VINLAR

SHADOWS OF BALTHOR III

ISSUE 03

Written by Tom Hansbury

PAGE 1 (1 PANEL)

PANEL 1

Full page exterior of the Countess Erisandra’s keep at dawn. The sun rises over the horizon casting its warm glow onto the keep.

1. NARRATION: As dawn's light breaches the horizon, casting a blood-orange glow over Countess Erisandra’s keep, Vinlar and Inga are in flight. Their quest for vengeance and truth has uncovered a vile secret. A fountain of youth fed by the blood of the missing.
2. NARRATION: Inga, her daring defiance against the dark rite, flees through corridors with Erisandra’s wrath close on her heels.
3. NARRATION: Vinlar’s confrontation of his treacherous uncle’s envoy, has been cut short by Inga’s sparking of the powder keg.

PAGE 2 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Inga rushes down a dimly lit hallway, desperation in her stride. The flickering torches cast long shadows.

1. NARRATION: Inga flees her pursuers through the bowels of the keep.
2. GUARD(off panel): Halt intruder!

PANEL 2

Small panel. Close up on the boots of the guards running after her.

PANEL 3

Tight panel on Inga’s face glancing back. Adrenaline in her eyes and on her face.

3. NARRATION (cut this?): Adrenaline drives her legs faster than thought.

PANEL 4

Inga turns a sharp corner hard, nearly slipping, bracing herself with a hand on the wall.

4. NARRATION: Her instinct offers no map out and luck fades with each echoing step.

PANEL 5

Countess Erisandra trails behind leisurely. Her visage is a stark dichotomy, youth fading from one side to reveal the true decay underneath.

5. NARRATION: The countess trails behind her pace unhurried.
6. ERISANDRA: Flee, child. The shadows may hide you… but they belong to me. There is no escape.

PAGE 3 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

As Inga comes around the corner ahead of her is another guard blocking her path forward.

1. GUARD: It’s over for you now!

PANEL 2

Inga stops in her tracks.

2. INGA: I won’t die so easily, dog!
3. NARRATION: Cornered Inga steels herself for a last stand.

PANEL 3

Suddenly a grimace of pain on the guards face as he’s unexpectedly stabbed from the shadows behind. It’s Vinlar turning the tide.

4. NARRATION: But the guards are not the only ones who stalk these halls…

PANEL 4

Vinlar pulls out the blade and kicks the man down to the ground.

5. VINLAR: Inga, to me! Hurry!

PANEL 5

Inga begins to run to Vinlar but the guard chasing her has now caught up and grabbed her by the arm.

6. GUARD: Not so fast! You’ll not escape!
7. NARRATION: Hope shattered again.

PAGE 4 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Inga struggles to free herself from the guard’s grip but is unable to break his hold.

1. INGA: Unhand me brute!
2. GUARD: Cease your squirming, girl. Yield, and I’ll make it quick.

PANEL 2

The guard strikes Inga with the hilt of his sword. The impact is brutal, blood marring her face, her resilience rocked by the blow.

3. GUARD: That’ll teach you.

PANEL 3

Inga's head bows under the weight of her situation, blood trailing down her chin.

4. INGA(softly): Vinlar?
5. NARRATION: A thread of hope in the gloom.

PANEL 4

The guard, momentarily distracted by his victory over Inga now sees Vinlar rushing down the hall towards him.

6. GUARD: Stop! Or I’ll cut her throat!

PANEL 5

A close-up on Inga's bloodied face with a painful yet knowing smile.

7. INGA: *chuckles softly*

PAGE 5 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

The guard pulls up Inga blade at her throat.

1. GUARD: I wouldn’t find this so amusing girl.

PANEL 2

A small dagger flashes through the air.

PANEL 3

The dagger finds its mark striking the guard in the neck, sticking. A sharp cry of agony escapes the guard as the shock forces him to release his hold on Inga. His face twists in pain and surprise.

