The Road to Kaeluma

Guest (Male): Who approaches?

Lord Saffron: I, Lord Saffron, a lowly servant of Klay Pahar.

Guest (Male): Did you bring it?

Lord Saffron: Yes, sir.

Guest (Male): Good. The Dark Lord has been growing impatient.

Lord Saffron: May I leave now? Leaving so soon, servant? Won't you stay a while and enjoy our hospitality?

Guest (Male): Yes. Yes, of course. I didn't mean to.

Lord Saffron: Enough! Captain, open the chest.

Guest (Male): Yes, my lord. The key?

Lord Saffron: Here you go. Got it. Now, where is the rest?

Guest (Male): This is all my master could gather without arousing suspicion.

Lord Saffron: You dare insult me with this trivial offering? Your master is a greedy imbecile. You shall return and tell your master I am coming to Pahar. Best determine quickly whose side you both are on.

Guest (Male): Yes, my lord. I will. I shall say exactly as you have.

Guest (Male): My lord, are you certain this is what you've been after?

Lord Saffron: Your lack of faith pains me, Captain. Hand me a stone. Yes! This is exactly what I've been after.

Guest (Male): Ready? Begin!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Someone's been practicing.

Guest (Female): Hadn't noticed.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I yield.

Guest (Female): What is that, Master Armstrong? Seven in a row?

Guest (Male): That is correct, Vera.

Guest (Male): Orik, you should know by now that a strong stance makes a strong fighter. Keep your knees bent and your shoulders loose.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Good to see you too, Father. He never comes on sword fighting day or archery day.

Guest (Male): Orik, the co-son of our clan must be well-versed in every weapon.

Guest (Female): For the record, you can have archery. You couldn't catch me dead with a bow in my hand. Oh, and I'm ahead in spear.

Guest (Male): That is correct. In the spear category...

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Wait, we're tied in spear.

Guest (Female): Not after tomorrow.

Guest (Male): That is all for today. Put away your sparring weapons. I must see to the other students. Chief?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Oh, I forgot. I won't be at training tomorrow because you wanted me at the council meeting, right, Father?

Guest (Male): Seems as though your time may be better spent here. However, as it is an important meeting, I suppose you could be in attendance.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Really?

Guest (Male): It should be exciting. We will be discussing a new cattle tax.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Fine, we'll train.

Guest (Male): No, son. These are important skills to learn if you are to be chief one day.

Guest (Female): It's okay, Orik. I wouldn't want to keep you from cattle tax day.

Guest (Male): Come, son. Now, let us begin.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I'm Orik, son of Chief Yannic. I'm the co-son, or heir, of Pahar. Our village is full of farmers, miners, and smiths. Nothing really happens here. We live at peace, safely hidden between the Great Goulder Mountains and the vast Mayash Sea.

I mostly watch my father conduct village business or settle petty disputes. If I'm lucky, I get to train for battles that won't ever happen. Like I said, nothing happens here. Absolutely nothing at all.

I can't for a minute think why you should be interested in my life in any way whatsoever. I guarantee you, nothing of consequence will ever happen here.

Guest (Male): An event of great consequence has just occurred! Make haste to the inner gate!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Well, that's unexpected. What is going on?

Guest (Male): We've been attacked!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: By who?

Guest (Male): It was an army! They were led by a man with a glowing sword. I heard his eyes were black as midnight. I heard he was nine feet tall and twice as wide.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Twice as...

Guest (Male): There she is! Strategist General!

Guest (Female): Chief. Co-son.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Is it true? Have we been attacked?

Guest (Female): Yes. Two battalions, one from east and west. Each captured one of our strongholds. We've been cut off.

Guest (Male): What are our losses?

Guest (Female): Those who escaped fled here, but it appears roughly half our troops have been captured.

Guest (Male): Who could...

Guest (Male): A party approaches the gate! They wish to negotiate.

Guest (Female): Likely coming with terms of our surrender.

Guest (Male): Listening to terms is not in my nature. Open the gate! People of Pahar, lend your ears! Where is your chief?

Guest (Male): I am here. Who are you?

Lord Saffron: Chief Yannic, is it? I've heard of your mountain city's great wealth from beyond the Mayash Sea. My congratulations. But where are my manners?

People of Pahar, I am Lord Saffron. You have lived in the safety of these mountains since your ancestors first settled here centuries ago. You have been coddled by a leader who calls himself conqueror of the mountain. But now, a stronger one stands before you.

