The Black Cauldron

Typed and Edited by Sarah at Sarah's Black Cauldron Page

Prologue

Legend has it, in the mystic land of Prydain.
There was once a king so cruel, and so evil,
that even the gods feared him. Since no prison
could hold him, he was thrown alive into a
crucible of moltin iron. There his demonic
spirit was captured, in the form of a great
black cauldron. For uncounted centuries The
Black Cauldron lay hidden, while evil men
searched for it. Knowing whoever possessed it,
would have the power to resurrect an army of
deathless warriors. And with them, rule the
world.

The Black Cauldron

At Caer Dallben.......

Dallben:
There's something wrong! I can feel
it in my bones. Hmm, the Fairfolk
know it too. You don't see any of
them around! The Horned King! That
black hearted devil! What's he waiting
for?

(the tomcat jumps in front of him and meows)

YES, yes, Cat, I KNOW you want your
breakfast! But just now THINKING is
more important! Oh,Taran! The pot is
boiling over, Taran!

(he sees Taran staring out the window
in a daydream.)

Taran:
Oh, Dallben, I was just thinking. What
if the war's over, and I never had a
chance to fight!

Dallben:
(who is now looking at old maps )
Hmm, and a good thing too. War isn't a
game, people get hurt!

Taran:
But I'm not afraid!....Ouch!

(Taran reached his hand out in protest, only to
touch the boiling pot, burning his finger.)

Dallben:
Ah, ha! There you are! If the Horned King
ever returned you'll have a great deal
more to worry about than a burned finger.

(Taran scooped out a spoonful of whatever Dallben
was cooking, smelled it, and quickley turned his
face away in disgust. He sets it in a small bowl.
The cat, hoping it was for him, attempts to eat
it and turns away in disgust, too. )

No, no, no, no. Cat that is not for you
it's for Hen Wen.

Taran:
Hen Wen, Hen Wen, it's ALWAYS Hen Wen!

Dallben:
And one day, my boy, you may learn why.
Now, no more dreaming, you have chores
to do.

Taran:
Yes, sir.

(and he sets off to feed Hen Wen.)

Dallben:
He's so anxious, and so blind to the
dangers ahead.

(he opens the pot)

Look,look Cat you're in luck! Just
enough left for you!

(the cat backs away)

Hmmm?

(Outside again.....)

Taran:
Dallben wouldn't understand. I'm
not a little boy anymore.

(he kicks a stick, and walks over to the flock
of geese and tramples across the bridge. He kicks
open the gate to Hen Wen's pen )

I should be doing heroic deeds for Prydain!
Not waiting hand and foot on a spoiled....Hey!

(Taran had set down the bowl and shoved it in the
barrel only for it to come back at him.)
(Taran laughing)

Oh, alright Hen, I didn't mean it.

(a small cute pig comes out of the barrel and
looks at the food.)

You'd better eat it Dallben made it
especially for you.

(Hen takes a bite, and swallows hard, and backs
away from the food. )

Is this to be my life? Pampering a pig!
I'm a warrior, not an Pig-Keeper. Dallben
thinks I'd be afraid, but I wouldn't. All
I need is, is, is a chance! And I could
be a famous warrior!

(By now Taran has walked out of the pen, with Hen
Wen following. Taran sees a stick and picks up,
pretending it's a sword. )

Look at me Hen! I can do it! Ha!
(Taran points the 'sword' at Hen and she squeals,
runs and hides.)

Ha, ha, ha, ha. Even you're afraid!

(Taran turns to the geese.)

You challenge me? Run you cowards!
See Hen?

(Dallben's goat comes out and looks at Taran.)

There you are! His majesty the Horned
King! So, we meet at last! Ha!

(Taran takes the stick and rattles it between
the goat's horns.)

Even the Horned King shakes with fear!
See Hen? EVERYBODY runs from the famous
Taran of Caer Dallben!

(Hen Wen squeals when she sees the goat ready
to butt Taran. The goat succeeds in doing so
and sends Taran and Hen Wen flying through the
mud, while the geese 'laugh' them. Taran begins
to cough.)

Prydain's finest warrior, draws his last
(gasp) breath!

(Taran collapses on the ground, Hen thinking
he's not faking, scurries over to him and
nudges his cheek, Taran looks at her and
finally notices Dallben's shadow.)

Dallben!!!!!!!

Dallben:
Hmmm. Not quite the blade for a hero!

Taran:

( tossing the stick away.)

I was... It's just we were....uh, Hen
Wen got dirty!

(He begins to brush the mud off Hen Wen.)

Dallben:
So I see. Another dream, Taran?

Taran:
(wiping the mud off his face.)

But, Dalben! Won't I ever be anything
but an Assistant Pig-Keeper?

Dallben:
(rubbing Hen Wen's belly)

She's a SPECIAL pig, Taran! Now give
her a nice bath!

Taran:
(picking Hen up and carrying her
to the basin where she has her
bathes.)

Well Hen, it looks like I'll still
be an Assistant Pig-Keeper, even when
I'm as old as Dallben.

(Taran sets her down, and pours a bucket of
water on her)

You like that, don't you. Now for the
part you like best.

(Taran begins to scrub Hen Wen's back. She
settles herself down, but a concerned look
soon overcomes her face, then that face turns
to terror. Hen jumps up, and squeals madly.)

Taran:
Hey, c'mon Hen, I haven't finished
scrubbing your bac-.Hen what's the
matter? Calm down, Hen! Stop it!
Please what's the matter?!?! Hen Wen!!

Dallben:

(opens the shutters of the cottage
because of the noise.)

Taran! Whats going on?!

Taran:
I-I don't know! There's something
wrong with Hen Wen!

Dallben:
(frightened) WHAT?!?! Oh, quickly
lad, bring her inside!

(You are now inside the cottage. We see
Dallben lighting a candle and setting it next
to a basin filled with water.)

Taran:
What's that for?

Dallben:
Put Hen Wen down. I never use her
powers unless I have to. But now I
must!

Taran:
Powers?

Dallben:
Taran, what you are about to see, you
must never reveal to ANYONE!

(Dallben sticks his oak staff into the water
and recites these magic words....)

Hen Wen, from you I do beseech......
Knowledge that lies beyond my reach......
Troubled thoughts weigh on your heart......
Pray you now those thoughts impart.....

(Hen Wen appears to be dizzy. She drops her
snout into the water and images appear.)

(Dallben reads the images.)

Dallben:
The Horned King.....

(Taran gasps and stifles a cry.)

Dallben:
Sshh.Don't interfere!

(he turns back to the images.)

He's searching...... The Black
Cauldron..! So thats it!

Taran:
The Black Cauldron?

Dallben:
An awsome weapon, Taran! It's been
hidden for centuries, BUT if the
Horned King should find it, and
unlease It's power. NOTHING could
stand against him.

(Taran looks at the images and cries:)

Taran:
It's Hen Wen!

Dallben:
He knows....( to Hen) Stop! Enough!

(Hen quickley backs away from the water.
Dallben is more frightened than ever.)

You must leave here at once! Take
Hen Wen to the hidden cottage at
the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Hide there, never bring her out,
until I come for you!

Taran:
Hide? But why?

Dallben:
Only I knew the secret of Hen Wen's
power! But now the Horned King has
discovered it! You must make sure
he never uses it to find the Black
Cauldron!

Taran:
Humph! I'm not afraid of the Horned
King!

Dallben:
Then you are a very foolish lad!
Untried courage is no match for his
evil. Just remember that! Now, now
off you go my boy and take care of
yourself!

Taran:
Goodbye Dallben! I won't fail you!

(Taran and Hen Wen walk out the door.)

Dallben:
So much. So soon. To rest upon his
young sholders!

(Now we see a castle with gwythaints
swooping around it, and we zero in on
the courtroom filled with skeletons
that are clothed, and armed with
weapons. We see a robed figure at
the top of the stairs. The robe is
crimson, and a fur stole is wrapped
around the neck, and held by a gold
broach. The fur stole trails down the
figure's back 'till it reaches the
ground. Huge horns stick straight
out of the figure's head, ripped
through the hood of the robe. Now we
realize that the figure is the Horned
King, the exact one Dallben fears
and spoke of. The Horned King quietly
walks down the stairs and begins to
talk to his lifeless skeleton warriors.)

