Scene 1: The Switch
Hamza’s head spins as he opens his eyes to the unfamiliar landscape before him. The air is thick with heat, the sky tinged in shades of red, and the rocky ground beneath him feels foreign. As he struggles to make sense of his surroundings, fragments of his dreams return to him, and confusion clouds his mind.
Hamza’s Thoughts (Internal Monologue):
"Where... where am I? This place… it feels like the dream I had. But how could that be real? I was in the forest... I remember the landslide..."
He pushes himself to his feet, his body feeling strangely strong and muscular. It takes him a moment to notice the people around him. Soldiers. They’re all looking at him with concern, and a large man with a white scar over his left eye steps forward. His hair is long, white, and tied back, bald in the middle, and his scarred face carries a sense of experience and authority.
Hamza’s Thoughts (Internal Monologue):
"Who are these people? Why are they calling me...? Prince? I’ve seen this man before... somewhere. But I’ve never met him..."
Hamza furrows his brow, his mind racing as he tries to piece it together. Suddenly, he remembers. The prince. The prince from his dreams. The realization washes over him like cold water, making his heart pound.
Hamza (internally panicking):
"This can’t be... I’m not the prince. I’m... me! But... this body... It’s not mine. I was never this muscular. And these clothes..."
He looks down at the armor he's wearing. It’s royal, foreign, and feels heavy with responsibility. The same armor the prince in his dream wore. His heart races faster now, a mix of panic and disbelief.
Just as the pieces begin to fall into place, the stone in his hand—its surface carved with strange symbols—suddenly pulses with energy. Before Hamza can react, a violent surge of power explodes from the stone, sending the chief and the soldiers around him flying back. The force knocks Hamza off his feet, and his world goes black.
Kaedan, the scarred chief, stumbles back from the blast, stunned. He pulls himself up and rushes to the unconscious Hamza—now lying where Prince Salvini should be.
Chief Kaedan (concerned, shaking Hamza):
"Prince! Prince Salvini, can you hear me?"
(Looking around at the ashes left by the monster)
"What happened here? What are those ashes from?"
Hamza, still unconscious, gives no response. Kaedan’s brow furrows with worry, but he quickly composes himself.
Bruised but determined, Kaedan lifts Hamza—or rather, Prince Salvini—onto a horse. He looks at the soldiers, still dazed from the explosion.
Chief Kaedan (commanding):
"To the palace! Now!"
Before mounting his horse, Kaedan turns to two nearby soldiers, his voice firm.
Chief Kaedan:
"You two, gather those ashes. Take them to the Examination room for analysis."
The soldiers nod and rush to collect the ashes, while Kaedan and the others start heading toward the palace with the unconscious prince.
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SCENE 2: THE SEARCH FOR HAMZA
The sun hung low in the sky as panic spread across the earth. Landslides had torn through the landscape, leaving behind a chaotic scene of destroyed roads and abandoned vehicles. The air was thick with dust and the distant cries of the injured echoed through the valley. Students, shaken but mostly safe, huddled together as teachers worked to gather them away from the danger.
As they made their way to a clear area, Bilal suddenly shouted, “Hamza! Hamza is not here!”
Teacher Nawaz’s voice cut through the chaos. “Did anyone know where Hamza is?”
Sarah, her eyes wide with concern, replied, “The last time I saw him, he was sitting under the tree. Ahmed, Bilal, Ammar, and Faraz were with him.”
Ahmed stepped forward, worry etched on his face. “We asked him to come for the hike, but he said he had a headache. He wanted to stay behind for a while.”
A flashback flickered through Ahmed’s mind, recalling the moment they had gathered for the hike. Hamza had leaned against the tree, his brow furrowed, his eyes distant.
Flashback Dialogue:
Hamza: “You guys go ahead. I think I’ll just rest here for a bit. I’ve got a headache.”
Ammar: “Come on, Hamza! It’ll be fun!”
Hamza: “I promise I’ll catch up later. Just... let me be for a while.”
Back in the present, panic surged as the reality of Hamza’s absence sank in. Teacher Nawaz looked around at the worried faces of the students, his heart racing. “We need to find him! Everyone, listen up! Split into groups and search the area. Rescue teams will be here soon, but we can’t wait!”
As the students began to scatter, Sarah turned to Ahmed, her voice trembling. “What if something happened to him? What if he’s hurt?”
Ahmed shook his head, trying to reassure her. “We’ll find him, Sarah. He’s tough. He’ll be okay.”
