Google Doc with better formatting

All editing, improv, and audio choices are 100% O.K. If you want to paywall this script, be my guest. Credit SplashiestPig. And I'd love to see the work in the comments.

Key:

[Background SFX]

(SFX created by the speaker)

{Stage Direction}

*non-spoken context*

|Author’s Note|

~emphasis~

The Great Protector

*duel ends*

[sword sheathes]

{adoring}

Excellent duel, fair Margrave! May I take your sword?

*listener questions*

Oh! My apologies! I am |(name), (daughter/son) of (king/queen)(name)|. My |father/mother| has appointed me to be your page. Therefore, I am at your service! Is there anything I can do for you?

*listener investigates*

“How old am I”? I concede that I am only |(7-18) whatever’s the youngest you think you can pull off| but I’m a quick study! I may not ~technically~ be a squire, but I can care for your equipment or attend to a horse. I even know how to read! So, I’m sure I can complete any task you assign me!

*listener speaks*

“Fetch your claymore”? Absolutely! Is it in your tent?

*listener confirms*

Well then, I’ll be there and back faster than a wraith!

[soft running recedes]

*listener waits*

[heavier footsteps approach]

{slightly winded}

Your claymore, good knight!

*listener comments*

I’m not tired! The claymore is just a little heavy, is all. Regardless, I am ready for another task, should you so choose!

*listener asks*

No, Margrave, I have never had proper swords training. Is that what the claymore is for?

*listener teases*

{excited}

I’ll get to use your sword?! Your arming sword?! Truly?!

[sword unsheathes]

*sword exchanges hands*

It’s amazingly balanced, and the hilt is inlaid, so the crossguard is more effective! What blacksmith made this?

*listener clarifies*

Are they a friend of yours, because I need to meet them! This sword is incredible, and the blade is so uniform, was it cooled in oil?

*listener compliments*

Yes, I suppose I do know a thing or two about making swords. I’ve done my best to study all aspects of knighthood, so that I will grow into a great warrior, like you! That’s why I wanted an apprenticeship instead of a class or tutor! Real knights learn from experience, not a book.

*pause*

Will you teach me now?

*listener confirms*

(sounds of excitement)

What’s first? A duel, maybe? Oh, can we joust?!

*listener corrects*

{dissapointed}

Stances? But Margrave, I already know my positions! I want to learn something cool!

*listener contends*

If I show you how well I already know my stances, can we learn something fun?

*listener obliges*

[listener raises claymore]

Okay, I’ll strike your claymore.

(quick exhale)

{speaking while fighting}

Lunge! Parry! Riposte!

*short pause*

Lunge! Parry! Riposte!

*short pause*

Lunge! Riposte!

*listener stops them*

{confused}

What do you mean, “what am I doing”? I am performing the three positions!

*listener questions*

“My feet”? I’m sure I was keeping to form perfectly! My back foot remains still while my right is angled away from you. What did I do wrong?

*listener comments*

{vexed}

I assure you, Margrave, I am trying my hardest! I’m sure this is exactly what I’ve seen before! What am I missing?

*listener speaks*

Guards? That’s what parrying is for! When they lunge, you parry, then you riposte. And if you aren’t parrying you lunge until they parry you! I don’t understand what your saying.

*listener questions*

{slightly embaressed}

Well no, I’ve never seen two people fight for their lives. I’ve only ever seen swordplay done for sport! But surely it cannot be that different, yes?

*listener disagrees*

“We’ll go again”? Okay, should I do something different?

*listener speaks*

“You’ll show me”? Okay, are you ready?

{speaking while fighting}

Lunge! Parry! Riposte!

*short pause*

Lunge! Par-!

[fancy sword sounds]

(sounds of distress)

[sword hits ground]

{curious}

You’ve entirely disarmed me! I’ve never seen that before! How’d you do it?

*listener reiterates*

{slightly dejected}

“With the proper stances”. Of course, I should have known you’d know best! I’m sorry fair Margrave, forgive my insolence.

*listener forgives*

{happy}

Thank you. Is there still time to learn before supper?

*listener denies*

I understand! I will gladly partake in my duties and we can continue training tomorrow! Thank you for accepting me as your page!

[footsteps recede]

*time skip*

[roasting fire sfx]

{eager}

Fair Margrave! I have stabled your steed, cleaned your blades, and washed your armor. Is there anything else?

*listener requests*

“Sit”? Certainly!

*speaker sits*

Do you have something to say to me?

*listener questions*

“Do I know what Margrave means”? I believe so! It’s a title that signifies that you are a knight and a commander. You serve the empire and defend us from foreign invaders! Is that right?

*listener confirms*

Joy! But why do you bring this up? Is something amiss?

*listener speaks*

“The front lines”? “Tomorrow”! But I haven’t a lick of real training! I can’t fight there!

*listener agrees*

“I won’t be fighting”? But I’m you’re page! I must follow you into battle, even if I am not prepared!

*listener disagrees*

You want me to stay back with the nurses? But I can’t do that! I must fight at your side! It’s the duty of every-...

*listener explodes on them*

But…

*listener continues*

But I…

*listener finishes*

{crestfallen}

You’re right. I’m not a hero. I’ll hide with the medics tomorrow. You won’t have to worry about me.

*listener comforts*

No, I don’t need comfort. I’ve already seen that you know best. If I was out there, with you, then you’d have to protect me on top of all your duties. I wouldn’t want to burden you like that. I’ll stay back where it’s safe and you can go do whatever knightly things the battle requires.

*sad silence*

[knife unsheathes]

{admiring through sadness}

That’s a really pretty knife. Did your friend make that too?

*listener denies*

No? Well, then where did you get it?

*listener reveals*

Your mentor gave it to you when you became a squire? That’s really something-...

*listener offers knife*

Are you giving it to me?! Why? I’m not half the helper you must have been. I practically collapsed dragging that claymore! I don’t deserve a gift.

*listener speaks*

“It’s to keep me safe tomorrow”? I’ll take it if you insist, but I won’t keep it! Not until I’ve earned it.

*listener reassures*

{happier}

Thanks. I’m glad you think I’ll achieve it.

*small pause*

I’m going to find a holster for this. I’ll still be riding with you to the battlefield tomorrow, right?

*listener confirms*

Great! See you at first light, fair Margrave!

*time skip*

[sword clang]

[battle tapers]

[cheers]

{knight character: professional}

Margrave. This battle is won. We’re counting casualties but we’ve noticed a discrepancy. We believe this skirmish was a front. The medical crew was slaughtered while we remained occupied. There may be a second wave coming to capitalize on-...

*listener cuts them off*

The bodies? Yes, we think we’ve found them all. What of it?

*listener asks*

A child? We hadn’t found one, no. But we did see wagon tracks leading north. Maybe hostages were taken?

*listener angry*

Commander! Where are you going, what are our orders?!

*listener huffs*

“I’m in charge until you return”? “Don’t follow you”?

*listener mounts horse*

But Margrave, where are you going?!

[horse gallops away]