Horned King:
Oh, yes! Yes, my soldiers. Soon the
Black Cauldron will be mine. It's evil
power will cost through my viens, and
I, shall make you. CAULDRON-BORN! Yes!
YES! Oh,yes! Then you will worship ME!
Me. Oh, my soldiers, how long I have
thirsted to be the God, among mortal men!

(Now we see Taran and Hen Wen walking
through the forest.)

Taran:
Gosh Hen Wen! I never knew you could
create visions and things like that!
I thought you were just an ordinary pig.
I had no idea you so.. SPECIAL. Dallben's
going to be glad he put his trust in me!
Just you wait and see!(to Hen Wen.) Now,
don't go wandering about! And don't you
worry! Keep close to me and no one will
do you any harm.Not while I'm around.

(he stops at a stream and takes a quick
drink.)

And I won't let the Horned King get close
to you Hen. I'll protect you!

(Taran looks into the stream and sees
himself dressed in a golden armor, bowing
to a crowd, while a voice glorifies him.)

The Voice:
Taran of Caer Dallben, the greatest warrior
in all Prydain! A true hero!

Taran:
Thank you, thank you, thank you all! But
withought the help of my pig, Hen Wen
here I...

(Taran flashes out his dream, and sees
that Hen is gone.)

Hen Wen? Where are you? Hen Wen?Oh no!

(Taran dashes into the forest.)

Hen? Hen Wen! (echo) Hen Wen.....

(Taran becomes a bit scared of the
forest looming around him then hears
a branch snap. Taran flatens himself
against a tree.)

Is that you Hen?

(Taran walks forward and pulls out an
apple.)

Look what I've got. C'mon out here's
a lovely juicy...

(Taran is suddenly pushed to the ground,
and something scrambles after the apple.)

Gurgi:
Whaha!!!! Ooooooooo! Great Prince give
poor starving Gurgi munchings and
crunchings! Nice apple! Good Prince, good
apple! Oh boy! What a juicy apple!

(Gurgi begins to walk away, but Taran
grabes him by the scruff of the neck.)

Taran:
Hey! No you don't! I didn't give you
that apple, you took it!

(Gurgi bites his hand.)

Ow!

(Gurgi runs and hides in a nearby bush.)

Hey! Hold on you hairy little thief! Come
back with my apple!

(Taran picks up a stick.)

If you don't give it back you'll be sorry!
I mean it! I 'm warning you!

(Gurgi comes out of hiding.)

Give it back!

(Gurgi looks like he is holding the apple,
but when he opens his hands and/or paws.
The apple isn't there.)

C'mon the apple! Where is it?

Gurgi:
Uh,ah! Gurgi has not seen the apple- uhoh!

(the apple has rolled out behind Gurgi's
back, and he leaps on top of the apple to
hide it.)

Taran:
Give it back, I warn you! C'mon!
(Gurgi tosses the apple about in his
hands, and looks at it like his heart
is going to break.)

C'mon the apple, let's have it!

(Gurgi takes a huge bite out of the
apple then hands it to Taran.)

You horrible greedy thing! You should
be ashamed of yourself!

Gurgi:
(Appears to cry)
Ooooohhh! Poor miserable Gurgi deserves
fierce smackings and whackings on his
poor tender head! (sniff) All is left
with no munchings and crunchings!
Forgive poor Gurgi! Taran: Oh, stop
that sniveling! I'm not going to hurt
you. Now look here! Have you seen my pig?

Gurgi:
Piggy? Round, fat piggy? Big snout!

Taran:
Yes,yes.

Gurgi:
Curly tail!

Taran:
That's her! That's Hen Wen!

Gurgi:
Uhah, Nope. Gurgi has not seen piggy!
Nope!

Taran:
Oh, never mind! No telling where Hen
Wen is by now!

(Taran stuffs the apple into his vest.
Gurgi follows him, hoping to get the
apple.)

Gurgi:
Oh, master, master! Now Gurgi remembers!
Yes! Yes! Clever sharp-eyed Gurgi saw
the piggy run, right through the forest!
Uhuh! Uhuh! I saw it! Uhuh! I saw it!

(Pulling Taran by the hand.)

Come! Gurgi will find the lost piggy!
Then we'll be friends forever!

(He jumps on Taran and begins to search
his vest for the apple. )

Munchings and crunchings in here somewhere!

(Taran and Gurgi freeze when they hear a
high pitched squeal from Hen Wen.)

Taran:
It's Hen Wen! She's in trouble!

Gurgi:
Goodbye!

(Gurgi runs and hides because trouble
is nearby.)

Taran:
Hen Wen! Hen!

(Taran comes to clearing and sees Hen
running from a gwythaint- a type of
winged dragon. The gwythaints swoop
over Hen trying to grap her.)

Hen Wen! Hen Wen look out!

(Hen runs madly across the field,
the still are after her.)

Look out! C'mon hurry Hen! No! Don't!
Hen hurry!

(The gwythaint graps Hen Wen and
begins to carry her off, Taran pulls
on the Gwythaints tail.)

No! Don't! Stop! No!

(The other gwythaint seizes Taran
and drops him to the ground as they
fly away.)

No! Come back! Please! No! No! Come
back!

(Taran runs through some thorn bushes,
and climbs up a rocky hill, only to see,
at the top, the gwythaints flying away
to th Horned King's castle.)

Hen Wen, I must get her out of there!

Gurgi:
Oh, no! Great Lord! Not go in there!
Forget the piggy!

Taran:
What are you doing here?

Gurgi:
Gurgi come back to be your friend!

Taran:
Friend? Humph! You're no friend!
Why you run away when I.. Oh! never
mind! I promised Dallben I'd keep
Hen safe! I have to go!

(Taran begins to walk toward the
castle, and a lighting bolt flashes.
Taran backs away in fear.)

Are you coming?

Gurgi:
Me? Go in there? Oh! No, no! It's
a terrible place!

Taran:
Just as I thought! You're no friend!
You're just a...a.. a miserable coward!

(Taran takes the apple out of his vest
and looks at it.)

Here this is all you wanted!

(Taran throws the apple at Gurgi and
it hits the ground.)

Gurgi:
If Great Lord go into evil castle,
poor Gurgi will never see his friend
again! Nope! Never!

(Now we see Taran trying to get inside
the castle and he is climbing a wall,
he sees a beam of light and sees he has
found a window. Taran tears away the
branch that blocked the window, and
he climbs inside. Taran looks around
the strange hallway. Quietly he gets
up, and begins to search for Hen Wen.
As he rounds a corner, Taran hears a
snort. Carefully Taran looks around
to see a guard sleeping, his head
resting on a table. Taran quickly
slips past the guard, but looks back
to make sure he wasn't seen. Then the
guard dog sees Taran and barks visously
at him. The guard wakes up, but instead
of looking to see what the dog was
barking at, the guard yanks the dog's
leash.

Guard:
Shutup ya thick-skulled dolt! Always
barking at nothing ! Alright, might
as well make our rounds!

(Taran begins to get out of the corner
he was hiding in, but he accidentally
pushes open a hidden door. Taran looks
into a large dining hall, with a throne
at one end. The Henchman celebrate the
capture of Hen Wen. The Henchmen cry
out bloodcurtling threats at each other,
at Prydain, and at a dwarf called Creeper.
Creeper had just been trying to snatch a
little supper for himself. But the Henchman
won't allow it. They trip Creeper, who
lands hard on the ground. Just then a
chilly wind blows through the dining hall
that stirs the wall hangings. Everyone
becomes deadly silent, and all the candles
and torches blow out. A small explosion
occurs at one end of the hall. And there
stands the Horned King himself. Creeper
hurries over to the throne and begins to
dust it.)

Creeper:
Welcome Your majesty! We're celebrating
our success! I-I-I mean YOUR success! We
have made no mistakes this time !

(The Horned King seats himself,and begins
to drink the wine Creeper poured for him.)

Bring in the prisoner!

(One of the Henchmen brings out Hen Wen
all chained up.)

There sire! This is the pig that creates
visions!

(to Hen Wen)

Alright pig! Show his majesty where the
Black Cauldron can be found! Go on, show it!

(Hen refuses.)

Heh, heh! Stubborn little thing, isn't she?
Heh, heh.

(the Horned King grabs Creeper and throws
him to the ground.)

Why yes, sire. You're quite right! I'll
take take care of it at once!

(to Hen)

The Black Cauldron! Where is it? Show us,
swine!

(Creeper shoves Hen's face into the bowl
of water they want the visions to be seen.
Hen still refuses, then Creeper grabs a
hot coal.)

I warn you! The King's patience is short!

