VOICE OF THE WIND Part Two

* Transition, various scenes from the same perspective (house from a distance, centered on Nora's window) to show time passing, Nora lazily watching the wind from her window, relaxing on the roof while watching the stars, playing with Tuck, etc.

After some weeks have passed, scene shifts to inside the house, where Edgar is making preparations to travel into town.*

Edgar: "Nora, I have some errands to run in town, so I'll be gone for awhile." (gives Nora a long-suffering look) "Just try to keep the house from burning down while I'm gone, okay?"

Nora: (frowning) "Come on, Papa, it'll be fine. I'm not a little kid, you know."

Edgar: (smiling and patting her head) "I know, I know … But no matter how old you get, you'll always be my baby girl." (throws on his jacket and opens the door) "Remember, don't open the door for anyone you don't know. There's food on the table if you get hungry, and –"

Nora: (exasperated) "Papa! Go! I'll be fine! The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be back."

Edgar: (chuckling) "Alright, alright. Papa's leaving now. See you soon." (closes the door)

* Nora loudly locks the door after him with a frown. She spins on her heels and paces into the living room, slowly looking around the empty house with a pensive expression. Time passes, accompanied by a ticking clock, and we see her across a static background variously sprawled out in chairs, lying on the floor, staring out the window, reading a book, picking unenthusiastically at the food on the table, playing with Tuck, and in general looking bored. It's clear she misses her father.

Finally she goes to her room and flounces on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her ears perk up as she hears something from outside. Curious, she rises to her feet and opens the window. Her hair stands on end and her expression turns terrified at what she sees. Outside is a stranger, a dark young man, standing in the same spot the old man had occupied that rainy night and staring straight at her.

With a gulp, she ducks out of sight, hiding beneath the sill with her back against the wall. After a couple of deep breaths, she firms her resolve and with a determined look peeks out the window. A blast of wind nearly knocks her backwards, but once it passes, she risks a glance outside. There is no one there anymore, and she sighs in relief.

Turning back to her room, she gasps as she sees the same stranger now standing inside her bedroom, regarding her with a grave expression. Nora scrambles backwards, her back hitting the wall, looking terrified.*

Nora: (stuttering) "W-who are you? How did you get in here?"

Stranger: (staring silently) " … "

Nora: "What do you want?"

Stranger: " … "

Nora: (shivering) "Why don't you say something? Why are you here?" (her breath is visible as she speaks, despite the sunny weather outside)

Stranger: " … Come with me."

Nora: (shaking her head) "What? Come where?" (the stranger does not reply) "No ... I don't want to."

Stranger: (in the same monotone) " … You must."

Nora: (darting to her feet) "No! I won't go with you."

* She makes a dash for the door, but in another burst of wind, the stranger suddenly appears in her path, blocking her escape. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she is not ready to give up and tries to simply push past the intruder. A blast of cold wind knocks her backwards, sending her tumbling onto the bed.*

Stranger: " ... I must bring you."

Nora: (shouting) "I won't let you!" (thinking: "Papa will be home soon. If I can just stay away from him until then …")

* Nora begins scrambling around the room, throwing anything she can get her hands on at the stranger, hoping to create even the smallest opening to allow her to escape. Every attempt is met with a burst of wind that simply knocks the object aside. Finally the stranger seems to lose his patience, his eyes narrowing darkly.

The next object that Nora throws is turned to ice; it falls to the floor and crashes, breaking into shards. Nora gulps nervously, but she is not ready to give up, throwing other objects with the same results. Finally, she throws one last thing - her blanket, which unfurls and blocks the stranger's vision. It is turned to ice the same as before, but Nora has used the opportunity to make a break for the window. She has one foot out the window and is ready to jump; she grins widely at her apparent victory. Rather than showing concern at her sure escape, the stranger's lips curl in the tiniest of smirks just before he disappears in a burst of wind.

With another sudden rush of air, Nora suddenly finds herself being dragged out through the open window. Only quick instincts lead her to grab the frame of the window, holding on for dear life. Finally, the pull of the wind is too strong, and she is sucked outside as her grip pries the soft wood of the window frame loose. The curtain billows gently for a moment before falling still. The room is empty except for Tuck, who mewls pitifully at the open window.

