(We open in the dungeon. The King lays on a dirty, moth-eaten mattress. He's black-and-blue and filthy. Rupert storms in, looking none-too-pleased.)

Rupert: (Makes a face) That pretender friend of yours and his buddies just appeared. He apparently killed Michael and then tried to do me in. (Smirks) I'm a lot more agile than either Michael or that idiot going around with your face.

Josef: *Wearily* What can I do? They're only here because I am.

Rupert: Maybe that pretender did me a favor. I wouldn't mind going after that pretty little cousin of yours myself.

Josef: Leave her alone.

Rupert: Now, why would I do that? She is a very pretty thing. She never cared for you, anyway. She's crazy about that pretender. Wouldn't even let him go to the hunting lodge! The pretender is very fond of her, too. He tried to crawl into her lap a few days ago.

Josef: *Frowns* Deborah has given disapproval in the past.

Rupert: I don't really think she likes you very much. You're such a wimp!

Josef: *Hangs his head* It shows in that she seems to want to be with my twin instead of me.

Rupert: No wonder. I saw what he could do with a sword...and I've seen you with a sword. I'm surprised you still have all your fingers.

Josef: I was never very adept with a sword, unfortunately.

Rupert: He's really quite agile. Not a bad fellow, other than being a little to eager with the ladies.

Josef: He seemed quite the opposite when I met him before.

Rupert: Perhaps he just needed to meet the right lady. I've heard he passionately kissed her at the coronation. It was the talk of the town for days.

Josef: *Sighs* Dammit. Please, Rupert, I wish to hear no more.

Rupert: It's time you died, then. (He pulls out his sword) Nothing personal...but I do rather fancy your little Deborah.

Josef: Please, no!

*Suddenly, the door flings open, and Danny stumbles in.*

Danny: Rupert!

Rupert: (Grins) Well well, the pretender!

Danny: Get away from the King, Rupert.

Rupert: Not if I'm going to kill him.

Danny: You won’t kill him unless you kill me first.

Rupert: Then let's get on with it, shall we? (He puts out his sword)

Danny: *Puts out his sword* We shall.

(Rupert lunges for Danny hard, almost slicing him!)

*Danny does indeed barely dodge, Rupert's sword just catching his sleeve.*

Rupert: Stop and let me skewer you!

Danny: Why make it easy? *lunges for Rupert, but he dodges*

Rupert: For one thing, we could finally get this story done. (He makes a quick lunge for Danny's back)

*However, Danny isn't quick enough this time. Rupert's sword tracks lightly over Danny's back, drawing a fine line of blood. He cries out and spins away. Danny winces, breathing heavily, and readjusts his grip on his sword.*

Danny: That hurt.

Rupert: I can make it hurt a lot more. (He quickly lunges for his right side this time.)

*Danny dodges, but again not completely. Rupert catches Danny's upper arm, drawing a medium gash. Danny cries out again and charges at Rupert.*

(Rupert is caught by surprise. Danny manages to cut a long, narrow gash in his upper left arm. He grabs his arm, narrowing his eyes at him.)

Rupert: You little bastard! At least you didn't hurt my good side.

Danny: I still owe you one.

Rupert: How would you like it now? (He goes after him again, this time going for his other side)

*Again, Danny can't quite dodge Rupert's strike and receives a matching long, narrow gash in his upper left arm. Danny cries out again, then drops low and sweeps a leg. He catches Rupert's legs and knocks him down.*

(Rupert grabs Danny, pulling him down with him!)

*The two roll around on the floor, throwing punches and leaving bloody stains on the floor and themselves.*

Rupert: (He finally grabs his sword and wallops Danny over the head, knocking him out) Sorry, pretender, but I really do have to do my job and get rid of the king. You'll come next.

*Duke and Sach come through the open door.*

Duke: I think we've been missing the party, Sach!

Sach: Hey! (He yanks Rupert by the collar) What do you think you're doin', hm?

Rupert: Killing the king. What does it look like?

Duke: *Starts when he sees Danny on the ground in a bloody heap* That ain't what I'm seeing!

Rupert: Your pretender got in my way. He's alive...for now, anyway.

Duke: Lucky for you. *swings a fully-loaded fist right into Rupert's face, sending him down*

Sach: (Grins) Nice shot, Dukey! (He goes to Danny) Dan! Dan, are you ok? What did that guy do to you?

*Danny groans, but doesn't immediately wake up.*

Josef: *Weakly* Knocked him over the head...

