Mini Episode #3: The Local

[INT. THE BRASS EAGLE TAVERN.  A crowd can be heard as people mill about and talk to each other.  In the background, we can just barely make out the KEEPER welcoming guests, almost inaudible above the din.  Two LOCALS talk at a table.]

NARRATOR

The sun is falling, drawing long shadows across a cobbled street as a crowd of passers-by stop to gawk at a strange sight.  They stare at a peculiar new building–one that these people, locals all, find both intriguing and perturbing.

They filter in through an open door, passing beneath a sign that reads “THE BRASS EAGLE TAVERN”.  The newcomers are densely packed, huddled together, looking around with a sense of hushed reverence normally reserved for the temple.  As they go, they marvel at the warm interior of the tavern’s common room, its polished polychromatic wood and eclectic furnishings reflecting the dying light from outside.  A roaring fire crackles merrily in a soot-blackened hearth, above which a grand clock ticks.

A lone man tends to the bustling throng, barely managing to keep order as he directs the crowd and waves people to their seats.

KEEPER

(distant) Alright, alright!  I’ll get to you all in time–just take a seat at the bar or help yourself to a table.  I’m only one person so it may take a minute, but I promise I will serve all of you.

NARRATOR

A pair of old friends peel off from the rest and find a table off to the side.  One, donning the immaculate and colorful garb of an entertainer, has his eyes glued to the fireplace, as he admires the ornate clock and the enormous metal eagle which rests atop it.  

The other wears the practical soot-stained garb of a blacksmith.  She looks around, a bit of a sour expression on her face, as if the bar hasn’t quite lived up to her expectations.  It is she who is the first to break the reverential silence.

BLACKSMITH

Have to say, I did not think this place was real.

BARD

What, you didn’t believe me?

BLACKSMITH

Not really, no.  I was mostly humoring you because you said you were buying drinks.

BARD

(feigning offense) I’m hurt.  Taking advantage of me like that.

BLACKSMITH

Well, you have to admit–the whole story was pretty unbelievable.

BARD

I’ll give you that.  I spent years looking for it, you know?

BLACKSMITH

You’ve told me.  Too many times.

BARD

I’m sorry, you don’t think it’s fascinating that this place only ever shows up somewhere for one day?  And hardly ever twice in the same location!

BLACKSMITH

I mean, yeah, it’s interesting, sure.  Very weird, but…interesting.  By the way–guy at the bar looks like he’s making the rounds now.  Want me to flag him down so we can order?

BARD

Sure.

BLACKSMITH

(calling out) Hey!  When you get a minute?

KEEPER

Sure, I’ll be right with you.

BLACKSMITH

Thanks. (to BARD) –You were saying?

BARD

I was just saying how rare of a chance this is.  This place is legendary!  It’s been, what, almost 30 years since it was in town?  I was just a kid back then, but it hardly looks like it’s changed a day.  It may even be a bit nicer, if I’m honest.

They’re supposed to have some of the rarest liquor, and for dirt cheap.  I’ve asked around and no one seems to know how the place moves, either.

BLACKSMITH

…Like I said, weird.

BARD

‘Weird’?  Come ON!  It’s more than that–It’s magic!  Supernatural!

BLACKSMITH

(interjecting) …Occult, maybe?

BARD

(teasing) Oh, does this whole thing scare you?  Heh.

BLACKSMITH

I mean, maybe a little…but honestly, I don’t really mind as long as he doesn’t water down the drinks.

BARD

Let’s find out, shall we?  Our guy’s coming over now.

[Footsteps as the Keeper comes over to them, preparing to take their order.  Paper flipping as he opens a notepad.]

KEEPER

Thank you for your patience!  What can I get for you two?

BLACKSMITH

(spoiled for choice) Oh, um…I don’t know.  What ales do you have?

BARD

(to Keeper) Nah, ignore her.  She has no style.  Behind the bar…did I see a cask of Eastern March blackberry?  I’ve heard excellent things about that.

KEEPER

Sure is.  Shall I get you two glasses?

BLACKSMITH, to BARD

Are you insane?  That’s way out of your budget.

KEEPER

We’re selling it for a silver per flagon.

BLACKSMITH

(aghast) That’s it?

BARD

(to Blacksmith) Told you!  Hah!  

(to Keeper) Yes, that would be great.  Two of those, please.

KEEPER

Wonderful.  I’ll be right back–

BARD, to Keeper

Sir, sorry, before you go—how long have you been working here?  I was lucky enough to come here once before, some thirty years ago, and you seem…a bit familiar.

KEEPER

(uncomfortable) I…ah…hm.

BLACKSMITH

You…do NOT have to answer that. Sorry about my friend,he’s a…bit excited about this place.

BARD

Hey, come on—

KEEPER

Yes.  No, sorry.  If you knew about me–us–beforehand, you must understand it’s…rare we get repeat customers, hence my reaction.  You…must be thinking of my father.  I’ve been told we share a strong resemblance, hah.

BLACKSMITH

Oh, this is a family business?

KEEPER

It was. Now it’s…just me here.  Born and raised!

BARD

Oh, I’m sorry, did your father…pass?

KEEPER

Yes, about…uh…it was a while ago now.  Don’t worry about it.  He was quite old.  Hah. (beat) …Right.  Your drinks.  I’ll be right back.

[Sounds of footsteps as Keeper hurries off.  The two locals have a moment to talk together.]

BLACKSMITH

He…is…something’s off about him.

BARD

Yes.  Very odd man.  Where do you think he’s from?

BLACKSMITH

Not from around here, that’s for sure.  Maybe best not to ask too many questions?  He seemed flustered.

[Footsteps rapidly approach again.  Their conversation is cut short.]

KEEPER

Here you are, two orders of Eastern March Mead.  Good choice.

KEEPER

Call me if you need anything else.  And remember–we close at midnight–no exceptions.  Enjoy your drinks, folks, and Welcome to the Brass Eagle Tavern.

[Two filled glasses clink down on the table as the Keeper leaves them behind to tend to other guests.]

BLACKSMITH

Alrighty…he’s back with the crowd.

BARD

Won’t complain about that.  A toast?

BLACKSMITH
To what?

BARD

To moving buildings and the weirdos they contain?

BLACKSMITH

Cheers.  To moving buildings and the weirdos they contain.

[The glasses clink together.]

NARRATOR

This teaser features the voice talents of Abigail Turner, Aaron Mann, and Connor Bushoven, and is narrated by Mike LeBeau.

Welcome to the Brass Eagle is an upcoming ten episode fantasy fiction podcast series centered around a mysterious tavern that moves somewhere new each time the clock strikes midnight.   

Narrated by Mike LeBeau, and starring E.R. Hollands, Maddi Albregts, and Connor Bushoven. 

To make the show a reality, we need your support.

The show’s full-length first episode will launch ahead of our crowdfunding campaign.  Follow us on all socials @brasseaglepod for updates and more.

A five-star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the platform of your choice will go a long way to helping spread the word and reach new listeners.