Taran:
No! Don't! Nnnnooooo!

(Taran falls from his perch and lands
on the floor, the Henchmen, run over to
capture him. Taran picks up a broom and
points it at them.)

Get back! Or I'll, I'll...

(One of the Henchmen look at Taran and
laughs, he takes his sword, and with one
swing cuts the broom into a million
pieces. Taran looks at what's left of
the broom in disbelief.)

Oh!

(the Henchmen picks Taran up and points
his sword at Taran's stomach.)

Creeper:
Release him!

(the Henchmen looks at Taran, then throws
him over by Hen Wen. Taran tries to calm
her.)

Taran:
Hen Wen! Oh, Hen Wen! There, there.

Horned King:
I presume, my boy. You are the keeper of
this oracular pig.

Taran:

(Who is scared out of his wits.)

Y-y-y-y- yes, sir.

Horned King:
Then instruct her to show me the
whereabouts of the Black Cauldron!

Taran:
Oh, sir! I-I can't, I promised!

Horned King:
Very well, in that case the pig is no
use to me!

(Creeper begins to laugh madly and
grabs Hen Wen. Taran tries to stop him,
but he is siezed by one of the Henchmen.)

Taran:
What are you going to do?!?!

(He sees Creeper place Hen on a
chopping-block.)

No! You can't! Don't!

(the axe is raised...)

No! Stop! I'll make her tell you!

Horned King:
That's better.

Creeper:
Now, get on with the visions, pig!

Taran:

(sadly)

Hen Wen from you I do beseech.....
Knowlage that lies beyond my reach......

Creeper:
Look! Look sire! It's working!

Horned King:
The Black Cauldron! So it does exist
for sure!

(The Horned King gets up from his throne
and walks toward Taran.)

Yes. Where is it? Show me. Show me!

(The Horned King lunges at Taran. Taran
cries out in terror, and backs away
spilling the water where visions are
taking place. The water hits the Horned
King's 'eyes' and he screams in fury and
in pain. Taran scrambles to his feet and
picks up Hen Wen.)

Taran:
C-c'mon Hen!

Creeper:
After them! Get them! After them!

(The Henchmen chase Taran. The gwythaints,
who have been chained to one of the beams,
fly after Taran. Because they are so
strong, the gwythaints ripped the beam
right off the wall, forcing the Henchmen
to give up the chase for the few seconds
that the beam takes to get ahead of them.
Taran, who, is running for dear life, is
almost caught by the gwythaints. If it
wasn't for the beam catching in a doorway.
The Henchmen are on the chase again.
Taran runs into the kitchen, where a
cook is cutting meat with a rather large
knife. Taran tries to get out but Creeper
blocks his way. Creeper lunges at Taran.
Hen squeals making Taran turn his head
seeing that rather large knife coming at
him. Taran ducks missing the knife and
Creeper.)

Creeper:
Gotcha! Pig boy!

(Creeper flies over Taran and hits the
cook. Taran runs into the next hallway,
seeing that the Henchmen are closing in.
Taran goes through a door and locks it
behind him. As Taran turns around he
sees he's at a balcony, and dead end.
Taran looks over the battlements and
notices it is a easy jump to the moat.)

Taran:
The moat! It's our only chance! C'mon Hen!

(Taran tries pushing Hen Wen over. Taran
sees the swords and axes of the Henchmen
hacking away the door. Taran with one
final push sends Hen Wen into the moat.)

Taran:
Swim, Hen! Swim!

(Taran readies himself to jump.)

I'm coming!

(Taran is dragged backwards. Creeper
has grabbed his legs.)

Creeper:
Gotcha! Pig boy!

(Creeper drags Taran over to the
Horned King.)

I caught him, Your Majesty! I caught
the boy!

(The Horned king picks Creeper up by
the throat.)

Horned King:
But you let the pig go, didn't you?

Creeper:
I wasn't my fault!
(The Horned King chokes Creeper, then
throws him to the ground.)

Horned King:
Throw the boy into the dungeon!

(Taran is brought to a dungeon, only a
small grating gives him light. Taran is
feeling that he has failed his quest,
and broke his promise to Dallben. As
Taran sits, the words that he once said
and heard haunt him.)

Voice of Dallben:
You must make sure he never uses Hen
Wen to find the Black Cauldron!

Voice of Taran:
I won't fail you, Dallben. Look at me
Hen, I can do it!

(Taran shakes these words out of his
mind, looks around him and picks up a
rock about the size of his hand and
slams it against the dungeon wall, and
begins to cry. The voices no longer
bother him.

Taran:
(sobbing )
I can do it! I can do it.

(To Taran it looks like all hope is
lost. He crouches on the floor and
cries out his failure. Then when it
seems to us all hope is lost, one of
the flagstones gets pushed up and
moved to the side. A bright ball of
light comes up from the hole the
flagstone was covering. The ball of
light (bauble) flirts around in
mid-air providing light for the
beautiful young girl that climbs out
of the hole. The girl has long red-gold
hair that reaches down to her waist,
and blue eyes.

Taran:

(who watches the bauble with distrust
and curiosity.)

Yes, yes! I..

Eilonwy:

(who cuts Taran off )

You're being held a prisoner, aren't you?

Taran:

(still watching the bauble.)

Yes!

Eilonwy:
I've been held against my will, too.

Taran:

(The bauble floats in front of him.
Taran touches the bauble with his hand.
The bauble flickers, then the light
comes back and madly circles around
Taran, who, has jumped back in fear.)

It lights up!

Eilonwy:

(laughing)

Why of course, it's magic! Oh, I hate
this place! I do hope there aren't
any rats in here. Oh, not that I really
mind them you know, but they do jump
out at one so! I'm Princess Eilonwy.
Are you a lord.....or a warrior?

Taran:
Er, no, I'm, uh, an assistant pig-keeper.

Eilonwy:
Oh, what a PITY. I was so hoping for
someone who could help me escape! Oh
well, if you want to come with me you
may.

Taran:
Can I?

Eilonwy:
Why yes! I just said you could.

(Eilonwy disappears into the hole with
Taran following her.)

Oh, that wicked, wicked king! You know,
he stole me. He thought my bauble could
tell him where some old cauldron was.

Taran:
That's what he wanted my pig for.

Eilonwy:
( giggling)
Oh, yes! Your PIG!

Taran:
But my pig can tell the future!

Eilonwy:
Oooooo! How interesting! Well, you
better stay close to me or you'll
get lost.

(The bauble flies around the dark
passages that no one but Eilonwy has
been in for years. The bauble chases
the rats that live in the passages,
for Eilonwy dosen't like them.

Taran:
Your bauble!

Eilonwy:
Oh, it's always chasing those rats!

(Taran finds a hole in the wall and
looks in. Eilonwy looks too.)

A burial chamber! This could be the
tomb of the great king who built this
castle! Before the Horned King took
it over ..Ahh!

(The wall begins to fall apart. Taran
falls forward and Eilonwy backs away.
The dust settles leaving a hole big
enough to walk through.) Are you all
right?

(Taran looks at her like he wants to
say 'oh, you little..'. Eilonwy sees
he is alright.)

Well, c'mon then! Help me have a look
around.

(Taran gets up and walks over to the
body of the fallen king.)

Taran:
He must have been a great warrior!
(Taran looks more closely at the body
and sees a faint outline of a sword.)

A sword!

(Taran dusts the sword and the its
golden hilt shows through. Taran gasps
at his discovery. Then Taran's attention
is drawn to Eilonwy who is watching
Creeper and one of the Henchmen.)

Creeper:
This will please him! Piece of good
luck this time! Hurry! In with it!
Hurry! He'll reward me for this! Don't
stop you weakling! Put your back into it!

(Creeper is leading the Henchmen, who
is pulling a cart but you can't see who
or what is on it because it is covered by
a sheet, into one of the Horned King's
rooms. Before Creeper closes the doors
behind him an arm belonging to a skeleton
warrior drags behind the cart. The doors
close, the coast is clear.)

Eilonwy:
Let's get out of here before they come back!

(Taran and Eilonwy sneak by the doors and
stop around the next corner. Now Eilonwy
notices that Taran has a sword.)

Where did you get that sword?

Taran:
Uh, back there.

Eilonwy:
You mean...

Taran:
Well, he's not going to use it!

(Suddenly they hear a dog barking and a
voice pleading. They go to see who it is.)

