Manifest Destiny

ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN I see. Well, it is my privilege to inform you that we are now willing to annex your land into our territory.

MYSTIC CHIEF Your words do not fool me. Annex is simply another word for taking control.

ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN Not at all! What I’m offering is the opportunity to become part of our empire. Of course that means we will be able to share resources and introduce your clan to a more “civilized” lifestyle.

MYSTIC CHIEF I appreciate your offer but I believe it best that we keep our lands independent.

ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN That is a very unwise decision. If we found you then it’s only a matter of time before those brutes from the east discover this village as well. And when they come you will want our protection.

MYSTIC CHIEF When the barbarians come we will deal with them ourselves. Now, I’m afraid that I’m going to have to ask you and your men to leave.

As the chief says this, his statement is punctuated by some hunters pointing their bows in the captain’s direction.

ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN Very well. But you have no idea what fury is about to be brought down upon you.

INT. - DINING HALL - MIDDAY

Two barbarians are fighting in the dining hall. Barbarian #1 appears to be winning until Barbarian #2 grabs a candlestick. The candlestick is swung at barbarian #1’s head but is stopped by the hand of an unseen man. The two look to find that NAXID has intervened in their dual.

NAXID

Only cowards use weapons! You would do better to rely on your own grit.

Naxid punches barbarian #2 across the room. Barbarian #1 kneels down in respect. Naxid stands proudly before his subjects. He wears a belt with the second relic being used as the belt buckle.

NAXID

And you! I am disappointed to see that it was so easy to catch one of my subjects’ off-guard.

BARBARIAN #1 I’m sorry, King Naxid. It won’t happen again sir!

NAXID

Now don’t kiss my ass too much. You’re starting to look a little bit like an alchemist!

The king lets out a hearty laugh while a MESSENGER runs into the room.

MESSENGER

My lord! I bring news from the west.

NAXID Very well.

(To barbarians #1 and #2.) As you were.

The barbarians resume fighting in the background.

MESSENGER

We’ve just received word that the alchemists have sent their ambassador into the forest.

NAXID

I see. And have they persuaded the mystics to join their ranks?

MESSENGER We don’t know sir.

NAXID