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“As Darkness Falls” H06/106 [TEASER] Nemis: “Oh, glorious Hera. I must possess the beautiful Penelope. Please-- send me some sign. I will do anything to win her-- anything.” Hera: Produces club that can kill Hercules. Nemis: “Thank you, great Hera. Now you must show me-- who must I kill?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- H: “Soldier! Where you headed?” Tiron: “Nespa.” H: “I’m going there, myself-- to a wedding. Let me give you a hand. I’m not trying to steal your armor.” Tiron: “Don’t touch it!” H: “I’m just trying to help.” Tiron: “I don’t want your help.” H: “Two sets of armor-- your comrade’s.” Tiron: “He died because-- I was a coward. I’m taking his armor back to his family.” H: “You still have a long ways to go.” Tiron: “It’s the least I can do.” H: “I understand. Good luck, my friend.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Craesus: “Ha-ha! Beat that.” Lyla: “Dead center. OK? Go!” Craesus: “Huh! Why do we bother practicing? Even if we win an event, the groom gets the money.” Deric: “I take pride in knowing I’m as good as any of them.” Craesus: “Then why aren’t you... ” Lyla: “Yeah!” Craesus: [Continues without a pause] “... sitting at the main table-- instead of quarantined-- half-way to the woods?” Deric: “Still-- not many people would dare invite a centaur to a wedding.” Craesus: “Ten years we worked for the bride’s father. And this is the thanks we get?! A table between the children and where they tether their beasts?!” Lyla: “Aww-- are you denying the beast in you?” Craesus: “You watch your tongue.” Deric: “Craesus is right, Lyla. You’d probably be a bridesmaid if you didn’t hang around with us.” Lyla: “I choose my own friends.” Nemis: “Lyla! Fill it with wine. And when the time is right, add this! Hera has given me the power to win the hand of Penelope.” Craesus: [Laughs] “Penelope? She’s the bride!” Nemis: “Now I can show her the error of her judgment. And with this-- I will avenge my brother’s death! It’s a club like you’ve never seen. This club will kill Hercules.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT I] Salmoneus [Sal]: “Hercules?! Hey, Hercules! Wait up!” H: “Not again.” Sal: “Hercules! I thought it was you!” H: “Salmoneus-- good to see you.” Sal: “Wooo! You got quite a stride, there.” H: “You should take better care of yourself. You’re looking a little warn down since the last time I saw you.” Sal: “Yeah-heah-heah. Hey, that’s not funny, my friend. It might be easy for a god to entertain fifty nubile maidens. It almost killed me.” H: “Almost, huh? Still selling togas?” Sal: “Nah, I got out of that racket-- style change every year. Real estate! That’s where the future is. They’re not making any more land, you know? Which reminds me-- hey! Take a look at this. Isn’t that beautiful? I got a great deal on some swampland in Macedonia.” H: “Not interested.” Sal: “No, I don’t mean for you to buy! You could be my partner, huh?! With your knack for moving mountains and diverting rivers, we could make a killing just subdividing by twenty extra lots.” H: “Not-- interested.” Sal: “Think about it! You don’t have to decide now! Hey, Hercules, where you going?!” H: “You’re-- going to Nespa, too.” Sal: “Yeah! There’s a wedding going on there. I figure that newlyweds always need to get off on the right foot. Buy a home, a little land. See, you got your southern exposure-- three kinds of... ” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Marcus [Marc]: “Happy?” Penelope [Pen]: “Mmmmm-- and you?” Marc: “Mmm-- very. But I still think it was a mistake inviting Lyla and the centaurs.” Pen: “Marcus-- we’ve been over this. Lyla is one of my oldest friends. And Craesus and Deric have worked my father’s farm for years. It’d be an insult not to invite them.” Marc: “Even at the risk of destroying the wedding ceremony?” Pen: “They’ll be fine-- at least as long as they stay away from the wine.” Marc: “Mmm-- who’s gonna keep them away?