* Fade in. Nora wakes up in a dark place. She can hear voices speaking but can't quite see them, only their outlines. There is no light, but it seems she's in a large space, as the voices echo a bit. She keeps quiet and quickly shuts her eyes before they discover she's awake, squinting her eyes so she can see.*

 

Female Stranger: (features indistinct) "I told you we shouldn't have let the North do it! We're lucky he didn't just turn her into an ice cube!"

Male Stranger 1: (also indistinct) "Are you saying we should have let you go? If you went to get her, the two of you would still be sitting in her house, drinking tea and chatting."

Female Stranger: (indignant) "That's not true! It's just that I like talking things through – discussing problems, rather than –"

Male Stranger 1: "It doesn't matter. She's here. That's the important thing."

Female Stranger: (refusing to budge) "It does matter! She could have been hurt!" (speaking to Male Stranger 2, though we still can't see him at all) "And you! Don't you have any manners? How could you treat a lady like that? Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" (long silence) "Don't you make that face at me!"

Male Stranger 1: "Quiet. She's awake."

 

* Nora gulps, realizing she's been discovered. As she opens her eyes fully and sits up, she realizes there are three other figures standing around her, two men and a woman. The moon begins to emerge from behind a cloud, slowly illuminating the group. One of the men is the same one who abducted her; when she sees him she gasps and scoots herself backwards.*

 

Female Stranger: (angrily) "There, you see?! She's terrified of him!" (to Male Stranger 2) "You beast!"

Male Stranger 1: (exasperated) "Enough!" (to Nora) "Do not be frightened. We did not bring you all the way here to do you harm."

Nora: (scared) "Who are you?" (glances at Female Stranger) "I remember you … from town."

Female Stranger: (smirking, tossing her hair) "Well, I am sort of hard to forget."

Male Stranger 1: "Quiet." (giving Nora an intense look) "You asked who we are. A fair question. But you already know the answer …. don't you?"

 

* Nora does not respond. Her fear has vanished, and she looks at Male Stranger 1 with a considering expression, as though straining to recognize something at the edge of her memory. Very faintly, the wind begins to stir, tugging at the hem of her skirt. She looks down, and suddenly her eyes widen.*

 

Nora: (awed) "You're the wind …"

East Wind: (nodding with the hint of a smile) "Yes. I knew you could do it. As you say, we are the wind. Or rather the spirits of the wind." (gesturing to the woman) "This is the South Wind."

South Wind: (friendly) "Hi again!"

East Wind: (rolling his eyes) "And I believe you've met the North Wind as well."

 

* Nora timidly glances at the standoffish North Wind, who stares off into space, completely aloof.*

 

East Wind: "And I am the East Wind. Together, we are the spirits that guide the winds of the earth, giving them shape and direction as we see fit, leading them hither and thither across the breadth of the land.”

 

* Nora nods silently, still stunned by the turn of events. She looks at each of the winds in turn, her eyes wide. Finally, as the silence grows too long, she speaks. *

 

Nora: (shyly) “Pleased to meet you all.” (suddenly seems to realize something) “There are only three of you here … What about the West Wind?"

East Wind: (looking serious) "He is there." (points)

Nora: (following his finger, sees a figure huddled in on himself near the edge of a precipice. She gasps) "The old man …"

 

* Flashback *

The old man watches Nora from the edge of the forest while she fearfully ducks away from just inside her bedroom window.

* End flashback *

 

East Wind: "Yes, that 'old man' is the spirit of the West Wind."

Nora: "He doesn't look too good."

East Wind: "It is as you say. He has not been well for some time.” (somber pause) “I fear his end is fast approaching."

Nora: (gasps) "His end? You mean he's dying?"

East Wind: (shaking his head) "Not dying. At least, not in the sense you're familiar with. But he is old now, and he has grown so weak that he cannot continue in his role any longer. It is nearly time for him to pass on."

Nora: (whispering politely) "How old is he?"

East Wind: (raising an eyebrow at the question) "How old? It is difficult to say – we do not reckon time as you do. But … the West is the oldest of us, much older than even I." (makes a face) "And the youngest of course is –"

South Wind: (raising a hand gaily) "Me!"

East Wind: (rolling eyes) "Yes … and ever since even she became the South, many winters have passed. Many, many ... many winters."

South Wind: (grimacing) "It hasn't been that many!"

Nora: (conciliatory) "I–I think I get the idea."

East Wind: (nodding) "Good. Then surely you will understand. With all things in this world, there are beginnings as well as endings. The wind is no different, and sadly the end of the spirit of the West is nearly upon us. And as that end draws ever nearer, his ability to contain the fury of his wind dwindles. We have done what we can to aid him, but soon, we will be unable to prevent that wind from raging uncontrolled, destroying everything in its path."

Nora: (pale and shocked) "Is it that bad?"

South Wind: (tired and dejected) "That bad and worse! You have no idea how tough it's been with the West like this. We've been trying to fix all the problems he causes, but it's just been too much. Why, just last week, do you know what he did? There was this poor little windmill by the river, and he –"

East Wind: (holding up a hand) "Enough. We did not bring her all this way to burden her with our problems." (leaning down close to Nora) "We brought you here because you are very special."

Nora: "I am? Why?"

East Wind: "Why? It is because you can hear the voice of the wind.” (nods at Nora's blank stare) “Yes, that's it. A simple thing, but not a small thing. In fact, it is something that's impossible for most anyone in the entire world.”

South Wind: “It's the same reason that you can see us but your father can't.”

Nora: (considering this, her eyes widen) “Wait, that time in the village square … You mean that's why he couldn't see you?”

South Wind: (smiling brightly) “Uh–huh! In fact, you're the only one that's been able to see me since …” (begins counting to herself, ticking off various things on her fingers before lowering her head, depressed) “Hmm, it's been quite a while, hasn’t it ... ?”

Nora: (smiling sadly) “That must be hard. Having no one who can see you, I mean.”

South Wind: (nodding forlornly) “It is, it is. The only ones I've spoken with in I don't know how long are … these two.” (gestures to the others with her hands, then sighs deeply and shakes her head dejectedly)

East Wind: (narrowing his eyes at her) “Yes, it's been hard on all of us.”

