The Mound Dweller

by Ed Lazadas

 

SCENCE 02 (The Test)

Narrator: The day had ended, and the night was covered in a cold breeze. Chris began to feel pain, and his hands were swollen. His head seemed to be broken into two pieces. He cried and couldn't handle his illness. His mother was started to worry, and asked what had happened to him during the day.

 

  Chris:   "I'm sorry, mom, I didn't follow your order. I hit the mound because I thought it wasn't real." (crying)

 

Narrator:  His mother was shocked at what she heard.

 

Mother: "I've already told you not to disturb the Nuno because he will make you sick. Now, we have to apologize and give him offerings. (Getting some foods and drinks for the offering)

 

Narrator: They went into the mound and brought some food and drinks to apologize and beg forgiveness.

 

Mother: "We're sorry, Nuno, for what happened earlier. We are here to ask for your forgiveness, and please accept our offerings". (Putting the offerings and talking to the mound)

 

 Narrator: The wind blew so hard that lift the dry leaves upon the ground. And Nuno appears on top of the mound. Chris was surprised. The spirit that he didn't believe that existed was now appearing in front of his eyes.

 

  Chris:   "I'm so sorry, Nuno, I shouted and hit your mound. You didn't appear, so I thought that you were not real. And now I regret,” (Chris told to the nature spirit)

 

  Nuno:   "Just because you didn't see things doesn't mean it is not real," (Nuno answered.) "The world is full of mystery child, and the answers of those mysteries are cannot only be solved and seen by the naked eyes. You did not only show me your respect, but you also ruined my place. Thank you for your offerings, but you must pass my test first before I give you my forgiveness."

 

  Chris:    "What is the test?" (Asked Chris)

 

Narrator:  The Nuno gets his old rusty lamp, and gives it to the young lad.

 

  Nuno:   "You must not let the lamp get off its light. You must keep its light until the sun shines. You will do it alone here in front of my mound. And if you fail, I will take you with me into the underground. There I will make you my slave until you repay your mistake."

 

Narrator: The Nuno suddenly disappeared and left the young boy who was standing in front of his mother.

 

Chris:    "I can do it, mom, don't be afraid. I will not let him take me, and I will pass this test. I know you wanted to help, but this is my mistake, and I should take this consequence.” (Chris looked at the watering eyes of his mother and walked towards his mom to hug her.)

 

Narrator:  Chris walked towards his mom to hug her, but out of a sudden, the heavy rain was fell, and a strong wind blew. Their eyes widened as they stared at the lamp. The lamp light went out before they knew. The darkness engulfed the surroundings.

 

Chris:     "Mom, are you still there?" the boy asked, but no one answered.

 

Narrator:  He could see nothing because the surroundings were so dark. A light suddenly shone. It was a firefly flying from a distance. The firefly flies alone until it has multiplied and the whole area lit up. The fireflies huddled up and became Nuno, the nature spirit. The boy was shocked when he realized that he was now in the Nuno's place.