Bilal, looking pale, added, “I shouldn’t have let him stay alone. I should have insisted he come with us.”
Ammar placed a comforting hand on Bilal’s shoulder. “We can’t change the past, but we can help now. Let’s start looking.”
With determination, they began to search the area, calling out Hamza’s name, hoping against hope that their friend would hear them and respond. The weight of fear hung heavily over them as they joined the rescue teams in their frantic search, each second stretching into eternity.
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SCENE 3: IN THE HEALER'S CHAMBER
Prince Salvini lay still on a bed in the healer’s chamber, the soft glow of candles lighting up the room. His face was pale, and he looked fragile. Eldrin, the old healer, leaned over him. Dressed in a red cloak marked with the fire symbol, Eldrin had blue eyes, white average hair and a long white beard. His hands were gentle as he examined the prince’s injuries.
Kaedan, the Chief Guard, stood nearby, his face full of worry. He couldn’t bear to see Salvini in such a helpless state. The young prince was known for his fiery spirit and bravery; now, he seemed so distant.
In the corner of the room, a female mage in a red and black cloak was tending to soldiers who had been injured during the recent chaos. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders, and she moved with a focused grace, trying to ease the pain of those around her. But even she felt a sense of dread when her eyes fell on the prince.
Female healer (internal monologue showing her worry): “Oh, prince! What happened to you?”
Suddenly, the door swung open, and King Solomon rushed in, his expression a mix of fear and urgency. Following closely behind him was Queen Marissa, the beautiful mother of Salvini, with striking big black eyes and long, curly blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. She wore a white royal dress adorned with a crown that held a locket shaped like the fire symbol.
Together, they cried out, “Where is my son? What happened?” Their voices echoed with desperation.
Eldrin looked up, his expression serious. “Your Majesties, the prince has serious injuries. He dislocated a joint and has a deep graze from the monster. He is stable for now, but he needs help.”
Queen Marissa rushed to her son’s side, her heart aching. She gently took his hand, brushing the hair away from his forehead with a motherly touch. “Salvini, my dear,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Please, come back to us. You are so strong, my love... Don’t leave us!”
King Solomon stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on the queen’s shoulder. “He will pull through, Marissa. Our son is a fighter, just like his ancestors. We must believe in his strength.”
Kaedan cleared his throat and turned to Eldrin. “Can you help him? Is there anything we can do?”
Eldrin nodded, moving to gather his tools. “I will need to set his joint back in place first. After that, I will use fire healing magic to treat the injuries internally. It takes time for the spell to work, but it can heal him from the inside.”
The room fell silent as Eldrin focused on the task at hand. He carefully set the prince’s dislocated joint, working with steady hands. The queen watched, her heart aching while she held her son’s hand tightly. “Stay with us, Salvini,” she murmured. “We are here for you. Please come back to us.”
As Eldrin finished setting the joint, he asked the female mage for a small vial filled with a glowing red liquid.
Chief Healer Eldrin: “Helena! Bring the fire healing potion… hurry!”
Helena grasped the potion immediately and gave it to Eldrin.
Eldrin (to King and Queen): “This is a fire healing potion,” he explained. “Once I dress the injuries, I will use the magic to help him heal.”
He began dressing the graze on Salvini’s arm, applying the potion and murmuring an incantation. A warm light surrounded the prince as the fire magic flowed over him, working to heal the wounds within. The room filled with a soft glow, casting a comforting light on the worried faces of the king and queen.
“It will take time,” Eldrin said softly. “The magic will help, but he needs to rest. We must be patient.”
King Solomon nodded, his expression serious. “We will be here for him, no matter how long it takes.”
As the healer continued his work, the atmosphere in the room was thick with hope and fear. The queen stayed close, holding Salvini’s hand and whispering words of love and encouragement. “You are strong, my love. Fight to come back to us,” she urged, tears glistening in her eyes.
The healer’s magic surrounded the prince, weaving warmth and light around him, as the king and queen watched, ready to support their son in any way they could. They prayed for his quick recovery, hoping their love would guide him back to them.
King Solomon, still shaken by his son’s condition, took Kaedan, the Chief of the King’s Army and his personal guard, to a quiet corner of the chamber. Kaedan was not only in charge of all the palace guards but also the king’s most trusted man. The king’s voice was low but filled with concern.
King Solomon: “Kaedan, what happened to him? Tell me everything.”