Nora: (hesitating in the heavy atmosphere before speaking up) “So … what do you want from me?”

East Wind: “It is not us that called you here … it is him.” (gestures towards the prone form of the West Wind)

Nora: (eyes darting to the old man) “The West Wind? But why?”

East Wind: “I cannot say for certain.”

Nora: “You can't? Does he want me to help somehow? Maybe I can try to heal him?”

East Wind: “Perhaps he does. Or … perhaps –“

 

*Suddenly, the Winds all perk their heads at once, as though sensing something at the same instant.*

 

Nora: "What's wrong?"

East Wind: "Intruders have entered the cave ... two of them."

Nora: (brightening) "It must be Papa! He must have come for me." (to herself) "But who's the other one … ?"

East Wind: "This is not your concern. We will deal with it. You stay here until we -"

Nora: "Wait, what if one of them is Papa? You won't hurt them, will you?"

 

* The East Wind suddenly looks uncertain. The South Wind notices and speaks up.*

 

South Wind: "Don't worry! It's not like we're going to kill them - just break a leg or two!"

 

* The East Wind squeezes his eyes shut in exasperation as Nora looks horrified.*

 

Nora: "Please! Please don't hurt Papa! I'll stay here, but you have to promise you won't hurt him!"

East Wind: (exasperated) "I can't -"

Nora: (stubborn) "You have to promise! You have to! I'll run away if you don't!"

East Wind: (looking haggard and sighing) "Very well. I understand. We will refrain from doing any ... permanent harm to the intruders."

Nora: (insistent) "You promise?!"

East Wind: (eye twitching) "Yes. We ... promise.” (growing serious) “Now remain here. Sit and listen closely to the wind, with your heart and mind open to their fullest, and all of your questions will surely be answered."

 

* The East and North Wind rocket off, but the South Wind remains behind, rooting around for something in her pocket. Nora watches curiously.*

 

South Wind: (muttering) "I know it's here somewhere ... Ah!"

 

* With a beaming smile, she pulls out a small seashell and hands it to Nora, who accepts it in confusion.*

 

South Wind: "We should be back soon, but in case something happens and you get in trouble, you can use that."

Nora: (still confused) "A seashell? What does it do?" (she puts it to her ear experimentally, as one does when they want to listen to the sound of the ocean)

South Wind: "It's for protection. Just make sure you point it at the bad guy. I made that mistake once, and … Well, once was enough."

Nora: (turning the shell in her hands in confusion) "Wait, which end goes at the bad –?"

South Wind: (not hearing her) "Just sit tight! We'll be back soon!"

 

* With that, she too blasts away, leaving Nora alone with the nearly comatose spirit of the West Wind. As she is forced to wait, she watches him carefully, her expression confused and troubled.

Further back in the cave, the South Wind meets with the others, who are observing Edgar and Jasper from high above. The two men are slowly wandering their way through the cavern, with Edgar continuously calling out.*

 

Edgar: "Nora! Nora! Where are you?! Can you hear me?!"

Jasper: (clearly annoyed with the yelling) "What's the point of asking if she can hear you? Of course she can't hear you! If she could hear you, then she would have answered by now! Or do you think she'll only respond if you specifically ask if she –?"

Edgar: (ignoring him) "Nora! It's Papa! Can you hear me?!"

Jasper: (muttering) "Ah, noisy buffalo!"

 

*The Winds silently watch them pass beneath them and out of view, Edgar's shouts echoing along behind them.*

 

South Wind: (cheerfully) "Well, what are we waiting for? Shall we send them tumbling!" (rolls up her sleeves)

East Wind: (holding up a hand to forestall her) "Wait a moment. Something doesn't feel right. Let's just follow them for now."

South Wind: (disappointed) "Awww …"

 

*Together the three spirits blast through the upper reaches of the cavern, getting ahead of the two men again. The East Wind seems to be especially interested in the sack at Jasper's waist.*

 

East Wind: "Do you see it - that bag tied at his waist?" (the others nod) "Something worries me … there are dark runes inscribed all across it. We should be careful around –"

South Wind: "Leave it to me! I'll blast it off him in a jiff!" (she shoots off towards Jasper)

East Wind: (trying to stop her) "Wait!"

 

* Jasper, alert for the presence of the Winds, perks up as the air begins to stir.*

 

Jasper: (nervous anticipation) "Get ready. Something's coming." (begins to ready the bag, loosening the opening)

Edgar: "Ready? What's coming?"

Jasper: (scowling) "Don't worry about what it is. Just stay out of the way."

 

* The blast of wind takes them both by surprise with its power. Edgar is fine, but Jasper, who is smaller, is nearly lifted off his feet.*

 

Jasper: "Whoa! Here now, grab a hold. Keep me steady! I'll handle this!"

 

* Edgar complies and holds the smaller man in place, preventing him from being blown away. Jasper opens the bag and smiles viciously as the (unseen) visage of a brightly smiling South Wind comes racing for him.*

 

Jasper: (triumphantly) "You're mine!"

 

* The happy smile of the South Wind melts to surprise as she finds herself drawn inexorably towards the open mouth of the bag. With a sudden rush, she disappears inside the sack. Immediately, the wind dies down.

Edgar breathes a sigh of relief as the gale vanishes, but Jasper, still held in his arms, is grinning maniacally, gesturing excitedly and uncaring that he is being held aloft like a child.*

 

Jasper: (beaming) "It worked! Did you see that?! It worked! I caught it!"

Edgar: (setting him down) "Caught what?"

Jasper: "The wind! I caught the wind! It's here now, inside this pouch!" (gestures to the sack and then seems to notice the symbols on the side as one of them begins to glow) "Oh, look at this! It's glowing! Looks like I caught a big one, eh?"

 

* As they watch, the symbol for South becomes fully illuminated.*

 

Edgar: "It says 'South' What does that mean?"

Jasper: (clicks his tongue) "Blast. Got the wrong one."

Edgar: "Wrong one?"

