Ok, so...everyone ready to head for Germany?

Georgi: Yah!

David: *Shakes his head* Yes.

Robert: Oui. As long as they do not chase us out.

(Peter is too busy kissing with Valerea to notice anything else, including Georgi's bad joke.)

(We open on a ship floating down a river. Various crewmembers bustle up and down the main deck, swabbing it or tying rigging. The captain, a tall fellow in sailor's stripes, looks like he's about ready to throw Georgi overboard.)

Captain: No, boy, you cannnot drive the ship!

Georgi: Pleeeeeease!

Captain: NO! And stay away from the rigging! It's set up the way it is for a reason!

Georgi: Aw, come on!

Ursula: (She and Laryen join them) Captain Von Karl, we'll take care of him. (Turns to Laryen) I told you not to let him run around unsupervised.

Laryen: He slipped away from me.

Georgi: But...

*Laryen grabs Georgi's arm, practically dragging him out. She slaps at his head.*

Captain Von Karl: Get rid of him, before I show him what it is like to have a man overboard!

Ursula: Don't worry, Captain. It won't happen again. (Turns to Georgi) Now, what have told you about annoying that nice captain?

Georgi: But I...

*Laryen pulls him down to whisper something harsh in his ear.*

Georgi: *Blushes* Sorry.

Ursula: Good. We should be seeing land soon. Has anyone seen any of the others? I know Valerea and Peter are below-decks.

Ursula: And Robert (we hear the emptying of stomachs behind Ursula off-camera) isn't feeling well again.

Laryen: I've been trying to keep up with Georgi, but I think I saw David on deck.

Ursula: Herman is probably with him.

Captain Von Karl: (Calls from above) We'll be arriving in Voltisch soon. It's a fishing village, but you should be able to buy supplies and a cart there.

Ursula: Thank you, sir...but why can't you come down here to tell us that, without the yelling?

Captain Von Karl: (Makes a face) What, and go head-to-head with that lunatic again? (Points at Georgi) I'd rather go ten rounds with a sea beast!

Laryen: *Tugs on Georgi* I PROMISE you that he's going to behave.

Captain Von Karl: I trust you, Frauline.

Ursula: (Sighs and turns to the other two) We'll be on land shortly. We'll have to find the others.

Robert: (He stumbles over, looking very green around the gills) Georgi, do you have more of those seasickness pills?

Ursula: You're seasick...on a river?

Georgi: Sure. *Pulls out a small container and pours a couple pills in Robert's hand*

Robert: Merci. (He shoves the pills down his throat, grabs a leather canteen he was carrying, and gulps it) I am glad you made that seasickness potion in smaller form.

Georgi: You're welcome.

Ursula: All right, everyone. Let's prepare to go ashore. (They head below-decks. Fade out on them. Fade in on an exterior location shot of the ship pulling into a small but busy harbor. Fishermen make their way around the docks, dragging their catches and carrying crates of fish and nets. Ursula helps Robert off the boat first.)

Robert: Has the ship stopped rocking yet?

Ursula: Robert, we're off the boat. You'll get your land legs soon enough.

(Valerea and Peter come next, followed by Georgi and Laryen. Valerea wears a simpler mustard-yellow dress that looks like one of Ursula's. Peter carries his mandolin, as always.)

Valerea: You're amazing, Laryen! You really showed those guards who's boss!

Laryen: Aw, it's nutin'.

Peter: (As they join Robert and Ursula on the deck) And we couldn't be happier. How about you two?

Georgi: Same here.

Laryen: When he behaves.

Peter: Was he annoying the Captain again?

Laryen: Unfortunately, yes.

Robert: Let's get going, before he decides to come down here and toss Georgi in the river. Where's David and Herman, flirting?

Ursula: (Sees the two in a group of girls and sighs) Already? (She goes over to them) Ok, ladies, break it up. Come on, you two. We have to find a carriage.

Girl #1: Who are you, his mother?

Ursula: No, his mistress.

(The girls all back off, muttering and shaking their heads.)

Robert: MUST you two attract filles?

David: *Shrugs* We can't help that we draw them.

Herman: The girls have good taste.

David: They like the accents.

Ursula: Well, please try to reign in those accents. We need to find a cart somewhere. A job wouldn't hurt, either.

Valerea: There should be several taverns where we can play in this small town, at least enough to make money for a cart.

Ursula: (As they stroll into the town, she points to the first Tavern they see) Perhaps this will do?

Robert: Oui. It is food.

(Cut to inside the tavern. An older woman, tall and lean with salt-and-pepper hair, serves customers fresh fish.)

Woman: William, where is Emmeline? She is late again!

Man: (Wearing fishermen's knit clothes, he looks a bit ragged and wet) I don't know, darling. She is probably in the library again.

