Scene 21

The Straight, The Light, The True – Act 3

RICHARD enters, looks around, panic in his stance.

RICHARD
It’s here, it has to be.

(He looks behind a tree)

RICHARD
I kept it in sight… I am positive. Oh, how could I be so easily tricked. I do not deserve to wear this righteous armor.

(He continues looking, and almost accidentally, finds the path.)

RICHARD
Here it is!! I’m saved. Such a thing to happen to me. What a fearful situation. But I should not have left. It is my fault that such a thing happened He disguised himself. He deceived me, and I didn’t even realize, until it was too late. A knight must be ready for everything, not be lured away from the straight path by prattle and silly lies. (looks around) It is good to be back. It is safe. This is the king’s realm, where there is protection.

(RICHARD re-sheaths his sword and maintains a faithful guard position.)

RICHARD
The king is very forgiving. I will ask for a demotion for my actions, but I know he will be merciful.

(RICHARD stops again, and hears more giggling. He stops, and listens.)

RICHARD
Again? I will not be tempted this time. Although it could be real nymph this time and not a deceiver. No. I have strayed once, I refuse to willingly do it again.

(The giggling is heard once more. RICHARD merely ignores it. Then, slowly, from behind a tree, the BLACK knight appears. RICHARD doesn’t see him at first, and when BLACK gets closer, RICHARD does take notice. They stand, facing each other.

BLACK
I said I would find you.

(They continue to look at each other.)

RICHARD
You are trespassing on the King’s lands. Leave now or you will pay dearly.

BLACK
Who will make me pay this price? You? Have you forgotten our most recent encounter? I do recall having soundly routed a weak, pathetic excuse for a knight!! This same knight having run away in fear!!

RICHARD
This is your last warning… leave now or suffer the consequences.

BLACK
I look forward to the challenge.

(VOLLEY # 1 – Black strikes out with OH’s aiming at the shoulder of Richard starting with Richard’s left shoulder. Richard easily hops to the side blocking the downward blow. Richard is very confident in his actions. Black returns another blow aimed at the right shoulder this time and the same counter as before by Richard. This happens for five blows total with the fifth one being a complete miss by Black and Richard swatting him in the butt with the flat of the sword. Black, furious charges straight into Richard who side steps and smashes Black’s sword down to the ground easily.)

BLACK

You fight now, coward.

RICHARD
I have new strength.

BLACK
Is that so? You are still the same weakling that wandered off so easily..

RICHARD
Don’t lie to me. You are aware of this strength. That’s why you tremble.

BLACK
Strength?! Weakness, is what it is! My strength is stronger!!

RICHARD
My strength is the King’s.

(VOLLEY #2 – Richard goes on the attack now. He drives two criss-cross hits (above shoulder) and the third hit is a lockup and Richard pushes Black off causing him to lose his balance a little. He look worried and confused and angry! Two more criss-cross at the top again and then right side belly slice by Richard. Black smashes it back so that Richard swings his sword around in a full circle at waist height. Black blocks from a kneeling position and drives Richards sword down. Richard now launches Golf Swing combo from second swing and Black barely defends and on the final thrust falls through and gets hit on the butt again. Black makes a weak single handed thrust and Richard easily bashes the sword down and rages overhead twice with the second being a double handed block on Black’s part driving him to the ground. Richard moves in with the point of the blade.)

RICHARD
Know this. The King stands behind all his Knights, no matter what. Also, these are the King’s lands. You have no business or power here. Leave, or the King himself will deal with you.

BLACK hastily rise, and fear-stricken, races off..RICHARD sheath his sword, his breathing deep. He look to where BLACK has vanished. Then satisfied, he looks around, and into the woods. He continues his walk.

RICHARD
I am a knight of the Kings’ realm. My duty lies this way. The straight, the light, the true.

(RICHARD walks on, and then off stage)