2. GUARD: Aaarghh!

PANEL 4

Inga seizes her newfound freedom to pull out her own blade.

3. INGA: My turn pig!

PANEL 5

Inga drives her dagger into the guard's abdomen; her gaze locked with his. The guard's eyes widen in fear, shock, and realization.

4. GUARD (gasping):
5. INGA: You’ll get no mercy from me.

PAGE 6 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

The guard falls to his knees. He reaches for his sword with one hand and clutches his wound with the other blood pouring out.

1. NARRATION (cut?): A futile attempt…

PANEL 2

Inga plants her foot on the sword, denying him.

2. NARRATION (cut?): denied…

PANEL 3

Close on Inga as she finishes off the guard off-panel. Some blood spurts up into panel.

3. NARRATION (cut?): retribution is given.

PANEL 4

Vinlar appears, his expression fraught with urgency.

4. VINLAR: Now Inga! We must go!

PANEL 5

Erisandra still walks towards them farther down the hall, her demeanor calm.

5. ERISANDRA: Ah I feel you have something that belongs to me, child.

PAGE 7 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar and Inga make haste taking a sharp turn through the keeps halls.

1. NARRATION: Vinlar and Inga thread their way through the keeps passages.

PANEL 2

Erisandra steps over the dead guard without a hint of concern.

2. NARRATION: Erisandra moves with the inevitability of time itself, unrushed, unyielding.

PANEL 3

Vinlar and Inga continue their flight finding the spiral stairs under the gaze of the countess’ portrait.

3. NARRATION: Under Erisandra’s cold gaze they descend the spiral stairs.

PANEL 4

The emissary and companion cautiously stalk the halls as well. We recognize his companion as the guard who left the tavern in issue #1. (Do we does it matter if it’s the same guard from #1?)

4. EMISSARY: Hear that? Sounded like a fight.
5. GUARD: Aye. Let’s be ready.

PANEL 5

The pair abruptly encounter Erisandra, their expressions turning from focus to shock at her half-aged visage

6. EMISSARY: Ariselle? Countess? What is this affliction?
7. GUARD: By the gods! The tales were true…
8. ERISANDRA: Alas, our discourse must wait, I have other matters to attend.
9. EMISSARY: What is happening here? Who are you countess or… no it can’t be…

PANEL 6

Close up on the countess’s face, her true age blending into her youthful appearance.

10. ERISANDRA: Now if you’ll excuse me.

PAGE 8 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

The eerie shadows cast by the flickering torchlight stretch unnaturally, snaking out to ensnare the emissary and his companion, their forms dragging towards the stone walls.

1. EMISSARY: Release me you witch! You’ll burn for this!
2. ERISANDRA: You think I don’t know about your army lurking outside the city? I know what your intentions are Emissary.

PANEL 2

Erisandra fades into the distance of the keeps hallway.

3. ERISANDRA: You are lucky that I must save my strength for more important matters.

PANEL 3

The shadows abruptly relinquish their hold, leaving the men staggering back into the corridor, shaken but unbound.

4. EMISSARY: Send word to the camp! We aren’t waiting until noon!
5. GUARD: And you sir?
6. EMISSARY: I must find someone first.
7. GUARD: Aye sir.

PANEL 4

Close up on emissary.

8. EMISSARY: Vinlar…

PANEL 5

Vinlar and Inga abruptly halt before a group of robed figures blocking their path. They stand ominously silent, holding daggers catching the torchlight.

9. INGA: What now?

PANEL 6

Vinlar draws his blade facing the group of robed figures ready for a fight.
10. Vinlar
We fight.

PAGE 9 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar leaps forward, his blade a flash as he engages the robed thralls.

1. NARRATION (cut?): The dance with death begins.
2. NARRATION: Vinlar moves like a storm, relentless and unforgiving.

PANEL 2

Vinlar's sword arcs through the air, slicing decisively through one opponent. A dark stain spreading across the robe.