Woman: (Sighs) She is such a bright girl. I do not mind her furthering her education. It's a rare chance for a woman to really use her mind. What I don't like is that she neglects her other duties. We have fish to sell!

Girl: (A young woman with long reddish-gold hair stands behind a counter) I cannot blame her. I would rather be outside than sitting behind a counter.

Woman: Anna, you would rather be out chasing young men than behind a counter. I know your sons need a father after Daniel was lost at sea, but...

Girl #2: I'm here! (She hurries in. It's Emmeline, in a plain rust-red peasant dress with a badly embroidered yellow apron. She carries several books. Her brown curls are pulled behind her head with a yellow ribbon. She kisses the woman on the cheek, then William) I'm sorry I'm late, but I got caught up with the most wonderful book about our oceans and fish and...

Woman: Tell me about it later, my Emmeline. Go take orders.

Emmeline: (Sighs) Yes, Mother. (She goes to the large group at the table) Hello. What will you have? We have lots of fresh trout and cod just in from the river.

Robert: I thought women did not learn to read unless they were noblewomen.

Emmeline: (Bristles) My mother is daughter of a tutor. She wanted her children to have all the advantages that an education brings.

Ursula: The fish sounds very nice, dear. We'll each have some cod.

Robert: And we need to know if there's anywhere we can play tonight. We need money and a place to stay. We are new in town.

Emmeline: Perhaps you should talk to Lord Frederick and Lady Lilly? Lord Frederick is the mayor in this town. He owns the school and the library. My grandfather worked for him until he died. Lady Lilly is his daughter, and she's the one who is in charge of the household and the hiring.

Valerea: We'll go there, then. (Robert is staring at Emmeline.)

Emmeline: I could show you where it is. (Smirks) But you'll have to buy fish here when you finish!

Robert: That's highway rob...

Ursula: (Puts her hand over Robert's mouth) It's a deal.

(Robert continues to mumble under Ursula's hand. Peter and Georgi join him when she removes it.)

Peter: (As Emmeline tells her parents where she's going) Robert, be nice! She is nice girl. She's helping us!

Georgi: That's right.

Robert: She didn't have to practically blackmail us.

Peter: She just wants to sell fish!

(They follow Emmeline across what looks like a somewhat scaled-down version of the Berlin set from "Flashback to the Past" with the river in the background. She leads them to a huge stone house, the largest in the town.)

Emmeline: Come along. (She leads them in. A woman who is clearly not old, but not in the bloom of youth either, sits behind a desk. She is writing in something with a feather quill and looks thoughtful.) Hello, Lady Lilly.

Lady Lilly: Hello, Frauline Emmeline. Have you came for another lesson? You know the tutor won't be here until tomorrow.

Emmeline: For once, it's not a lesson.

Robert: (He steps up to her) We're looking for a job as musicians in your household, your ladyship.

Lady Lilly: (Thinks) Hmm. Perhaps you can be of service. We will be having a festival in a few days to raise money for a new school. A real school, where all children can learn, not just the wealthy. We would like some music at this festival. Do you know anything festive?

Robert: Oui, mademoiselle. We know many songs for festivals.

Herman: *Eyes widen; breathes out* Oh my goodness...

Georgi: *Leans over Herman* You okay?

Herman: She's...she's...I...no...

Georgi: An honest answer.

Lady Lilly: Is there something wrong with your voice, Herr?

*Herman points at himself, eyes as wide as they can get. He starts breathing heavily.*

Lady Lilly: Do I have something between my teeth, Herr?

Robert: Monseuir Herman, are you all right?

Peter: You look very pale!

Herman: I...no...I need air! *Turns and runs out*

Georgi: Herm!

Lady Lilly: Is the poor man ill?

Laryen: *Rolls her eyes* Oh dear...

Robert: Non, Mademoiselle. He just needed air. Pardon moi.

Emmeline: (She smiles) I think I know what he needs. (Curtsies before Lady Lilly) Excuse me.

Robert: Moi toi. (They head out, looking for Herman. They find him still breathing heavily next to the front of the house.)

Emmeline: You know, Herr Herman, you can just tell her that you think she is beautiful.

Herman: I could...but I might...pass out first...

Emmeline: You could always ask her for a drink of water.

Robert: (As the others join them) Monseuir Herman, are you all right?

Herman: Yes and no. She's so...wow...

Emmeline: He's in love.

Robert: But he only just saw the fille!

Emmeline: (Shrugs) Love at first sight. It happens.

Robert: But he does not know her!

Georgi: So?

Valerea: And don't you dare say it's because of her money.

Herman: What money?

Georgi: He doesn't even know she has money!