Duke: Your Highness... *goes to Josef*

Sach: (Hugs Danny) Oh Dan, you've GOT to get up! You're one of my best friends! (He starts crying loudly)

Danny: *Faintly, without opening his eyes* Yer gettin' me wet.

Sach: (Hugs Danny harder) Thank goodness! You're ok!

Danny: *His eyes crack open* Not so hard...hurts.

Duke: *Joins the with Josef in tow, one arm around the King's waist and one of the King's arms around his shoulders* How bad? It's a little difficult to tell.

Sach: (Growls) Did that jerk Rupert hurt ya really bad?

Danny: *Blinks his eyes as if to clear them* Both arms, my back. Dunno how bad. Head hurts.

Duke: Help him up, Sach. We need to get moving.

Sach: (He helps Danny to his feet) Here ya go. We did get the drawbridge open. The King's forces are battlin' Michael's forces upstairs as we speak.

Danny: *Gazed grin* Good.

Sach: Are you ok, Dan? You look a little glazed, like a donut.

Danny: Are there more than one of you?

Duke: Thankfully, there is only one true Sach.

Danny: Then I'm seein' double.

Duke: That would be the shot to the head talking. You'll be fine.

Sach: (Nods at Rupert) What are we gonna do with him?

Duke: We'll let the King's forces take care of him. Our arms are full at the moment.

Sach: I wouldn't wanna touch that guy, anyway. He can find his own way back upstairs.

Sach: (Nods upstairs) Come on, you two. Charleton and the General are already up there, leadin' the King's men. (Grins at Josef) Your guys are really good. They're kickin' Mike's boys' rears.

Josef: *Nods* Thanks you.

Duke: Easy does it, gentlemen.

*We fade as the four make their way out.*

(Cut to the King's bedroom. Sach, Duke, Charelton, Danny, and the General are all gathered by the King's bed.)

*Josef lays in bed. He’s black and blue and has bandages scattered here and there, but nothing major. He's more weary than anything. Danny has a bandage on his head and both upper arms. His back has been bandaged as well. He appears more clear-headed now.*

Josef: Gentlemen, I cannot thank you enough for my rescue.

Duke: We only did what needed to be done, Your Highness.

Sach: Yeah! We're just good guys like that.

Josef: You saved my life. And even though I do not agree with how it was managed, I appreciate it no less.

Sach: Aw, anythin' for a king!

General: How long did the doctors say it would be before you're back on your feet, Your Majesty?

Sach: He looks like he'll be strong enough to turn the whole country on its ear in a few days!

Josef: They want me to wait a week, though I appreciate your faith in my recovery, Sach.

Sach: If you're anythin' like Danny, you're gonna be ok.

*Danny turns a few shades of red.*

General: Gentlemen, we all owe you more than we can ever repay. You've done Ostrania a great service.

Duke: Sach and I were just hired hands. Danny was the true force behind it all.

*Danny just turns redder, bowing his head.*

Josef: And for that, I am eternally greatful. Danny, why don’t join our celebration of freedom? *despite the question, he gives Danny a knowing look*

Danny: *Swallows hard and almost looks like he may run away at any given moment* I don't deserve to celebrate.

Sach: Of course you do! You deserve it more than anyone!

Danny: *Quietly* Not for the way I've been behaving.

Sach: How have you been behavin'?

Duke: *Sighs* We did try to tell you, Danny.

(The General raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Charleton coughs.)

Danny: *Looking at his feet* I let it all go to my head. I wasn't pretending. I WAS the King, and that was wrong.

Sach: Aw Dan, it could have happened to anyone.

Danny: And...and... *shakes his head; quietly* I still love Deborah.

*Duke lets out a silent sigh, rolling his eyes upwards. He folds his arms.*

Josef: Rupert spoke the truth.

*Danny nods.*

Josef: She thought you were me. *to Charelton and the General* She's unaware of everything that has happened, then?

Charelton: (Shakes his head) No. We told her everything this morning. She's one of the few people who knows the full story.

General: We thought it would be fair to her. She's not a fool, Josef. She may have figured some of it out anyhow.

Josef: Ah, very good, gentlemen. It is only fair, indeed. How did she take it? Will she be here soon?

Charelton: She's here. She was taking tea alone in her room. We thought it best if everyone but us and a few pages left you alone until you're in better shape.

Josef: Very well. *turns to Danny* Danny, would you like to speak with her now?