Fflewddur:
You're making a horrendous mistake! I'm
not a spy! I'm a bard! I sing! Uh, I
entertain! Oh, careful sir, these are
the hands of an artist!

Guard:
This'll hold you!

Fflewddur:
Now, look, you seem an intelligent sort
of chap to me!

(The guard looks at him with an expression
that says 'duh')

I assure you I had no idea who owned this
castle! I just happened to be passing!

(FFlewddur looks at the guard )

Oh, he's nice! What's his name?

(The dog tries to bite Fflewddur, but the
guard leads the dog away.)

Down! You don't realize who I am! I shall
sing of your dastardly deed! I'm Fflewddur
Fflam! Minstrel of minstrels! Balladeer
to the grandest courts in all the land!

(The harp, that hangs from a string around
Fflewddur's neck, shakes violently and one
of the strings snap. Fflewddur looks at the
harp and simply replies.)

Well, so you've forgotten! I've sung in
some of the finest courts!

(Another string breaks, it seems it does
so when Fflewddur lies or exaggerates.)

Well I'm only waiting for an invitation!

(a fat string breaks.)

Oh, shush! Why do you judge every word I
say? Oh! What's that?

(He sees a skeleton of a former minstrel
chained to the wall.)

Hhheeeeellllllppppppp!!!!!!!

Eilonwy:
Oh, hello! We'll have you untied in a
moment. I'm Princess Eilonwy. And you
are in bad trouble aren't you?

Fflewddur:
Trouble? Don't you know where you are?
Haven't you seen him? A noise stops
their conservation. Fflewddur, who, is
half free with one hand still tied up.
They are suddenly alerted that the
Henchmen know Taran is missing.

Henchmen:

(from behind a door.)

Pig- boy's escaped! Look in there!

Taran:
We've been discovered!

Fflewddur:
You? Oh! Great Belin! Run! Run! Make
haste!

(to himself)

Make haste? I've must save myself!

(Taran and Eilonwy run for dear life.
Taran would've have made it across the
parapet if he hadn't tripped on a
flagstone. Eilonwy, not seeing Taran's
fault, keeps on going. As Taran gets up
he realizes the sword is gone. Taran
looks around him and sees that the sword
has fallen in the ditch that is aside the
parapet. Hearing the Henchmen, Taran jumps
into the ditch and, grabbing the sword,
crawls underneath one of the arches of
the parapet. The Henchmen pass over him,
without being seen. When they're gone,
Taran climbs on the parapet and searches
for Eilonwy.)

Taran:
Princess! Princess Eilonwy!

(Clutching the sword, Taran rounds a corner
and runs into one of the Henchmen.)

Henchmen:
Pig-boy! You little scut!

(With a single blow with his hand, the
Henchmen sends Taran sprawling. The
Henchmen takes out his axe and swings at
Taran, missing him only by a hair! Taran
grabs onto a beam to help him get on his
feet. The Henchmen swings again, missing
Taran but his axe is caught in the beam.
Taran sees that his only hope is the
sword. Taran grabs the sword and holds
it to fend off any blows the Henchmen may
bring upon him. The Henchmen has pulled
his axe free of the beam and is going to
chop Taran in half. The Henchmen brings
his axe down on Taran's sword. There is a
bright light as the two weapons clash. The
Henchmen's axe shudders and breaks into a
million pieces. Frightened, the Henchmen
backs away. Taran now realizes that the
sword he holds is magic. Taran also realizes
that he is invinsible with the sword. Taran
laughs madly as he get up and swings the sword
around. Eilonwy walks in on the scene and
looks at Taran like he's gone crazy.)

Eilonwy:
Are you all right?

(Taran turns around and looks at Eilonwy.
Taran seems different now, like he has some
bravery that was unleashed by the Magic
Sword.)

Taran:
Oh, good! You're safe!

Eilonwy:
Why of course! I-

Taran:
C'mon! I'm going to get you out of here!

Eilonwy:
Ahhhhhhhhh!!!

(Taran pulls on Eilonwy's hand and drags
her behind him as he runs through the
castle with the Magic Sword in hand,
trying to find a way out of the castle.)

Henchmen:
There they are!

Taran:

(He pulls Eilonwy up a flight of stairs
with the Henchmen close behind them.)

Quick! Up here!

(Eilonwy screams as she sees one of the
Henchmen coming at them with a sword
ready to strike. Taran holds up the Magic
Sword and swings at the Henchmen. With a
burst of light the Magic Sword shatters
the other sword, and throws the Henchmen
over their heads and crashing into the
other Henchmen behind them. Eilonwy looks
at the sword in awe.)

Eilonwy:
Taran, the sword!

Fflewddur:
Great Belin!

(They look up to see Fflewddur Fflam
running for dear life with a savage Guard
Dog right behind him.)

Help! Murder! Get DOWN!!!!!!!

(Taran and Eilonwy come to a store room
filled with wine barrels.)

Taran:
Keep going, Princess!

(Taran takes the magic sword and splits
open the wine barrels. He follows Eilonwy
and again grabs her hand and drags her
through the courtyard. Everyone has seen
them by now and they all are on the chase.)

Eilonwy:
Taran!!

Creeper:
There they are!

(Taran and Eilonwy find the drawbridge. But
they are trapped.)

Creeper:
C'mon! Get them!

Eilonwy:
Oh no! Taran!

Creeper:
Ha, ha,ha! We've got you now, pig boy!

(One of the Henchmen throws an axe and
it almost hits Eilonwy.)

Eilonwy:
Ah! Taran! DO something! Use the sword!

(Taran, who is trying not to get hit with
the spears that are being thrown at him,
swings at the chain holding up the
drawbridge. The chain breaks from the
touch of the Magic Sword. Creeper and the
Henchmen back away in fear. Suddenly,
Fflewddur appears with the Guard Dog still
behind him.)

Fflewddur:
Make way! Make way! Step aside! I've never
hurt you! Get, get out of my way!

(The drawbridge is lowered and Fflewddur
tries to cross it but the Guard Dog has
grabbed ahold of the seat of Fflewddur's
pants.)

Let me down you brute!

Taran:
Run, Princess! Run!

(The gate comes down, tearing Fflewddur's
pants, he runs off holding up what's left
of them.)

Fflewddur:

(to Taran.)

Why didn't you tell me you had a magic
sword?!?!?

(We return just in time to see Creeper
report the escape of the 'pig boy', the
princess, and the bard. Creeper is
climbing the staircase to the Horned
King's room. Nervous about what the
King might do to him.)

Creeper:
It wasn't my fault! That's it! That's
it! I always get blamed for these things!
I'll just tell him. . . and if he gets
mad. . .oh, OH!! I'll just straighten him
out! That's it! I'm not going to get
kicked around for this!!

(He quietly knocks on the Horned King's
door.)

Sire?

Horned King:
You bring news of the pig?

Creeper:
Not exactly, sire. It's the pig-keeper,
sir. He's..Oh!..he's

(whispering )

he's escaped..

(louder )

escaped!

(The Horned King signals Creeper to
come to him.)

Oh, sire! Allow me!!

(Creeper starts to choke himself.)

Is, is that enough?

Horned King:
Good. He'll find his pig! Send the
gwythaints to follow that boy!

Creeper:
Oh, yes, sire! Oh, yes! By all
means, sire!

(Creeper leaves the room, laughing
madly.)

Now we see gwythaints searching for
the trio. Though Taran, Fflewddur,
and Eilonwy are out of sight of the
gwythaints. They rest in a glade.
Taran is polishing the Magic Sword.
Eilonwy is sewing the rip in Fflewddur's
pants made by the Guard Dog. Fflewddur
stands behind a bush with his boxers
on, making up a song about himself.

Fflewddur:

(in song)

The world will applaud me. Its praise
will reward me. And I, Fflewddur Fflam
will find fame!

Eilonwy:
There almost finished Fflewddur. Hmm,
its not too good, but it'll hold for a
while.

Fflewddur:
Yes, I shall sing of your deed!

Eilonwy:
It would be better to sing of our
heroic escape! Weren't you a bit
frightened Fflwewddur?

Fflewddur:
A Fflam frightened? Ho, ho! The word
is not in my vocablurary!

(he looks at his harp strings that are
about to break and quickly adds.)

In this case well chosen, my dear.

Taran:
I wasn't afraid!

Eilonwy:
Not afraid?! Why, we were running for
our lives!

Taran:
Well, I got us out of the castle,
didn't I?

Eilonwy:
You?! I'd say it was the sword's magic.