Emmeline: I think it's sweet. Lord Frederick has been trying to get Lady Lilly married for ages. Perhaps this fellow will be a good suitor. (Shrugs) She's like me. Every man I've ever seen has wanted me to become some silly little fisherman's wife. I am not my mother, and I will not do nothing but darn socks and sell fish all day. (Turns to Herman) Lord Frederick is the village's mayor. He's the richest man in town.

Herman: Really? *Starts breathing heavy again* Oh no...

Robert: You are better off forgetting her.

Emmeline: No, I think you would be perfect for each other. You should go in and ask for a drink of water.

Robert: You stay out of this. He is our singer. You do not know him, Mademoiselle.

Emmeline: Lady Lilly is my friend! Lord Frederick buys fish from my family twice a week! I know her! I think she'd be willing to talk to him!

Robert: Maybe he isn't willing to talk to her. If she is stubborn like you, it might not be worth it.

*Laryen and Georgi exchange looks.*

Emmeline: Oh, men are all alike! This is why I will not take any Herr! (She points towards a large brown building) There is where you will find carts for sale. I hope you have an accident in one! Good day! (She takes off back across the square, angry as all get out.)

Robert: What a little brat! She does not need education. She needs a good spanking! (He takes off for the carts.)

Ursula: That was ridiculous. They both need a spanking.

Laryen and Georgi: *In unison* They like each other.

Valerea: I think so, too.

Peter: I am not so sure...

*Meanwhile, Herman has wandered away.*

Ursula: Has anyone seen Herman?

Georgi: Oh no, we lost him!

Valerea: No we didn't. (Points to the window of the Mayor's House. Herman leans against Lilly's desk. He's still pale, but she looks just as interested...and maybe a little pale herself.)

Laryen: All right Herm!

Georgi: Yeah, but he's holding himself up with the desk.

David: He's still on his feet. That's what counts.

Valerea: And you know, I think Lady Lilly is just as nervous.

Ursula: Those two are going to be just fine. (Turns to the others) Shall we join Robert and make sure he hasn't damaged anything?

Laryen: We'd better.

(We fade out on them following Robert to the cart seller.)

(Fade in on the Town Square again. This time, it's busy and merry. Many people are crowded into the area, buying fish, cider, fried dough, and homemade blankets and other goods. Emmeline sells fish at a booth with her mother and sister. Ursula, Valerea, and Laryen watch the Guardians and Herman onstage.)

*Herman is singing "Just A Little Bit Better," bouncing around the stage as usual.*

(Lady Lilly is among the women who watch him in rapture.)

(That's when the camera pulls to an overhead shot...to reveal the familiar figures of Belavarg, Julia, Zero, and their men roaming the crowds. Peter frowns and leans over David.)

Peter: (Nods at the crowd) Do not look now, but I think I see trouble.

David: *Looks up* I see what you mean.

Peter: I do not think we can leave this gig so fast, though. As long as we are here, we should be all right, but when we are done...

David: Not so much.

(Robert narrows his eyes as he watches Zero, Julia, and Belavarg amble up to the fish stand. He doesn't like the look in Zero's eyes.)

Robert: Our next number will be "She Hangs Out." (Tries to smile) Which will make all of you lovely fills in audience happy, as it features the finest nobleman in Europe singing the lead, David of Rose Hill Manor!

(David begins the number as Zero leans over where Emmeline sets out the daily catch.)

Zero: Hello, young lady. We were wondering if you had any sole for sale? Perhaps dried?

Emmeline: No, Herr. It is not in season.

Zero: What a shame. (He takes her hand) What about you? Are you free, Miss? You're a very pretty lass, but I'm sure every boy in town has told you that.

Emmeline: (Pulls her hand away) Don't touch me. Your hands are like ice.

Julia: Uncle, what are you doing with her? She's such a plain little thing!

Zero: That's what you see. I see a lovely, intelligent young lady. I heard you were the one who knew the most about this town library, besides Lady Lilly and her father.

Emmeline: So what if I am? I know that is not popular with men, but...

Zero: I think it should be more popular. I like a woman who can give me a challenge. (Smirks) And you are a challenge.

Emmeline: I would rather remain a challenge.

Julia: Uncle, we could ask our questions elsewhere.

Zero: You were seen earlier with a group of people that included a Frenchman, a German man, a British lord, and an Italian man. The very men onstage now, in fact. Do you know where they're staying or how we might contact them after their performance?

Emmeline: No, I don't. Now, excuse me, sir. I'm very busy. Why don't you ask them yourselves after the show?

Zero: Oh, I will. (He takes her hand and kisses it) And why don't you keep in touch, pretty one?