Jasper: "It's the West Wind I'm after. That's the only one that matters. The others are worth nothing to me." (looks at the bag thoughtfully) "Still, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to hold onto this one … just in case." (leers at the bag and smacks it roughly) "You don't mind, do you?" (laughs mockingly)

 

* Above them, the East and North Winds watch as the two men continue their march into the depths of the cave. The East Wind looks thoroughly disgusted.*

 

East Wind: (shaking his head, covering his face with his hand) "Foolish … I told her to wait. I had a feeling that sack would be nothing but trouble."

North Wind: " … "

East Wind: “Should we rescue her?” (pauses a moment, seriously considering whether or not to just leave her. Finally, he sighs and nods) "Yes, I suppose we should."

North Wind: (nodding) " … "

East Wind: "You want to go? Fine. It seems we don't have a choice. I'll support you. But don't be reckless! We still don't know exactly what that bag can do."

 

* They rocket off. Beneath them, Jasper is marching forward energetically while Edgar trails behind him uncertainly.*

 

Edgar: "So that … sack actually caught the wind? And not just any wind, but the South Wind? The South Wind?"

Jasper: (glancing back disparagingly) "You needn't sound so shocked. I told you, this vessel was crafted and entrusted to me by the royal sorcerers themselves! Who can say what sort of spells and enchantments they've laid about it?"

Edgar: (skeptical) "It just looks like a sack to me. How do we even know the South Wind is in there?"

Jasper: (holding the roiling bag in Edgar's face) "What do you think is making it do this then, hmm? Do you think I stuffed it full of cats while you weren't looking?" (points to the illuminated South symbol) "And what about this? Do you think this lit up on its own?"

Edgar: (brushing the bag aside, causing Jasper to snatch it back jealously) "I don't know - it could be filled with the wind, or with cats, or with diamonds for all I care. I just want to find Nora."

Jasper: (smirking) "A bag of diamonds … Now that would make crawling through this cave almost worthwhile. But don't you see – this means I was right! The pouch worked just as the King told me it would! And with the Four Winds here, it surely means your daughter is somewhere in this cave as well!"

Edgar: (smiling slightly at the thought) "You're right. It's just like you said. She must be here after all!" (begins shouting again) "Nora! Are you here?! Papa's coming!"

Jasper: (annoyed) "Ah, stop shouting you ox!"

* Deeper inside the cave, Nora is waiting despondently, seated on the ground with her knees drawn up to her chest. As she sits there, her gaze locked on a random spot on the floor, a gust of wind stirs her bangs lightly, drawing her attention.

She looks around expectantly, but there is nobody aside from the old man, who is still comatose. With nothing better to do, she cautiously rises to her feet and creeps over to watch him. Although she is careful and quiet, she is still taken by surprise when the air around the old man suddenly bursts and swirls violently, like a tiny hurricane. The force is enough to knock her off her feet, and with a yelp, she quickly scrambles back to her original position.

Her curiosity quickly brings her to her feet again, however, and soon she is approaching the old man once more. The wind surges against her, but she easily dances through it and casually takes a seat next to the prone figure.*

 

Nora: “Not very friendly, are you?” (waits for a reply, but the man does not open his eyes) “I'm Nora, by the way.”

 

* The wind suddenly gusts around her furiously, leaving her hair in a tangled mess across her face.*

 

Nora: (deadpan) “Hi.”

 

* Some distance away, Edgar and Jasper walk together, continuing to argue. Suddenly, they both fall silent as the wind begins to blow again. Jasper recovers with an expectant grin.*

 

Jasper: "You feel that? It seems we have some more company."

Edgar: "The wind again? I thought you caught it already."

Jasper: (whispering intently) "It's the South Wind I caught. And if you haven't completely forgotten the stories your mother fed you at bedtime, then you should know there are still three others running around out here."

Edgar: (still unconvinced they really caught the South Wind) "I see … But, then can't you just catch them all in that … umm, sack?"

Jasper: (sighing, shaking his head) "No, I cannot. The royal sorcerers were very clear on that matter. This vessel can hold one of the Four Winds at a time, and only one. If I collect another, then I will have to let this one go. And I do plan to collect another."

Edgar: "Then what –?"

Jasper: "Quiet! I need to concentrate!"

 

* As they argue, he notices his breath beginning to show as the temperature around them drops. As Edgar begins to shiver and rub his arms from the cold, Jasper is busy muttering to himself and fumbling with the strings on the sack.*

 

Jasper: (muttering) "This had better work …"

Edgar: (shivering from the cold) "What had better –?"

 

* Jasper unties the opening of the bag, pointing it vaguely in the direction the wind is coming from. Unseen by either of the two men, the North Wind is approaching them. As soon as the mouth of the bag is open, the South Wind comes rocketing out, nearly causing Jasper to fall down from the sudden blast. He quickly closes the opening, holding the ties tight, but the South Wind continues her advance, looking harried and confused. The North Wind is surprised to see her, his eyes going wide.*

 

South Wind: (frantic) "Look out!"

 

* They nearly collide in midair, with the North Wind barely able to desperately throw himself out of her way. It seems the South Wind is not able to control herself due to the power of the magic bag. As he glances back after her, he can see that she is looping around to attack him again, crying out in dismay all the while.*

 

South Wind: "Move, move! Out of the way! I can't control myself!"

 

* He lurches aside again, but takes a glancing blow and spins through the air. After recovering himself, his eyes narrow dangerously. The next time she returns, he firms his jaw and holds his ground with a solid stance. He raises a hand, causing the South Wind to pale, her eyes widening.*

 

South Wind: "Wait, what are you doing?! You're not really going to –?"

 

* The North Wind lets loose with a blast of ice, causing the South Wind to scream and flinch away. But her warm air melts most of the ice, and she is able to escape unharmed.

Above them, the East Wind is watching as they stumble around each other. He sighs at the ridiculousness of it all, but his eyes narrow as he sees Jasper with his hands tightly clutching the ties of the bag.*

 

East Wind: (to himself) "We need to do something about that sack …"

 

* He blasts down to confront the South Wind, interceding between the two.*

 

East Wind: (sternly) "What are you doing?"

South Wind: (nearly in tears) "I can't help it! Something is making me do it!"