PANEL 3

Vinlar pivots, evading a clumsy strike aimed at his back. His counter is a piercing thrust that finds its mark with deadly accuracy.

PANEL 4

Vinlar continues his assault with intensity overwhelming his opponents. His sword slashes through another. More thralls fall back afraid.

PANEL 5

Close on Inga, wide eyed. Her breath caught between awe and terror, transfixed by the carnage.

3. NARRATION: Inga watches, spellbound. Not by death, but by the man who wields it.

PAGE 10 (4 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar is still embroiled in a melee with several more thralls. They are getting desperate and afraid. Some are hesitant to engage.

1. NARRATION: Vinlar is unyielding against the tide.

PANEL 2

Vinlar throws one thrall aside while dodging a blow from another.

PANEL 3

He thrusts his blade into the belly of a thrall. Any remaining thralls flee from battle finally broken by the onslaught.

PANEL 4

Vinlar stands victorious over his foes. His blade drips with blood the bodies of the fallen in the background.

2. NARRATION: Finally only silence remains.

PAGE 11 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Erisandra bursts into her servant’s quarters. Wooden bunk beds are organized into rows housing them. She points with an imperious finger at one of the young looking servant girls.

1. ERISANDRA: You, gather your things and come with me.
2. ERISANDRA: And you, alert the driver and ready the horses. We depart at once.

PANEL 2

The servants scramble in response to her commands, a flurry of hurried movements and fearful obedience.

3. SERVANTS(in unison): Yes mistress!

PANEL 3

Erisandra pauses, her gaze falling to her hand. The skin is aged and withering.

4. ERISANDRA (to herself): How many times have we had to start anew? We knew this day would come… but it will not be my last.

PANEL 4

Erisandra turns sharply leaving the room.

5. ERISANDRA (to herself): The girl, the betrayer, she has potential, yes… Perhaps she will be spared. For now.

PANEL 5

Vinlar and Inga crouch near the entrance hall. The heavy front doors stand wide open.

6. NARRATION: At last the cold breath of morning calls them forward. The scent of freedom is just within reach.

PAGE 12 (4 PANELS)

PANEL 1

The emperor’s men, a disciplined and formidable force, march through the city streets in tight formation. Their banners flutter in the breeze, signaling their authority.

1. NARRATION: The legion, loyal to Vinlas, once camped at the city's edge, now advances through the streets of Balthor.

PANEL 2

The column of soldiers is confronted by a stern and resolute force of city watch loyal to the countess.

2. CITY WATCHMEN: Halt! Your presence violates our treaty. Turn back now.
3. EMPERORS OFFICER: This city now belongs to the emperor. Your countess has broken the treaty.
4. CITY WATCHMEN: Swine! This was the plan all along, wasn’t it?

PANEL 3

The soldiers ready for a fight. Drawing weapons, shields locked, spears pointed at the ready.

5. CITY WATCHMEN: Then we settle this with steel.
6. EMPERORS OFFICER: As you wish. Prepare for battle!

PANEL 4

A fierce battle erupts between the two forces. Soldiers clash in a storm of swords and shields, the street becoming a chaotic theater of war.

7. NARRATION: The silence of the city shatters as blades meet, the air filled with the cries of battle and the clamor of conflict.

PAGE 13 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

A panoramic view of the city as the sounds of battle echo through the streets. Citizens run in panic, and market stalls are overturned.

1. NARRATION: Chaos spills through the streets of the city.

PANEL 2

A terrified family huddles in an alleyway, a mother shielding her children as they look toward the distant clash of soldiers.

2. CHILD: Mama, what’s happening?
3. MOTHER: Hush child, it’ll be alright.

PANEL 3

A group of merchants desperately tries to save their goods, pulling carts and crates through the narrow streets, their faces etched with fear.

4. MERCHANT1: Leave it! It’s not worth our lives!
5. MERCHANT2: We can’t afford to lose everything!

PANEL 4

The city watch, overwhelmed and outnumbered, tries to restore order but is swept aside by the fleeing crowds and the spreading violence.