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sal: “Location, location, location. That’s what it’s all about! See-- I’ve got some Thracian hills here with views to die for.” H: “Not-- interested.” Sal: “No-- you don’t realize the potential-- whoa! Look at all these prospects! Ah, guests. [Clears throat]” H: “I can’t believe your ability to turn anything into a profit-making venture.” Sal: “It’s a gift.” H: “Do me a favor? Keep the hustling a selling to a minimum? They may be dressed for a wedding, but these are not rich people.” Sal: “You hurt me.” H: “Don’t tell me I’ve actually wounded your pride.” Sal: “What pride?! You’re cutting off my source of revenue! I’m trying to earn a living, here!” Pen: “Hercules!” H: “Penelope! [Laughs] Oh, Penelope, look-- look at you. You’re all grown up.” Pen: “Look-- I couldn’t stay twelve forever-- not even for you. I’m so happy to see you. I wasn’t sure you’d come.” H: “What-- miss the wedding of Myceum’s sister?” Pen: “I wish he were here to see it.” H: “I know-- me too. This is a friend of mine-- Salmoneus.” Sal: “Congratulations. I’d like to talk to you about your future.” H: “Do you-- listen to a word I say?” Sal: “Which word is that?” Pen: [Laughs] “Come-- you must be starving after your journey.” Sal: “Hi! Uh-- I’m Salmoneus... ” Pen: “Now-- tell me all about your adventures.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Man’s Voice: “Look at that!” Judge: “Two hundred four paces!” Craesus: “Ever seen anyone throw that far?” H: “Only once.” Craesus: “Oh-- how about that far, with accuracy?” H: “Pick your target.” Craesus: “The far stump.” Men’s Voices: “The far stump?!” “How can he reach that far tree?!” H: “You’re on.” Sal: “OK! I’ve got Hercules for twenty dinars! Twenty dinars! Who’ll take the centaurs?! Twenty dinars!” Tall Man: “Bet against Hercules? Are you crazy?” Sal: “I’ll give two-to-one odds. Three-to-one. Five? OK, at five-to-one, that’s-- let me see-- ten dinars pays fifty-- less... ” H: “Be my guest.” Craesus: “That’ll be hard to beat.” H: “Very hard. It’s a little light. Makes it harder to gauge the distance.” Craesus: “Well, perhaps you’d rather-- ” Sal: “Yeah! Yeah!” Men’s Voices: “It went clear through it!” “He hit the centaur’s spear!” Sal: “OK! That’s five for you! Nothing for you.” H: “Lucky shot.” Sal: “You can’t lose with honest Salmoneus! Hey, Hercules! You ever thought about getting an agent?!” H: “What’s an agent?” Sal: “You know, someone to find you work. Make sure you get paid for all your toil and trouble?” H: “It’s not work to me, Salmoneus. I enjoy helping people. And besides, payment is never part of the deal.” Sal: “See, that’s why you need me! I could get you a contract for big dinars!” H: “Not interested.” Sal: “I’m just thinking of your future. Suppose you wanna get out of the hero business-- you know-- open up a souvenir shop-- have-- I know-- not interested.” Lyla: “I bet I know what interests you.” H: “And-- what’s that?” Lyla: “Pretty things? Come-- I’ll show you the best view in all of Nespa. Well, come on. I won’t bite.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Lyla: “Did I lie?” H: “No-- it must be wonderful to wake up every morning and-- see this.” Lyla: “Hmm-- I have never seen a man throw a javelin so far.” H: “Well-- all it takes is a-- little practice.” Lyla: “What else have you practiced?” H: “Can we-- slow this down?” Lyla: “Well, don’t tell me you like to fall in love with someone before you go to bed with them. I’m not a virgin, you know?” H: “That’s not the point. [Laughs] I just-- don’t-- want to go through life-- leaving a string of fatherless children behind.” Lyla: “Are you always so noble?” H: “I try to be.” Lyla: “Well-- a toast-- to Hercules and nobility.” H: “And to Lyla-- and beauty.” Lyla: “Are you sure I can’t convince you otherwise?” H: “Ah-- I’m sorry.” Lyla: “No.” H: “Look-- I can’t-- do this.” Lyla: “Well, you can’t expect me to make it easy for you-- no offense.” H: “Uh-- none taken. Excuse me.