East Wind: (sighing, turns to the North Wind) "I'll keep the South company. See if you can do something about that one." (gestures with his chin to Jasper)

 

* The North Wind nods and takes off without another look back. The East Wind narrows his eyes at the South Wind, who looks miserable and apologizes as she dives in for the attack. However, the East Wind simply dances aside with minimal effort, avoiding her completely; he is not trying to defeat her but merely stall her while the North Wind goes to work.

Below, Edgar and Jasper are watching the invisible battle intently, although they cannot see much of anything but the secondary effects of the swirling wind. The sound is impressive, though, and Jasper is watching with rapt attention. Unseen by them, the North Wind is rapidly approaching.*

 

Edgar: "Is it my imagination, or is it getting colder?"

Jasper: (glancing back impatiently, then eyes widening in surprise) "Judging by the icicles growing in your mustache, it's probably more than your imagination." (winces at a strong blast of freezing air) "Oh no you don't!"

 

* With a heave of the bag, Jasper directs the closed mouth at the oncoming North Wind. The South Wind yelps as she is dragged along as though tied to an anchor, and the East Wind goes after her in close pursuit. The North Wind glances over his shoulder and sees the South Wind coming; before she overtakes and tangles him, he shoots a desperate blast of cold air near the feet of Jasper. A patch of ice instantly forms, and Jasper, who is totally focused on the wind battle he can hear but cannot see, suddenly loses his footing with a careless step.

He is standing near a dangerous ravine, and he shouts in alarm, flailing his arms and loosening his grip on the bag. With the ties open, the illuminated "South" symbol on the bag goes dark, and the South Wind suddenly finds herself free.*

 

South Wind: (pleasantly surprised, looking happily at her hands) "Oh, what's this? I can move again! Look, look at this - I’m free!" (she twirls around gaily, ignoring the dark frazzled looks of the other two winds)

 

*Meanwhile, Jasper has lost his footing and is dangerously close to slipping over the edge of the precipice. He nearly falls to his doom, but Edgar manages to snag his arm and pull him up to safety.*

 

Jasper: (sitting on the ground, breathing deeply) "M-my, that was close. I'm saved … thanks to that strength of yours."

Edgar: (smiling jovially) "It does come in handy from time to time.”

Jasper: (suddenly frantic) “Wait, the pouch!” (stares fearfully into the ravine) “Don't tell me it –!”

Edgar: (innocently holding the bag aloft) “Looking for your sack? I've got it right here.”

Jasper: (eyes widening as he spies the bag) “My pouch!” (his eyes turn jealous) “Quick, you oaf, give it here!”

 

* Edgar does not reply but merely hands the bag back with an unreadable expression. Jasper snatches it away, only looking up at Edgar once the bag is firmly in his possession.*

 

Jasper: “My apologies for snapping at you. It's just … the royal sorcerers entrusted this artifact to me alone. Bearing it is a grave responsibility. You understand, I trust?”

Edgar: (expression still unreadable) “Of course.” (looks up thoughtfully) “Look, the wind has stopped."

Jasper: (tying the bag to his belt) "So it has. And not a moment too soon." (stands, dusting himself off with a sigh) "The wind has stopped, but as much as I'd like to call this our win, it seems a draw at best. Look." (points to the bag, specifically the dull "South" symbol) "We may have driven them off, but we've also lost the South Wind."

Edgar: (shrugging) "I don't even know what we'd do with it. But you caught it once – I'm sure you can catch it again."

Jasper: "You think it's so simple? You make it sound like child's play, to catch a legend and hold it in the palm of your hand. This sort of good fortune is not always so easy to come by." (narrowing his eyes, whispering to himself) “Except for someone like you perhaps …“

Edgar: (unsympathetically) "Even if it doesn't, right now I'm more interested in finding my daughter than chasing after some wind. Let's keep moving."

 

* He marches onward, missing the dangerous angry glint in Jasper's eye. Some distance off, the winds are consulting, with the South Wind quite shaken up.*

 

South Wind: "It was awful! I felt like a puppet dancing on a string!"

East Wind: (annoyed) "That's why I told you to wait!" (calmer) "That sack is dangerous. To think that such a thing could even exist ..."

South Wind: "It just sucked me right in! I couldn't get away!"

East Wind: "Yes, I noticed. But the question is what to do about it." (looks over at the North Wind) "What do you think?" (the North Wind stares off into the distance and is silent as usual, not answering. The East Wind sighs loudly and mutters) "Hmph, helpful as always."

 

* Deeper in the cave, Nora is still seated beside the old man. The wind swirls around her, stirring her hair and ruffling her clothes, but she ignores it as she stares intently at the prone figure.*

 

Nora: “I'm sorry you're not feeling well. The East Wind said that you're very sick.” (pause) “I'm not really sure what could make the wind sick, but I guess if another wind said it, it must be true, right?” (pause) “It must be tough … being the West Wind. You must have a lot of work to do.” (smiles slightly, her gaze thoughtful) “Still, I wonder what it's like, flying around everywhere like you, soaring over the treetops and through the clouds. It must be something amazing – well, sometimes, I mean, not when –”

 

* The wind blows constantly while she speaks, punctuating her silences, but at this moment the wind surges more forcefully, mussing her hair and forcing her to squint uncomfortably. *

 

Nora: (fixing her hair) “Alright, alright, I got it, I'll be quiet.”

 

* She remains a while longer, enjoying the feel of the wind on her face before she stands to wander about the cave. She is drawn to the large opening at one end, a wide mouth that opens to a starry sky outside, clearly visible in the darkness. The gaping chasm at her feet does not bother her. She smiles, attracted to the bright stars above her; she stands on her toes, feeling the stars drawing just a bit closer.

Suddenly she stumbles, losing her balance. She nearly topples over the edge, but a gust of wind violently blows her back, leaving her sprawled on the ground. Her eyes are wide, but not because of her near fall. *

 

* Flashback *

Nora as a child is playing near the river. The bank gives way, nearly dropping her into dangerously churning rapids, but a stray gust of wind blows her back, sending her tumbling onto her back. Edgar, along with others, immediately rush to surround her, relieved that she is safe, but Nora can only stare wide-eyed at the river's edge, where the faint outline of an old man smiles gently at her.