After some time, Edgar returns home; from outside he notes that the window is open and frowns, muttering to himself as he enters through the front door. From his vantage point he can't see the state of the room after Nora's struggles.*

Edgar: "I've told her a hundred times about that window …"

* Edgar mounts the stairs and comes to Nora's room, finding the door ajar. He peeks in and sees the window open with the curtain billowing in the wind. Begins to step inside.*

Edgar: "Nora, what did I tell you about leaving that window open?" (takes a closer look and notices the mess, which is not the usual mess of a windswept room) "Nora?" (sticking his head out the door, he shouts) "Nora?"

* Edgar walks fully into the room, brushing aside some of the wreckage with his foot. He also notes with some confusion the rapidly melting chunks of ice. Then he examines the area by the window, and his eyes grow wide with concern.*

Edgar: (sticking his head out the window) "Nora?! Where are you? Answer me!"

* Finally he notices the state of the trim surrounding the windows – a result of Nora's abduction. His expression turns sick with worry for a moment and then becomes determined. He rushes to the kitchen and grabs his hat and jacket and heads out the door.*

Edgar: (pained whisper) "Nora …"

* New scene from within a crowded tavern. Edgar suddenly bursts through the door out of breath, causing the conversation to cease as everyone turns to look at him.*

Edgar: (breathing heavily) "Please ... you have to help me."

Villager 1: (approaching him in concern) "Edgar! What's the matter? What's happened?"

Edgar: "It's Nora – someone's taken her!"

* Shocked murmuring follows this statement.*

Villager 2: "What?! Did you say Nora was kidnapped?"

Villager 3: "Who would do such a thing?"

Villager 4: "That's right, Edgar, tell us who did it! Whoever it was, they won't get far! We'll find the scoundrels and teach them a thing or two!" (shouts of agreement)

Edgar: (shaking his head) "I don't know. I didn't ..." (takes a deep breath) "I didn't see who took her. She was already gone when I got home."

* The villagers exchange uncertain glances.*

Villager 4: “So did someone break in while you were out, then?”

Edgar: (hesitantly) “Well … no. The door was locked as usual - I didn’t even notice anything was wrong at first.”

* The others lose some of their enthusiasm at this.*

Villager 1: “Wait, tell us what happened Edgar. Start at the beginning.”

Edgar: (looking around, wondering why they’re asking questions instead of rushing to action) “T-there’s nothing to tell – I got home and couldn’t find Nora anywhere … I searched the whole house top to bottom but couldn’t –”

Villager 2: "So do you know what exactly happened, then?"

Edgar: (taken aback) "Well, not the details, no … but -?"

Villager 3: “It seems to me the only problem is that she wasn’t waiting for you when you got home. Isn’t that right?”

Edgar: “No, that’s not -”

Villager 4: "What about the windows? Were the windows busted in?" (makes a busting motion)

Edgar: (head swiveling as he tries to follow everyone talking) "No, the windows were fine." (suddenly remembering the state of Nora’s room) “Wait, except for Nora’s win-”

Villager 1: “So there was no sign that anyone broke in?”

Edgar: “No, not that they broke in!” (getting frustrated) “But I’m telling you, Nora’s room was -!” (breaks off as he sees the others exchanging uncomfortable looks) “What? What is it?”

Villager 2: (hesitant) "Well, it’s just ... Edgar, are you certain she’s actually missing?"

Edgar: (slowly getting angry) "What? ‘Am I certain she’s actually missing?’ Do you think I'm making this up?"

Villager 2: (shrinking away) "No, of course not! It's just ... Well, I'm just asking if you're sure, that's all. Isn't it possible that she could have just wandered off while you were gone? Or maybe she’s playing a game and out hiding somewhere?"

Edgar: (shaking his head firmly) "No, I specifically told her to stay in the house when I left."