Taran:
But it takes a great warrior to handle
a sword like this!

Eilonwy:
But, still, it is a magic sword!

Taran:
Humph! What does a GIRL know about
swords anyway?!

Eilonwy:
Girl? GIRL?!?! If it weren't for this,
GIRL, you would still be in the Horned
King's dungeon!

Fflewddur:
Here now, now. Princess Eilonwy, Taran....

Eilonwy:
Well at least I don't keep talking about
it FOREVER! Oh, you're so, so BORED!

Fflewddur:
Princess Eilonwy!!

Eilonwy:
How dare you take his side!!!

(Eilonwy throws Fflewddur's pants in his
face.)

Fflewddur:
Well I really didn't mean to-to-to...
interfere, heh, heh!

Taran:
Silly girl! Even if she is a princess!

(Eilonwy is obviously very hurt by Taran's
last remark. Now we get a hint that Eilonwy
likes Taran. Eilonwy and Taran walk off in
different directions, leaving Fflewddur all
by himself.)

Fflewddur:
We are going to have to- to to.... Oh, dear.

(Taran walks around slowly and thinks about
what he said to Eilonwy. He decides to
apologize. He finds Eilonwy leaning on a
willow tree, crying.)

Taran:

(sheepishly)

Hello.

Eilonwy:

(sees Taran and brushes away her tears.)

Hello. Fflewddur is right, you know. We
are going to have to work together. And
we'll find your pig. I'm sure it's
important.

Taran:
Thank you for getting me out of the dungeon.

Eilonwy:
Oh, we couldn't have done it without you.

Taran:
But a least we're all safe.

Fflewddur:
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!! Great Belin!!

Taran:
Fflewddur!!

(Fflewddur is sprawled on the ground. Gurgi,
is sitting on him, robbing Fflewddur of all
his belongings.)

Fflewddur:
Help! Murder! Hurry!

Gurgi:
Ha, ha! Gurgi's lucky day!

(picks up Fflewddur's hat.)

Wow!

Fflewddur:
Yes! Keep it! It's a gift!

Gurgi:

(picks up Fflewddur's harp.)

Oh, this! Gurgi want this!

Fflewddur:
Take it! I'm sure you've murdered for
less! Ugh!

Gurgi:
Gurgi, uh, want!!!

(Gurgi tries to pull the harp away, but
the string is around Fflewddur's neck.
Practically chocking Fflewddur, Gurgi
gives one last pull when Taran shows up
at the scene with the Magic Sword drawn.)

Taran:
Gurgi!

(Gurgi quickly lets the harp go, sending
it smashing into Fflewddur's head. Gurgi
studders trying to think of an excuse.)

Gurgi:
Master! Uh, uh, old man...FALL DOWN!

(to Fflewddur.)

Get up. Get up!

Fflewddur:

(Brushing off the harp)

Well! Really! Who is your pungent little
friend?

Taran:
He's no friend of mine. He's just a
coward, and a thief.

(Gurgi takes of Fflewddur's hat and gives
it back.)

Gurgi:
Humph! Too big anyway!

(Eilonwy joins her friends to see Gurgi.
Gurgi fixes his hair for Eilonwy.)

Eilonwy:

(to Gurgi)

You're charming!

Gurgi:
And pungent too!

Taran:

(to Gurgi.)

Well, what are you waiting for?

Fflewddur:
Yes. Yes exactly! Toddle off!
Toddle off!

Gurgi:
Humph! Gurgi go!

(Gurgi starts to walk away, than sees
Eilowny's footprints.)

Tracks? TRACKS! Gurgi remembers! Saw
piggy's tracks!

Taran:
You did?

Gurgi:
Today!

Taran:
Today? Wait a minute!

Fflewddur:
You'll try anything!

Eilonwy:
Oh, you're both horrid! He just
might know.

Gurgi:
Pretty lady come too?

(He pulls on her dress.)

Eilonwy:
Well, I . . . .

Gurgi:
Yes! Yes! Yes! Follow Gurgi!
Follow Gurgi!

Taran:
You'd better be telling the truth!

Gurgi:
Gurgi not lie. Not this time.

(The companions follow Gurgi. Soon they
come to a small pond. Where Gurgi proudly
shows Taran Hen Wen's tracks.)

Gurgi:
See master? Piggy's footsteps! No lie.

Taran:
Oh, good. They look fresh.

(Gurgi sets out crossing the small stepping
stones on the pond. As soon as he is in the
middle of the pond, all the stepping stones
disappear except for the stone Gurgi is
standing on. That stone begins to spin and
sink into the water. The pond turns into a
whirlpool sucking Gurgi in.)

Gurgi:
Oh, master! Master!!!

Taran:
Gurgi!

(Taran is not strong enough. He is pulled
in with Gurgi. Eilonwy graps on to Fflewddur
trying to pull out Gurgi and Taran.)

Eilonwy:
Oh, Taran! Give me your hand!

Fflewddur:
We're doomed!
(Eilonwy and Fflewddur fall into the whirlpool.
Taran, Gurgi, Eilonwy and Fflewddur and
sucked into the depths below. The whirpool
settles leaving Taran, Gurgi, Princess
Eilonwy, and Fflewddur Fflam on a floor of
an underground realm. Exhausted from the
whirpool, they sleep, as some young "locals"
observe them.)

Little Boy 1:
Uhoh! How did they get in here?

Little Boy 2:
Ha! Old Doli's whirpool broke again!

(begins to giggle)

Little Girl:
I think they wake up soon. We'd better
tell King Eidilleg.

Little Boy 2:
No, silly! You know we're not supposed to
be up here!

Little Girl:
Uhoh, we are going to be in trouble!

Little Boy 2:
Not me!

(and turns invisible )

Little Girl:
Me either!

(she starts to fly away then sees the
king coming toward her, she turns
invisible.)

Uhoh!

(King Eidilleg has come to inspect how
the fixing of the whirpool is coming.
Doli, Eidilleg's grumpy, hot-tempered,
sharp-witted servent, is trying to fix
the whirlpool.)

Eidillig:
Oh , yes, I see you fixed that.

Doli:
Yyeeuppp! When I get...... this pole....
up here.. I'll be finished!

Eidilleg:
Good! Yes, it SHOULD work.

Doli:
It's PERFECT!!!

(the structure suddenly breaks)

Grab that pole!

Eidilleg:
Ugh! I've got it!

(the whole thing falls apart)

Eilonwy:
Aren't you all darling!

Eidilleg:
Oh, uh, hello. I'm King Eidilleg
of the Fair Folk and this...

Doli:
How in the blazes did they get in
here?!?!

(the whole structure collapses on them)

Eidilleg:(to Doli)
I thought I told you to fix the
whirlpool!

Doli:
I fixed it! I did fix it! It was perfect!

Eidilleg:
Evidently not completely perfect! Its
supposed to keep them OUT!

(turns back to our heros)

Uh, can I be of any service?

Doli:
Is everything that happens around
here MY fault?!

Eidilleg:
Are you here on a friendly visit?

Doli:
And I suppose it's my fault that the
pig's here, too!

Taran:
Hen Wen ?

Eidilleg:
Oh, she's your pig!

Doli:
Oh, GOOD! One less thing for old Doli
to worry about!

Eidilleg:
Oh, Doli !!!

(calling to him)

Doli:
What now?!?!

Eidilleg:
Would you hurry up and fetch the pig?

Doli:
PIG?!?!

(he flies off and takes off his hat
and kicks it, then sees some young fair
folk giggling at him )

HEY, YOU KIDS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!

Little Girl:
Oh, oh, Mr. Doli. I just want to see
the pretty lady.

Doli:
Alright, but you watch yourself, ya
hear?

(all the Fair Folk go to see the visitors)

Eilonwy:
I cannot believe my eyes your Majesty!

(she laughs as the Fair Folk swarm around
her.)

Doli:
Watch it! Watch it!

(Hen Wen comes running through, trampling
Doli, eager to see Taran.)

Taran:
Oh, Hen ! Thank goodness you're safe!
(Hen Wen lands on Taran's lap, and he
pets her.)

Eidillig:

(to Fflewddur)

Tell me, is the burning and killing, STILL
going on up there?

Fflewddur:
You're refuring to, tha, that, that joke
on humanity, the Horned King!

Eidillig:
Well no one ever stands UP to him!

Taran:
We've seen him. And if he finds the
cauldron

(pause, and looks at Hen Wen)

He'll kill us all!