Emmeline: (She pulls her hand away) I'd rather keep in touch with a sea serpent. There's something cold and unfeeling about you that is most unpleasant. Good day, Herr. (She takes off for the library, flushed and angry.)

Julia: You do have a way with the ladies, Uncle.

Zero: Belavarg, I want that girl. She has the most fire I've ever seen. She'd make a magnificent Mistress of Hell.

Belavarg: *Nods* Excellent observation, Sir.

Julia: Stop thinking with your parts and not your mind. She doesn't want you...and I don't particularly want her, either. She's plain and has far too harsh a tongue.

Zero: Belavarg, go in that library and bring me that girl.

Julia: Uncle!

Belavarg: As you wish, Sir. >

*Belavarg goes to the library.*

(Cut to the inside of the library. It's the same study/library set seen in many of the mansion/castle episodes, though the furniture is far more antique. Emmeline pulls out a book and settles in a chair, but she can't concentrate. Her eyes keep wandering to the window near the fireplace, where we can see the Guardians playing "She Hangs Out" quite clearly.)

Robert: (Cut to outside; frowns when he sees Belavarg and some of his men go in after Emmeline) She's in danger! (He turns to the crowd) We're going to take a ten-minute break. Don't you go anywhere. (As the crowd disperses, he hurries to the others) Emmeline is in danger! We must go to the Mayor's House. Herman, you get Lady Lilly and the other women. Guardians, come with me.

Herman: Right! *heads off*

(Cut to the Library in the Mayor's House. Emmeline raises an eyebrow when she sees the Guardians run off in different directions.)

Emmeline: That's odd. It's a bit early to end the music... (Hears voices and footsteps) Who's there?

*Belavarg appears, arms folded and looking down on her. He's flanked by several men.*

Emmeline: (Looks up) You're the man from the booth. Is there something you want, Herr?

Belavarg: You.

Emmeline: Me? You must be mistaken. (She starts to stand)

Belavarg: I am far from mistaken. *Makes a grab for her*

Emmeline: (Jumps away from the seat) Don't you dare lay a hand on me!

Belavarg: What if I lay both hands on you?

Emmeline: (Grabs a poker from the fireplace) What if you didn't? You get out of here, Herr. Or I will hit you.

Belavarg: Feisty.

Emmeline: I will be even more so if you do not leave.

Belavarg: Now, why don't you stop this charade and come with me quietly?

Emmeline: No. (She swings at him. The poker connects with his back, not enough to do any damage, just to stun him...just in time for Ursula, Laryen, Valerea, and the Guardians to arrive.)

Robert: (As "Little Girl" begins) Oh my god...what did she DO?

Emmeline: (To Belavarg) Stay away from me, or I will do much worse!

Belavarg: *To his men* Get her!

(Robert jumps in front of Belavarg with his sword. Emmeline smacks men with her poker.)

(Ursula tries to hold them back with a chair.)

Robert: (As he and Belavarg fight) What are you doing here? You have no business with this young fille.

Belavarg: No, but the Sir wishes to have her.

Emmeline: The Sir? You mean that fellow back at the booth who was throwing himself at me?

Robert: The Evil One will NOT have her! (He lashes out at Belavarg with his sword)

Belavarg: *Dodges and draws his own sword* That is what you think! *Slashes at Robert with his sword. Robert ducks away and manages to knock the sword from Belavarg’s hand.*

Lord Frederick: (As the music ends, he and Lady Lilly come in with the Mayor's men) What's going on here?

Emmeline: Lord Frederick, that man attacked me! (Points to Belavarg)

Lord Frederick: Is this true?

*Belavarg opens his mouth to respond...but then vanishes into thin air.*

Lord Frederick: Good heavens! What happened to the man?

Ursula: He's gone...and it's likely his cohorts are, too.

Lady Lilly: Emmeline, are you all right?

Emmeline: (Nods and holds up the poker) I didn't let him get near me.

Robert: We made sure of that.

Emmeline: You! I was taking care of things fine before you arrived!

Robert: But for how long? There was only one of you and four or five of them.

Emmeline: I would have been just fine!

Lady Lilly: Enough, you two! Please! (Turns to Herman) Are you all right?

Herman: *Smiles a little too widely* I'm fine.

Lady Lilly: (Also smiles a little too widely) Me too.

Lord Frederick: (Frowns; then) I suggest we all return to the festival. You musicians still have a job to do.

Ursula: Emmeline, you may remain with us ladies, if your parents don't mind.

Emmeline: I don't think they will. They're always telling me I should get out more.

Ursula: (Puts her arms around Emmeline and Valerea) Besides, we have to talk.

(We fade out as everyone heads out of the room, the camera focusing on Herman and Lilly hand in hand...and Robert and Emmeline glaring at each other.)