INT. GWERNIA THRONE ROOM – SUNSET

Zaratas stumbles backwards and falls onto the throne dais. Alaron charges at him, but Zaratas holds up a hand and blasts him backwards.

A blast of lightning from Rheda’s staff strikes Zaratas in the chest while he’s distracted. He’s knocked back against the throne, and catches himself on its arm.

Rheda strides forward, staff in hand.

RHEDA

This is it, Zaratas. It ends here.

Zaratas laughs, a sound like a death rattle. He grips the throne’s arm and pulls himself up to a hunched standing position.

ZARATAS

Don’t make promises you can’t keep, child.

Rheda takes another step forward, raising her staff.

RHEDA

You think I won’t do it? After everything you’ve done? All the pain and suffering and destruction you’ve caused?

ZARATAS

I know you won’t. You’re still too weak.

Rheda leans in. Energy gathers around her, focusing at the tip of her staff.

RHEDA

I have more power than you know. More power than you could ever understand.

Zaratas laughs again, throwing his head back. Rheda takes a half-step back, thrown off.

ZARATAS

To think, a thick-headed imbecile like you was a royal advisor! I speak not of external power, but of internal. Force of will. The ability to do what must be done, no matter the cost.

RHEDA

You underestimate me, Zaratas.

ZARATAS

Do I? Are you really so capable?

He turns towards Alaron, who staggers forward, flagging from side to side.

ZARATAS (cont.)

Even when the cost is the one thing you hold most dear?

The husk of Alaron trips on a flagstone. Rheda rushes to him, catching him before he can hit the ground.

Zaratas breathes in and stands up fully, unfurling.

Energy sparks around Alaron’s fingertips, and he raises his head and one trembling hand towards Zaratas.

ZARATAS

He strives, even now, towards the other half of himself. Would you destroy this man, whom you have dedicated your life to? Whom all of this has been for?

Zaratas fires a spell at Rheda. She throws up a shield to deflect it.

The shield falls, revealing Zaratas is only a few paces away. Energy crackles in his hands as he readies another spell. Rheda holds her staff between Zaratas and Alaron.

ZARATAS

You were right, child. This does end here. But not for me. Not if you want your precious First Mage to live.

RHEDA

We’ll see about that.

Rheda starts to stand. Alaron grabs her arm, pulling her back down, and a wild blast from his other hand knocks Zaratas away from them.

Rheda turns back to Alaron. His eyes are bright for the first time since their return to the Mundane Plane.

ALARON

I don’t know how much time I have, so I need you to listen. I gave you my true name for a reason.

Rheda shakes her head.

RHEDA

I can’t--

ALARON

Rheda. I trust you with my life. Now I’m trusting you to end it, before anyone else gets hurt.

Rheda bows her head and nods. Alaron releases her arm.

Rheda wipes a hand across her eyes and stands to face Zaratas for the final time.