Kaedan bowed his head slightly before replying. Kaedan: “Your Majesty, as soon as I heard that the prince went to practice near the volcanic mountain, I headed there to assist him with controlling his power. When we got close to the spot, I heard noises—ones I’ve heard before. They sounded like the Ants.”
He paused, referring to the low-level shadow monsters that sometimes crept into their world.
Kaedan (continued): “When we arrived, we found the prince lying on the ground, clutching a stone. Before we could approach him, the stone suddenly released some sort of power. It threw us back and seemed to injure the prince even more.”
The king’s face grew more serious, and Kaedan continued.
Kaedan: “I’ve already sent the ashes of the monster and the stone to the examination room. Mr. Kruger is there—he’s the mage who specializes in magical items. He’s examining both the ashes and the stone as we speak.”
King Solomon’s expression darkened as he processed the information. King Solomon (thinking to himself): “A shadow monster, that close to the palace… It means they’ve started making their move.”
The king was referring to Develious, the shadow world where the monsters came from. If shadow monsters were this close to the palace, it could mean the borders between their world and Develious were weakening. A war they weren’t prepared for could be closer than they thought.
King Solomon (to Kaedan): “If that’s true, then our people are in danger.”
He straightened up, his mind now racing with thoughts of how to protect his kingdom.
King Solomon: “Come with me to the examination chamber. We need to know exactly what we’re dealing with. And prepare for a council meeting. We’ll gather in the royal chamber to discuss our next move.”
Kaedan nodded firmly, ready to follow the king’s orders. The situation had just taken a much darker turn, and both men knew that they had to act quickly before things spiraled further out of control.
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Scene 4: A Tragic Night in Murree
Night had fallen in Murree, casting a cold, dark blanket over the mountain. The rescue team, along with Hamza’s friends, searched tirelessly. Their torches flickered, casting long shadows on the rocky terrain. The air was filled with the sound of shifting stones and distant cries for help, but still, there was no sign of Hamza.
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The mountains, once beautiful and inviting, now seemed cruel. Every corner, every boulder, had been examined in the hope of finding him. But the hope that Hamza would be found alive began to fade. Bilal, Ahmed, Faraz, Ammar, and Sarah, exhausted and devastated, moved through the rubble with heavy hearts.
“Do you think he made it out?” Ammar’s voice trembled with worry as they scoured the rubble.
“He has to be okay! Hafiz Hamza is strong!” Sarah insisted, glancing anxiously at Ammar.
“Remember the stories he told us? He can’t just vanish like that!” Faraz added, desperately looking beneath a fallen beam.
Ammar nodded, trying to muster hope, “We’ll find him. He wouldn’t leave us behind.”
Bilal, his face pale, suddenly stopped, looking out at the vastness of the night. His voice cracked as he muttered, “What if…what if he fell off the edge?” His words seemed to hang in the cold air. The reality was sinking in.
Sarah’s eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling, “No…he can’t be gone! Hamza’s too strong for that. He always... he always figures a way out.”
But deep down, they all feared the worst. As the minutes turned into hours, the search became more desperate. Teacher Nawaz, who had always been fond of Hamza, clenched his fists as he called out into the emptiness, “Hamza! Where are you, my boy? Don’t leave us like this!”
When the rescue team made their way down the mountain’s edge, they spotted something below – a figure, barely visible, crushed beneath a massive boulder. The rescuers hurried to it. With great effort, they removed the heavy stone, but their faces turned grim as they realized the boy underneath was lifeless, unrecognizable from the injuries.
One of the rescuers called out in a somber voice, “We found someone…” He hesitated before adding, “…it could be Hamza.”
The weight of those words hit his friends like a landslide. Ahmed fell to his knees, clutching the earth beneath him as tears streamed down his face. “No, no! This can’t be real!” he cried, the pain too much to bear. Ammar and Faraz, standing beside him, couldn’t hold back their tears either. Their strong friend, the boy they had grown up with, was gone. It didn’t seem possible.
Teacher Nawaz stood there, his eyes filled with tears, staring blankly at the crushed figure. Hamza had been more than just a student to him. He had been a beacon of light – smart, kind, and full of life. “How could this happen? How could someone so full of dreams be taken so soon?” he whispered to himself, unable to comprehend the loss.
The trip back to the orphanage was somber, the joy that once filled their days replaced with deep sorrow. Word of Hamza’s death spread quickly, and by the time they returned, the atmosphere was filled with mourning. Mr. Akram, the manager of the orphanage, sat quietly in his office, tears rolling down his cheeks. He had always admired Hamza’s passion and kindness toward the children. “He was like a son to me,” Mr. Akram whispered, shaking his head in disbelief.
