Dyelle and the Cell

Late at night, fiancés fast asleep

Dyelle is wide awake and making rope out of some sheets

Her plan is to hang it from the tower and climb down to the ground

But it’s looking like a long way down

You can do this, Dyelle

Come on, you can do this

Dyelle!

Surprised to see her father storming ‘cross the room

Her Grandmother behind him with expression of gloom

He grabs Dyelle by forearm and he pulls her from the wall

And down a hall

And to a cell

And on the bed he throws Dyelle

Explain yourself

———

Father don’t force me to stay

Adventure is out there and it’s calling my name

You say I should learn to better know my place

What if, in truth, you should better know me?

I’ve seen women who grapple and claim their fate

And I see them as kindred, I’m wasting away

Tell me, father, should I better know my place?

Maybe, in truth, you should better know me

———

The way that you speak to me is like I’ve betrayed you

I think you’d do well to remember who raised you

As a child you’d behave in ways flawed and I’d praise you

I made you

And my daughters are plenty, I could have erased you

But I’m not that kind of father

I’m the kind who cares

I’ll cherish all your insolence

You’re not going anywhere

(door slams)

———

Dyelle falls back on the bed

Her head in both her hands

In the distance hearing the setting up

Of a goblin wedding band

Her Grandma takes a seat beside the princess on the bed

Puts a hand on Dyelle’s shoulder and says

You’ve always had a spark in you

Haven’t you?

A bright little flame

There’s always been a part of you

That started to

Need things to change

Now your Father’s telling you to stay

And not see ambition through

Well I say listen

Listen?!

Listen closely

To adventure calling you

Take this key. It will open any door you may come across

Get your things and our bow from the treasury and leave through the northern gate

I will keep your Father and the Duke distracted

Grandmother, thank you!

I, I-

I know. No time for thank yous 

I love you, Dyelle. Be as safe as you can and as brave as you must