6. CITY WATCHMAN: Fall back! Regroup at the keep!

PANEL 5

The scene shifts to a view from above, showing fires starting to break out in several parts of the city as the unrest grows more intense.

7. NARRATION: In the heart of turmoil, the flames of war ignite, threatening to consume all in their path.

PAGE 14 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

The countess's black carriage stands ready in the keep's courtyard, its sleek and ominous design a stark contrast to the surrounding turmoil. Erisandra, flanked by her small entourage, approaches with a determined stride.

1. CARRIAGE GUARD: Countess! The city’s in chaos!
2. ERISANDRA: We must go… for now.

PANEL 2

The guards swiftly move into formation around the carriage, their disciplined movements ensuring a secure departure as Erisandra ascends the steps to the carriage.

3. CARRIAGE GUARD: Form up men! We are heading out!

PANEL 3

Inside the dimly lit carriage, a pale young servant girl, her eyes filled with devotion, extends her wrist toward Erisandra.

4. SERVANT GIRL: Mistress. You look… Do you need my life?
5. ERISANDRA: No child. I still have need of you.

PANEL 4

Erisandra gently takes the girl's hand, her touch both reassuring and possessive.

6. ERISANDRA: I won’t forget your loyalty child.

PANEL 5

Hidden behind some supplies of the courtyard, Vinlar and Inga watch as the countess's carriage begins to move.

7. INGA: She flees?
8. VINLAR: She doesn’t strike me as the sentimental type.

PAGE 15 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar and Inga move stealthily across the courtyard towards the gate, avoiding the frantic activity around them.

1. VINLAR: Keep your head down. We need to get out of here unnoticed.

PANEL 2

The courtyard is a hive of activity as keep staff rush around, reacting to the spreading news of chaos in the city. Their faces are masks of fear and urgency.

2. NARRATION: Panic spreads like wildfire, the news of chaos seeping into every corner of the keep.

PANEL 3

A large bonfire blazes in the center of the courtyard. Servants frantically throw books and scrolls into the flames, attempting to destroy evidence or secrets that must not fall into enemy hands.

3. NARRATION: In the frenzy, knowledge and history are consigned to flames, a desperate bid to protect the secrets of the countess.

PANEL 4

They reach the gates leaving the keep courtyard and look out over the city below. Smoke rises from multiple points, a stark reminder of the battle and riots consuming the streets.

4. VINLAR: Go. Escape the city while you can. You have your answers now, make a new life for yourself.
5. INGA: Aren’t you coming?
6. VINLAR: I’m not finished here yet.

PANEL 5

Vinlar spots the Emissary in the courtyard, shouting commands at soldiers who are attempting to secure the keep.

7. EMISSARY: Search the keep. Bring every book you can find here. Orders direct from Lord Vinlas himself!

PAGE 16 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Inga holds Vinlar’s gaze, understanding in her eyes. This is a moment of quiet resolve, where they both acknowledge the path they must take.

1. INGA: Don’t do this. You should take your own advice.

PANEL 2

A moment of mutual respect and gratitude passes between them.

2. VINLAR: I will remember you, Inga.

PANEL 3

Inga leans in, her lips brushing against Vinlar’s cheek in a tender farewell. She whispers softly in his ear, her words carrying a promise and a heartfelt goodbye.

3. INGA: Goodbye, Vinlar. Thank you for everything. My sister thanks you.

PANEL 4

Vinlar watches Inga begin to walk away.

4. VINLAR: What was her name? Your sister?

PANEL 5

Inga almost through the gates turns with a smile.

5. INGA: I’ll tell you when we meet again.
6. NARRATION: A part of him yearned to leave with her, the siren from the north.

PAGE 17 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar focuses back to the matter at hand, drawing his blade with determination in his eyes.

