candles before the statues, their stone faces seemingly watching him with the wisdom of centuries. The shadows dance on the walls as he kneels, his heart heavy with the burden of his new role.

Melas's eyes meet the cold gaze of an ancestor known for his strategic prowess, and he feels a chill run down his spine. He whispers a silent vow, the echoes of his words lost in the stillness.

MELAS: (determined) I will not fail you, nor will I fail Melania.

INT. PALACE, EFREM'S STUDY - NIGHT 4

Efrem sits in his dimly lit office, surrounded by scrolls and maps. His eyes flicker with a mix of excitement and calculation as he ponders the unfolding events.

EFREM: (whispers to himself) The pieces are falling into place.

He unrolls a map of Melania, tracing the borders with his finger. His gaze lingers on Eden's Gate, and he nods to himself.

EFREM: The Keepers will be my key to controlling the south.

Suddenly, the door opens, and Melaino enters, his eyes dark with anger and determination.

MELAINO: (sharply) We must speak, uncle.

EFREM: (looks up, unsurprised) Ah, Melaino. I've been expecting you.

Melaino strides forward, his eyes alight with accusation.

MELAINO: What game are you playing, uncle? You always knew about the alliance between the Snowcrest and the Desert Manes!

EFREM: (smirks) The art of ruling, dear nephew, is knowing when to hold your cards close and when to reveal them.

Melaino clenches his fists, his knuckles white with rage.

MELAINO: (angrily) You knew, and you said nothing! Why?

EFREM: (calmly) Because sometimes it is better to let enemies reveal their hands before you make your own move. The Snowcrest's new king has made a grave mistake in underestimating our readiness.

MELAINO: (clenches his jaw) And what of Melas? He grows more powerful by the day. If he returns with a victory, he will be unstoppable.

EFREM: (softly) True power is not won on the battlefield, Melaino. It is cultivated in the shadows, through whispers and alliances. Your mother knew that, and so should you.

Melaino's eyes narrow, and he paces the room, his boots echoing on the cold stone floor.

MELAINO: (through gritted teeth) What is it you want from me?

EFREM: (calmly) Simply this: watch, listen, and wait. Do not let your hunger for the throne cloud your judgment. Let us see how this hand unfolds.

Melaino pauses, considering his uncle's words. He knows that Efrem is not one to be underestimated.

MELAINO: (slowly) I will bide my time, but I will not be overlooked like you were, uncle.

EFREM: (nods) That is why you are here, Melaino. Now, go. I have matters to attend to.

Melaino exits, the door shutting behind him with a loud thud. Efrem returns to his maps, his gaze lingering on the distant lands of the Desert Manes.

INT. PALACE, KING'S QUARTERS - NIGHT 4

The moon casts a soft glow through the window, painting the quarters in a silvery light. King Eumelanin, unable to find solace in sleep, paces the floor. His thoughts are a tumult of frustration and anger.

The door creaks open, and a figure slips in, unnoticed by the king. It is Ebony, her eyes gleaming with a cunning that belies her youth. 

EBONY: My king? 

EUMELANIN: (turns, surprised) Ebony. What brings you here at this hour?

EBONY: (innocently) I could not sleep, knowing that you bear the weight of the kingdom alone.

Eumelanin's expression softens, and he sits on the edge of the bed, gesturing for her to join him. Ebony sits, her eyes never leaving his. 

EBONY: Your burden is not yours alone to carry. We are here to support you and help you through these trying times.

EUMELANIN: (sighs) The whispers of treachery grow louder with each passing day. I fear for Melania's future.

EBONY: (soothingly) Let us not dwell on fears, my king. Tell me, what weighs so heavily on your heart?

EUMELANIN: (gravely) I have uncovered a grave threat from the Snowcrest. They have a new king, one who seeks to claim what he believes is rightfully his.

EBONY: And how did this new king come to be?