Villager 1: "Wouldn't be the first time she didn't do as she was told." (wilts under Edgar's sudden glare)

Edgar: "Her room was in shambles, like someone tore it apart!" (makes a broad sweeping motion with his arms)

Villager 3: "No surprise, the way she's always sitting at that window, letting the storms come blowing through. Would be more remarkable if her room were clean than ..." (trails off as Edgar's glare shifts to her)

Edgar: "No, it wasn't just a child's messy room. There was a struggle there!" (pained expression) "She must have been fighting her hardest, waiting for me to come home." (suddenly looks up, remembering something) "Wait, there was ice! There was ice everywhere! Big chunks of it! Don't you think that's strange?!"

*Again the townspeople exchange uneasy glances. Clearly they are skeptical but are reluctant to say anything.*

Villager 1: "With the West Wind the way it's been recently, nothing surprises me anymore. I saw hail the size of quail eggs just last month."

Edgar: (disbelieving) "Quail eggs? But ... I ...."

*He looks around desperately for support, but finds that no one will meet his gaze. He visibly deflates, feeling abandoned. Suddenly, Jasper of all people approaches and puts an arm around his shoulders.*

Jasper: "People, this is unseemly. Our esteemed carpenter has lost his daughter, and here you sit contributing nothing but questions and skepticism! Think of how he must feel! Where is your compassion? The least we could do is pay a visit to his home and have a look for ourselves – examine the scene of the crime. There we might be able to learn more. Don't we owe him that much?"

*The others clearly remain skeptical, but there are murmurs of assent. Edgar looks grateful and grasps Jasper companionably by the arm.*

Edgar: "Thank you, my friend."

Jasper: (his eyes shining suspiciously) "Oh no, think nothing of it. I assure you, it's entirely my pleasure."

*Scene shifts to Edgar's home, where the townspeople gather outside the window and listlessly examine the grass and treeline for clues. Edgar, Jasper, and some others are upstairs in Nora's room.*

Edgar: (disappointed) "The ice must have melted ..."

Jasper: "The room is certainly a mess. It's hard to believe a girl lives here, and not a pack of wild animals." (ignores Edgar's glare)

Edgar: "I told you, it's not normally like this. She must have been attacked!"

Villager 3: "I don't know ... I've seen it looking like this myself a time or two."

*Flashback

Villager 3 is drying her hands after using the washroom on a previous visit. In passing, she sneaks a peek into Nora's room through the cracked door and her eyes widen in shock and disgust at the impressive mess inside.

End Flashback *

Jasper: (nodding thoughtfully) "I see." (sticks his head out the window) "How does it look out there?"

Villager 4: (shouting up) "There's nothing to see here. If the culprit left through the window like he claims, then whoever it was must have flown. Either that or floated away on the wind. There are no footprints anywhere, except for Edgar's."

*Edgar's head perks up at that, as the phrase tickles his memory. Jasper also smiles, as though happy to hear the unimportant comment. They all go downstairs and convene in a group outside.*

Jasper: (thinking out loud to the crowd) "No footprints anywhere, except for ours as we arrived. If there are no footprints in this muddy ground, then I don't see how anyone could have taken your little girl." (knowing smile) "Anyone human, at least."

Villager 2: "I have to agree. All the signs point to Nora simply wandering off somewhere. How could she have been kidnapped if no one even came near the house?" (various sounds of assent)

Edgar: (incredulously looking around, desperate) "I-I can't believe this. My little girl is kidnapped, and no one will even believe me."

Villager 1: (hesitantly) "It's not that we don't believe you Edgar ... but why don't you just give it some time? She's probably off playing in the forest somewhere. She'll be back before you know it, as right as rain."

* Everyone murmurs in agreement, and they take turns patting him on the shoulders and offering various platitudes before wandering back towards town. Soon, Edgar is alone, with only Jasper having remained.*

Edgar: (speaking mostly to himself) "What do I do now? Someone's taken her – I know it. But no one will help. No one even believes me. There's nothing to follow, no tracks, no trail … I don't even know where to begin."

Jasper: "Perhaps I can help with that."

* Edgar gives a start, almost as if he'd forgotten he was not alone. He turns to regard Jasper questioningly, his expression haggard.*

Jasper: "You see, I do believe your lovely daughter was kidnapped." (leaning in conspiratorially) "And I believe I also know who did it."