I have come, not in the name of destruction, but in the name of progress. You are content with little because you know little. I intend to open your eyes to more. Pahar sits atop a mine of riches that your chief has failed to understand. Surrender governance of Pahar to me, and I will ensure your people prosper.

Guest (Male): We'll never be ruled by you!

Lord Saffron: Alas, I have anticipated hesitation from you proud, ungrateful people. So allow me to explain your position. I have seized both your strongholds as well as your outer gates. None shall pass in or out without my word. All shipments of food and supplies will be intercepted.

I expect this will help you decide. Of course, if you choose to reject my proposal, there will be consequences. My kingdom's expansion is like a wildfire that cannot be contained. Give Pahar to me and enjoy the luxuries of the Kingdom of Saffron, or be swept up and destroyed.

The choice is yours. What will it be? War, surrender, or famine? And to you, most honorable Chief Yannic, I eagerly await your decision.

Guest (Male): Peace! Peace! Do not fear. Our High Council shall discuss a prudent course of action. Return to your families. Larson, gather the council. We have much to discuss. With me, Orik.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yes, Father.

Guest (Male): Are you ready, co-son?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yes, Chief.

Guest (Male): Good. All rise! To the Iron Chief, the conqueror of the mountain, slayer of the great spider, and chief of this our great city of Pahar. Ka-Pahar!

To his son, Orik, the co-son of this our great city of Pahar. Ka-Pahar! And to us all, the wise elders of this our great city of Pahar. Ka-Pahar! Peace.

Guest (Male): Here is our position. Half our warriors captured and held prisoner in the strongholds. Saffron's men surround us on every side and plan to starve us out. What say you?

Guest (Female): Every moment we wait, fear grows. I see its roots already taking hold amongst ourselves. We must strike now before we all lose hope.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Distinguished Elder, do you think Saffron would offer us surrender if he knew he could win? He is nothing but a blood-craving madman. Yet he knows we are a strong people. He fears us, which is why he insults us with talk of surrender.

Guest (Male): You speak well, Elder Shila. Surrender is not in my nature. I have invited our Strategist General, Manak Araya, to advise us.

Guest (Female): Thank you, Chief.

Guest (Male): What chances do you give us in direct combat?

Guest (Female): Marginal at best. We're vastly outnumbered. I suggest we look for alternate solutions.

Guest (Male): My Chief, though I am not as wise as Manak in the ways of war, I fear we may have already lost.

Guest (Female): Are you suggesting surrender, Elder Larson?

Guest (Male): A thousand pardons, Elder Shila. I only think of the lives that could be spared.

Guest (Female): Don't you use that tone with me, Larson!

Guest (Male): Peace! Peace, elders.

Guest (Male): If I may. Speak. I am Elder Elrin, envoy of the East and Evergreens.

Guest (Male): We know!

Guest (Male): Every army has its enemies, and enemies of enemies are allies unequivocally. Continue.

Assuredly, your Eminence. In analyzing ancient ages of old, it is understood: armies are overrun in isolation. It is absolutely essential our ambassadors additionally engage. I advocate our ambassadors and emissaries execute an undertaking, inquiring of external infantries in order that army and army engage in integration, arising in an altercation unseated ages.

Guest (Male): Come to the point, Elder Elrin.

Guest (Male): We should go to the king.

Guest (Male): Peace! Out of the question. We are one of the independent western clans. We have never declared allegiance to the kingdom. Why would he help us?

Guest (Male): Assuredly, I apologize, your Illustriousness. Although alternate explanations are undeniably achievable.

Guest (Female): Yes, other clans. But how to get there? We are completely surrounded.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I may know a way. The co-son speaks. There is an old mining tunnel that runs deep into Mount Goulder. I've explored it. I believe the tunnel runs northward in the direction of Clan Laboa. We used to be allies. Maybe they will help us.

Guest (Male): Perhaps, but that alliance was long ago. And it is my understanding that the entrance to the tunnel has caved in. A battalion of troops could never fit through.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yes, Chief. However, a lone messenger could. I believe our combined forces with a surprise attack from the Laboa could be enough to turn the tide.

Guest (Female): The co-son's plan has merit, Chief.

Guest (Male): But who to send? The entrance is small.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: And they would need to know the tunnels. Someone like myself.

Guest (Male): Or like that friend of yours, young Vera. She certainly has the skill set. Good thinking, Orik.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: That's not what I...

Guest (Male): I advise excavation. An admirable aim indeed.

Guest (Male): True enough. Inform the stonemasons to clear the eastern tunnel. Larson, best inform the vendors to begin rationing the grain supply.