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT II] H: “Tell me, Salmoneus-- do I look all right to you?” Sal: “Uh-- sure, I think you’re very attractive. I mean, I don’t find you particularly attractive-- but I’m sure women do. I mean, I don’t find you unattractive. In fact, I consider you quite handsome. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea! I’m not interested in you that way.” H: “What I meant was-- Do I look like there’s anything wrong with me?” Sal: “Come again?” H: “I just don’t-- fell right. It’s-- my eyes. Does the day seem-- a bit overcast to you?” Sal: “Not at all. Why do you ask?” H: “Just-- curious ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Woman 1: “I think it’s _disgusting_ that they should ask those creatures-- to a wedding, no less!” Woman 2: “Shh! He’ll hear you.” Woman 3: “Quiet down. Quiet down.” Deric: “Funny-- I thought the chicken was delicious. You think it’s the company?” H: “It’s-- possible. You see-- assigned seating can be a problem.” Deric: [Laughs] “Yes, uh-- I’ve noticed these centaurs have been-- exiled to the far tables.” H: “Well, some would claim that they offer a better view of the ceremonies.” Deric: [Laughs] “Well, in that case, perhaps you’d care to eat with us.” H: “I’d love to. It’s been years since I’ve broken bread with a centaur.” Deric: “It’s rumored you were taught by one.” H: “No rumor-- almost everything I know, I learned from a centaur named Ceridian.” Deric: “Including athletic skills?” H: “Yes.” Deric: “Perhaps you oughtta test a student-- see how well he’s learned.” H: “Done.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Judge: “Two fingers-- left of center!” Men’s Voices: “Great shot, Deric! Hercules won’t beat that!” Judge: “Two fingers-- right of center! A tie!” Men’s Voice: “Two winners!” “I want my money back!” Tall man: “Well done.” Man’s Voice: “Yeah, give us our stakes back!” Sal: “Why not leave it with me, huh?! I’ll give great odds! I’ll double the odds!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- H: “I’m not-- laying back. Something is wrong with my eyes.” Sal: “Yeah, right! You hit a bull’s-eye two hundred paces away, huh? You must be going blind, huh?!” [Laughs] H: “Salmoneus, I’m telling you, I can’t-- ” Sal: “You know, whatever you’re doing, keep it up! If this keeps going, I get the odds down to three-- maybe even two-- to-one-- huh?! Ha-ha!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Deric: “You gave him the drink?” Lyla: “Just like Nemis said.” Deric: “All of it?” Lyla: “What do you think I am-- stupid?!” Deric: “Anybody else would’ve been completely incapacitated.” Lyla: “Nemis is too crazy to care.” Craesus: “Huh! You’d be crazy too, if Nemis killed your twin.” Lyla: “Nemis’ twin tried to rape Hercules’ wife. He deserved to die.” Craesus: “Too bad you wound up on the same side as Nemis, huh? And the rest of us outcasts!” Deric: “Watch your mouth, Craesus!” Lyla: “Sharos makes a beautiful maid of honor, doesn’t she? Pity she’s spoken for.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- H: “Oh, maybe I am losing my touch.” Pen: “Oh, but you didn’t have any problems yesterday.” H: “Penelope?” Pen: “Hmm?” H: “How well do you know Lyla?” Pen: “Oh! The lovely Lyla! We used to be best friends. When we were younger, we were inseperable. She had a real crush on my brother before he died at the siege of Corinth. And then she changed. She got-- wilder-- started hanging around with centaurs.” H: “Well-- it’s not a crime.” Pen: “Oh, it is to some people around here. You-- might have lost a few fans when you befriended Deric, earlier.” H: “I didn’t befriend him; I was just being civil.” Pen: “Yeah-- I try to be the same way. Centaurs are like everyone else. Some are good; some