* End flashback *

 

Nora: (tenderly, drawing closer to the old man) "It was you, wasn't it? You were the one who saved me that day. I always wondered … I would have drowned if it weren't for you." (Waits silently, but there is no reply) "Thank you. Everyone says you're evil, that you only bring harm and destruction. But I know that's not true."

 

* The old man’s eyes suddenly flicker open. Nora gasps. Trembling, she leans close and looks deep into his eyes. There is no sound except for the rushing and swirling of the wind. As she descends deeper and is soon lost in his gaze, she inhales sharply and gives a start, as though seeing something terribly important. Her eyes widen and sparkle as if she's looking into the heart of a thousand galaxies. She recoils in shock at some epiphany. *

 

Edgar: (shouting from off-screen) "Nora! Where are you?!"

Nora: (does not hear at first, but is finally startled from her reverie; whispers happily) "Papa!"

 

* She begins to race away, but she slows and comes to a stop, turning back. Her expression darkens as her eyes fall on the old man again. Her expression is complex; it cycles through sadness to despondency to utter grief and finally to determination very quickly. She gets up, wipes her eyes, and walks calmly to meet Edgar as he and Jasper emerge into the open space.

Edgar spies Nora immediately. His eyes widen and then soften in happiness with unshed tears. He races to meet her; they hug fiercely.*

 

Edgar: "Nora! Thank goodness I found you!"

Nora: "Papa!"

 

*As they share a heartfelt embrace, her expression is not relieved, but troubled. She accepts the hug greedily, like someone dying of thirst. Edgar is surprised at first but happily accepts her desperate embrace. During this, Jasper is first transfixed by the vastness of the cavern and then by the mass of swirling wind filling the space. Finally, his gazes finds the form of the old man. His eyes widen and then narrow villainously.*

 

Jasper: (breathlessly, his eyes locked on the old man) "Could it be?"

Nora: (noticing Jasper, disengages herself from Edgar) "What is he doing here?"

Edgar: "Jasper? He helped me find you! Without him I never would have made it here. He -"

Nora: (urgent) "He shouldn't be here, Papa! You have to make him leave!"

Edgar: (totally confused) "What? Make him leave? What are you talking about?"

Jasper: (lost in his wonder, ignoring everything else) "Is it really him? Such a frail thing ... has he been the one tormenting me all these years?"

Nora: “How can you see him?!” (noticing Jasper approaching the old man) "Stop! Leave him alone!"

Edgar: "What's all this about? Who is that man?"

Jasper: (loosening the bag) "The object of our search, Edgar. It must be. Just look at this wind. Can't you feel its power? Now be quiet and stay out of my business, just as you promised."

Nora: (eyes darting to Edgar) "Papa, what is he talking about?"

 

* His answer is lost as the wind begins to pick up. The old man's eyes open fully, and he slowly begins to rise painfully to his feet. Jasper quails back at the sight of him, but the old man's eyes are unfocused, and it becomes quickly evident that he barely has the strength to even stand. Nevertheless, the wind begins to roar as he raises his arms.*

 

Nora: (crying out to the old man) "No, don't do it! Please stop!"

 

* Jasper shrinks back fearfully at the fierce howling of the wind, but he readies the bag almost by instinct, drawing the ties open. *

 

Nora: (placing herself between the two, her arms outspread) “Please stop! Don't fight!” (she shies away as the wind grows ever stronger, out of control) “You can't -!”

 

* Jasper can only watch fearfully, the bag held at the ready entirely by reflex. Suddenly, the wind vanishes, leaving them in silence, allowing them to hear clearly as the old man gasps powerfully, as though his spirit is departing his body. A moment later, the wind explodes furiously. Nora is blown back violently into Jasper, who in turn is sent sprawling. The old man is nowhere to be seen – only the massive form of the West Wind remains.

The wind swirls around the cave like a tiger ready to pounce before gathering itself sluggishly and heading towards Jasper and Nora.*

 

Nora: (tearfully) “He's gone … Why did he –?”

Jasper: (shakily standing beside her) “Out of the way, girl. I didn't come all this way to give up now!”

 

* More hopeful than determined, he faces the oncoming wind and opens the ties of the bag. To his great pleasure, he discovers that the bag works, and it slowly begins to draw the mighty West Wind inside.*

 

Jasper: (watching joyfully as the wind is drawn into the bag) “Yes, yes! It's working! It's working!”

 

* Little by little the wind vanishes inside the bag until it is finally completely captured. In the sudden silence that results, the only sound to be heard is the violent roiling of the bag as the wind struggles against it and Jasper's own excited laughter.*

 

Jasper: (triumphantly) “Haha, you old fool! To actually deliver yourself directly into my hands!” (holds the bag aloft, watching with glee as the “West” symbol flashes brightly) “Finally, I've done it! The West Wind is mine!”

Nora: (rising unsteadily to her feet) “What … what is that? What happened?”

Jasper: “What happened is that I've succeeded! The West Wind is mine! I've captured it inside this very pouch!”

Nora: (eyes widening) “Captured?! How is that -?” (she suddenly lunges for the sack) “No! You can't!”

Jasper: (blocking her attempts and grabbing her by the wrist) “Enough of that, little lady! I won't have you ruining all of my hard work now!”

Nora: (struggling against him) “Let go! You can't take it!”

Edgar: (quietly) “Nora ...”

Nora: (stops her struggling) “Papa! Papa, you have to tell him –!”

Edgar: (still quiet) “Nora … That's enough.”

Nora: (confused) “Enough? What do you mean? We have to –”

Edgar: “Leave him be, Nora.”

Nora: (pleading) "Papa, what are you talking about? Leave him be? We can't let him do this! We can't let him take the West Wind away!"

Edgar: (looking away ashamed) "That's enough, Nora. We had an agreement … As long as he helped to get you back safe and sound, he could do whatever he wanted with that … thing." (sighing) "He's done his part … now I should do mine."

Jasper: (still grinning proudly) "I'm glad you see it that way." (holding the sack up) "And lest you should misunderstand, this is not for my own gain. The King will surely put this to good use – for the good of the people."

