Teaser Scene, from The Two Brothers

[Scene: A bedchamber, where Lord Royksar, a sickly old man, lies bedridden. Zashaznon, the court enchanter, Prince Nornivvus, heir to the throne, his wife Elzera, a doctor, the lady Grenella, and a few others stand round him.]

Nornivvus:
I heartily have hopes that you will get well as soon as possible, Lord Royksar.

Royksar:
Thank you, Nornivvus. But I fear I am going cold. I am weak. It is a curse upon me.

Nornivvus: A curse, you say?

[Enter Prince Razagos, brother of Nornivvus, husband of Grenella]

Razagos:
My lady, I greet you.[kisses Grenella's hand] Royksar, are you feeling better?

Royksar:
No. I am still in pain. [Razagos walks over to Royksar's bed]

Razagos:
Have you discovered the nature of the ailment yet, doctor?

Doctor:
It is a wicked curse. It is wretched witchery.

Royksar:
I feel weaker. Listen to me! If I die now-

Doctor:
You will not die, my lord.

Grenella:
You can't!

Royksar[moaning]:
Please! Help!

Zashaznon:
Wait, doctor! He needs our help, quickly!

Doctor[examining Royksar again]:
What- no! How can this be?

Royksar:
What is it?

Doctor[panicking]:
I am afraid that I was wrong. He is going, fast. I am sorry.

Royksar[coughing, voice fading]:
Let me speak. I have lived a long life. I have had my failures. But listen- please!

Nornivvus:
What is it?

Royksar[very weakly]:
My young prince, there is a plot.

Nornivvus:
A plot? What? Don't go! Don't go!

Royksar[fading,coughing]:
A plot to betray us all. The darkness..... demons..... tell your father.... danger....

Nornivvus:
Royksar? What! Pull yourself together!

Zashaznon:
It is too late. He is dead.