Blacktalon (2023) s01e02 Episode Script
Undying
What's it like, to hear his voice?
For me it is
Pain.
How else could it be
to hear the voice of a god-king?
We all bear burdens.
This is mine.
But why you, Hendrick?
Why must you be the one to face this task?
I do not question.
I do what is required of me.
In Sigmar's name.
And it is a burden I cannot share.
The words of passing, Neave.
He has spoken them into my mind.
And they burn even now.
My lips cannot give shape to them.
Only when the time comes,
will they be heard.
So be it.
The others will be here soon.
If you will allow me,
I shall speak Sigmar's will.
Who do we hunt?
A monster.
Aren't they all?
Get up. If you can't move,
they don't keep you alive.
What is this?
The herd must be culled of the weak.
Lest they spoil the queen's table.
Hmm.
It seems you are not weak.
Merely foolish.
But our queen cannot keep
the entire harvest for herself.
Keep moving
and you will live a little longer.
Who was she?
This blood queen.
She is called Kaelena.
She last drew breath
as one of the living in the Age of Chaos,
before the War of Retribution even began.
Someone who has survived that long
is going to be powerful
and difficult to kill.
Vampires have a nasty habit
of not staying down.
That's why we're not going to kill her.
What?
Kaelena was once an Azyrite magister
in service to Sigmar.
She turned her back on him
and made a bargain for immortality.
First we have to get to her.
Lorai.
She has a fortress.
Of course.
A fortress in two halves.
The tree that holds the fortress' stones
together grows through a realmgate
spanning Ghyran and the Amethyst Realm.
Attack in one realm and she goes
through the gate to the other.
We need to get in and reach
the quarry as swiftly as possible
Without getting killed
again in the process?
without giving the creature time
to muster her forces in defence.
The Soulblight need
the blood of the living.
Why not wait until she leaves
her fortress to feed?
She has not left the confines
of her fastness for many lifetimes.
We will have to enter the fortress.
So we walk in or we break in.
Either way, we must cross the threshold.
Don't the legends say
it's the other way round with vampires?
But she still feeds, doesn't she?
This Soulblight still drinks blood, yes?
Her thralls and lesser kin bring herds
of mortals to fill her dungeons.
Her larder.
Then that's our way in
with the people she treats as cattle.
Five-score-nine, your eminence.
A wasteage of only a half-dozen.
A bountiful harvest.
On your feet.
What?
I presume there is a reason
we have to use the door
as opposed to riding the lightning
into the heart of the enemy.
The fortress is
warded and shielded
against magic intrusion.
Powerfully warded if you are saying
that Sigmar's might can't get us inside.
Not his might, no.
But his word
What are you not telling us, old wolf?
Kaelena's fortress is a Stormvault.
Made by Sigmar himself in ages long past
to seal away relics and monsters
that might threaten the realms.
What did this Stormvault contain,
besides a realmgate?
Some hold spells that undo life
and move the stars.
Weapons that can steal a god's power.
Devices that can rewrite truth.
Whatever this one holds,
such power cannot be allowed
to remain in a vampire's hands.
So if we're not going to kill her
what are we going to do?
To protect their secrets,
every Stormvault
contains a penumbral engine.
Such devices are designed
to wash away the memories
of those caught in their aura.
They're long dormant,
but can be reactivated with the right key.
So we're going to remove her ability
to use the contents of the Stormvault.
We're going to destroy her sense of self.
Her identity.
She'll die in all but body.
Yes.
Please, I was just trying to stay alive.
You yet might.
Keys.
We breach the fortress in Shyish.
Cause trouble.
The prey feels threatened
and goes through the gate
from one realm to another.
Exactly what we want her to do.
This way, quick.
Quick.
Please. Please, don't leave us.
Over here!
Through.
Lorai.
It is done.
Run swift.
The sight of the unliving
will not remain clouded for long.
This is it,
but only the mistress can open it.
Go.
What?
You brought us to the sanctuary.
Your life is your own.
I betrayed the mistress.
I won't survive.
Leave!
- What?
- You just killed him.
I gave him more of a chance than any
of the mortals he helped imprison.
It's time.
By the will of Sigmar.
Hear his word.
Hendrick?
Good luck.
