Emma: Daphne! (Daphne runs out to Mike and Davy before they can be dragged away and takes Davy's arms.)

Daphne: You can't take David, too! You have no proof he had anything to do with the murders!

Peter: Maid Daphne, he has no alibi for his whereabouts.

Daphne: But he wasn't scene in the area of the murder, either!

Mike: Yeah! (Turns to Peter) Even if you can't find it in your heart to spare me, can't you at least spare the boy?

Peter: I...I...

Emma: Your Majesty, he's as guilty as his sire.

*Micky leans over, whispering in Peter's ear again.*

Peter: No, he's guilty as well. He goes with Naysmythe.

(The Abbies and Angellettes all exchange sad and shocked looks. Maxine goes to Daphne and takes her arm.)

Mike: No, he had nothing to do with me!

Daphne: Nooo!

(Mike and Davy are finally dragged away. Peter shakes his head, trying to clear it. His eyes are clouded.)

Emma: Daphne, it was for the best. I'll find you another suitor. (She goes to take the girl in her arms)

Daphne: I don't WANT another suitor! I want DAVID!

Emma: It'll be all right, honey.

Maxine: Come on, Daph. Let's get you somethin' to drink. Maybe it'll make you feel better.

Daphne: *sniffling* No, it won't.

Valerie: I'll go with you. (She puts her arm around Daphne and turns to Peter) Why did you do this? Even if Michael did what you accused him of, why send David too? All you've done is break a young girl's heart and destroy two lives.

Peter: Valeria, I thought...

Valerie: I wonder if you think at all these days. (She turns away from her husband, her arm around Daphne) Let's go to my chambers and talk about this.

*Daphne nods, sniffling.*

(The group of women exit. Peter puts his head in his hands.)

Peter: Why...why DID I do that? Now Valeria hates me! And we have a child coming...

Jessie: (She goes to the "evidence" left on the table and fingers the blue talisman) What are these, anyway?

Peter: (Looks up, his eyes still clouded and confused) They're the magical talismans that control the weapons. When put together with the weapons, they grant the user unlimited strength and stamina.

Micky: *frowns at Jessie touching the talisman* Don't do that.

Peter: I really should go to Valeria and explain everything.

Jessie: But it's so pretty!

Micky: Your Majesty, there is no need to explain yourself! You did what you had to do! Those two men pose a risk to all law abiding citizens! Our Kingdom is much better off without them!

Peter: But Maid Daphne...

Micky: Will get over it. She'll find someone new, someone better.

Peter: I...I... (Micky begins rubbing his head again; Lauren takes his shoulders)

*Micky and Lauren whisper to Peter.*

Peter: (When Peter looks up, his eyes are completely black) I will go with you. I have done what's right. Valeria and Daphne will understand.

Micky: *nods* Very well, Your Majesty.

Peter: You will appoint new advisors.

Micky: Yes, King Peter.

Peter: You will give them the Sapphire and Ruby Talismans and the Short Sword and the Dagger.

Micky: *nods* As you wish, Your Majesty.

Peter: You are now Lord and Lady of Lone Star Manor. Its lands and holdings and all of Michael and David's possessions are now yours.

Micky: Thank you, Your Majesty.

Peter: I'm...I'm so tired. (He puts his head in his hands again) Why am I so tired?

Micky: The strains of being King, Sire. Perhaps Lady Lauren and I can help you relax.

Peter: Yes, please help me relax.

Micky: Anything you wish, Sire.

Peter: I'm just...so tired... (Peter leans back in his throne and closes his eyes)

Jessie: Why IS he tired? Is he sick?

Micky: I'm afraid he hasn't been feeling his best lately.

Peter: Tired...just tired...Lord George, take over while I rest...

Micky: *bows slightly* As you wish, Your Majesty.

Peter: Must rest... (His eyes close, and his head falls on Lauren's shoulder)

Jessie: Damn, he's out like a light!

Nyles: He must've been REALLY tired!

Jessie: Are you really in charge, Lord George?

Micky: *smirks* Indeed I am.

Jessie: What are you guys gonna do while you're in charge? (Nods at Peter) What about him?

Lauren: Perhaps we should let him rest in his chambers. It would be more comfortable there.

(One of the King's men - Cory of the Jolly Green Giants - walks in.)

Cory: What did you wan...uh, what is your command, sire?

Micky: *raises an eyebrow* Please help us take the King to his chambers so he may rest comfortably.

Cory: Oh, yeah. (He picks Peter up in his arms and carries him off)

Jessie: Maybe he just needs sleep.

Micky: *settles himself in the throne, a knowing smirk crossing his face* Yes, that's all that he needs.

Jessie: These are so pretty! (She picks up one of the talismans on a chain)

Micky: Please do NOT touch those.

Jessie: Geeze! (She drops it)

Nyles: *picks up the other talisman* Why can't we touch them? We're just looking!

Micky: *angry* Put that DOWN!

Jessie: Spoilsport!

Nyles: All right, man! *puts the talisman down, then sticks his tongue out at Micky; turns to Jessie* Lets go party.