Guest (Male): And what of the meantime?

Guest (Male): We wait. Perhaps Saffron will grow careless and we can raid his siege line, buy ourselves time.

Guest (Female): To wait is to surrender! We must attack while our families are still strong and have spirit. Where is the Chief Yannic of old, who defeated the great spider and forged Pahar in iron? That is the chief we need right now.

Guest (Male): Mind your tongue, Elder Shila!

Guest (Female): I will not be spoken to in such...

Guest (Male): Enough! I think that is quite enough. We proceed as I have spoken. We clear the tunnel until it is large enough for a suitable party to go to the Laboa.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: But...

Guest (Male): Until then, I adjourn this council. Go to your families. We reassemble at dawn. I caution you, chief. Do not put this clan in such a position that forces people to make desperate decisions. We are well past the point of desperation, Elder Shila. Go home.

Guest (Male): That went well. Your idea was well thought. In time, I may have you brief the messenger on what you know of the tunnels.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: But couldn't I... Yes, Father.

Guest (Male): I have not ventured into the heart of Mount Goulder since before I was chief.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I know, Father. You've told me this story hundreds of times. You defeated the great spider, and now Pahar is the most successful mining town in the great continent.

Guest (Male): But you still fail to understand the importance of that story, Orik. My victory cemented me as chief. If you are to be chief one day, you will be measured by how you respond in situations such as this. That was a time to fight. Now is a time to be prudent. You understand?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I guess.

Guest (Male): Good. Now let us clear our minds of this business. You will make me proud one day.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: One day?

Guest (Male): I know you will. Now I must see to another matter before nightfall.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Okay. See you later.

Guest (Male): Goodnight, son.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Make me proud one day. What does he mean, "one day"? I need some fresh air. Maybe I'll go check on Barbury.

Barbury! Today is my favorite falcon. Oh, you look hungry. What more do I have to do to make him proud of me, Barbury? I mean, I train hours every day. I sit through countless lessons, meetings.

I'm sorry, I can't let you out tonight. I know how you feel right now, buddy. He liked my plan. Why not just send me? And then why would he tell me that story about when he went into the mountain?

Does he not have the confidence to send me, or does he want me to take initiative and just go myself? Maybe that's what he was saying. Well, if I'm ever going to be chief, I have to do what he did and be brave.

No, this is my chance to make him proud by literally doing what he did. I can go through and take the message to the Laboa clan myself. I'll be all right. I've been through before. Well, most of the way, at least. Thanks, Barbury. I'll be back before you know it.

All right. Two days' worth of food, armor, weapons, supplies.

Guest (Female): What you doing?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Hi, Vera. Nothing. Just a little excursion. I'll see you later.

Guest (Female): Is that your dad's sword?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yes.

Guest (Female): The one with the weird hole in the hilt?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yeah.

Guest (Female): The one your dad used to kill the giant spider beast?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: That's the one. Now would you stop asking questions?

Guest (Female): Okay, okay. So why are you taking it?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Do you know any other swords that have slayed a mountain beast? Who knows what's in there?

Guest (Female): So we're going into the mountain.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I said stop asking questions! And "we" aren't going anywhere. I need to do this alone.

Guest (Female): Oh.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: But if you want to help...

Guest (Female): Anything.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Can you let my dad know that I'm gone?

Guest (Female): Sure. And?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: That's it. I mean, hey, it's a big job.

Guest (Female): Sure. Great, thanks! See ya! Well, he didn't say it had to be in person.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Is it right or left here?

Guest (Female): Right!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: What are you doing here? I told you to tell my dad, not follow me.

Guest (Female): I did. Kinda.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: What do you mean kinda?

Guest (Female): Well, I didn't want to lose your trail, so I packed real quick, left your dad a note, and followed you.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: A note?

Guest (Female): Yep, so we're good. I let him know. Let's get going.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: That's not... you're not... no.

Guest (Female): Sorry, there's no getting rid of me now. Better get used to it.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Vera, no. As your co-son, I say that...

Guest (Female): Oh yes, mighty co-son! My knees tremble before you!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I'm going to choose to ignore that. Fine.

Guest (Female): Yes! Did you hear that?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: What? Never mind. Let's go. Is that the sound you heard?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: No. What's that? There! By that purplish light up ahead.

Guest (Female): By the stalactite?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: That's a stalagmite.

Guest (Female): Whatever. It's some sort of crystal, or stone.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: It's beautiful. It kind of looks like the stone that was in Saffron's sword.