Eidillig:
Oh, no, no! He'll never find it! No, no!
It's safely hidden, in Morva.

Taran:
Morva?

Eidillig:
Well, at least I think it is.

(then calls)

Oh, Doli ! Is it?!

Doli:
Yeeeep! Is that my new job?! Remembering
where the cauldron was last seen!

Eidillig:
Oh, he'll know right where it is!
You'll see!

Taran:
If we could get to the cauldron first...
and destroy it!

Eilonwy:
Oh, it isn't right Taran.

Taran:
Don't you see? If we destroy the cauldron,
it would stop the Horned King!

(then looks at Eilonwy, and holds her hand)

Please, come with me?

Eidillig:
Well, I never thought of Morva! That's a
hard place to get to!

Doli:
Yeeeuuuppp!

Eidillig:
Why, you can take them!

Doli:
What?!?!

Fflewddur:
You mean, trusting our lives to, a, to him?

(Doli flies crossly to him. And Fflewddur
hides his face behind his harp. )

Doli:
And what, is wrong, with ME!?!?

Fflewddur:
Oh! Ah, nothing! Splendid choice in fact!
Heh, heh.

(a string on his harp breaks)

Eidilleg:

(to the Fair Folk)

Shall we then ?

(The Fair Folk turn invisible and lift our
heros to the exit of the realm.)

Gurgi:
Oooooooohhhhhh!!

Taran:
Oh, wait!!! Hen Wen.

Eidilleg:
Don't worry! We'll get her home safely!

Taran:
Thank you, sir! Be good Hen!

(The companions float up, and on thier
way to The Marshes of Morva. We now view
an area that resambles a swamp. A eerie
mist covers the ground. We see Taran,
Princess Eilonwy, Gurgi, Fflewddur Fflam,
and Doli.

(who is sitting atop Fflewddur's hat.)

Eilonwy is stepping carefully, so she
won't dirty herself. Fflewddur who is
looking worse for wear, seems to be
exhausted.

Doli:
Well, if it's the Marshes of Morva you
wanted, here ya are!

Eilonwy:
Oh, such a dreary place!

Taran:
Let's see what it looks like from up here.

(Taran walks to a small ledge overlooking
the marshes.)

Eilonwy:

(to Taran)

I think we're lost.

Fflewddur:

(To Doli )

Are you sure this is the right place,
Doli?

Doli:
Yes, I'm sure!

Fflewddur:
Well, if you ask me.....Aaahhhhh!

(Fflewddur walks over a small ledge.)

Eilonwy:
Fflewddur! Doli!

Taran:
Are you all right?

Doli:
Hey! Look out you big clumsy oaf! Look
wher--.Uhoh!

(Doli sees a cottage, where the Black
Cauldron is hidden.)

Welcome to Morva.

Taran:

(Who has walked up to the cottage.)

Well, someone must live here.

Gurgi:
Gurgi not like this place! Uh-uh! Nnooooooo!

Eilonwy:

(looking in a window.)

It seems empty. Maybe we should have a look.

Taran:

(now trying to push the door open.)

If I could just....get this... door open!

(The door opens, and they look around.)

Eilonwy:
How will we ever find the Black Cauldron
in a place like this?

Taran:
It must be here somewhere!

(They begin to look for the Cauldron.
Eilonwy looks in the drawer, Taran looks
in a cabinet. Gurgi looks behind a door.
Taran opens a chest and myriad of frogs
jump out heading for the door. Eilonwy
screams.)

Taran:
They're only frogs Eilonwy.

Doli:
Those were people!!

Taran:
You mean they were turned into frogs!

(Gurgi suddenly jumps on Taran and shakes
him madly.)

Oof!!

Gurgi:
Oh, master! Come quickly! Gurgi finds
the wicked Cauldron! Quick! Quick! Follow
Gurgi!

(Gurgi leads the group into the next room.)

Behold master!

Taran:
The whole room is full of cauldrons!

Eilonwy:
I don't understand! Why would, why would
anyone want so many....

Orgoch:
Ah! Thieves! Thieves!

(The group returns to the main room,
a small explosion lights it and three
women appear.)

Orddu:
Someone stole all our frogs! You evil,
nasty people! You shall all be turned
into frogs and eaten!

Orgoch:

(feeling Taran's arm.)

Nice and tender!

Taran:
Stop that! You. ... ..

Fflewddur:
So nice to meet you ladies. Uh,
goodbye!

(a hand reaches out and pulls Fflewddur.)

Orwen:
Wait! My, aren't you the handsome one!

(she hugs Fflewddur who is quite shocked.)

Fflewddur:
Who? Who? M-m-m-m-m, ME?!?!

Orwen:
Oh, honestly now! Don't you find me
irrestiable?

Fflewddur:
Yes. Quite so!

(A string in his harp breaks.)

Sush!
Stop that!

Orwen:
I hope you don't mind if I move
your heart. You handsome.......

Orgoch:
Humph! Enough of this lovesick
nonsense!

(She turns Fflewddur into a frog.)

Fflewddur:
Great Belin!

(Orgoch tries to catch him, but
Fflewddur is too fast.)

Orgoch:
We're going to have toad stew !

(Suddenly a pot filled with boiling
water appears under Fflewddur. He
falls in and Orgoch scoops him up
with a spoon and is about to eat him
when Orwen pushes her away, causing
Orgoch to drop Fflewddur.)

Orwen:
You're not going to eat this one!

(Orwen changes him back and hugs him
once more.)

Come here love! Can anyone here
preform marriges?

Fflewddur:

(frightened)

Marriges?!?!

Orgoch:
You love struck witch!

(She changes Fflewddur back into
a frog, but since Orwen was hugging
him, Fflewddur is caught between
Orwen's breasts.)

Orwen:
Where is he? Where'd he go? Yoohoo!
Where are you? Don't go! Now look what
you've done! He's gone! I'll never forgive
you for this, Orgoch! Never!

(Fflewddur manages to free himself, and
he hops away.)

Oh, there you are!

(she changes Fflewddur back, and all
three witches laugh.)

Taran:
Enough! We've come for the Black Cauldron!

Orddu:
Did you hear that sisters?

Orwen:
Why, no one has asked for the Black
Cauldron in over two thousand years!

Orgoch:
It's a trick! We not going to let the
have it are we?

Orddu:
Don't worry. Leave it to me. Perhaps
I might interest you in something else;
a kettle, a cookpot, a skillet, a teapot,
a bucket, a jar, a platter!

(The pots, skillets, and pans float
around Taran.)

See anything you like?

(The Magic Sword glows and suddenly
seems to take on its own life. It
shatteres the pots and pans, and gets
Orddu's attention.)

I don't believe it! I've never seen a
sword like that! I've got to have that
sword! Listen carefully, we'll trade
the Cauldron for the sword!

Orwen:
But what can they DO with the Cauldron,
Orddu?

Orddu:
Nothing! That's the point. Don't you
see? We'll end up with both! The sword
and the Cauldron!

(To our heros.)

It's decided then, you shall have the
Black Cauldron.

Eilonwy:
You mean, you'll give it to us?

Orddu:
Ha, ha! That's not what I said. You
weren't listening. We never give
anything away! What we do is bargain,
trade!

Taran:
Well you'll not have my sword!

Fflewddur:
May I ask you ladies to perhaps consider
this magnificent harp.

Orddu:
A harp?!? When we want music we send for
the birds. What would we do with a
simple harp?

Gurgi:
Wait! Gurgi will trade his munchings and
crunchings.

(he holds out an apple core.)

Orddu:
Who would want....?!

Orgoch:
Hold it sister! Not so fast!

(She grabs the apple core and eats it.)

Taran:
Alright! I know what you want!

Orddu:
Yyyeeessss?

Eilonwy:
No, Taran! No!

Taran:

(to Eilonwy.)

It's our only chance!

(to Orddu, sadly.)

Here is my sword. Take it!

Orddu:
This is your own choice, duckling.
Remember, with this sword you could
be the greatist of warriors!

Taran:

(nearly crying.)

Yes. I offer you my dearest possesion,
in exchange for the Black Cauldron.

Orddu:
Agreed! We have made a bargain.

(The three witches disappear with the
sword. The cottage begins to fall apart
as the wind blows it away. Stools,
chairs, pots and pans fly by. Then the
cauldrons take off.)

Taran:
Look out!

Doli:
Help!!

Eilonwy:
Taran! Watch out!

Fflewddur:
Ah! Great Belin!!