I'll hold them off
for as long as I'm able.
And this word unlocks the fortress?
Yes.
What is the problem?
There is always a problem.
Even if you could open a Stormvault
Sigmar is a cautious god.
The wards break.
The vault's guardians awaken.
There!
Oh. How disappointing.
The vaults.
Stop her, Rostus!
It worked. She's gone through.
Now we just need to stop her returning.
And get out without dying.
- The Soulblight crossed over?
- Yes.
But she opened the damn vaults
as she left.
The way is sealed.
But only while I dream
its waters into ice.
I cannot hold the way shut for long,
and I am unwilling to die
in this endeavour.
We give Hendrick all the time we can.
and trust that Sigmar is with him.
Oh, no you don't.
Back here!
Stand aside.
No.
Come on Hendrick!
Shyish lor nia su
Hello, old friend.
Celestial power.
The weight of a half-god's whim.
Life eternal.
Doesn't suit you.
You forced me here.
Cut off the path behind me.
Clever.
I had thought
you would come for me sooner.
I can grant you no mercy, Kaelena.
You are a threat.
Because of what we remember.
Memories are a funny thing, are they not?
They can define you,
and they can damn you.
And they always come back to haunt you.
You should have come with me.
You should not have chosen this.
I made the right choice.
You
You no longer have a choice
over who and what you are.
Is she here too?
She doesn't know, does she?
Did you tell them you were here
because of the Stormvault?
Of course you did,
they could not know the truth.
Only Sigmar's Talon would be trusted
to ensure that I do not live
to spoil his great gamble.
You would murder everyone
you care about for your god.
I do what is required of me.
I am sorry.
I am not.
The waters
drain
The way will not remain shut for long.
Just as well.
Sorry, Hendrick.
Time's up.
You tire, old man.
Your words are truer than you know.
Goodbye, old friend.
I will remember you.
- Hendrick!
- Out! Now!
Move! Get clear!
It will all come out in the end, Hendrick.
When all is dust
secrets are undying.
The Penumbral Engine will work?
It will.
Very well. Let's get it done.
Mistress!
You survive!
What glorious fortune!
Who are you?
Your humble servant.
I need no servants.
But I do need to feed
For me it is
Pain.
How else could it be
to hear the voice of a god-king?
We all bear burdens.
This is mine.
But why you, Hendrick?
Why must you be the one to face this task?
I do not question.
I do what is required of me.
In Sigmar's name.
And it is a burden I cannot share.
The words of passing, Neave.
He has spoken them into my mind.
And they burn even now.
My lips cannot give shape to them.
Only when the time comes,
will they be heard.
So be it.
The others will be here soon.
If you will allow me,
I shall speak Sigmar's will.
Who do we hunt?
A monster.
Aren't they all?
Get up. If you can't move,
they don't keep you alive.
What is this?
The herd must be culled of the weak.
Lest they spoil the queen's table.
Hmm.
It seems you are not weak.
Merely foolish.
But our queen cannot keep
the entire harvest for herself.
Keep moving
and you will live a little longer.
Who was she?
This blood queen.
She is called Kaelena.
She last drew breath
as one of the living in the Age of Chaos,
before the War of Retribution even began.
Someone who has survived that long
is going to be powerful
and difficult to kill.
Vampires have a nasty habit
of not staying down.
That's why we're not going to kill her.
What?
Kaelena was once an Azyrite magister
in service to Sigmar.
She turned her back on him
and made a bargain for immortality.
First we have to get to her.
Lorai.
She has a fortress.
Of course.
A fortress in two halves.
The tree that holds the fortress' stones
together grows through a realmgate
spanning Ghyran and the Amethyst Realm.
Attack in one realm and she goes
through the gate to the other.
We need to get in and reach
the quarry as swiftly as possible
Without getting killed
again in the process?
without giving the creature time
to muster her forces in defence.
The Soulblight need
the blood of the living.
Why not wait until she leaves
her fortress to feed?
She has not left the confines
of her fastness for many lifetimes.
We will have to enter the fortress.
So we walk in or we break in.
Either way, we must cross the threshold.
Don't the legends say
it's the other way round with vampires?
But she still feeds, doesn't she?
This Soulblight still drinks blood, yes?