are bad. Oh, no-- speaking of bad.” H: “Nemis.” Man’s Voice: “Where’re you going?! Take it easy, Centaur!” Pen: “You know him?” Man’s Voice: “You clumsy lout!” H: “His twin brother tried to abduct someone very dear to me. I was forced to kill him. What’s he doing here?” Pen: “I suppose he invited himself. He used to work our farm. We even played together when I was younger. Then my father threw him off when he started getting too familiar.” Marc: “Your father had the right idea.” Pen: “Marcus, don’t.” Marc: “I don’t want him here. He wasn’t invited.” Pen: “Please? Don’t make a scene.” Nemis: “Everyone ready?” Deric: “Nemis-- are you sure you wanna go through with this?” Nemis: “Have you chosen your prize?” Craesus: “Oh, yes-- I have.” Pen: “Stop it. No, Marcus.” Marc: “No, listen.” Pen: “No, come on-- it’s our wedding day-- please?” Marc: “Don’t ask me to leave.” Pen: “Don’t be afraid. He’ll go before long.” Nemis: “Some day, Penelope will thank me for this.” Brother 1’s Voice: “Hey, look! It’s Tiron!” Brother 2’s Voice: “It’s our brother’s armor.” Brother 1’s Voice: “Where is he, Tiron?” Tiron: “He died in battle-- at my side. It was my fault.” Sharos: “Tiron! Tiron, you’re back!” Tiron: “Please, Sharos. I don’t deserve you-- not anymore.” Brother 2: “I’ll second that!” Brother 1: “Tell us how our brother died, war-hero!” Tiron: “It was in the marshes-- at Thebes. We were attacked by a larger force. I fell. I was about to be killed. Taros turned his back to help. He died saving me.” Brother 2: “Did you avenge his death?!” Tiron: “I tried-- but the command to retreat was sounded!” Brother : “So you ran?!” Tiron: “I withdrew! A soldier follows orders! Taros was already dead. There was nothing I could do.” Brother 2: “Then I’ll avenge my brother, and you shall join him!” Sharos: “No!” [Fight] H: “Hold on! Hold on” Brother 1: “It’s not your business, Hercules!” H: “Killing him won’t bring your brother back.” Brother 2: “But it’ll make us feel better!” H: “Why? Tiron has acted with honor. He’s carried your brother’s armor from the battlefield to your doorstep.” Brother 1: “So, we’ll return the favor! We will deliver his armor to his family!” H: “Then you’ll have to go through me.” [Fight] [Various cries and shouts] H: “It needs salt.” Sal: “Not a bad payday. I’m surprised that first guy caught you with a sucker-punch.” H: “You could’ve warned me.” Sal: “I thought you saw it coming.” H: “I’m not seeing much of anything lately, Salmoneus.” Sal: “The guy was as big as a house. I mean, how could you miss him?” H: “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I think I’m going blind. Salmoneus, what’s going on?” Sal: “The centaurs smashed the banquet table, and they’re beating up the guests!” Pen: [Screams] Marcus: “Penelope!” Sal: “Hey! They grabbed the bride-- they’re heading this way!” Pen: “Help! Somebody, help me!” H: “All I can see is shadows.” Pen: “Let me go!” Man’s Voice: “Watch out!” Sharos: [Screams] “No!” Deric: “Lyla! Come on!” Lyla: “Let’s go!” Sal: “Hercules?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT III] Sal: “He’s breathing. Don’t drown him! Oh-- thank the gods he’s alive!” H: “What happened?” Sal: “They took them; they’re gone.” H: “Who?” Marc: “The centaurs and that slut, Lyla!” H: “No-- who’d they take?” Marc: “Penelope and Sharos.” H: “Marcus-- Tiron-- you know the land. You lead the way. Salmoneus, you’re coming, too.” Sal: “Hercules-- you know I’m not much of a warrior.” H: “Salmoneus-- I need you-- to be my eyes.” Sal: “All right, all right. I see what you mean.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sal: “Lower your head.” H: “Did you see who it was?” Tiron: “Uh-- I couldn’t tell.” H: “Let’s move deeper into the bush. We’ll be all right if we don’t give ‘em a clear shot.