Danny: I...ohhh...I don't know that I should...

Josef: *smiles slightly* I think you should.

Danny: If you insist...

Josef: I do insist.

Danny: A-all r-right...

*Danny heads out, to meet Deborah in her room.*

Duke: *Nudges Sach* Shall we follow him?

Sach: (Grins) Yeah. Someone's gotta keep his foot outta his mouth.

Charelton: I wish you luck, gentlemen.

Duke: *Grins* We may need it.

Josef: Be gentle.

*We cut from Duke and Sach leaving the King's room to Danny knocking on Deborah's door.*

Danny: *Tentatively* Deborah?

Deborah: (From behind the door) Yes? Danny?

Danny: *Swallows hard* Yes, it's Danny. May...may I come in?

Deborah: Yes, you may.

*Danny slowly opened the door, his head bowed. After stepping into the room, he closes the door gently, then turns to face the inside of the room, though he’s unsure if he was actually directed at Deborah as he was still staring at his feet.*

Danny: I...I'm s-sorry to b-bother you...

Deborah: (She wears a simple white and blue shirtwaist dress that sets off her blond hair and blue eyes well) Not at all, Danny. I wanted to talk to you anyway.

*Danny lets out a little whine.*

Danny: *Still fascinated by his feet* I w-wanted t-to apologize f-for wh-what I d-did.

Deborah: Danny, there's no need for apology. We both lost our heads. (She lifts his chin and gently says) Look at me.

*Danny tries to not look at her, but with his chin raised he has no choice. When his eyes meet hers, his breathing hitches, and he gives a small gasp.*

Danny: *Despite the frown and worry on his face* You're so beautiful...

Deborah: Thank you. You're a good man, Danny. You've done wonderful things for this country.

Danny: I did what was necessary. *Frowns* I feared I might never see you again.

Deborah: I was afraid for you, too.

Danny: Deborah... *takes her hand*

Deborah: Danny...I...I think I love you, too...

*Danny pulls her into a gentle, but deep kiss, wrapping his arms around her.*

Deborah: We shouldn't... (But she finally pulls further into the kiss.)

*It's several moments before they part, both breathless.*

Danny: Deborah, I want to be with you. I love you. *quietly* I want you more than anything.

Deborah: I...I don't know what I think. I love you. I'd love you no matter what you were...but I also have a duty to my people.

Danny: I'll stay! You wouldn't have to leave. *pauses, then almost pleadingly* Please.

Deborah: (Shakes her head) No. It wouldn't work out for either of us. What about the king...and your life at home?

Danny: I... *pulls her to him and kisses her again, not wanting to let go*

Deborah: (She leans into it at first...but finally pulls away) Danny, no! Don't do this.

Danny: *He's left with a wild look in his eyes* Please... *takes Deborah's hands and drops to his knees* Deborah, please...

Deborah: (Shakes her head, but she's crying) Danny, you're a good man. You've done us a great service. But, don't you see? It just couldn't work. I don't belong in your world, and you don't belong here.

Danny: *His eyes are wet as he presses the back of one of her hands to his cheek; he sobs* What's happened to me?!

Deborah: (She wipes his cheek gently) You just got carried away with the romance of it all.

Danny: *Sits back on his legs and looks up at her through tear-filled eyes* I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Oh, I'll lose Kathy for sure!

Deborah: Kathy? Is she your girl?

*Danny nods, not trusting his voice any longer.*

Deborah: (She squeezes his hand) Do you love her?

*Danny nods again. His tears have begun to slow, replaced with hiccups that in most any other circumstance would be funny to hear.*

Deborah: (She turns to her tea set and hands him a cup of tea) Here. This might help with those hiccups.

*Danny nods and sips the tea carefully, almost spilling it at first. He works it down around the remaining hiccups as his face flushes from embarrassment and the heat of the tea.*

Deborah: Danny, if you love this girl...you should go back to her.

Danny: *Nods again; finally finds his voice, though it's weak and filled with emotion* I do love her. I have to go back. I'm sorry. *looks down at the empty tea cup, fingering it*

Deborah: Don't be sorry. I'm not. I'm glad I knew you. You're a good man, Danny.

Danny: *Sniffs; his voice still weak* Thank you. *pauses, then remembers the tea cup and holds it out for her* I just...need a few moments...

Deborah: Take your time.