EUMELANIN: (sighs heavily) He is the son of the Snowcrest's previous ruler, born from a political marriage to the heiress of a powerful house. He was excluded from the succession, but now he has amassed his own power and allies.

EBONY: (thoughtfully) Your strength is Melania's shield, my king. But even the mightiest shield can crack under pressure. Perhaps you should consider making alliances with the rightful heirs of the Snowcrest. It may stabilize the northern borders and prevent war.

EUMELANIN: (considering) The idea has merit, Ebony. But who can I trust in the Snowcrest now?

EBONY: (smiles) Fear not, my king. Before I married into your house, I was engaged to the young prince of House Icefall. His family is still loyal to the old ways, and I believe they can be persuaded to stand with us. But you may have to meet with them to discuss the details.

EUMELANIN: (frowns) That is a risky gamble. But if it secures our borders, I am willing to consider it.

EBONY: (nods gracefully) Then I will reach out to them and see if they can journey into our heartland.

Eumelanin nods, his eyes never leaving hers as she gives off a confident smile. The scent of her perfume, a sweet blend of exotic flowers, fills the air, and he feels a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

EXT. PALACE, GARDENS - MORNING 5

The sun has barely crested the horizon when Melaino is summoned to the Royal Gardens by his uncle Efrem. The air is thick with the scent of blooming roses and the distant sound of a nightingale's final song. They stand under the ancient weeping willow, its branches casting a dappled shadow on the grass.

EFREM: The time has come for us to act, Melaino. The alliance between the Snowcrest and the Desert Manes is a clear threat to our kingdom.

MELAINO: (eagerly) What do you propose, uncle?

EFREM: (smiling slyly) A marriage alliance. One that will secure our borders and strengthen our position in the face of the coming storm.

Melaino's eyes widen at the revelation, his mind racing with the implications.

MELAINO: (skeptically) And who will you offer for this alliance?

EFREM: (calculative) Melanie. She is the key to the south. With her as their lady, the Keepers will be bound to us, and the Desert Manes will think twice before attacking.

The words hang in the air, and Melaino's expression shifts from eager to contemplative.

MELAINO: (thinks aloud) Melanie... she's a valuable asset, but is she ready for such a strategic marriage?

EFREM: (confidently) With the right guidance, she will be. And who better to mold her than you, Melaino? With your mother's cunning and your father's valor, you could lead Melania to greatness.

MELAINO: (slowly) But what of Melas?

EFREM: (waves a dismissive hand) A minor concern. He is a soldier, not a politician. With the right... distraction, he can be dealt with.

Melaino nods, understanding the unspoken words. He knows his uncle's mind is a labyrinth of schemes and strategies.

MELAINO: Very well. I will approach her. But what of the Keepers? They must be informed.

EFREM: (nods) They will be. But for now, let us focus on the alliance. Melanie must be convinced of its necessity.

Melaino nods, his mind racing with the implications of the alliance. He knows that convincing Melanie won't be easy, but the promise of power is a seductive lure.

MELAINO: Melanie is... headstrong. How do we ensure her compliance?

EFREM: (smirks) You're her uncle, Melaino. Use your charm and your wit. Make her see the bigger picture.

Melaino nods, his thoughts racing. He knows Melanie's fiery spirit and her unyielding nature. How can he bend her to their will?

INT. PALACE, MELANIE'S QUARTERS - MORNING 5

Melanie is jolted from her sleep by the sound of the door opening. She sits up, her heart racing, as Melaino enters, his expression solemn.

MELANIE: (sleepily) What is it, uncle?

MELAINO: (serious) Melanie, there is something of great importance we must discuss.

Melanie rubs the sleep from her eyes, noticing the urgency in her uncle's tone. She sits up, allowing him to sit beside her.

MELAINO: Our kingdom is in peril, my dear niece. The Snowcrest has forged an alliance with the Desert Manes, threatening our very existence. But you know this already, don't you?

Melanie's eyes widen in surprise, but she quickly recovers her composure.

