Daedren is a powerful but world-weary general. He is the father of Yaran (Ya-RAN), his beloved son who grows more distant from him daily. Daedren's heart breaks for the loss of his wife Morissa who has turned against him. In this animated short, Daedren recounts an old tale to Yaran. This is his way of trying not only to reconnect with his son, but reassure and sooth himself, most of all, that everything will work out as he has planned. Despite his great fear for the mysterious thing he saw in "that black valley", in the end it is his belief that he will win back his wife and make her believe this prophecy. 

Important: It is crucial to stress just how contemplative and solemn Daedren should sound. He is a man on the brink. His speech comes from a true belief in the future he thinks is waiting for him and his family but he holds secret doubts and fears he will soon lose the love of his son, just as he did his wife. These 9 lines are the entire script, and while they don't need to stretch the entire 2 mins of the animation each line should be considered - not rushed, and read with as much emotion as you can muster. Feel free to read the entire script if you wish. Thank you!

SCRIPT:

Oh Yaran…my son adored…

(Despite the dark undertone of the animation, Daedren speaks softly and lovingly to his son. Though they are face to face, there is a distance in his voice, almost as if he is writing a letter to Yaran and not speaking to him directly.)

OF OLD IT WAS WRITTEN"

(As Daedren begins his speech, recalling the old tale, his voice lifts and becomes quite stern and prideful. He brims with a suspicious excitement, but he does not sound happy. This line reveals the title to the animation, so should be read somewhat elongated)

When no longer do we shrink from the serpent, or the wolves at our backs,

Our will shall shake the very land itself!

(There is anticipation in Daedren's voice. He rejoices at the future planned for them. It shouldn't sound too loud - remember he is speaking only to his son - but his voice approaches sounding like he is proclaiming this prophecy to a large group of people, to a gathering in a cathedral.)

And rising unscathed, high above the ragged earth...

We will pierce the clouded veil to see all loves renewed

(Direction similar to last 2 lines. When Daedren says, "all loves renewed" he is thinking of being reunited with his wife, so he puts somewhat of a stress on these words.)

...Your blessed mother knows this yet…

(The old tale has been told. Daedren pauses, losing some of his energy. He considers how hard things have been for him lately, then speaks solemnly and darkly as if the words aren't really meant for his son's ears.)

For in that black valley was this birthright told

Therefore, fear not…for NOTHING! ...... can stop us.

(This is the climax of the animation. He tells his son to, "fear not" but really Daedren is telling himself this. As he reassures himself, rage and fear and shame overcome him and in a furious and breathless outburst shouts, "FOR NOTHING!" and then after a heavy breath or two, recollecting himself, says, "can stop us"