Edgar: (eyes widening, voice becoming urgent as he grabs Jasper by the shoulders) "You do?! Then what are you waiting for? Who was it? Who did this? Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

Jasper: (shaking himself free in annoyance) "Because, my good man, if I were to speak my suspicions aloud, not only would we be mocked and ridiculed – we might very well be hauled off to the sanitarium."

Edgar: (looking perplexed) "What in the world do you mean?"

Jasper: (leaning close) "Tell me, have you heard of the Four Winds?"

Edgar: (shaking his head in confusion) "The Four Winds? You mean the … those legends? The East Wind, the –"

Jasper: (impatient) "Yes, yes, that's right, the East, the West; the North, the South. Those Four Winds."

Edgar: (confused, wanting to being the search) "Well, of course I have – who hasn't? And Nora's always talking about them. But I don't see what that –"

Jasper: (smiling widely at the mention of Nora) "My good man, as usual you have the muscles of a buffalo and the brain to match. Don't you see? It has everything to do with it! Why do you think there are no tracks to mark the path of the kidnappers in this muddy soil? How do you think your daughter was spirited out of her room and through the window – a certainty with the front door still locked and bolted from the inside? The windswept room, the unseasonable blocks of ice, it all points to one thing!"

Edgar: (incredulous) "Are you trying to tell me that my daughter was taken by the wind?"

Jasper: (growing more excited) "Not just any wind! Is it so impossible to believe? Tell me, have you never wondered about the West Wind these days? About its unusual behavior? It's … unnatural ferocity?"

Edgar: "The West Wind is always ferocious … that much hasn't changed."

Jasper: "Oh, but it has! Perhaps you haven’t noticed, what with your everlasting good fortune, but the last few months, the wind has been much more - shall I say, vicious? - in its rampage … almost as if it had a mind of its own.” (smiling grimly) “Almost as if its will were now turned solely towards destruction.”

Edgar: (scoffing) "That’s nonsense. It’s just the wind - it’s not attacking us on purpose. And it certainly isn’t going around kidnapping children from their bedrooms. This all sounds like it’s straight out of a fairy tale."

Jasper: "Indeed, it does. I don’t blame you for being skeptical. But there are many mysteries in this great wide world of ours – many strange things that defy logic and baffle explanation. Who are we to pretend to understand all of it?”

Edgar: (looking troubled) “I suppose … But even so –”

Jasper: “My good man, this much you can be sure of: there is something different about the West Wind these days, and even if you have not taken notice of it, be certain that there are others who have."

Edgar: "Others? What others?"

Jasper: (smiling secretively now) "Important people ... people from the capital."

Edgar: (surprised) "The capital?"

Jasper: "That's right, the capital! Even the very King himself!" (growing excited) "Oh, he doesn't care a lick about a tiny little hamlet like ours, even with the disasters we've had recently, but this wind – this wild, unholy wind – that has drawn his attention! If things keep getting worse, even the stone and mortar of the royal palace won't be able to stand when the West Wind comes to batter it down."

Edgar: (struggling to process everything) "The King? I don't – I still don't see what this has to do with Nora."

Jasper: (conspiratorially) "Unless I miss my guess, it has quite a bit to do with her. You see, I paid a call on the capital some time ago, after the West Wind’s last little visit."

Edgar: "You went to the capital?"

Jasper: "That's right. I went seeking counsel over the problems we've suffered lately, to request guidance and aid for the entire town. And I was granted an audience with the King himself! Or with his top advisers, at least …"

* Flashback*

Jasper: (skeptical) "The Four Winds? What nonsense is this?" (cringes under the glare of the advisers) "With all due respect."

Adviser: "It is not nonsense, Master … " (looks over papers with spectacles) "– Jester … and I would caution you to watch your tongue in the future."

Jasper: (obsequious) "Of course! My apologies! And it's Jasper …"

Adviser: "Be assured, we have investigated this matter thoroughly ourselves, long before you even thought of traveling here to beg for money to repair your … roof."

Jasper: (shyly) "And porch."