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Nemis: “Lyla! Some food for our guests.” Pen: “Don’t do this, Nemis. It can only end badly for you.” Nemis: “It’ll end badly, all right. But for Hercules-- not me.” Pen: “He’s done nothing to you!” Nemis: “He killed my brother! And a day doesn’t pass that I don’t _dream_ of revenge! Maybe-- maybe when he’s dead by my hand, you’ll see me in a different light.” Pen: “You’re fooling yourself. I could never care for you-- not that way.” Nemis: “You loved me once-- long ago.” Pen: “You mistake a child’s affection for something else.” Nemis: “You’re the one that’s mistaken-- and the dead carcass of Hercules will prove it to you! Craesus.” Craesus: “We’ll have our fun later.” Sharos: “Never, pig!” Craesus: “Horse, my dear-- horse!” [Laughs] Pen: “Lyla-- how can yo be a part of this? You were my friend.” Lyla: “Right-- such a good friend that I’m not even part of the bridal party.” Pen: “I didn’t think you cared. You haven’t spoken to me in two years.” Lyla: “So? I’ve made new friends.” Pen: “And I don’t begrudge you that. But old friends still talk.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sal: “Is your vision any better?” H: “I can barely distinguish between dark and light.” Sal: “Maybe it’s just temporary.” H: “What if it isn’t?! I’ve dedicated my life to helping people. How do I do that if I’m the one that needs help?” Sal: “Maybe it’s time to hang up the old sandals, hmm? You’ve done a lot of good deeds. Time to slow down and smell the roses. You only go around once, you know? Well, maybe if you’re immortal, you get a chance to go around and around.” H: “I am _not_ immortal-- at least, I don’t think so.” Sal: “I guess you’ll find out sooner or later. It’s Marcus.” H: “What did you find?” Marc: “They’ve rejoined forces-- headed toward higher ground.” H: “No attempt to cover their tracks.” Marc: “None-- it’s, it’s like they want us to find them.” Tiron: “Hercules! Over here! The centaurs-- they’re out in the open, two hundred paces up the hill-- by the caves.” H: “The caves-- what are they up to?” Marc: “We seem to be just out of their range.” H: “Not mine. Salmoneus! I’ll need your help.” Sal: “What if they get lucky?” H: “Stay behind me. How far?” Sal: “Two hundred and twenty paces.” Marc: “What’re you doing?!” Sal: “He can’t see! Now, where were we?” H: “Is my direction right?” Sal: “Yeah.” H: “How did we do?” Sal: “Ah-- ten paces to the left-- and they’ve moved ten paces to the right. Ah-ah-ah-ah! Hercules! We better get out of here! They’re about to dislodge a boulder the size of Mt. Olympus!” H: “Tell me how close my last arrow was, then run for the woods.” Sal: “It’s heading straight for us!” H: “How close?!” Sal: “Three paces left!” Tiron: “Marcus, get back!” H: “Who?” Sal: “Tiron-- he saved Marcus’ life.” H: “And mine.” Marc: “Ah! My leg!” H: “Centaurs.” Sal: “One’s dead-- and the others are gone!” H: “Well, at least that cuts the odds. Marcus-- you can’t do any good here. Salmoneus’ll have to take you back.” Marc: “And leave you?! You can’t fight them alone!” H: “It will be dark in a few hours. Then we’ll be on equal ground.” Sal: “It’s suicide if you stay here! Come back with us; we’ll get more recruits!” H: “No-- I should’ve realized it before-- this is between Nemis and me.” Marc: “Hercules, you can’t!” H: “This is my fight! But first-- I must give a brave soldier a proper burial.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- H: “Rest easy, Tiron. You were never a coward. I know you’re there, Nemis! What are you waiting for?!