*Micky rolls his eyes, sighing.*

Lauren: George, pardon me a moment, but perhaps we've found our new advisers.

Micky: This is a good idea. How would the two of you like to be our advisers?

Jessie: Us? Your advisers?

Micky: Yes.

Nyles: We'll do it!

Jessie: Yeah! It sounds like fun!

Jessie: (She goes to the table) Do we get to keep the tali-thingies?

Micky: *smirks* Yes, you do.

Jessie: All right! (She picks up the red talisman and the dagger) This is so nice!

Nyles: *picks up the sapphire talisman and the short sword* Groovy, man!

Jessie: (She gives Nyles a kiss) Let's go to our favorite Inn on the outskirts of Belgravia and celebrate!

Nyles: You got it!

Micky: (Settles back into the throne as Nyles and Jessie exit) Ahh, this feels good.

Lauren: You look quite at home in that throne.

Micky: I feel at home. I belong in this throne. It's made for me.

Lauren: *grins* You look marvelous in it. *leans against the side of the throne, VERY close to him* :x

Micky: (Grins) Ah yes, babe. Soon, you and I will be sitting on the thrones for good. I have that ninny Peter in the palm of my hand.

Lauren: I could see that. Unfortunately, it was also obvious that the others were wondering about Peter & why you had to keep coaxing him.

Micky: We have to start figuring out how to be less obvious with him. He's coming out of the trance more easily.

Lauren: *nods* Yes. Perhaps...we drug him?

Micky: (Grins and nods) Yeah. I have a few little things in my tower room that may work. If we combine the hypnotizing spell with the drugs... (Leans back) The King will never know what hit him. He'll do whatever we want him to do, including give us the secret of the talismans. (Smirks) Maybe even turn his talisman and bow and arrows over to me.

Lauren: Now you're talking.

Micky: I wish he'd executed Michael and that bratty little ward of his, though. I don't like the thought of him out there roaming free, even in the Partched Mountains. Damn it, we went over the whole scenario this morning! He was supposed to send Michael and David to the hangman's noose!

Lauren: *sighs* Peter slipped out just enough to go easy on them.

Micky: I'm sure Michael will still figure out a way to ruin my plans, even without the Diamond Talisman and Broadsword. He's a clever little knight, and a strong one.

Lauren: Isn't there anything more we can do to try to prevent him from doing so?

Micky: (Smirks) Perhaps we could round up some of our bigger men to make sure he and David don't survive their trip into the Partched Mountains and the Haunted Woods.

Lauren: An excellent idea, Georgie.

Micky: (He offers Lauren his arm) Shall we go round up our largest men?

Lauren: Let's.

(As Lauren and Micky walk off the set, we see it change before our eyes. The thrones and the torches and the castle background flies off and is replaced by wooden and larger plastic and fabric trees, with a painted backdrop of desolate brown mountains and a small building. Mike and Davy are dragged into the "woods." They wear their peasant outfits from the TV show episode "Fairy Tale" and "Dream World" story "Fairy Tale Revisited." Mike has the mandolin he found in the haunted house slung behind his shoulder.)

Guard #1: (Throws Mike into a bed of moss) There you go, criminal. Your new home.

Mike: (Winces as he gets on his elbows) Thanks.

Guard #2: *shoves Davy next to Mike on the moss* Been nice knowing ya.

Davy: You 'aven't seen the last of us.

Mike: We're innocent, and we're gonna prove it!

Guard #2: Sure you are! *laughs*

Guard #1: We've heard that one before. That's what all the criminals say. (Turns to his men) Come on, boys. The ghosts will make short work of them! (They walk off, laughing)

Mike: (Gets to his knees and turns to Davy) Are you all right, David? Did they break anything, lad?

Davy: *shakes his head* No, I'm okay. Pride's rathah bruised, but...

Mike: I can't believe this. (He looks at Davy sadly) Lad, I'm...I'm sorry.

Davy: Michael, it isn't your fault. I know you're innocent. We just 'ave to figure out a way to prove it.

Mike: Yes, but how? We have no money, nor any way of getting back to Belgravia. I'm lucky I was able to bring this with me. (He runs his fingers over the mandolin) My most treasured possession besides my sword... (frowns) that isn't mine anymore.

Davy: We'll travel by foot and take it a day at a time.

Mike: I'm not sure it's even worth going back. Our home's gone, Davy. They gave it to that bastard George. And Emily... (chokes; then goes on) ...why didn't she believe me?

Davy: I just want to see Daphne again.

Mike: They took her from you, too. She DID believe us. (Closes his eyes) Em and I were going to have our wedding in just a few weeks...

Davy: I was going to ask Daphne to marry me, and now...

Mike: (Gets to his feet) I don't know what we can do. George has a good hold on Peter. (More to himself) I thought he was my friend.

Davy: Isn't there a way we can prove George's 'old on Petah?

Mike: He's bewitched him, David. He's using some kind of evil magic. I know he is! We just have to show the rest of the kingdom that somehow.

Davy: Which is exactly wot we need to figure out.

(The stage has been darkening even as Mike and Davy have talked. Now, it's completely dark.)