Edgar: (gritting his teeth, upset) "T-that's none of my concern. Come on, Nora. Let's go home."

Nora: (shaking her head vehemently) "No, Papa, this isn't right! The wind should be free – you can't lock it in a cage or stuff it inside a bag! We have to stop him!"

 

* Nora tries to go to Edgar to convince him, but she finds that Jasper has a firm hold on her wrist and won't release her. He looks down at her with a malicious smile. Edgar notices as well. *

 

Edgar: (angrily) "What are you doing, Jasper?"

Jasper: (playfully) "Oh my, with all of this running around, it must have slipped my mind ... You see, Edgar, there was one other important task the King entrusted to me ..."

 

* Flashback *

Adviser: "This girl you spoke of - the one favored by the wind. The King has an interest in her as well. What you have reported is ... intriguing, to say the least. What business could these wind devils have with her? What power does she have over them? It is a mystery that only the royal sorcerers can hope to unlock. (distastefully) They certainly have their ways … Bring her as well - the wind and the girl. Bring them both and your reward will be … " (amused smile) “Well, I daresay it will be beyond even your wildest dreams.”

* End flashback *

 

Jasper: (grinning) "So you see, things have changed somewhat. And after an offer like that ... Who could hope to resist?"

Edgar: (incredulous) "But we had an agreement!"

Jasper: "Yes, had an agreement. Unfortunately for you I'd already accepted a better one."

Edgar: (approaching Jasper angrily) "Have you lost your mind? You already got what you wanted, didn't you? You'll get plenty of gold for what's in that bag, more than you can use in a lifetime. And it's still not enough for you?"

Jasper: (snapping angrily) "Who are you to tell me how much is enough?" (shakes the bag roughly) "How many times has this infernal wind destroyed my home, ruined my crops, laid waste to my land? How many times have I been forced to rebuild, to pick up the shattered pieces of my livelihood? How often has it turned the fruits of my sweat and labor to dust?! And all the while you laugh at me, safe and untouched inside your cozy little house, you and this little wind witch!" (shakes Nora by the arm) "Where's the justice in that? How many times did she spare your house by sending that devil storm to ravage my land?! You turned the very wind itself against me, and yet you still pretend to be innocent? Well, I've had enough! Finally, fortune has smiled down on me and delivered everything right into my hands! And I mean to make the most of it!"

Edgar: (pleading, slowly drawing closer) "Just let her go … please. You already have the West Wind. You don't need her. Just let her go, and you can walk out of here with your sack and your gold. I won't try to stop you – you'll never hear from us again. Just let her go. I beg you."

Jasper: (appearing to consider) "I see. My thanks for your generous offer. But I believe I will decline."

 

* With a casualness that takes everyone by surprise, he opens the mouth of the sack, pointing it directly at Edgar. The West Wind comes roaring out like a shot from a cannon. Edgar's eyes go wide as the sudden burst of wind smacks him in the chest and sends him hurtling through the air and over the edge of the ravine.*

 

Nora: (screaming) "No!!" (tries to rush to the edge, but Jasper has a firm grip on her wrist) "Let go of me! Papa! Papa!"

Jasper: "Haha! Good riddance! Fool." (braces himself as the wind rushes back into the bag)

Nora: (sobbing) "Papa … No …" (slumps to the ground) "Why? How could you?"

Jasper: (sneering down at her but then distracted by the sack, which is roiling violently) "Whoa there … Calm down!" (finally the trembling settles) "Hmph, more lively than the South, aren't you?"

Nora: "How could you do this? Papa trusted you."

Jasper: “And what of it?”

Nora: (shouting) "Why are you doing this?! We're neighbors aren't we? Didn't we help you fix your house?"

Jasper: (sneering) "Yes you did, and a fine job you did of it! But do you think that sort of thing matters where gold is involved? Mountains of gold?!"

Nora: (tearfully) "But we're neighbors! Papa said that even if we don't like one another, even if we don't get along, that we should always help each other. That's what neighbors do!"

Jasper: "Little girl, your Papa is a fool. And that's why he's now lying on the bottom of this ravine."

Nora: "No!" (calling out for him) "Papa! Papa!"

Jasper: "Your Papa's finished!" (gesturing over the edge of the cliff) "Your precious West Wind saw to that!"

Nora: (shouting) "I don't believe you!"

Jasper: "It doesn't matter what you believe. He's gone and he won't be coming back. Now come along. I'm sure the King and his sorcerers have some big plans for you." (begins dragging her along behind him by the wrist)

Nora: (crying out and struggling furiously) "Stop it! Let go of me! Papa! Papa!"

Jasper: (getting angry) "Quiet! Stop struggling! No one's left to save you!"

Nora: "Papa!"

 

* He continues to yank her along as we pan down the face of the cliff, where Edgar is recovering from his fall, his leg injured but the rest of him otherwise unharmed as he huddles against the wall atop a narrow ledge. As he rubs his head, he looks out towards the drop where he can see the faint image of the East Wind swirling about. Abruptly, he realizes that the wind guided him to the ledge and cushioned him as he fell, saving his life.*

 

Edgar: (whispering painfully) "Thank you."

 

* As he sits thinking of what to do, he hears Nora's voice far above crying for him. The wind flies up the cliff face as though leading him upwards. In that instant he rises to his feet, his pain forgotten, and begins the arduous climb back to the top of the cliff.*

 

Edgar: "Nora … Just wait for me. Papa's coming."

 

* At the top of the cliff, Jasper is still fighting to take Nora with him. The bag at his waist is also bulging and writhing furiously as the West Wind struggles to escape.*

 

Nora: "Let go of me! Let go!"

Jasper: (struggling) "Would … you …" (grunts as he gets a foot in the face) "Argh! Little brat!" (shoves her roughly away, causing her to fall) "That's enough out of you! Why don't you give up already?!"

Nora: (glaring from the ground) "I won't give up! I'll never go with you! I'll fight you forever!"

Jasper: (sneering) "Are you sure about that? You remember what happened to your Papa, don't you?" (gestures to the sack at his side, which continues to roil violently) "Do you want a bit of the same?"