Adviser: (impatiently) "Yes, yes, plus your porch, plus six goats – I've read the petition. It has already been rejected, by the way." ( Jasper deflates) "But of much greater importance is this matter of the wind. Thankfully, our royal sorcerers have already begun to combine their powers to contrive a solution."

Jasper: "Sorcerers?"

Adviser: "Yes. The royal sorcerers advise the King in all matters of the occult. And this demon wind that has ravaged the country these past years certainly qualifies, wouldn't you agree?"

Jasper: "Y-yes, I suppose so …"

Adviser: "Of course you do. In these matters, the King places complete faith in them – it's only natural that his loyal subjects should do the same.” (gestures to someone off-screen)

Jasper: (nodding vigorously) “Yes, yes of course, and, might I add, as one of the King's most loyal followers, I –“

Adviser: (to attendant who has just entered) “Do you have it?”

* The attendant nods and proffers a bundle wrapped in silk while bowing. The attendant unwraps the silk and glances over the bundle disdainfully, his eyebrows rising in surprise.*

Adviser: (skeptical as he turns it over in his hands) “This is it?” (attendant nods) “How odd. Very well, you may go.” (glances contemptuously at a curious Jasper, who is attempting to crane his head around to see the bundle) “While we cannot reimburse you for your roof or other losses, you need not leave here empty-handed.”

Jasper: “Oh?”

Adviser: “As I told you, the royal sorcerers have bent their considerable powers to this matter. Apparently this is the result of their efforts.”

* He slowly unveils the previously hidden bundle, revealing a small bag resembling a wineskin, with a narrow opening at one end. It is covered with strange runes. Jasper regards it silently, not sure what to say. *

Jasper: “This is … for carrying water?”

Adviser: “I should think not. This vessel was created for one purpose and one purpose alone: to capture the West Wind.

Jasper: (incredulous) “Capture the West Wind? Surely you jest! The West Wind is just a legend, a children’s story, the same as the other -”

Adviser: “I will tell you this much, Master Jester. The Four Winds are no legend. The terror they have visited on the kingdom is no mere quirk of the weather - it is too violent, too deliberate for that. No, the Four Winds are as real as you or I. The royal sorcerers have studied this matter for years and believe as much. The King himself believes this!”

Jasper: (eyes wide) “The King you say?”

Adviser: “Yes, the King. And though we may not fully understand it, it is enough to say that if we ever hope to avert these disasters, then the West Wind must be stopped.” (smiles thinly at Jasper, who appears totally enthralled) “And this is where I believe you may be of assistance.”

Jasper: “M-me?”

Adviser: “Yes. You. From all you’ve told us, you seem to be quite familiar with these winds - with the West Wind in particular. Your experience dealing with this menace should serve you well.” (gestures with the bag) “Take this gift from the royal sorcerers with you when you return home – use it to capture the West Wind and bring it back here to the capital.”

Jasper: (stunned) “Capture? The West Wind? H-how …? I-I don’t … I couldn’t possibly ... ”

Adviser: “Come now, why do you hesitate? A man like you should leap at such an opportunity – a chance to be a hero of the people … a savior of the kingdom.”

Jasper: (still reluctant) “Be that as it may … a task such as this, surely it’s too –”

Adviser: “Even when it is the King’s desire? Would you dare refuse his earnest request?”

Jasper: “N-no, of course not … I would never … But at my age, you must understand, even when the heart wills it, if the body is weak -”

Adviser: (smiling darkly) “Ah yes, and lest I forget, should you succeed … well, you would naturally be richly rewarded.”

Jasper: (blinking) “Richly rewarded … you say?”

Adviser: “That’s right. Richly rewarded. As any hero should be.”

Jasper: (brightening noticeably) “My … well, if the need is as great as you say, I suppose that even these old bones of mine could be roused to action.” (licking his lips) “Now this reward you mentioned, would it be … er … precious metals of some sort? Or is it possibly –”

Adviser: “I’m sure that can all be arranged later.” (looming over Jasper) “Now, is it fair to say that we’ve come to an understanding, Master Jester?”