Mike: We need to find someplace to stay for the night. We'll figure something out in the morning. (As we hear what sounds like an owl hooting) Boy, is it spooky out here. I don't remember the dark ever being this, well, DARK at Lone Star Manor.

Davy: Nor do I.

Mike: (As we hear noises in the bushes) What's that? (Reflexively reaches for the handle of his sword...before remembering he no longer has one) Oh man, we're in trouble.

Davy: Maybe...maybe it's just the wind.

Mike: (As we hear more strange sounds; pushes Davy behind him) Careful, lad. I think there's more here than mere ghosts.

("Tapioca Tundra" begins as men in white and silver - chain mail, that is - drop on Mike and Davy from above!)

Mike: (Over the music) Kid! (But two of the men yank his hands behind his back)

Davy: *over the music* Michael! *two men grab his arms*

Guard #1: We were sent by Lord George to make sure you two don't get any interesting ideas about returning to Belgravia.

(Mike struggles as hard as he can, but two of the men kick his legs out from under him. Another aims a sharp kick in his ribs; he gasps.)

*Another guard pounds on Davy as the other two hold him.*

(Suddenly, one of the men are flung off of Mike! The camera gives us a close-up of a hand holding what looks like Mike's sword)

John: Here you go, Your Lordship. (The camera pulls upwards to reveal the biggest member of the Four Martians pry another guard off of Mike as the others help Davy)

Mike: Thanks, man! (He duels with one of the recovered guards)

Marcus: (As he pulls away from another guard) Hey man, you're gonna need this! (Tosses the Diamond Talisman to Mike)

Mike: Thanks! (He fits the Diamond into the sword. There's a small sparkle of light around the sword...and suddenly, Mike's a blur as he beats the man back!)

Danny: (Tosses Davy his Sabre) Here you go, boy! We got yours too!

Davy: *grins* Thanks, mate!

(Danny jumps on two guys at once and wrestles with them. John fights with a huge staff. Marcus has a bow and arrow. Chris produces a feather and proceeds to tickle one poor guy until he's falling over laughing. )

(John gives one guy a really mean stare. He screams and runs through several trees, leaving guard-shaped holes in the cardboard flora. )

(Mike finally knocks the sword out of the hand of the first guard who attacked him as the song ends.)

Mike: (Points the sword at the guard's throat) What are you doing here?

Guard #1: We were sent to make sure you didn't go back to Belgravia.

Mike: By whom? Lord George?

Guard #1: Y...yes.

Mike: George wanted to finish the job he started back at Belgrave Castle.

Davy: 'E should've come out 'ere 'imself! 'E thinks 'e's so great. We could've shown 'im!

Mike: (Puts a hand on Davy's shoulder) Hold on, lad. (He turns to the Guard) I'm gonna let you and your men go. (Growls) But so help me, if you and your men try to lay a hand on the boy and me ever again, I will kill the whole lot of you. Do you have that?

Guard #1: Y...yes, your Lordship. Right away. (He gets up, tripping over his feet) I'll go now. (He scurries off into the fake flora)

Mike: Coward. (He sheaves his sword and turns to the Martians) Thank you, men. You have my undying gratitude and that of my ward. How did you find us?

John: (Grins) We just joined the regiment who brought you here. No one noticed four more knights.

Danny: We're not really knights, though. We're workers. We've worked for Belgrave Castle for years!

Marcus: We know that evidence has to be phony.

Chris: Yeah, it looks too real to be real!

John: Uh yeah, what he said.

Mike: (Bows before them) I thank you for your loyalty, gentlemen.

John: You're welcome, Your Lordship. (He and the Martians bow) We offer you and your apprentice our services. We're expert woodsmen and know the ins and outs of every forest in Belgravia, including this one. It was our job to chop wood, clear land, and carve wood items for the King, but I'm sure he wouldn't miss us.

Chris: Lord George would probably fire us anyway.

Mike: We could use the help. We've never been to this part of Belgravia.

John: Few have. It's only inhabited by animals, criminals, and peasant woodsmen like us.

Mike: (He pulls the talisman off the sword and reattaches it to the chain) How did you get our weapons and my talisman back?

Danny: A bit of subterfuge, Your Lordship. Big John here (indicates John) happens to own a similar sword, and I had a large ring made of common crystal that looks like that pendant. We just gave those to Lord George and hid the real ones until we could give them to their rightful owners.

Davy: Brilliant, mates.

Mike: We thank you again. (Shudders) But we really do have to find a place of rest for the night. I have no desire to meet up with more guards or the real ghosts.

John: (Grins) I know of an Inn on the edge of the Haunted Forest. It's owned by a good gentleman who will rent out rooms to travelers, woodsmen, and hunters who pass by and doesn't ask too many questions.

Chris: And the bar is the best for miles around!

Marcus: It's also the ONLY bar for miles around.

Davy: Then it must be the best!

Mike: Lead us to it, then. We'll take some drink here and make our plans.

(The four guys walk off-stage as the stage blackens completely and the stagehands prepare the Inn set.)