*With that, Danny presses both palms to his eyes and lets out a completely unintelligible string of syllables in a whiny tone. More than a minute passes before he pulls his hands away from his red eyes.*

Danny: *Looks up at her; his voice is a little stronger now* Thanks. *finally he carefully starts to get up, finding his legs wanted to go to sleep on him*

Deborah: (Goes to him) Danny?

Danny: Yes?

Deborah: (She gives him a kiss on the cheek) Even though we can't be sweethearts, there will always be a little piece of you in my heart.

Danny: *Gives a small smile* And you in mine. *He takes one of her hands and kisses the back of it, not trusting himself to even kiss her cheek.* Goodbye, Deborah.

Deborah: Good-bye, Danny.

*Danny nods and lets himself out, then closes the door after himself. He releases a long sigh.*

Sach: (He and Duke are at the door) Hi, Dan. How did it go?

Danny: *Starts* Ahh! Wha-what're you guys doing out here?

Duke: Waiting for you.

Danny: Geez, you scared me!

Duke: Sorry, Danny. *pauses, noticing Danny's red-rimmed eyes* I take it you remembered Kathy.

Danny: *Nods* Yeah, I did.

Sach: Well, what happened? We only heard so much.

Danny: We came to an understanding. That's it.

Sach: That's it? Then why are you cryin'?

*Duke elbows Sach.*

Sach: Well, he is!

Danny: *Shrugs, with a sigh* Let’s just called it a broken heart that can only be mended by Kathy, okay?

Duke: *Rests a hand gently on Danny's shoulder* You're a good man, Danny.

Sach: Yeah. You're doin' the right thing. (Grins) Besides, we'd miss ya too much if ya stayed here!

Danny: Yeah, I'd miss you guys, too. Thanks for helping me, even when I didn't want it.

Duke: That's what friends are for.

Sach: Yeah! You'd do the same for us.

Danny: I would.

Duke: Now, how about we prepare for the trip home?

Danny: I'd like that.

Sach: Yeah. I sure could go for some of Ma's home-cookin', an' we ain't talked to Chuck or Myron in a while.

Duke: And we have a pretty wild story to share with them.

Danny: I can't wait to see Kathy.

Sach: (Puts an arm around the guys) Let's go home, fellas.

(Cut to a dusty road just outside the castle. Charelton and the General have three horses ready for Sach, Duke, and Danny. They're all dressed in their normal clothes and have their suitcases stowed on the horses.)

General: (He shakes Duke's hand, then Danny's) You're all good men. I'm going to miss you.

Duke: We'll miss you as well, gentlemen. We're glad we were able to help.

Danny: *Nods* Thank you both.

Sach: I'm gonna miss you guys! (He grabs the General and Charelton in one big hug)

Duke: *Grabs one of Sach's arms* Sach, get off of them!

General: Well, we'll miss you too, Mr. Jones.

Charelton: (He shakes the boys' hands...although he does Sach's rather warily) Take care, all of you. And the King sends his regards, too.

Duke: And kindly return ours to him, kind sirs.

Charelton: Oh, we will. We're going to have a long talk with him when we get back about his drinking and carrying-on. He's said that it's time he started behaving like a real king, now that he's seen how one behaves...and we couldn't agree more.

*Danny's cheeks take on a slight red hue.*

Duke: Glad to hear that.

General: I think this may even have done the fellow some good. He was behaving like a child before. Perhaps he can finally start acting like a man. (He points at the hills before them) Ride over the next two hills. Just keep following the path. You'll get to the Hausendorf Train Station. A porter will take the horses there, and you can pick up a train into France.

Charelton: Farewell, gentlemen! May we meet again someday.

Duke: Goodbye, sirs! Hope to see you again!

Danny: *Smiles* Good day, sirs. *nods*

Sach: Yeah! See ya! You're great guys. Look us up if you're ever in the Bowery!

General: (Makes a face) We'll have to do that.

Sach: (Turks to Duke) Time to go, Dukey?

Duke: Time to go, Sach.

Sach: Ok! (He climbs on his horse...with help from Danny)

*Danny hops up onto his horse as Duke mounts his horse.*

General: Until we meet again!

Sach: Ok, guys, let's go! Onwards and...well, overwards! (He takes off, listing half-off his horse as he goes)

*Duke takes off, riding like an old pro.*

*Danny follows after them, slowly at first so he can glance back at the castle. Finally, he turns back forward and spurs the horse to take off as well.*

(We fade out onto a "The End" sign as the horse gallops off into the horizon.)