Nora: (stands, determined) "Go ahead. You can't hurt me with that."

Jasper: "Oh, I can't? Don't you know the power of the West Wind, girl? It's the wind of death and destruction. Surely you've seen what it can do – the tears and ruins it leaves behind?" (slyly) "You saw what it did to your Papa, after all."

Nora: (unmoved, shaking her head) "It's not a wind of destruction."

Jasper: "Oh? Then pray tell, what is it?"

Nora: "It's the wind. That's it.”

Jasper: (waiting a beat before laughing incredulously) “That's it?”

Nora: “Yes, that's it. It's not the wind of destruction; it's not an evil wind. It's not the wind of this or the wind of that. It's just the wind.”

Jasper: (holding the bag aloft and shaking it) “You foolish girl, you still don't understand the power of –?”

Nora: (steadfast) “It's powerful, I know that. Everyone knows it's the strongest of the winds. But that doesn't make it evil. The same wind that can tear a tree out by the roots can spread its seeds far and wide across the land – can turn a barren valley into a beautiful forest, full of life. Yes, it brings the floods, but it can also bring the clouds and the rains that nourish the land. Don't you see that? That's the wonder of the wind. It goes where it will and does as it wishes. It's free, no matter what names you want to give it. Call it the wind of destruction if it pleases you. But it's so much more besides that. It's the wind of hope as well, the wind of new beginnings. It's the wind of creation."

Jasper: "Wind of creation?" (laughing derisively) "What sort of nonsense are you saying?"

Nora: (shaking her head) "There's no point in trying to explain to you."

Jasper: (eyes narrowing) "Oh? And why is that?"

Nora: "Because you can't hear the voice of the wind, and you never will. You can't hear anything but the jingling of your precious gold coins. All you care about is money. How could someone like you ever hope to understand the heart of another?" (looking at him fiercely) “But I'll show you the truth. I'll show everyone.”

Jasper: (scowling) "Voice of the wind? What voice ...? Just more nonsense. I've had about enough of your crazy prattling!" (makes a threatening gesture with the sack) "Any more and I really will -"

Nora: (unafraid) "Go ahead and open your bag. The wind won't hurt me. I know it."

Jasper: (getting angry) "Well ... I'd hoped to bring you to the King on your feet, but if you want a taste of the sack, then a taste you'll have!"

 

* With a flourish, he opens the mouth of the bag, and with a roar the West Wind rushes out, heading straight for Nora, who stands facing it with a look of fearless determination. And indeed, just as she promised, the wind crashes into her, causing her hair and clothes to billow behind her, but she is unharmed as the wind swirls around her. The entire time her eyes bore into Jasper, who seems genuinely afraid of her. Eventually he shakes off his shock and summons the wind back into the bag, remembering that he is still an adult dealing with a child.*

 

Jasper: (approaching her) "V-very well ... If the wind won't cooperate then we'll just do this the hard way. It's a long walk to the capital, and I have a leash that should just about fit -"

Nora: (just as he reaches out to grab her) "Don't touch me!"

 

* She brings both arms forward, and a blast of wind shoots from her hands, striking Jasper and sending him flying backwards into the rock wall. As she lowers her hand, we see she is holding the small seashell given to her by the South Wind, infused with her power. But after its one use, the shell is spent; it cracks and crumbles to dust in her hand.

Jasper rises shakily to his feet. His hair is a mess, and a trickle of blood trails down his face. His expression is furious, and with a snarl he draws a knife from his belt.*

 

Jasper: (dangerously) "Now you've done it ... You've gone too far this time." (approaches her slowly with the knife in front) "Little brat … I'd have had a nice reward for bringing you in. The King was ready to pay a pretty penny for that pretty head. But I'll just have to tell him that you had a bit of an 'accident' and went tumbling down into that ravine after your Papa." (grinning viciously) "It's a shame ... I guess I'll have to be content with only one mountain of gold instead of two." (lunges for her)

Nora: "Papa!"

 

* Jasper's eyes widen as he finds himself unable to move. Something has latched onto his arm. He turns around and then looks up and directly into the angry eyes of Edgar, who has finished the climb and has taken a hold of Jasper's knife hand.*

 

Jasper: (gasping) "You!"

Edgar: (face like a demon) "Don't you touch my daughter!"

 

* They struggle, but though Edgar is the stronger of the two, he is exhausted from the long climb and injured from the fall. Jasper notices this and kicks Edgar in his injured leg. Edgar cries out in pain but refuses to let go of the knife. Suddenly his eyes widen as the wind blows, and his ears perk up as though hearing something; his gaze darts to the sack. The struggle continues, and finally Jasper is able to overpower Edgar and slashes him in the side. Edgar collapses to his knees.*

 

Jasper: (grinning victoriously, raises the knife to deal the final blow) "There! Now I'll –!"

 

* Suddenly, Jasper looks down, feeling the sack thrashing against him even more ferociously than before. His eyes widen in dread as he spots a single stitch in the bag that has been cut. His furious gaze locks onto the knife, and then onto Edgar, who smiles painfully, gripping his side.*

 

Edgar: "Heh ... gotcha."

Jasper: "You –!"

Edgar: (calling out) "I heard it, Nora! The voice of the wind ... I heard it!" (quietly, to himself) "At last."

Nora: "Papa!"

 

* Jasper struggles furiously with the sack, but despite his efforts, the laces began to unravel themselves one at a time, faster and faster. The flaps of the bag begin to ruffle, and Jasper's hair blows about as though caught in a strong breeze.*

 

Jasper: (panicked) "No, no, no, no! Stop! Stop!!"

 

* The sack finally explodes and is torn to shreds as the West Wind is released in all its mighty fury. Jasper stands before it like a mouse before a snake, staring in horror. *

 

Nora: "Fly away!"

 

* The West Wind strikes, swirling around Jasper and carrying him up into the sky, through the clouds, and out of sight as he screams all the while.

Nora rushes over to Edgar's side.*

 

Nora: (crying) "Oh Papa, you're hurt!"