Taran:
Duck!

(Our heros lay on the ground to keep
out of the way of the cauldrons.
Just when they think it's over, a
small earthquake takes place. The
Black Cauldron is pushed up from under
the ground where the cottage had been.)

Eilonwy:
Look!

Taran:
The Black Cauldron! It's ours!

(Taran walks toward it and he hears
the laughs of the witches. He looks
up to see them watching him from the
clouds.)

Orddu:
I say, what funny little ducklings!
Don't they know the Black Cauldron
is indestructible! Now listen carefully,
the Black Cauldron can never be destroyed.
Only its evil powers can be stopped!

Taran:
Then there is a way! But how?

Orddu:
A living being must climb into it on his
own free will!

Gurgi:
Gurgi is bold and brave! He will climb
into the evil cauldron!

Orddu:
However, the poor duckling, will never
climb out ALIVE!

Gurgi:
Yikes!

Fflewddur:
Now look here madam, don't forget we
have an agreement!

Eilonwy:
Yes! You said we could have the Cauldron!

Orgoch:
Of course we said you could have the
Cauldron. It's not our fault you can't
do anything with it!

(The witches disappear.)

Orddu:
Goodbye goslings! And remember we always
keep our bargain!

(Night comes, and our heros sit around
a campfire. Fflewddur is tending the fire
with a stick. Eilonwy and Gurgi sit next
to Fflewddur. Taran sits by himself with
Doli sitting on his shoulder. Unsure about
what they should do with the Cauldron, they
ponder their problem.)

Doli:
What a bunch of blundering misfits! Things
never work out when you're dealing with
people!

(to Taran)

You can go back to feeding pigs! I've had
it! Goodbye!

(Doli turns invisible and flies back to
the Fair Folk realm.)

Taran:
Doli's right. It's my fault! I let you
down! Without my sword I'm nothing! I'm
just an just an Assistant Pig-Keeper!

Eilonwy:
Look you are somebody! You must believe
in yourself! I believe in you.

Taran:
You, you do! And I think that you're....

(Taran holds her hands)

Uh, I mean... That is....

(He draws his hands away in embaressment.)

Eilonwy:
Yes, Taran?

Taran:
What I mean is that I'm grateful. For
all of you. You've been true friends.
Now it's up to me.....

Eilonwy:
Look!

(She points to some gwythaints swooping
around the cauldron.)

Gurgi:
Uhoh! Trouble! Goodbye!

Taran:
Quick! We can't let them find it!

(The Henchmen burst out of the brush
holding spears.)

Henchmen:
Pig boy!!!!

(The Henchmen surround our heros and
capture them.)

Henchmen:
Ha! There you are! Pig-boy!

(Gurgi looks on and lowers head as if
in shame. Taran, Princess Eilonwy, and
Fflewdduf Fflam are taken back to the
Horned King's castle (minus Gurgi, who
has fled at first sight of the gwythaints.)
We see the King's courtroom that is filled
with the lifeless skeleton warriors. Creeper
is on a platform with the Black Cauldron,
yelling out orders.)

Creeper:
Get the move on! Careful now! You! Tie
them up over there and get that cart out
of here!

(to our heros)

Oh, I 'm sorry. I've ignored you. You did
come for the Black Cauldron? Good, then
climb right in! It'll only cost you your
life!

(He sees the Horned King coming.)

Oh!! Everything is ready, sire!

Horned King:
My, such a brave and handsome crew! A
pig-boy, a scullery maid, and broken-down
minstrel! Perhaps it may interest you to
see what fate has in store for you! Ha,
ha,ha, ha. Now I call upon the army of
the dead! The Cauldron Born!

(The Horned King take one of the skeletons
and places it in the Black Cauldron.)

Arise my messangers of death! Our hour
has arrived!

(The Cauldron begins to shake and starts
leaking blood. It spits a huge ball of
fire and produces a green mist that
settles over the rotting skeletons. The
henchmen close in for a closer look when
suddenly the skeletons spring to life.
They are now the Cauldron Born. The make
their way to the entrance of the castle.
Then we see Gurgi entering the castle
through the water gate, watching all the
rats scurry away.)

Eilonwy:

(Gasp)

Oh! It's horrible!

Horned King:
My phantom warriors have come to life!
All dead from centuries past! Never has
anyone created an army like this! Go
forth my deathless warriors! Destroy
all in your path!

Creeper:
Come, sire! We can get a better view
from above!

(Creeper leads the Horned King to the
balcony overlooking the drawbridge.
While Creeper leads the Horned King
to the parapets above. Taran, Eilonwy
and Fflewddur look hopelessly at one
another.)

Eilonwy:
Oh, Taran! I'm afraid it'll soon be
over for us.

Taran:
I-I hadn't planned it to end like
this, Eilonwy.

Fflewddur:
Oh, I wish I'd stayed a toad!

(From the parapets above, Creeper and
the Horned King lean out a window
watching the Cauldron Born cross the
drawbridge and beginning to slaughter
every living thing.) Horned King:
Only moments away from victory! My
greatest triumph!

Creeper:
We did it sire! I-I mean YOU! Yes,
yes! Of course! You did it, Sire!

(Gurgi is climbing up a flight of
stairs. He reaches the top and opes
a door. An ax chops the door down as
the Cauldron Born burst through the
doorway.)

Gurgi:
Yikes!

(He runs away and comes to a window
looking into another room. He breathes
quite loudly and Taran hears him.)

Taran:
Gurgi? Gurgi, is that you?

Gurgi:
Master!

Taran:
Gurgi, what are you doing here?

Gurgi:
Gurgi sorry he always runs away when
there's trouble. He untie everyone!
Then we leave this evil place!

Fflewddur:
Well get on with it!!

Taran:

(Now free)

Good boy, Gurgi! Eilonwy, you go with
Fflewddur and Gurgi. I must stop the
Cauldron.

(Taran starts climbing to a balcony
that overlooks the cauldron.)

Eilonwy:
Oh, but Taran that's impossible! Why
you'd be---

(she sees Taran ready to throw himself
into the Cauldron.)

Taran!!

Taran:
I'm sorry Eilonwy.

Eilonwy:

(sobbing)

Please Taran!!!! NO!!! You can't!!!!

Taran:
My mind is made up!

(Taran readies himself but Gurgi
stands in his way.)

Gurgi:
Wait master! Gurgi not let you jump
into Cauldron!

Taran:
Gurgi, get out of my way!

(Gurgi backs up almost to the edge of
the balcony. He almost falls in when
part of the cobblestones give way.)

Gurgi:
Whoa!

(whining)

Please master! Not go into evil Cauldron.

Taran:
If I don't we're all lost! Out of my way!

Gurgi:

(crying)

No! Gurgi not let his friend die!

(he walks toward the Cauldron)

Taran has many friends.

(sniff)

Gurgi has no friends.

Taran:
Gurgi, No! Don't jump! Wait! Don't!

(Gurgi jumps.)
Nnnnoooooooooooo! Oh, no!

(The fire and the green mist is suddenly
being sucked back into the cauldron.
Outside, the Cauldron Born are staggering
and falling into heaps and becoming dusty
skeletons once more.)

Creeper:
Sire! Sire look! Something's wrong! What
is it sire? They're- they're DIEING!

Horned King:
It can't be! This had better not be your
fault!

(seizes Creeper by the throat.)

Creeper:

(suggestion)

It needs another body, Sire!

Horned King:
Yes! YOURS!!!

(Taran, Eilonwy and Fflewddur dash
throught the corridors and come to the
main room where the Cauldron is madly
sucking up all the mist amd fire.
Destroying all the evil that it has
created.)

Taran:

(to Fflewddur)

Get Eilonwy out of here. Hurry!

Eilonwy:
Taran, I, please, I-

Taran:
Go on! Go with Fflewddur!

(to himself)

Maybe there's still a chance,
for Gurgi.

(Suddenly the Cauldron gives a mad
inrush of air. All the torches blow
out and Taran is being dragged toward
the Cauldron, hungy for more innocent
lives. Taran sees a iron handle on the
wall. Desperatly he reaches for it and
hold on tight. Then the Horned King
charges downstairs from his balcony
above with Creeper in his cluches.)

Creeper:
No, Sire!!! Please!!

Horned King:

(to the Cauldron Born)

Get up!! Come alive!!

Creeper:
Maybe they're only resting, Sire!!

(to a Cauldron Born)

DO SOMETHING!!!! My life is at stake!!!!