Guest (Female): You're right. I'm keeping this. There! That's what I heard!

Guest (Female): Probably just some cave critter. Everything seems scarier in the dark.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Whatever. Come on.

Guest (Female): I hate to break it to you, but that looks like a dead end to me.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Not anymore. Follow me. Really, Orik? You couldn't have made a bigger...

Guest (Female): The stone... it's everywhere!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Here, grab some. What was that? My torch is out! Pass me your flint.

Guest (Female): I can't see! Hold on.

Guest (Male): Who has entered my cavern?

Guest (Female): What is that?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: I don't know, but it sounds big.

Guest (Male): I say who?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Just a couple of travelers here, passing through.

Guest (Male): Humans, I take it.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Yes. Aren't you human?

Guest (Male): I certainly am not.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: What are you then?

Guest (Male): I am a guardian of Mount Goulder, burdened with the task of protecting my domain. And now I have caught a couple of thieves stealing my Goulderstone.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Goulderstone? Oh, we are so sorry. We did not know it was yours. We will put it back. All right, and there you go. No harm, no foul. And we'll be on our way if you could just point us to the exit.

Guest (Male): It is too late for that.

Guest (Female): What do you mean?

Guest (Male): I show no mercy to greedy humans who try to raid my cavern. And besides, a meal has not so easily come to me in quite some time.

Guest (Female): What do we do? It's blocking the way!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Let me think. If we turn around, we can make it back.

Guest (Female): No, we can't! Pahar needs us!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: So we fight it. But I'd rather not, since we don't know what "it" is. But we might be able to outsmart it.

If we keep it talking, maybe we can work our way around the cavern and out the other side. The glowing light from the stones should help us see just enough.

Guest (Female): If that doesn't work, can we fight it?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Just come on. Oh, great and powerful guardian, we didn't mean to steal your rock.

Guest (Male): Goulderstone! The stone of my mountain! A stone of unrivaled value and power. A stone so ancient it dates back to the Age of Ice, when arcane elements crystallized and formed it.

Guest (Female): Oh, so it's powerful.

Guest (Male): It has many power properties.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Like what? Like, does it...

Guest (Male): Do you take me for a stupid beast? I know what you do. You try to sneak away.

Guest (Female): Orik, he's onto us!

Guest (Male): I may not see well with my eyes, but none compare to my powers of sight!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: What is that supposed to mean?

Guest (Male): Do you still not know my form? Light your torch, human, and look upon me!

Guest (Female): Orik, it's a giant bat! Run! We have to fight! Weapons! Vera, you all right?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: It got my arm! I hope you're okay. Okay, good. I hit it with my axes, but they didn't do a thing. It'll come back. We gotta move!

Wait. Bats use echolocation. If we hold still and hide behind these stalactites...

Guest (Female): Stalagmites!

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Whatever. It won't be able to see us.

Guest (Female): Smart.

Guest (Male): Where are you?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: The stone, Vera. The bat said that Goulderstone is powerful. Saffron had the stone in his sword hilt and it was all glowing and stuff.

Guest (Female): Yeah, and your dad's sword has a hole in it too. I wonder if it fits.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Hand me one. Whoa! Yes! Back, foul creature! Begone! Let's get out of here!

Guest (Female): That was close. Oh, the stone wore out?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Let me see it. Here. What? Whoa, it just crumbled.

Guest (Female): I guess those stones don't last forever.

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Why does my dad have a sword like this? And why didn't he tell me about it?

Guest (Female): I'm sure he has his reasons. Maybe he...

Guest (Male): And just where do you think you're going?

FamilyLife & Jesus Film Project: Hi, I'm Landon Holly.

And I'm Perry Wilson. We're the co-creators of The Road to Kaeluma.

Thanks so much for listening. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. And a big thanks to Jesus Film Project and FamilyLife for making this possible. And finally, what you've all been waiting for: time for some credits.

This episode starred Ben Little as Orik, Bethany Baldwin as Vera, Ian Lallam as Chief Yannic, and Andy Harvey as Lord Saffron.

Our supporting cast includes Joshua Nicholson, Kara O'Brien, Michael Allen, Perry Wilson (that's me!), and Landon Holly (that's me). Our executive producers were Jonas Sands and Michael Allen, with sound design by Joel Boyder and an original score by John Campbell.

And if you want to dive deeper with us into the episode you just listened to, stick around for the RTK After Show and use the discussion guide on our website, jesusfilm.org/kaeluma. We'll see you next time.