Double Edged -- Episode #319

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS:

A mysterious warrior has stolen Dar's (Daniel Goddard) Sword of Eldar, the only weapon capable of defeating Balcifer, and has made her way to Xinca. Dar and Arina (Marjean Holden) suspect that Zad (Steven Grives) is involved. Zad knows nothing of the girl, a 17-year-old named Bianna (Kristy Wright), but he is intrigued when he learns she has possession of the coveted sword. Bianna finds Zad, and tells him that when she was six years old, the Terrons ransacked her village of Skandar and killed her mother. Her people were sword makers who forged the Sword of Eldar. She knew the sword was meant to defeat evil, so she stole it to come after Zad and avenge her mother's death. Before Bianna can kill him, Zad wrests the weapon away from her and accuses her of treason.

When Dar and Arina arrive in Xinca, they find Zad brandishing the sword, and Bianna tied to a vertical rack. Dar realizes they must save her. While Arina creates a diversion, Dar rescues the girl. Zad, however, still holds the precious sword. Arina decides to go back for the sword while Dar minds Bianna, as they feel she can't be trusted. Bianna tells Dar the story of her mother's death and the reason for her revenge - that her father had been too cowardly to avenge his own wife.

Back in Xinca, Zad, flaunting his new "trophy," takes Arina hostage. He flees with her to the village of Skandar. When Dar hears of Arina's plight, he insists to Bianna that he know what she told Zad about the sword. Bianna admits that Zad is aware that the sword was forged in Skandar in the mystical Fires of Raymore. Dar now realizes what Zad has already figured out - if the people of Skandar can make a sword for the powers of good, they can also make one for evil.

Zad and his party arrive in Skandar. Zad finds the sword maker, a blind man named Arnath (Robert Mammone), and orders him to make another sword. If Arnath does as he's told, evil will prevail; if not, Zad will kill everyone in the village. Realizing that he has no choice, Arnath leads Zad and his party to the Fires of Raymore.

Soon after, Dar and Bianna arrive in Skandar, and Bianna learns that her father, Arnath, is in grave danger. Dar races to the cavern, shadowed by Bianna who insists on helping. They reach their destination a minute too late, as Arnath has just completed the Sword of Balcifer.

Amidst a crack of thunder and a flash of lightning, Zad gives thanks to Balcifer for giving him the power to destroy the BeastMaster. First, however, he must temper the blade with the blood of a hero. Sure that a heroine will do just fine, Zad goes for Arina. He is about to plunge the sword into her chest, when suddenly there is a shout from across the cave. Arnath realizes that Dar, the son of Eldar, has arrived. Bianna leaps into the fray, releasing Arina, while Zad charges the unarmed Dar. Arnath tosses the Sword of Eldar to Dar, who catches it just as Zad plunges his sword into Arnath. The sword crackles with energy having now been tempered with the blood of a hero. Bianna races to her father's side, while Dar and Zad face off in a vicious battle. No match for Dar's strength, Zad is finally forced to retreat. Undaunted, Zad vows that the next time they meet, Dar will die by Balcifer's blade.

In her grief, Bianna realizes that she had been wrong about her father. Not only did he give his life to save them, but he also created the Sword of Eldar, knowing it would be used to fight evil. Despite Dar and Arina's invitation to join them in Arakann, Bianna realizes she must win back the trust of her people, who are all heroes in her eyes.