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT IV] H: “Show yourself, Nemis. Or are you afraid?” Deric: “I’m not afraid-- nor am I Nemis.” H: “So-- he sent you to do his dirty work.” Deric: “Yes-- but I’m refusing.” H: “Why would you do that?” Deric: “You’re not my enemy. Even if you were, I wouldn’t take advantage of your blindness.” H: “How do you know I’m blind?” Lyla: “I told him. You’ll be glad to know it’s a temporary condition-- providing, of course, you can make it through the next few days.” H: “You won’t fight against me. Will you fight with me?” Deric: “Not against Nemis. He raised me.” H: “I respect that-- and your refusal to take sides. But will Nemis?” Lyla: “It doesn’t matter. We’re leaving this land. Maybe the Athenians will be more hospitable.” Deric: “Hide Hercules-- till your sight returns. You’re no match for him, now.” H: “I’m afraid there’re two women-- who wouldn’t appreciate the wait.” Deric: “Forget them, and worry about yourself. Hera has given Nemis a special club.” H: “Hera-- I should’ve guessed. The sounds of the bats-- they’re from the cave.” Deric: “You’re very perceptive. They’ll return an hour before dawn. Hercules? I’m sorry one of you has to die. Nemis wasn’t always bad. Life-- death-- wore him down.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Pen: “Nemis? Please? Let us go. And I promise, no harm will come to you.” Nemis: “Sweet Penelope-- I think I’m the only one here in position to make promises. And I promise you by-- the end of the day, Hercules will be dead. And you? Mmm-- will start learning to like my stew.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sal: “What am I doing here?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Pen: “Her-- cules.” H: “Penelope-- show me where you’re tied.” Pen: “What’s wrong? Can’t you see?” H: “No-- hurry! There’s no time to waste!” Pen: “Uh, uh-- the, the key. It’s on the beam, by Sharos. Uh-- six-- maybe seven paces to the right.” Sharos: “Here-- above my head.” Pen: “Hurry, please!” Nemis: “Leaving so soon?” H: “Let the women go, Nemis. It’s me you want.” Nemis: “Wrong! I want you and Penelope.” Pen: “Help! Quick! Undo the chains!” Nemis: “And I’m in no hurry. I want both pleasures to be slow-- and-- gratifying.” H: “What is that stench? Dog meat?” Nemis: “Why doesn’t anyone like my _cooking_?!” [H and Nemis fight] Sharos: “Where are the keys?!” “I can’t undo it!” Pen: “It’s opening! Pull! Get my ankle!” H: “No fire-- no light. Now you have the same problem I do.” Nemis: “Except your darkness is about to become-- permanent.” Pen: “Leave me! Save yourself!” Sharos: “I’m not leaving without you!” Pen: “Hercules! Plea-ease! Noooooo! Nooooooooo! Nemis!” Nemis: “You killed me.” Pen: “Save me!” Nemis: “Go! Help Penelope! Help Penelope!” Sharos: “Hercules. I couldn’t undo it! This one’s got two! Oh, Hercules-- break it!” H: “Run! Get out!” Nemis: “Go, save yourself! Go! Penelope!” Sal: “I was worried you wouldn’t make it.” H: “Salmoneus?” Sal: “Ah!” H: “You were the decoy.” Sal: “I’m sending you my tailoring bill. When Marcus wouldn’t let me take him back-- I thought it was the least I could do.” H: “You did well. Everybody did-- even Nemis. He really loved you, Penelope.” Pen: “I know. I’m just sorry love took him so far astray.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- H: “When a soldier dies bravely-- his sword becomes the symbol of his courage. I know he’d want you to have it.” Sharos: “Thank you.” Marc: “Thank you, Hercules-- for everything.” H: “It turned out to be a very nice ceremony. I wish you both the best.” Pen: “Please come back soon.” H: “You made out quite well, I understand.” Sal: “Well, I don’t wanna brag, but, uh-- I got great odds on you against the centaurs. Nobody had faith in you like I did.” H: “Hmm-- may I-- see?” Sal: “Um-- OK? But, uh-- don’t drop anything.” H: “Did I ever finish explaining about the custom in these parts?” Sal: “Uh, uh, uh, wha- wha- what custom is that?” H: “The-- bride and groom collect all gambling winnings.” Sal: “Hercules!” H: “Come on, Salmoneus.” Sal: “Th-- that’s my money back there!” H: “Yes, that was very generous of you.” Sal: “Generous?! Yeah, but that, but that, but that-- !” H: “And smart-- they’ll never forget you.” Sal: “Really? That’s nice!”Click here to return to the HTLJ AS DARKNESS FALLS page.
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