Ustad Imran, the old carpenter who had mentored Hamza, sat in his workshop, staring at the tools they had worked with together. The memories of their conversations about life, history, and sword fighting flooded his mind. “That boy had so much potential…so much to give to this world,” he muttered, his voice heavy with grief. “Why did this world take him so soon?”
In the children’s quarters, the little ones who Hamza had always treated with kindness and brought chocolates for, had heard the terrible news. They huddled together, their small faces wet with tears, whispering his name as they cried. One of the youngest, a girl no older than seven, sobbed loudly, “Hamza Bhai won’t come back anymore? He promised he would bring us chocolates...”
The sound of her cries echoed through the orphanage, breaking the hearts of those who heard. Sarah, Ahmed, Bilal, Ammar, and Faraz gathered in a small room, unable to contain their tears. They remembered Hamza’s football skills, his sharp mind, and his ability to make everyone around him laugh.
Ahmed, wiping his eyes, muttered, “He was the best of us… always helping others, always there when we needed him. How could we lose him like this?”
Faraz, his voice trembling, added, “He was more than just a friend. He was like a brother. We were supposed to grow up together and conquer the world together. Now… now he’s just gone.”
Sarah couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. “He was so strong, so brave... How could this happen? Why wasn’t I with him? Maybe... maybe I could’ve stopped him from staying behind.”
Teacher Nawaz entered the room, his face etched with sorrow. “Hamza was special to all of us,” he began, his voice low. “He had a light in him that shone so brightly. It’s hard to accept that he’s gone, but we must remember the joy he brought into our lives and honor his memory.”
As the night went on, the orphanage was filled with grief, with each person mourning the boy who had touched their hearts in his own way. Hamza, the quiet, kind boy with big dreams, was gone, leaving behind a void that no one could fill.
After the Fajr prayer, the air was heavy with sorrow as Hamza’s janaza was offered in a quiet, somber gathering. The sky above was painted with the early light of dawn, but it brought no comfort to those who stood there, mourning a boy who had been like family to them. With no parents to claim him, and no means to verify if the body truly belonged to Hamza.
They buried the boy they had found beneath the boulder, each heart weighed down by the grief of losing someone so young, so full of promise. Tears fell silently as they lowered him into the earth, the orphan who had touched so many lives now resting in a grave marked only by their love and memories.
As they stood around the grave, the reality of their loss began to settle in. In that moment, Ahmed's mind drifted back to an intense football match just a few weeks earlier. They had been losing, the score was against them, and the pressure was palpable.
Ahmed: “We’re not going to win this one, are we?” he had muttered, frustration evident in his voice.
Hamza, with a determined glint in his eyes, had replied, “Not if we give up. Just trust me.” His strategy had involved a daring play that caught the opposing team off guard, leading them to victory in the final moments.
Ahmed recalled the adrenaline, the cheers, and how Hamza had turned a hopeless situation into a glorious win. “We did it! We actually did it!” they had shouted, engulfing Hamza in a bear hug, and the memory faded.
The sun rose slowly, casting a warm light over the mourners. Mr. Akram stood at the front, tears streaming down his face as he gazed at the fresh earth that covered Hamza’s body.
In that moment, his mind shifted to cherished memories with Hamza. He recalled their late-night talks, filled with laughter and dreams.
Mr. Akram: “You have a special gift, Hamza. Your creativity shines through everything you do,” he had told him one evening, sharing snacks as they discussed their futures.
Hamza had leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with ambition. “Thank you, sir! I want to build something great one day, something that helps people.”
Mr. Akram: “You will son. You have that potential”
As the tears continued to fall, Mr. Akram felt the sharp pang of loss deepen. He glanced at the others gathered around—Ahmed, Nawaz, and Ustad Imran—each one lost in their memories of Hamza.
Sir Nawaz stood a few steps away from the grave, wiping away tears as he tried to compose himself. Memories flooded back of the countless moments he shared with Hamza.
Sir Nawaz: “Hamza, you were more than just a student to me; you were like a son. I remember when you first walked into my classroom, full of energy and ideas. You challenged me every day to be a better teacher. Your passion for learning was contagious.”
He paused, his voice thick with emotion.
Sir Nawaz: “You always had that spark, that determination to excel in everything you did. I can still hear you saying, ‘I want to change the world, sir!’ You believed in yourself, and you inspired all of us to believe, too. Your brilliance in football, your kindness to everyone around you… it all made you extraordinary.”