Jasper: “Of course.” (makes an awkward bow) “And may I say what an honor it is to be entrusted with a responsibility such as –?“

Adviser: (cutting him off with a wave of the hand) “Yes, I’m sure it is.” (gestures to one of the attendants, who scurries over) “Inform the sorcerers … our brave countryman has agreed to help and will need instruction in using this … treasure of theirs … so he might complete his task.”

Jasper: (eyes going wide as he begins to realize just what he has agreed to) “I-instructions? Now wait just a moment - is it dangerous? This, err … magic sack?”

Adviser: (shrugging) “Possibly. I suppose you will find out shortly.” (smiles darkly, giving Jasper a meaningful look) “But even if it is dangerous, in the end … is the reward not greater than the risk?”

Jasper: (thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming as the attendant leads him away by the arm) “I suppose it is at that …”

* End flashback *

Jasper: " – and thus it is that I have been entrusted by the King himself with the only weapon that can defend against this terrible wind!" (holds up the strange sack seen in the flashback)

Edgar: "What's that supposed to be? Is it for carrying water?"

Jasper: (scowling) "No, you fool. This magical vessel was crafted specially for me by the royal sorcerers themselves! This is the answer to our problems! With this, we need no longer fear the power of this cursed wind!"

Edgar: (looking unconvinced) "Okay ... But how is that supposed to help us find Nora?"

Jasper: (calming down) "It's simple, Edgar. You want to find Nora. I want to find the West Wind … and Nora too, of course. And I believe we'll find both of them in the same place. We just need to determine where that place is."

Edgar: "And how do we do that?"

Jasper: (smiling slyly) "That's where you come in, my good man."

Edgar: "Me?"

Jasper: "Yes, you. Your daughter knows more about them than any normal person should. She obviously has some special connection with this strange wind, some sort of affinity. That must be why they took her – they certainly didn't just snatch her for the thrill of it!"

Edgar: (shaking his head) "I still find it hard to believe that the Four Winds are behind this. They're just … well, they’re the wind! And fairy tales at that …"

Jasper: "The royal sorcerers – the King himself believes they are! Is that not enough to convince you?"

Edgar: (levelly) "I don't know these sorcerers any better than they know me. And just because the King says something doesn't make it so. If he tells me I can fly, does that mean I should climb up onto the roof, spread my arms, and jump off? Huh?" (flaps his arms with a serious expression)

Jasper: (sputtering) “Wh-what? You fool, do you dare to mock the King?” (exasperated, visibly collects himself) "Fine, fine, tell me this, then – do you have any other ideas? Any other leads to pursue? Or trails to follow?"

Edgar: (deflating) "No. Otherwise I wouldn’t still be here."

Jasper: "Then why not this one? Trust me, if we find the West Wind, then we will find your daughter!"

Edgar: (shaking his head) “I still don’t see how -”

Jasper: (impatient) “You don’t have to see! Why are you dawdling? Don’t you want your daughter back?!”

Edgar: “Of course I do!”

Jasper: “Then as I see it, you have only two options. Remain here, doing nothing but wringing your hands and praying for your daughter to magically reappear. Or, you can trust in the King, trust in me, and take action! Which will it be?”

Edgar: "Alright, alright. I suppose it is better than doing nothing. But I still don't know where to even begin –"

Jasper: (insistently) "Come now, Edgar, this is your daughter! You know what a close kinship she has with the wind. Surely she left some clue behind – said or did something unusual, perhaps an offhand remark, or a favorite place she liked to visit. Think! There must be –"

Edgar: (eyes widening) "Wait, there was something …"

Jasper: "Yes?! What? What is it?"

Edgar: "Well, it's probably nothing, but there was a place … we passed it once when we were walking home. She said something strange then …“

* Flashback *

Nora: "That cave … The wind feels different there … restless …"

* End flashback *

Edgar: (face grows sad) "That’s it. She didn’t say much at the time, but I always remembered it. I wanted to go there with her someday.” (sighs) “But I don't …" (trails off as Jasper grabs his arm urgently)

Jasper: (grinning triumphantly, eyes feverish) "That place … Take me there!"

*Fade out*