Slayer's Return -- Episode #307

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS:

Eager for an heir to his kingdom, Rolan, King of Tira (John Adam), is betrothed to Zuraya (Alexandra Davies). It's a happy occasion for all, but Zuraya's beloved wolf, Slayer, suddenly lashes out at Rolan. Rolan later retaliates by ordering his royal hunters to kill Slayer with a poisoned arrow.

Meanwhile, in Arakann, Dar (Daniel Goddard) awakens with a searing pain in his shoulder, wondering if it is a sign that one of his family members has been hurt. Knowing four of his family members are still hidden in the forms of a bird, a horse, a wolf and a goat that he must bring to the Crystal Ark, he heads out to resume his mission.

Back in the village of Tira, Zuraya is distraught over Slayer's disappearance. Unaware of Rolan's role in the incident, she rushes to her dear friend Dar for help. Deep in the forest, Dar and Zuraya find the injured wolf lying with an arrow lodged in his shoulder. Sure enough, the rune on Dar's hand starts to glow, and he catches a quick glimpse of a young man that he knows is his brother. Zuraya notices that the arrow bears the imperial sign of Tira. She insists they take Slayer to Tira where there are many skilled physicians.

When confronted, Rolan admits he gave the order to shoot Slayer, and by pulling out the poisoned arrow, they have merely prolonged the animal's suffering. The hunters carry Slayer away to his pen while Dar sends Sharak to find Tao (Jackson Raine) and bring him to Tira to prepare an antidote.

Rolan worries this turn of events will disrupt the wedding. The high priestess, Nagha (Genevieve O'Reilly), decides to speed up the ceremony. Eavesdropping on their scheme, Dar discovers that Rolan is actually a grotesque ancient monster that seeks rebirth through Zuraya's child, and that Zuraya will not survive childbirth. Dar feels compelled not only to save Slayer's life, but Zuraya's as well.

Upon arriving in Tira, Tao sets about finding an antidote for Slayer. Meanwhile, Dar tries
to warn Zuraya of her impending fate, but Rolan and his guards thwart Dar's plans. For over a thousand years, women have died so that Rolan may live, and Nagha vows Dar will not be the one to break the cycle. A fight ensues and Dar escapes, prompting Rolan and Nagha to again speed up the wedding plans.

Meanwhile, Tao concocts an antidote and feeds it to Slayer. At first the wolf is too weak to respond, but finally emits a weak growl and opens his eyes. At the same time, Dar races to Zuraya's rescue as Nagha moves to cut the bride's hand with a ceremonial dagger. At the last second, a strong and ferocious Slayer arrives and kills the evil Rolan, who instantly transforms back into the hideous monster that had been lurking beneath his disguise. Zuraya shudders in horror and realizes she should have trusted the instincts of her friends.

When Dar later reveals the truth about Slayer's identity, Zuraya admits she always knew there was something special about the wolf. Dar leads Slayer to the Crystal Ark promising he'll find the rest of their family soon.