Edgar: (hugging her tightly) "It's nothing ... nothing at all. You're safe. That's all that matters. Thank goodness ... Thank goodness you're safe."

Nora: "I knew you'd come back! I knew you wouldn't die!" (begins to bawl, belying her words)

Edgar: (brushing her hair and chuckling) "Don't cry, Nora. See? I'm alright." (winces as she hugs him too hard, bothering his wounds) "I-I'm just fine. It'll take more than that to do your Papa in." (shakily rises to his feet, stumbling a bit) "Ha ... I'm a bit tired. It's been quite a day, hasn't it? What do you say we –?"

 

* He trails off as the air begins to stir. They both glance down at their ankles, as his pants and her dress begin to rustle with increasing force. The West Wind is returning; Jasper is nowhere to be seen. As it fills the room, Edgar wraps an arm protectively around Nora's shoulder. Her expression is unreadable as the wind begins to coalesce before them. As this happens, the other three winds enter as well, in their human forms, flanking the West Wind.*

 

Edgar: (nervously) "What's this? ... What's going on? Who are they?"

Nora: (looking strangely intent) "It's the wind ... all of them. They've come back."

Edgar: "The wind? What's going on?"

 

* The three Winds glide forward, stopping a short distance from the pair. The overwhelming form of the West Wind remains behind, biting and snapping at the walls.*

 

East Wind: (to Nora) “Time is short. You must act quickly. Do you know what to do?"

Edgar: "What's this? Who are you? What do you want with my daugh -?"

Nora: (interrupting, boldly) "I do. I'm ready."

Edgar: (looking alarmed) "What are you talking about, Nora? Ready for what?"

East Wind: "Very good. You must hurry. Even combining our power, we cannot hold the West here for long. His strength grows more terrible by the minute."

Nora: (giving a short nod) "I understand."

Edgar: (beginning to get angry, steps between Nora and the Winds) "This has gone far enough. I don't know what you're going on about, but this has nothing to do with us. Haven't we been through enough? All we want to do now is to go home." (takes Nora by the hand) "Come on, Nora, we're leaving."

 

* He pulls her hand to follow him but finds that she will not move. With a look of surprise, he turns to face her, finding her staring at him with a sad but resolute expression.*

 

Nora: (hesitantly) "Papa ... Papa, I'm sorry but ... I can't go back with you."

Edgar: (shocked) "What? What do you mean you can't go back?"

Nora: "I'm sorry ... I have to stay here."

Edgar: "Stay here? Why? What's going on? I don't understand."

Nora: "There's something I have to do here ... something only I can do."

Edgar: "Nora, what are you talking about? The only thing you need to do is come back home ... back to your room, and Tuck ... back to our house by the brook."

South Wind: (gently) "Sir, it might be difficult for you to accept, but your daughter has an important role to play. She is very special -"

Edgar: (angrily) "I know she's special! I don't need you to tell me that!" (beginning to break down) "Of course she's special. She's the most precious thing in the world."

East Wind: "She is precious to the world. She is the hope of the world."

Edgar: (shaking his head) "I don't care. I won't let you take her."

East Wind: "You must. Without her, the West Wind will ravage the -"

Edgar: (shouting) "I said I don't care!" (taking a deep breath, his voice cracking) "I don't care about any of that. Don't you understand? I don't care about the West Wind. I don't care about the world. I just want to go home with my daughter. That's all I -" (breaks off as Nora tugs at his sleeve) "Nora ..."

Nora: "Papa, don't be angry. It'll be alright ... you'll see."

Edgar: "Alright? How? How can it be alright?"

Nora: (brightly) "It will! It'll be fine - I promise! I didn't understand either ... not until I saw it. But ..." (thinking back to the moment of her encounter with the West Wind's old man and the depth of experiences in his eyes) "After I met him - the West Wind, I mean - I really understood why they chose me. Why they brought me here. And what they want me to do." (smiling sadly) "And I think you will, too. You heard it, didn't you? The voice of the wind?" (Edgar nods silently) “And look, you can see them, can't you? Even though you couldn't before.” (Edgar doesn't answer, refusing to look her in the eye. Nora watches him closely, concern showing) "Papa?"

Edgar: "This wasn't supposed to happen." (tearfully) "I came here to save you. I came to bring you home ..."

Nora: (nodding) "You did, Papa! You did save me. Without you, that horrible man would have taken me away. Everything would have been lost, all because of his greed. But I knew you'd come for me. I knew it!" (voice trailing off sadly) "But still, I can't go back with you."

Edgar: (his voice breaking) "No, don't say that ... I can't ..." (taking a deep breath) "My baby ... My beautiful baby girl ... Don't go. Please. Don't go. Don't leave me."

Nora: (sad but resolute) "Oh Papa ... I'm not leaving. I'm not going anywhere ... I'll be right beside you. I'll protect you - I'll protect everyone! Just like you always protected me."

Edgar: (crying) "Nora ..."

Nora: (crying, hugging Edgar before they touch foreheads) "You've always been my hero, Papa. Always. Now, let me be yours."

 

* As Edgar finally gives a reluctant nod, he slumps over, defeated. Nora lets his hands slip from hers and walks off, surrounded by the three winds. She moves to stand before the intimidating figure of the West Wind looming over her like a dragon, but she faces it completely unafraid, her expression full of determination.*

 

Nora: (eyes bright) "Thanks for waiting. I'm ready now."

 

*She reaches out a hand, and immediately the wind engulfs her in a blast of light and sound. Closing her eyes, she is slowly absorbed into the wind, becoming the wind. Once the process finishes, her eyes snap open, full of excitement and confidence, and she rockets off, leaving the cave.

Nora, as the new spirit of the West Wind, rushes about the land doing good. She moves windmills, rings church bells, rights sailboats on the verge of overturning, puts out fires, nudges aside out-of-control carts before they can run down children.

And to finish, she glides up the highest ridge of the valley, meeting her father who is seated alone at the crest, looking out forlornly over the land below. She swirls about him, lifting him to his feet; she spins him around with a hand on his cheek as he smiles tearfully, and she lets him take in a full view of the valley below, healthy and bustling with joyous life, before she rushes off towards the shining horizon.*

 

END