MELANIE: (steady) I am aware. Father has spoken to me of the threats we face.

MELAINO: (nods) Good. Then you will understand the gravity of the situation. We must act swiftly to secure our borders.

Melanie's eyes narrow, sensing the unspoken challenge.

MELANIE: (carefully) What is it you propose?

MELAINO: (calmly) A marriage alliance, Melanie. One that will strengthen our house and protect Melania.

Melanie's heart skips a beat, but she remains expressionless, her mind racing.

MELANIE: (warily) To whom do you suggest this alliance, uncle?

MELAINO: (measured) The young lord of the Keepers. His family is of ancient lineage, and their loyalty to the throne is unwavering. This union would secure our southern borders and ensure the loyalty of the most powerful military force in Melania.

Melanie's eyes widen slightly, but she maintains her calm demeanor.

MELANIE: (skeptical) And what does this young lord bring to the table, other than his military might?

MELAINO: (smiles) He is said to be as wise as he is brave, Melanie. His strategic mind is unmatched, even at his young age. An alliance with him would be a boon to any ruler.

Melanie's gaze remains unreadable, but the wheels of thought are clearly turning behind her eyes.

MELANIE: (considering) I will need to think on this, uncle.

MELAINO: (nods) Of course. But do not take too long. Time is of the essence.

Melanie watches him leave, her thoughts swirling. The weight of the kingdom's fate rests heavily on her shoulders, and she knows that she must choose wisely. 

INT. PALACE, THRONE CHAMBER - MORNING 5

The grandeur of the throne chamber seems almost obscene as the court members file in, their faces etched with tension and fear. Eumelanin sits on the throne, his eyes distant and hollow. The silence is shattered by the arrival of Spymaster Kofi, who bears the news that has been whispered through the corridors of the palace.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (kneels) My king, I bring forth the truth behind Queen Amisi's passing.

EUMELANIN: (strained) Speak, Kofi. I am weary of whispers and shadows.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (serious) The evidence points to a plot within the palace walls, my king. It seems that Queen Amisi was not the victim we thought her to be.

The room holds its collective breath as Eumelanin's eyes bore into Kofi's.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (voice steady) My king, it appears that Queen Amisi had been orchestrating a plot to place her own son, Prince Melaino, on the throne. She had been feeding false information to the late crowned prince, leading him to actions that were deemed treasonous.

The room gasps as the implications of Kofi's words sink in. The weight of the revelation hangs heavy in the air, the candles flickering as if in response to the collective intake of breath.

EUMELANIN: (slowly stands) What...what are you saying, Kofi?

SPYMASTER KOFI: (firm) The queen, it seems, had her own ambitions, my king. She manipulated the crowned prince to take actions that ultimately led to his execution.

EUMELANIN: (slams his fist on the throne) Treason! In my own house!

The room echoes with his roar, the tapestries rippling with the force of his anger. His eyes land on Melaino, who stands stoically, the blood draining from his face as the gravity of the accusation sinks in.

EUMELANIN: (seethes) Melaino! Is this true? Did you conspire with your mother against my son?

Melaino's eyes dart around the room, seeking an escape from the accusation. The whispers of treason resonate through the chamber, a stark contrast to the solemn silence that had previously filled it.

SPYMASTER KOFI: (unfaltering) It is with a heavy heart, my king, that I confirm her involvement. She had been planting the seeds of discord. Her ultimate goal was to clear a path for Prince Melaino.

EUMELANIN: (enraged) Guards! Seize him!

Guards rush forward, their weapons drawn, and grab Melaino, who struggles futilely in their grasp. The room erupts into chaos; the whispers of treason are now a cacophony of accusations and disbelief.

EUMELANIN: (shouting) Take him to the dungeons! I will deal with him once I've had time to process this treachery!

The guards drag Melaino out of the room, his protests muffled by their strong grips. The court members exchange furtive glances, the air thick with shock and fear.

***END OF EPISODE THREE***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***