1. NARRATION: Now the time has come to add a drop of blood to the bucket of vengeance.

PANEL 2

(CUT?)
Vinlar strides through the chaos, his focus unwavering and fixed on the Emissary. The turmoil around him is of no concern, his path is clear.

2. NARRATION: In a world ablaze with chaos, his eyes see only the target of his wrath.

PANEL 3

The Emissary spots Vinlar approaching, a sly grin spreading across his face. He draws his weapon, ready for the confrontation.

3. EMISSARY: Ah, Vinlar. Shall we settle this? It's a pity. I had hoped to deliver you to your uncle alive.
4. VINLAR: Draw steel and try, snake.

PANEL 4

The two men square off, circling each other as they assess their opponent's defenses.

5. EMISSARY: You’ve become quite the thorn in our side, haven’t you?
6. VINLAR: I consider it my finest attribute.
7. EMISSARY: Do you even know how high the bounty on your head is now? It would turn a peasant into a lord.
8. VINLAR: It brings me great joy to know I terrify my uncle so.

PANEL 5

Vinlar lunges forward with a quick, probing thrust. The Emissary sidesteps, avoiding the blade by a hair's breadth.

9. NARRATION: A probing strike begins the contest.

PANEL 6

The Emissary counters with a swift strike, but Vinlar deftly dodges, their blades flashing in the chaotic light.

10. NARRATION: Each move a test, each breath a gamble.

PAGE 18 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar and the Emissary clash swords, their blades meet. Both fighters are fully focused, their expressions showing determination and resolve.

1. NARRATION: Steel meets steel.

PANEL 2

The Emissary lunges forward with a powerful strike, which Vinlar narrowly dodges, the blade cutting through the air just inches from his face.

2. NARRATION: Precision and agility keep them both in the game.

PANEL 3

Vinlar counters with a swift slash, aiming for the Emissary's midsection, but the Emissary blocks it just in time with his own blade.

3. NARRATION: Every strike is met with a counter, each move a reflection of the other’s prowess.

PANEL 4

The Emissary tries to outmaneuver Vinlar with a feint to the left, but Vinlar anticipates the move, meeting him head-on.

4. NARRATION: Deception and strategy weave through the duel, yet neither gains the upper hand.

PANEL 5

Vinlar spins around, using the momentum to deliver a backhanded strike, which the Emissary parries skillfully.

5. NARRATION: Every motion is calculated, every breath controlled.

PANEL 6

Both fighters momentarily disengage, circling each other with their swords at the ready, eyes locked in mutual respect and determination.

6. NARRATION: A brief respite, the eye of the storm, where respect and hatred coexist.

PAGE 19 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar and the Emissary, both showing signs of fatigue, continue their fierce duel. Sweat drips from their brows.

1. NARRATION: Fatigue begins to creep into their bones, each strike heavier, each breath harder.

PANEL 2

The Emissary lands a glancing blow on Vinlar’s arm, causing a shallow cut. Vinlar grits his teeth in pain but remains focused.

2. VINLAR: Arghh!
3. NARRATION: Wounds are exchanged, each marking a step closer to the fight's conclusion.

PANEL 3

Vinlar retaliates with a quick slash that catches the Emissary’s side, drawing blood. The Emissary grimaces but holds his ground.

4. EMISSARY: Curse you!
5. NARRATION: Pain fuels their resolve, turning desperation into fierce determination.

PANEL 4

The Emissary lunges forward with a powerful, albeit reckless, overhead strike. Vinlar dodges to the side, the blade missing him by inches.

6. EMISSARY: Die!

PANEL 5

Taking advantage of the Emissary’s overextended position, Vinlar delivers a solid kick to the Emissary’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him and forcing him to stumble back.

7. NARRATION: A shift in momentum, the upper hand begins to tilt.

PANEL 6

Vinlar lands a deep cut on the Emissary’s leg, causing him to falter and drop to one knee. The Emissary’s face contorts in pain and fear as he realizes the tide has turned.