Horned King:
Get up you fools!!! KILL!!!!!!!

(Creeper suddenly spies Taran holding
onto the iron handle, doing his best
to keep himself from being sucked into
the Black Cauldron.)

Creeper:
Look!! Sire, look!! It's the PIG BOY!!
It's HIS fault!! Yes! HE'S the cause
of it!!

(The Horned King throws Creeper away
from him as he moves toward Taran,
promising himself that Taran will be
the next victem of the Black Cauldron.)

Horned King:

(to Taran)

You've interfered for the last time....

Creeper:
Ha, ha!! Go for his throat, Sire!!!

Horned King:
Now, Pig Keeper. You shall die!!

(He grabs Taran by the front of his
shirt and pulls him up.)

Taran:
NO! DON'T!!!

(Taran kicks himself away and tries to
escape.)

Horned King:
What's this?!

(The Cauldron sucks in a gigantic
amount of air causing the Horned King
move closer the the Cauldron.)

(to Taran)

No, you'll not escape!

(The Horned King seizes Taran and looks
him in the eye.)

Horned King:
You will satsify the Cauldron's hunger!

(The Horned King throws Taran towarn
the Cauldron. Taran, too weak to move,
lays still. Pleased with his work, makes
his way toward the staircase leading to
his balconey. Taran, seeing that he's
leaving, crawls away from the Cauldrom.
Eilonwy and Fflewddur watch nervously
from a parapat above.)

Eilonwy:
Oh no!

(The Cauldron is not pleased seeing his
revenge escaping. It makes another huge
inrush if air, causing the Horned King
to slip closer to the Cauldron.)

Horned King:

(realizing what the Cauldron is up to)

No! You'll not have me! My power cannot
die! (he now realizes it is too late)

Curse you! No!
Nnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

(The Horned King is holding onto the
the Cauldron trying to pull himself away)

Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!!!

(He deteriates in a flash of light and
is gone. Creeper has watched from a
parapat above.)

Creeper:
Oh no! H-how horrible! Poor sire! H-he's
gone!

(Creeper realizes that he's IS gone and
he's not going to be punished whether
or not it was his fault.)

He's gone! Ha! He's gone! Ha, ha, ha,
ha! HE'S Gone!

(Creeper hobbles away)

(The Cauldron's inrush of air has
stopped. Now it has turned a molten gold
and is causing the floor to collapse.
Taran flees looking for Eilonwy and
Fflewddur.)

Taran:
Fflewddur! Eilonwy!

Eilonwy:
Over here! Hurry!

Taran:
Thank goodness you're safe! C'mon
Fflewddur! Hurry!

(The run throught the falling-apart
castle. Pillars crumble before their
eyes and the floors behind them start
collapsing.)

Fflewddur:
For sakes alive!

(They come to a spot where the floor
has split. Taran jumps over first,
then Eilonwy. Fflewddur dosen't like
the idea.)

Taran:
C'mon Fflewdduer! Jump!

(Fflewddur makes it safely across and
they bolt down a hallway. They come
to the sewer of the castle. A boat
sits there waiting for them.)

Eilonwy:
Taran. Look!

Taran:
Good! Get in.

(He picks up a pole.)

Here! Your job, Fflewddur!

(Fflewddur starts poleing them toward
the exit when he notices a locked gate
blocks their path.)

Fflewddur:
Uhoh! Trouble!

Eilonwy:
Oh! We can't get through!

Taran:
I-I'll try to open the gate.

(Taran jumps out of the boat into the
water.)

Eilonwy:
Be careful Taran!

(Taran easily breaks the rusty chains
and opens the gate.)

Taran:
Quick! Push the boat through!

Eilonwy:
C'mon Fflewddur! Hurry!

(Taran, still in the water, helps push
the boat through the exit. Fflewddur
is trying the pull Taran back into the
boat.)

Fflewddur:
Good job lad!

Suddenly Fflewddur see that the ceiling
is going to give way. With one final
heave, he pulled Taran into the boat.)

Fflewddur:
Look out!!!

(The celing caves in just as the
companions make it into the exit tunnel.
A huge wave of water flushes them out
of the castle and capsizes their boat.
The castle explodes. The towers crumble
and the rubble sinks into the bubbeling
water. Taran, Princess Eilonwy, and
Fflewddur Fflam barely made it out of
the castle. As Fflewddur poles the boat
to shore, we see Creeper, laughing madly
out of joy that the Horned King cannot
punish him. Creeper managed to free a
gwythaint, using it as his escape method.
They fly away never to be seen again. We
also see the castle crumbling to bits,
as small fires break out burning the
wood beams. The trio make it to shore,
when Taran spots something.)

Taran:
Look!

(he points to the Black Cauldron, happily
bobing about atop the water, for it has
had its fill on lives, and its evil is
joyous about it.)

Gurgi!

(Taran rushes through the water, then
stops. A wind picks up and the clouds
roll in carrying a familiar laughter.)

Gurgi!

Orgoch:
Why is the poor duckling so sad?

Orddu:
Yes, he got what they wanted and he's
still not satisfied!

Fflewddur:
Just what do you think you're up
to, ladies?

Orddu:
Oh, we have business with your
little hero.

Taran:
Hero? Gurgi was the hero!

Orddu:
The only thing that mattered to you
was the Cauldron. But now it's of no
use to you. So we'll just take it,
and be on our way!

(the three witches start moving
the Cauldron.)

Fflewddur:
Wait! Uh, stay your hands, uh,
ladies! We never give anything away!
We bargain. We trade. Remember?

Orddu:
Ha, ha ! Did these old ears hear the
word bargain? Hmmm?

Fflewddur:
Yes madam! Those old ears heard right!

Orwen:
Ohhhhh! I adore a voiceful man!

Fflewddur:
Oh! Pull yourself together madam!
I say! Out with it! What is your
offer?

Orddu:
(realizing that they want the sword
back)
No! Not the-

Orwen:
Then I'll do it!

(the sword magically appears in
front of Taran )

A magnificant sword for a warrior!

(Taran reaches out for it, then
suddenly draws his hand away.)

Taran:
I'm not a warroir. I'm a pig-boy.
What can I do with a sword?

Orddu:
Absolutely nothing!

(She grabs the sword back)

Taran:
But I will trade!

All Three Witches:
YES????

Taran:
The Cauldron for Gurgi!

Orwen:
Oh dear!

Orddu:
It's not possible!

Fflewddur:
Just as I thought ladies! You've
got no real power! Admit it! Admit
it!

(The witches are insulted by Fflewddur's
remark. The dissappear into a whirlwind.
And circle around the Cauldron.)

Orddu:
We have made a bargain! Ha, ha, ha, HA!

(The wind funnels in front of Taran,
Eilonwy, and Fflewddur. Suddenly it
disappears and the still body of Gurgi
lays on the ground. Taran quietly walks
forward and picks up Gurgi's body. He
turns around and faces his friends.)

Eilonwy:

(sadly)

Oh, Taran!

(Taran's eyes fills with tears and he
hugs Gurgi's body. Then he quickly looks
away. Suddenly a little paw slips into
his vest as if in search of an apple.)

Gurgi:
Muchings and crunchings in here somewhere!

Taran:

(suprised)

Gurgi! You-You're alive!

Eilonwy:
He's alive!

Fflewddur:
Great Belin! He IS alive!

Eilonwy:
Fflewddur! Fflewddur! He's alive!

Gurgi:
I'm alive! Ha ha ha! Gurgi's alive!
Look! Look! Look! Touch me! Oh! Ho,
ho!

Eilonwy:
Oh, Gurgi1 You clever little thing!

(She giggles)

(Gurgi is between Taran and Eilonwy
who are hugging him. He flashes a
crafty smile and pushes Eilonwy and
Taran together which results in a
kiss. Gurgi, Taran and Eilonwy laugh.)

Taran:
C'mon Gurgi! Let's go home!

Gurgi:
Oh! Gurgi's Happy day!

(Gurgi runs forward and grabs Taran's
hand, taran looks at Eilonwy and holds
his hand out to her and she takes it.
Then Eilonwy holds her hand out to
FFlewddur and he taks it.)

Fflewddur:
Great Belin! Ha!

(The characters walk off together and
their image turns into one of Hen Wen's
visions. You then see, Dallben, Hen Wen
and Doli back at Caer Dallben. Dallben
is smiling.)

Dallben:
You did well my boy!

Doli:
Yeeeuuuupppp! Ha, ha, ha!

The End