Scene 15

(HOPE leaves, WISDOM tries to stop her. HOPE makes it to the other side of the stage, as Act 2 of The Straight and Narrow Path unfolds. HOPE reacts to the scene, without getting involved. Finally the brash sword scene between SIR RICHARD and the BLACK KNIGHT scares HOPE. She runs back to WISDOM for shelter at the end.)

The Straight, The Light, The True – ACT TWO
The NYMPH enters stage right, and goes behind a tree. She check over her shoulder to see if the WHITE knight is following. She sees him (still off-stage) and moves a little further along. WHITE knight enters stage right, searching for the NYMPH. He moves around several trees and then spots her.

RICHARD
Slow down fair maiden

NYMPH beckons a bit.

RICHARD
Stay still. You said you wanted to talk.

NYMPH
We can.

RICHARD
You’re playing with me.

NYMPH
Don’t you like games?

RICHARD
(smiling) Some games. Do you have a name?

NYMPH
Maybe…

RICHARD
Tell me.

NYMPH
What is yours?

RICHARD
I am Sir Richard. They call me “The White Knight” I hail thee in the name of the Great King of whom I serve.

NYMPH
I, am called the maid of the woods.

RICHARD
You live here?

NYMPH
Oh, yes, brave knight. Isn’t it wonderful?

They continues to move around trees, bantering with each other.

RICHARD
It is very pretty. Just as you said.

NYMPH
Yes. I told you. Only now do you believe me.

RICHARD
Yes… (hestitates) But there is something strange here…

NYMPH
There is nothing to fear, Sir Richard. There is noone here but me and these trees…

Then, the NYMPH moves behind a tree, beckoning again. RICHARD stops, as her demeanor changes slightly.

NYMPH
Although things are not always what they appear to be… Come closer…

She is behind the tree, but doesn’t emerge from the other side. Instead, the BLACK knight appears. It look as if the NYMPH has transformed herself into the BLACK knight.

BLACK
Oh, how easily a fool is lured…

RICHARD
{stares, unable to believe his eyes}

BLACK
Deception is a two-way street. Now you will pay for your lack of insight.

{BLACK charges, and RICHARD barely has time to pull out his sword – one slash over downward towards his head… Stumbles back in disbelief…}

RICHARD
Who are you? {trembling in his voice}

BLACK
{mocking} An admirer… a humble admirer {mock bow} of a brave handsome knight! {short laugh} {Slash down the other side of RICHARD}

RICHARD
What do you want from me?

BLACK
Why, Richard, I want to hold your hand!! {mocking – to the audience} {big long laugh and then suddenly lunges out with another slash across the middle of RICHARD}

BLACK
What is the matter, WHITE KNIGHT, have you lost your way or is it cowardice that causes you to quake?

{BLACK bashes down RICHARD’s sword as he attempts to volley a slice at BLACK. Richard’s Sword is thrown to the ground at his side and BLACK runs in for the kill… Holds the point near to RICHARD’s throat and then abruptly turns to the audience}

BLACK
Where exactly is that path of yours that you love so dearly? Is it over here?

{looking away off the other direction from RICHARD. RICHARD lunges at this point to make a wild overhead slash at BLACK. BLACK easily counters the move}

BLACK
Now that is more like it!

{RICHARD is looking all the time for the pathway… quite distraught and disorieted at not being able to locate. RICHARD slashes out wildly at BLACK’s belly and thrusts forward while BLACK is saying the previous lines}

BLACK
Come, come now Richard… even my most gentle maid could muster a greater challenge than that!!

{RICHARD – Overhead slash, side and other side knock-down by BLACK}

BLACK
I have not even yet begun to perspire yet… shall we try again?

{RICHARD – wild rage straight shots overhead X 3 – pushing BLACK to the far corner of the stage}

BLACK
Well, I am finally tired of this cat and mouse thing…

{BLACK – OH, GOLF, Side, Belly Slash, and Thrust – RICHARD counters each move and bangs BLACK’s sword to the ground on the last thrust – look of surprise on BLACK’s face}

BLACK
Not a bad move… for a dying man…

{four scissor combo, head slash by RICHARD / Shoulder Roll by BLACK – they have changed sides on the stage – 1-2 combo OH – Back up to centre stage – RICHARD thrusts and BLACK counters by jumping out of the way and slashing the sword into the dirt much like the last move by RICHARD}

BLACK
And now, all good things must come to an end… and so you have come to yours! {three raging blows straight down aimed at RICHARD’s head, Head slice/Block/Lock swords and BLACK kicks RICHARD back to end the lock. RICHARD is on the ground in a total mercy position}

BLACK
You have trespassed on my land. You have no power here and…

{RICHARD breaks off in the middle ot this and runs for it}

BLACK
RUN, COWARD!! There is no place for you to hide in my kingdom. I will find you soon enough!!

{BLACK runs offstage and exits}