8. NARRATION: A final, crippling blow.

PAGE 20 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Vinlar stands over the fallen Emissary, his blade poised for the final strike. The Emissary looks up at him, defeated.

1. VINLAR: Not on your knees. Stand up.
2. EMISSARY: Kill me and you won’t know what your uncle wanted here so badly.

PANEL 2

The emissary struggles to stand using his sword to help him up. His face a mix of pain and amusement.

3. EMISSARY: Honorable to the end, eh? You may have won today, but do you really think you can survive with the whole Empire after you?
4. VINLAR: That’s for me to find out.

PANEL 3

The Emissary reaches behind him, his hand moving towards a hidden dagger in his belt.

5. EMISSARY: I see through your bravery, Vinlar. I see your fear.
6. VINLAR: Tell me why my uncle is so interested in Balthor!
7. EMISSARY: As you wish.

PANEL 4

The Emissary lunges forward, attempting to strike Vinlar with the hidden dagger. Vinlar, dodges swiftly and delivers a decisive, lethal cut.

8. NARRATION: The final strike is delivered.

PANEL 5

The Emissary falls to the ground, lifeless, his dagger slipping from his grasp as his eyes glaze over.

PANEL 6

Vinlar kneels next to him. Resigned that he had won the battle but got no answers.

9. VINLAR: See you in the underworld.

PAGE 21 (6 PANELS)

PANEL 1

A young woman struggles against the mob trying to escape the chaos of the city.

1. NARRATION: Amidst the chaos, a young woman fights to find her way to safety.

PANEL 2

She trips over debris, falling to her knees, her hands hitting the rough cobblestone, her expression one of desperation and pain.

2. NARRATION: But the streets offer no mercy.

PANEL 3

The countess’s black carriage, flanked by guards, makes its way through the streets. The guards aggressively clear a path, pushing aside anyone in their way.

3. NARRATION: Erisandra's entourage carves a path through the turmoil, indifferent to the suffering around them.

PANEL 4

From inside the carriage, Erisandra peers out the window. Her sharp eyes focus on the young woman struggling in the street. She bangs on the carriage door to get the driver’s attention.

4. ERISANDRA: Stop here for a moment!

PANEL 5

The young woman looks up from her knees, her eyes wide with hope and relief as she sees the countess extending a hand from the carriage door.

5. ERISANDRA: Come here love. Let’s get you somewhere safe.
6. YOUNG WOMAN: Thank you… ma’am. Thank you.

PANEL 6

The young woman takes Erisandra’s hand, her face showing gratitude and relief. Erisandra’s expression is one of calculated kindness, her eyes glinting with hidden intentions.

7. ERISANDRA: Such purity shouldn’t be down in the gutter. Come, clean yourself up.

PAGE 22 (5 PANELS)

PANEL 1

Large panel. Vinlar stands on a high hilltop, far outside the city. He watches the smoke and turmoil rising from Balthor, the distant cityscape marred.

1. NARRATION: The city of Balthor, another casualty in his uncle’s insatiable appetite for power.

PANEL 2

Vinlar turns his back to the city, walking away into the distance. His silhouette is strong yet weary, one hand holding his bandaged arm as he strides purposefully away.

2. NARRATION: As he walks away his thoughts turn back to Inga.
3. NARRATION: What adventures could have awaited them together? Would she betray him in the gambling halls of Veris? Would they become lovers while crossing the sands of Kendizar? Would they have met their end fighting the Emperor’s mercenaries together in the forests of Geraxia?

PANEL 3

Inga sits in the back of a cart on some hay. She is surrounded by other refugees, the caravan moving steadily away from the city.

4. NARRATION: Inga, among the displaced, finds a moment of respite as the city fades behind her.

PANEL 4

A close up of Inga as she reaches into her shirt.

5. NARRATION: But she carries more than memories from the Keep…

PANEL 5

Inga pulls out a page from the ritual book she destroyed at the Keep and examines it with a wry smile.

6. NARRATION: With the secrets of the past in hand she intends to shape her own future.