He looked down, clenching his fists to suppress the sadness.
Sir Nawaz: “I wish I could have guided you longer. You had so much potential, Hamza. Your dreams were just beginning to unfold. I promise, I will make sure that your legacy lives on. We will carry your spirit with us, and I will continue to teach your story to future students. You will never be forgotten.”
Focus shifted to Ustad Imran who is in deep thought, having tears in eyes looking devastated
Ustad Imran was in the workshop, the smell of wood shavings and fresh paint lingering in the air. He had just finished teaching Hamza how to carve a delicate design into a piece of wood. The young boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he admired his work.
Hamza: “Ustad, I want to be known for something great, like the heroes in the history books I read. I want to make a difference!”
Ustad Imran smiled warmly, placing a hand on Hamza's shoulder.
Ustad Imran: “Ah, my boy, greatness is not just in the skills you master or the battles you fight. It lies in the heart that drives you. You see, every creation you make, every decision you take—it's all rooted in your heart. Your heart is your greatest tool. Use it wisely.”
Hamza looked thoughtful, nodding as he absorbed the wisdom.
Hamza: “But what if I fail? What if my dreams are too big?”
Ustad Imran shook his head gently, his eyes shining with sincerity.
Ustad Imran: “Failure is a part of the journey, Hamza. Remember, every master was once a beginner. It's your passion and determination that will carve your path. Just listen to your heart, and it will guide you. You have the potential to be someone others respect and admire.”
Hamza beamed, feeling inspired by Ustad Imran's words.
Hamza: “I promise to follow my heart and work hard!”
As the mourners held each other tightly, the memories of laughter, friendship, and dreams intertwined with their grief, reminding them of Hamza’s vibrant spirit and the promise they had made to carry his legacy forward. In their hearts, he would always be alive, inspiring them to reach for their dreams, just as he had done.
Scene on the Earth ended……..
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Meanwhile in the Marth……
Scene 5: The King, Kaedan, and Kopaik in the Examination Chamber
(King Solomon storms into the examination chamber, Kaedan by his side. The room is dimly lit, with the stone sitting on a small table, placed on a peculiar device. Kopaik, the suspicious mage in his 30s, stands examining the object, his clever eyes glancing between the stone and his equipment. He wears a white and black mage’s cloak with the fire symbol of the Fire Nation Ignisara embroidered on the back.)
King Solomon (furiously, his voice booming across the room):
"What is it, Kopaik? What do you know about that stone? Speak now!"
(His fists are clenched, his expression filled with rage as he steps closer to the table.)
Kopaik (bowing his head slightly, speaking carefully):
"Your Majesty, I have studied the ashes and the stone, and I believe the ashes belong to the ant monster. But this stone…"
(He pauses, touching the surface of the object with a careful hand, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.)
"It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I don’t know where it came from, but it holds unique magical properties. There's an ancient incantation engraved on it, but its language is so old, even I cannot decipher it."
Kaedan (stepping forward, his tone cautious but firm):
"Your Majesty, I suspect this stone is the cause of the explosion on the mountain. It may have been what injured the prince. The power that came from it was immense."
King Solomon (deep in thought, pacing slightly as his fury simmers):
"Injured my son…"
(He turns to Kopaik, his eyes sharp.)
"And you have no idea what this object truly is, Kopaik? No understanding of the magic it holds?"
Kopaik (hesitant but sly, his tone shifting as he tries to take advantage of the situation):
"Your Majesty, I’ve never seen such an item, but I believe... if you were to allow me access to the prohibited section of the royal library—"
King Solomon (cutting him off, his voice filled with authority and fury):
"How many times must I tell you? That place is forbidden to you!"
(He steps toward Kopaik, glaring.)
"If you ever try to enter it, I will kill you myself, Kopaik. Do not think I am lenient!"
Kopaik (backing away slightly, feigning respect):
"I would never dare disobey you, my king. I only wish to serve the kingdom and uncover the truth behind this... artifact."
(His eyes flicker with a brief, cunning gleam before lowering respectfully.)
Kaedan (leaning in, whispering into the king’s ear, his eyes never leaving Kopaik):
"Your Majesty, I advise caution with him. His intentions are unclear. I don’t trust him... his presence always feels unsettling. I’ve seen the way he eyes the forbidden chamber. His curiosity is not innocent. He seeks power, I guess so….."