Her thralls and lesser kin bring herds
of mortals to fill her dungeons.
Her larder.
Then that's our way in
with the people she treats as cattle.
Five-score-nine, your eminence.
A wasteage of only a half-dozen.
A bountiful harvest.
On your feet.
What?
I presume there is a reason
we have to use the door
as opposed to riding the lightning
into the heart of the enemy.
The fortress is
warded and shielded
against magic intrusion.
Powerfully warded if you are saying
that Sigmar's might can't get us inside.
Not his might, no.
But his word
What are you not telling us, old wolf?
Kaelena's fortress is a Stormvault.
Made by Sigmar himself in ages long past
to seal away relics and monsters
that might threaten the realms.
What did this Stormvault contain,
besides a realmgate?
Some hold spells that undo life
and move the stars.
Weapons that can steal a god's power.
Devices that can rewrite truth.
Whatever this one holds,
such power cannot be allowed
to remain in a vampire's hands.
So if we're not going to kill her
what are we going to do?
To protect their secrets,
every Stormvault
contains a penumbral engine.
Such devices are designed
to wash away the memories
of those caught in their aura.
They're long dormant,
but can be reactivated with the right key.
So we're going to remove her ability
to use the contents of the Stormvault.
We're going to destroy her sense of self.
Her identity.
She'll die in all but body.
Yes.
Please, I was just trying to stay alive.
You yet might.
Keys.
We breach the fortress in Shyish.
Cause trouble.
The prey feels threatened
and goes through the gate
from one realm to another.
Exactly what we want her to do.
This way, quick.
Quick.
Please. Please, don't leave us.
Over here!
Through.
Lorai.
It is done.
Run swift.
The sight of the unliving
will not remain clouded for long.
This is it,
but only the mistress can open it.
Go.
What?
You brought us to the sanctuary.
Your life is your own.
I betrayed the mistress.
I won't survive.
Leave!
- What?
- You just killed him.
I gave him more of a chance than any
of the mortals he helped imprison.
It's time.
By the will of Sigmar.
Hear his word.
Hendrick?
Good luck.
I'll hold them off
for as long as I'm able.
And this word unlocks the fortress?
Yes.
What is the problem?
There is always a problem.
Even if you could open a Stormvault
Sigmar is a cautious god.
The wards break.
The vault's guardians awaken.
There!
Oh. How disappointing.
The vaults.
Stop her, Rostus!
It worked. She's gone through.
Now we just need to stop her returning.
And get out without dying.
- The Soulblight crossed over?
- Yes.
But she opened the damn vaults
as she left.
The way is sealed.
But only while I dream
its waters into ice.
I cannot hold the way shut for long,
and I am unwilling to die
in this endeavour.
We give Hendrick all the time we can.
and trust that Sigmar is with him.
Oh, no you don't.
Back here!
Stand aside.
No.
Come on Hendrick!
Shyish lor nia su
Hello, old friend.
Celestial power.
The weight of a half-god's whim.
Life eternal.
Doesn't suit you.
You forced me here.
Cut off the path behind me.
Clever.
I had thought
you would come for me sooner.
I can grant you no mercy, Kaelena.
You are a threat.
Because of what we remember.
Memories are a funny thing, are they not?
They can define you,
and they can damn you.
And they always come back to haunt you.
You should have come with me.
You should not have chosen this.
I made the right choice.
You
You no longer have a choice
over who and what you are.
Is she here too?
She doesn't know, does she?
Did you tell them you were here
because of the Stormvault?
Of course you did,
they could not know the truth.
Only Sigmar's Talon would be trusted
to ensure that I do not live
to spoil his great gamble.
You would murder everyone
you care about for your god.
I do what is required of me.
I am sorry.
I am not.
The waters
drain
The way will not remain shut for long.
Just as well.
Sorry, Hendrick.
Time's up.
You tire, old man.
Your words are truer than you know.
Goodbye, old friend.
I will remember you.
- Hendrick!
- Out! Now!
Move! Get clear!
It will all come out in the end, Hendrick.
When all is dust
secrets are undying.
The Penumbral Engine will work?
It will.
Very well. Let's get it done.
Mistress!
You survive!
What glorious fortune!
Who are you?
Your humble servant.
I need no servants.
But I do need to feed