King Solomon (nodding subtly, calming down slightly):
"You’re right. We’ll keep a close eye on him."
(He glares at Kopaik one final time before turning to leave.)
"Remember, Kopaik. One misstep... and it will be your last."
(The king and Kaedan exit the chamber, leaving Kopaik standing alone with the stone.)
Kopaik (muttering to himself as the door closes behind the king and Kaedan):
“Damn that stupid King and that bastard chief, who they think I am……..”
"Fools… always so quick to dismiss me."
(He runs his hand over the stone, his clever eyes narrowing.)
"This stone... it’s far more than they realize. Power like this doesn’t just appear out of nowhere."
(He smirks, tapping the table.)
"And that chamber... so carefully guarded. The old man thinks he can keep it from me forever."
(He paces, his tone growing more sinister.)
"I know there’s more hidden behind those doors. Ancient magic... forgotten by time. They’ll all see, soon enough."
(He clenches his fists, eyes burning with ambition.)
"The king may try to control me now, but he’s only delaying the inevitable. When I find what’s hidden in that chamber, the entire kingdom will bend to my will."
(With a low, chilling laugh, he stares at the stone, his voice dripping with malice.)
"No one can stop me. Not even Solomon."
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Scene 6: The Healer's Chamber
(The prince lies on a bed, pale and still. The room is filled with soft, muted light. The queen sits beside him, worry etched on her face, a damp cloth in her hand. The chief healer moves around the room, preparing potions and herbs. The door creaks open, and Kaezan, a muscular 16-year-old boy with short black hair, enters, wearing the armor of Ignisara. A sword hangs at his side.)
Queen Marissa (startled, weary): "Oh, Kaezan. You startled me. My mind has been elsewhere."
Chief Healer: (turning towards Kaezan) Ah, the youngest son of our chief, Kaedan. You’re here just in time.
Kaezan (worriedly, rushing to the bedside): What happened to the prince? I ran here as soon as I heard the news! How is he?
Chief Healer (sighing, glancing at the queen before speaking): The prince suffered a severe injury during the explosion on the mountain. He’s stable but unconscious for now.
Queen (biting her lip, her voice trembling): They said it was a miracle he survived… but he’s so pale.
Kaezan (kneeling beside the bed, concern in his eyes): Is there anything I can do? I can’t just sit here and do nothing!
Chief Healer (shaking his head): We’re doing everything we can. Just give him time.
(Just then, the prince begins to stir. He lets out a faint moan and slowly opens his eyes, blinking against the light.)
Prince (weakly, his voice barely a whisper): Mom... is that you?
Queen: (leaning closer, tears welling up) Yes, darling, I’m here. You’re safe.
Kaezan: (smiling with relief) Prince! You’re awake!
Prince (trying to sit up, wincing in pain): What... what happened?
Queen (gently pressing him back down): Rest, my love. You were injured in an explosion. You need to save your strength.
Kaezan (frowning, still concerned): We were worried sick about you. I couldn’t believe it when I heard.
Prince (looking at Kaezan, his expression turning serious) Kaezan, did anyone else get hurt?
Kaezan (nodding gravely): A few were injured, but most are okay. You took the brunt of it.
Queen (stroking the prince’s hair softly): You’re brave, my son. You’ll heal.
Prince: (closing his eyes for a moment, then opening them again) I’m... I’m sorry for worrying you both.
Kaezan (grinning, trying to lighten the mood): You can’t get rid of us that easily. We’ll be right here until you’re back on your feet.
Queen (smiling through her tears): Yes, my dear. You have all of us to support you.
(The prince manages a weak smile as he looks between his mother and Kaezan, feeling a sense of warmth despite his pain.)
Prince: Thank you... both of you.
(The atmosphere in the room shifts slightly, filled with a sense of hope as they stay by his side.)
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Scene 7: The Hallway and Healer’s Chamber
(The king strides down the hallway, his face stern, Kaedan a few steps behind. The echo of their boots fills the corridor.)
King Solomon (deep in thought, muttering):
"Kaedan, something is deeply wrong with that mage. We need to find out more about that stone. Assemble the council. Kopaik’s motives may go deeper than we realize."
Kaedan (nodding firmly):
"As you command, my king."
(Just as they turn a corner, Helena rushes toward them, breathless, her face flushed with urgency.)
Helena (panting, excited): My king! My king! The prince... he’s awake!
(The king’s stern expression softens instantly, a wave of joy washing over him. He exchanges a glance with Kaedan, both men smiling broadly.)
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Until next time: