Werewolves Here?
by
Svanur Gisli Thorkelsson
Dramatis Personae:
Dr Magnusson
Oliver
Eva
Dr Oddson (psychiatrist)
Linda
Freda
Sergei
Milla
Sasha
Vidars
Jilly (young woman)
Jack (young man)
Prelude:
Freda sits down on a chare in her room, removes her day-makeup, and puts on
her night one. She is dressed in an undergarment, but finally puts on her nurse outfit, a coat, and rushes out leaving behind
her big wolfhound that lay on the floor watching her movements. During this, the anthem of the play is performed.
Act One
The 1980s. A small consultation room in a Healthcare Centre, belonging to Dr Magnusson, who is
sat behind his desk. On it there’s an old-fashioned PC and telephone. A couple of chairs are placed opposite him, a
spare in the corner. A small cupboard sits on the wall. A big mirror faces the audience.
Dr Magnusson
(Sitting at his desk, alone, picks up phone and pushes a button) Hello Linda, you can send in the next one.
(silence) He is the last one today, isn’t he? Thank you.
(knock on the door. A man enters)
Oliver
Good afternoon. My name is Oliver.
Magnusson
(fills out form, doesn’t look up) Please have a seat. (looks up, takes off glasses) What can I
do for you?
Oliver
(sits down) My wife is a werewolf.
Magnusson
I’m
sorry? What did you say?
Oliver
My wife is a werewolf.
Magnusson
(smiling) Are you sure you’re in the right place? Perhaps you’d rather meet with a marriage counsellor,
or a…priest?
Oliver
I wasn’t sure who to turn to. I decided to come to you.
Magnusson
(his laughter fades) You are deadly serious, aren’t you?
Oliver
(nods) Deadly serious.
Magnusson
May I ask – how did you become aware of this?
Oliver
I saw her change.
Magnusson
Changing into a wolf?
Oliver
Yes.
Magnusson
A real wolf?
Oliver
Yes.
Magnusson
I must confess that in the medicine I studied there was no mention of werewolves, and frankly I’m not sure I
can help you, but…perhaps someone else can.
When did you first detect this…occurrence?
Oliver
A few days ago. But I have suspected for some time that something was
wrong. I don’t know how it happened. But something must have bitten her. Perhaps a wolf on the prowl.
Magnusson
Hmm. That’s interesting. Can you describe exactly how this happened, how you discovered this.
Oliver
A few nights ago we were just about to go to sleep. Our children were restless, disturbed by something, so we let them
get into bed with us. And then it happened. I heard a noise coming from the basement flat. Some people had moved in there
recently. I had to hold the children because they were so agitated, so my wife
got up to check. She got out of bed, but before I knew it she jumped onto the bed and started howling! I became terrified,
and the kids too. We became so scared we got out of bed and hid in a corner of the room. When she saw how terrified we were,
she said ‘she wouldn’t hurt us’. As soon as she started to howl, I heard the people downstairs join in.
And while she spoke to us, I saw hairs sprout from underneath her nightgown, on her feet, on her hands, and then her whole
body started to change shape. Before I knew it she had become a wolf and had leapt of the bedroom door.
Magnusson
(pause) And the children watched all this? How old are they?
Oliver
Yes and no. When my wife started shape shifting, I held the kids close to my chest to prevent them seeing their mother
in such a state. They would not have believed their own eyes. They are only five and six..
Magnusson
Well. I have heard many things over the years. But this, this is truly unbelievable.
Are you currently using any medication?
Oliver
What? You don’t believe me then?
Magnusson
You have to admit this story is incredible. People simply don’t change
into other creatures. It is absolutely impossible. There are countless medical reasons for this.
Oliver
Tell that to the people in the basement flat.
Magnusson
What do you mean?
Oliver
The people in the basement flat are all werewolves. A whole pack of werewolves.
Magnusson
How do you know?
Oliver
When my wife had gone out of the bedroom that night, I heard her sniffing around the living room and through the crack
of the door I watched her open up the living room window with her long snout and through it entered no less than five wolves.
They raced around as one and along with her scurried up to the attic. We’d just converted it into a TV den. I heard them up there all night, howling, devilling around and God knows what else. Early in the morning
I heard them come down stairs. They’d all turned back to human. My wife said goodbye to them, and a few minutes later
the basement flat closed shut.
Magnusson
Did you say anything to you wife that morning?
Oliver
You must understand: I was still very scared. When she came into the bedroom again, I held the little ones close to
me: they had fallen asleep in my arms, though the night had been filled with bad dreams. She just stood there and watched
us for a long time. Then I asked her, what was she thinking. She answered that ‘she was thinking whether to bite us
all, just me, or just the children’.
Magnusson
(stands up) Where is you wife now?
Oliver
At home, I think.
Magnusson
And the children?
Oliver
Also at home, unless they are out playing.
Magnusson
What’s your phone number?
Oliver
63 16 55 94
Magnusson
Do you mind if I call your wife?
Oliver
What do you want to call her for?
Magnusson
Somehow I must substantiate all of this. What is your National Insurance number?
Oliver
BF 26 13 80 E
Magnusson
(the Dr punches it into the PC) I see you have no records. Listen, do you mind if I call her? What’s her
name?
Oliver
Her name is Eva. There is no guarantee she will answer the phone. She was doing the washing when I left, busying herself
in the laundry room downstairs, like she usually does these days.
Magnusson
(picks up phone and calls) Good afternoon. Is this Eva? My name is Doctor Magnusson from the Healthcare Centre.
Oliver, your husband is here with me... No, no, nothing has happened to him… No, I’m not sure. Not that I know.
But he came to me with a problem, something that concerns both of you. Can you get away right now? (pause) You can
bring them along. I’m sure they’d be fine in the playroom while we have a little chat… It’s really
difficult to explain. It’ll have to be done when you’re here. Luckily you live close by. Okay, see you here? Well
then, goodbye. (puts down phone). She is on her way.
Oliver
So, we’ll just wait until she arrives.
Magnusson
Well, Oliver, what is your occupation, what is that you do?
Oliver
I’m a blacksmith.
Magnusson
Ah. A blacksmith. Tell me something about your children. What are their names?
Oliver
Jilly and Jack.
Magnusson
And who’s the elder?
Oliver
Jilly.
Magnusson
Myself, I have three children. Of course, they have grown up by now… How long have you and Eva been together?
Oliver
Nine years.
Magnusson
Myself, I have been married for twenty years... And has everything worked out so far?
Oliver
Very well, thank you.
Magnusson
No quarrels or other difficulties?
Oliver
No, nothing until now. What about you?
Magnusson
(smiles) Tell me are there any hereditary illnesses in your family that you know of?
Oliver
I don’t know what to say. My mother suffered from numbness in her fingers. And my grandmother had the same. And
lately I’ve been feeling a strange numbness in my left hand, but it doesn’t last.
Magnusson
Ah. Narrow veins. Doesn’t have to be anything serious. Do you smoke?
Oliver
Not any more. I gave up five years ago.
Magnusson
Is there a history of mental illness in your family?
Oliver
Nothing to make a song and dance about. My grandfather suffered from depression, and maybe if he was around now he’d
be put on Prozac or something.
Magnusson
Do you mean on your mother’s side?
Oliver
Yes, grandfather Oliver. I was named after him.
Magnusson
Ah. And your father’s side?
Oliver
What about it?
Magnusson
Any mental illness there?
Oliver
What you’re really saying is that there is something wrong with me. That I’m crazy!
Magnusson
I truly don’t know what to think at the moment. It is not every day that patients come and say their spouses
have turned into wild animals – not in a literal sense anyway.
Oliver
I came to you because I had no one else to turn to. If I had gone to the police they would have just treated it as
a domestic. Domestic violence, perhaps.
Magnusson
But she hasn’t bitten you or the children until now, has she?
Oliver
No, she’s probably still contemplating who to bite and who not to bite.
Magnusson
I’m not sure how it goes in the legends, but does everyone who gets bitten by a, um, werewolf become one.
Oliver
Yes, I think so. But unlike vampires, they don’t become werewolves if they are killed werewolves.
Magnusson
You’re not telling me you believe in vampires also?
Oliver
I’m just telling you what the stories tell us. I’ve never actually met a vampire,
I think – unless my bank manager is one.
Magnusson
I wonder whether it would be a good idea to get Doctor Oddson in here also… He might be free by now.
Oliver
Who is Dr Oddson?
Magnusson
He is a psychiatrist. Very pleasant fellow. It might be a good idea to have him here when Eva arrives.
Oliver
I have to put this all into your hands. If advisable to have him present when my wife arrives, please call him.
Magnusson
I’m going to go and see if he’s available. Please sit here. I’ll be right back.
(stands up and leaves)
Oliver
(as soon as the Dr has left, Oliver gets up, paces about, notices reflection
in large mirror, and stares) What did I tell you? He thinks you’re crazy! If she denies it, they’ll lock you
up for sure… And what did you expect them to do, even if they did believe you? Give her pills – to stop her being
a werewolf? (laughs) Well, you never know – maybe they will find
a remedy. I just hope they don't lock her up inside… Perhaps it will be best to let her bite you. If we were alone that
would be the best solution. But you just can’t let her bite the children. Or can you?
Shouldn’t they at least have a say in the matter?
(knock on the door. Quickly, Oliver sits down in hi chair. Door opens and an attractive nurse
enters)
Freda
I’m sorry, is Doctor Magnusson not here?
Oliver
He went out for a minute?
Freda
Mmm. Do you know where he went?
Oliver
He went to see Dr Oddson.
Freda
Is he not taking care of you?
Oliver
Sure, he just popped out to speak to this Doctor for a minute.
Freda
Oh. That’s unusual. But you’re okay then?
Oliver
Yes, he’ll by right back.
(stands up and points)
Freda
Oh, it’s Oliver isn’t it?
Oliver
Yes, my name is Oliver
Freda
Aren’t you Eva’s husband?
Oliver
Yes. Do you know her?
Freda
Yes, from sewing circle. How is she anyway? Has she recovered?
Oliver
Recovered? What do you mean?
Freda
Well, she hasn’t been herself lately.
Oliver
Why do you think so?
Freda
Jane, Bob’s wife, said she had called in sick. We haven’t seen
her for weeks, so we thought something must be up.
Oliver
Jane, Bob’s wife? Who’s that?
Freda
You must know who Jane is, don’t you? We always meet at her place.
Oliver
No. I don’t really keep track of where Eva goes. This ‘illness’
you refer to; must have been the flu she caught this winter – she’s long got over it.
Freda
That’s good. Tell her that Freda sends her warmest regards.
Oliver
You can do it yourself. She’s on her way here now.
Freda
Oh, perhaps I’ll bump into her then. Please ask the Doctor to contact
the front desk when he gets back.
Oliver
Will do.
(she exits)
Oliver
(stands up and addresses the mirror)
Nine years. Nine years. And you don’t even know she belongs to a knitting
club! But this all fits. Wolves cannot knit. (Oliver notices the mirror has hinges. He opens mirror up, and discovers,
written on the wall, large writing: ‘If the flesh rules the spirit it shall be punished’. Oliver reads it and
closes mirror. Then Magnusson re-enters, followed by Oddson. Oliver suddenly starts combing his hair in front of the mirror)
Magnusson
Well, Oliver – this is Doctor Oddson.
Oddson
How do you do?
(shakes hands)
Magnusson
I’ve already told Doctor Oddson about your case and he agreed to come.
(Oddson pulls up a chair next to Magnusson)
Oliver
That’s good. Freda asked you to contact the front desk. She just dropped in here looking for you a minute ago.
Magnusson
Freda, who is that? Must be somebody new. (picks up phone, pushes button).
Linda? Is somebody there called Freda? She was apparently here a minute ago, looking for me. (pause). Ah, this has
been a misunderstanding. Thank you. (puts down phone. To Oliver) What did this Freda look like?
Oliver
She was blonde, with red lips, wearing a nurse’s uniform.
Magnusson
Nobody has heard of her at the front desk.
Oliver
She said that she knew Eva – we can ask when she comes.
Oddson
Did you have a long conversation?
Oliver
Long? No.
Oddson
What did you talk about?
Oliver
(irritated) What’s the big deal? This nurse popped in here and said she wanted to get hold of you, Doctor
Magnusson. Then she asked if everything was okay, and then if I was Eva’s husband. Then she asked after Eva, and said
that she and my wife were in the knitting club together and Eva hadn’t been showing up lately. And then she asked me
to give this message to you to contact the front desk, and left.
Oddson
Why were you combing your hair when we came in?
Oliver
I know you psychiatrists want to read into everything, but I was just passing time.
(phone rings. Magnusson picks it up)
Magnusson
Right. (pause) Can you look after them in the meantime? (pause)
Very well. Just show her in. Eva is here. (walks to door. Eva is there. Shows her in, and while leading her to a chair
next to Oliver says the following.)
Magnusson
How are you, Eva? I’m Dr Magnusson. This is Dr Oddson, a psychiatrist
(she shakes his hand) whom I have called here with Oliver’s consent. Please have a seat.
Eva
What I going on? Are you sick, my love?
Magnusson
Maybe it’s best if I fill you in. Oliver came to me with a strange story.
Eva
What story?
Magnusson
He told me he had seen you change into a wolf and that he thinks – no – that he knows that you are a werewolf.
(silence)
Oddson
(smiling) Are you a werewolf,
Eva?
Eva (confused)
Werewolf? What? I mean, is that some kind of a disease?
Oddson
Don’t you know what a werewolf is?
Eva
Yeah, but is it like the measles or something?
Oddson
No. There is an illness called lupus, or ‘the red wolves’, but that’s not what Oliver means. Oliver
maintains that he has seen you turn into a wolf, and when that happens it is called becoming a werewolf.
Eva
God, is it possible for a man to change into a wolf? (looks in disbelief at Oliver, then Oddson)
Oddson
There are many stories of such occurrences, mainly from the mainland of Europe
but nowadays they are treated as legends and modern science consider it impossible for one species to change into another
instantly.
Oliver
How long does it take for a butterfly to leave its cocoon?
Magnusson
That’s altogether a different. Shape shifting within a single species
is a well known phenomenon and doesn’t take a long time.
Oliver
Werewolves must then be a species on their own?
Oddson
Werewolves are, according to what I know best, people that change into wolves, that is to say werewolves, when they
are bitten by other werewolves.
Oliver
And a cocoon is a worm that changes into a butterfly.
Magnusson
Let’s the leave the biology for now. Can you, Eva, convince Oliver that you are not a werewolf?
Eva
(looks at Oliver) God, Oliver, you know that I love you, with all of my heart – but now you have gone
too far! Do you really think I’m some kind of a wild beast?
Oliver
I know what you are. And you know what you are. And you know that I know what you are.
Magnusson
Oliver maintains that he has seen you change into a wolf not so long ago, and that you let other werewolves into your
apartment that Oliver says live in the basement of your house, and that your children witnessed this. He said you went up
into your attic, your TV den, and danced the night through.
Eva
In the company of werewolves…from downstairs?
Magnusson
Yes.
Oddson
Is there any truth in this?
Eva
He is for sure talking about what happened last Saturday night.
Magnusson
Was it last Saturday night?
Oliver
Yes, last Saturday night – it was a full moon.
Oddson
What exactly happened last Saturday night, Eva?
Eva
I don’t know exactly what happened. But Oliver went nuts out of the blue. We were going to bed. The kids were
in our bed too, as sometimes happens. There was a little noise coming from the apartment below and I was going to go and ask
them to keep it down, when all of a sudden Oliver went berserk. He took the kids and crawled with them into the corner, like
I don’t know what. I didn’t know what was going on. He didn’t say anything. I was going to call somebody
but then he calmed down. After a while I went up into the TV den, watched a video and fell asleep there. When I came down
early in the morning, everything seemed to be okay. I have tried to talk to him about this, but his answers don’t make
any sense.
Oliver
You said you were thinking of biting us when you came down!
Eva
You asked what I was thinking and I said you had acted like I was some kind of a monster, and that you couldn’t
have been more frightened if I was about to tear you apart of something. That’s how it was.
Oddson
Do you know the people who have moved into your basement flat? They did so recently, didn’t they?
Eva
We’re just acquaintances. We have a common laundry room, you know.
Oddson
Who are these people?
Eva
They are immigrants. Refugees from Bosnia. They hardly speak any English.
Oddson
Let’s presume that everything you’ve said, Oliver, is true. What do you want us to do? Eva apparently loves
you very much and it looks to me it’s mutual. What do you want to be done?
Oliver
That’s exactly it. I don’t know what I want to be done. You probably can’t cure her in anyway. I
don’t really care if she bites me and I become a werewolf. That would solve things regarding me, but what would happen
to Jilly and Jack? What have they done to deserve two werewolves for parents?
Magnusson
So, you are specifically concerned that the children are safe?
Oliver
They are my main concern.
Oddson
You said to Doctor Magnusson that you were not on any drugs whatsoever?
Oliver
That’s right. I’ve never touched drugs of any kind.
Oddson
What did you eat last Saturday?
Oliver
What do you mean? The usual. Breakfast, something for lunch and then dinner.
Oddson
And you eat it all at home?
Oliver
What difference does it make where I ate?
Oddson
Maybe not where, but what could matter. Who fixed your dinner?
Eva
I made it. For dinner we had roast beef, potatoes and wild mushrooms.
Oddson
Wild mushrooms. Really? And where did you get these ‘wild’ mushrooms?
Eva
It so happens that the people down stairs gave them to me.
Oliver
I didn’t know that.
Oddson
Do you know what kind of mushrooms they were?
Eva
What about these mushrooms? They were just ordinary wild mushrooms.
Oddson
Did all of the family eat the mushrooms?
Eva
How did you know? There really was enough for one portion. You know what happens when you fry down mushrooms. There
seems to be enough for everyone, but there was only enough for Oliver. The kids don’t like mushrooms anyway.
Oddson
Do you think it’s possible that the mushrooms were poisonous? Some mushrooms contain hallucinogenic properties.
Was it possible, Oliver, that what you saw last Saturday night were hallucinations?
Oliver
Hallucinations?
Magnusson
You could be right, Doctor Oddson. Everything you have described Oliver bears it out. Interference in the brain from
toxic substances. That’s it, I think.
Oddson
Is there anything else more likely? Oliver, is there anything else that indicates
that what you experienced was real?
Oliver
I saw what I saw, and I heard what I heard. It was neither a dream nor a hallucination. I am certain of it.
Oddson
We can actually take a blood sample from you and see if there are any remains of toxic substances. It usually does
not disappear that quickly.
Oliver
Just to prove that it wasn’t the mushrooms I am willing to do anything.
Magnusson
Well, let’s do just that. In the meantime I suggest you go home and behave as if nothing has happened.
Eva
My God, do you think it was mushrooms? (gasp) What would have happened if the children had eaten them too!
Oliver
(Oliver turns to Eva). Who is Freda?
Eva
Freda, what Freda?
Oliver
I met a woman here, some minutes ago who said she knew you, who said her name was Freda – she said were together
in a knitting club.
Eva
Knitting club, what knitting club? I don’t know any Freda and I don’t knit.
Magnusson
This is obviously some kind of invisible woman, Oliver. Nobody seems to know her.
Oliver
I saw her anyway, and she knew my name!
(Magnusson, Oddson, and Eva look at one another)
Oddson
(to Magnusson) I think
you should have this blood sample prioritised, doctor. The poison could be still active.
Magnusson
Yes, I shall do that. Oliver, I shall ask Erica to take your blood sample right away. You only have to go to the clinic
down the hall. Would you be so kind, Doctor Oddson, to take him there? Perhaps you should go with your husband, Eva? You can
both return when it’s finished. It won’t take a moment.
Oddson
No problem. Just come with me. (he gets up and shows them the door)
Oliver
Why is Eva coming? Are you going to take her blood sample too?
Magnusson
(Grabs the phone, dials) No, not at this point anyway. Let’s see what the results say. She’ll just
be there to hold your hand. Thank you very much, Doctor Oddson. (they leave) Yes, Erica, I’m sending you a man
whose name is Oliver. You need to take a blood sample from him and we need it back pronto. I’ll send you specs in a
moment. Yes, they’re on their way, thank you. (pushes another button). Linda, are the children still there? (pause)
Yes, of course. Can you bring them to me right away? (pause) The parents are at getting a blood sample done, and then
they’ll return here. I want to have a word with the children before they come. (pause) Thank you very much. (puts
phone down)
(door opens and in comes Freda. She runs towards
Dr Magnusson, grabs him and kisses him very passionately. He pushes her away) Come now, dear Lucy, I’m expecting
some people any minute.
Lucy (formerly Freda)
Really, I thought they had left.
Magnusson
No, I’m not free yet. Did you come in here a few minutes ago?
Lucy
Yeah. I was surprised. There was a man sitting there, who I thought recognised me.
Magnusson
Why did you think that?
Lucy
We were in the hospital together when I had Erna.
Magnusson
And you told him your name was Freda, and that you were a nurse. That wasn’t very smart.
Lucy
Well, I came in uniform like you asked me to. And when I thought he recognised me so I kind of panicked. So I told
him my name was Freda. Then I commented that I knew his wife from some knitting club or something. But I’m sure it won’t
have any consequences.
Magnusson
Didn’t you talk to him about his wife being ill?
Lucy
Well, I was trying to make him think I was a nurse and so I sounded concerned about his wife not turning up to the
knitting circle
Magnusson
We might be in bit of a pickle, because his wife is here too. You have to make sure they don’t see you. Just
go home. Right away. And I’ll see you there after work.
Lucy
Are you coming for sure?
Magnusson
Joanne is going to the church, for their congregation I was meant to meet her there. I’ll call her after work
and tell her I can’t make it. She and God will forgive me like usual.
Lucy
Very well. Bye bye. (blows him a kiss).
Magnusson
(works on PC. Then Linda appears at door). Where are the children?
Linda
Well, I was bringing them here, when their mother appeared, said she was leaving and wanted to take them with her.
I had no choice but to let them go.
Magnusson
Oh, fudge! I was hoping to have a word with them alone.
Linda
Is it as I suspect?
Magnusson
What do you suspect?
Linda
Is this a case of child abuse?
Magnusson
I hardly think so.
Linda
Something must be done anyway don’t you think? It was purely by coincidence that I noticed the bandages on their
arms.
Magnusson
What are you talking about, woman! What bandages?
Linda
Well, they both had bandages on their left upper arm. They must have a large dangerous dog in their home. I looked
under their bandages and they both had ugly, fresh teeth marks from a large beast.
Magnusson
You should have let me know right away!
Linda
I thought that was the reason why the parents came to see you?
Magnusson
(thinks) Don’t mention this to anyone. Can I trust you don’t?
Linda
Of course, Doctor Magnusson.
Magnusson
Thank you, you can go now. (grabs phone, pushes button)
Erica, it’s me again, Dr Magnusson…Is Oliver still with you? (pause) That didn’t
take long (pause). Well, I don’t know what to say, really (pause) Was he scared? (pause) Well, I’ll look
after this. I’ll try to get him later. Thank you. (leaves phone off hook – goes to door and locks it, then
goes to cupboard and gets out a little whip. Then takes off shirt, stands in front of mirror – opens it. Beats himself,
repeating: ‘If the flesh rules the spirit, it shall be punished’)
ACT TWO
The living room of Oliver & Eva. The evening after the visit to the doctor. The room is well
decorated. It has a large window on the stage left. In the facing wall there are two doors, one into children’s bedroom,
the other into main bedroom. Stage right there is a staircase going up. To right of staircase, there’s a door leading
to entrance hall. By that is another door leading into kitchen. The living room adjoins the dining area. There is a table
there. To one side, a settee and a couple of armchairs.
(Oliver comes out of children’s bedroom holding a storybook. He sits down on settee. Eva
comes out of kitchen at same time.)
Oliver
Well.
Eva
Are they asleep?
Oliver
I just began to read when they fell asleep. Little Red Riding Hood just entering the forest.
Eva
That doesn’t surprise me. It has been a long day for the darlings.
(Oliver picks up a book from coffee table and starts reading)
Oliver
Is there any coffee?
(Eva brings coffee in and she sits down next to him)
Eva What are you reading?
Oliver
Oh, just something I picked up from the library this afternoon. It’s about werewolves.
Eva
Oh, there’s no truth in any of those stupid books! None of them are even written by werewolves! What is it that
you want to know that you don’t know already?
Oliver
Ah, well. How to defend yourself against them, for one?
Eva (smiles)
That can be difficult.
Oliver
Yes, and clearly impossible for children. So, you decided to bite them, didn’t you?
Weren’t they scared?
Eva
I did it while they were asleep last night. They didn’t feel a thing.
Oliver
That’s strange. Judging from the teeth marks, it must have been painful.
Eva
When a werewolf bites, a sedative produced by the saliva glands runs into the wound and the bite becomes painless.
Afterwards you only feel a slight itch.
Oliver
I’ve never come across anything like that.
Eva
There are so many things you don’t know.
Oliver
Is it true you can only kill a werewolf by shooting him with a silver bullet?
Eva (smiles wryly)
Werewolves have been around a lot longer than guns. In fact they have been
persecuted and killed in one way or another by humans from the beginning.
Oliver
How did they stumble on the silver bullet solution then?
Eva
Silver is a deadly poison for a werewolf. If it enters its blood stream nothing awaits but death.
(pause)
Oliver
So what are your plans? You’ve already bitten the children. Am I next?
Eva
I don’t know yet. For the moment I can’t really decide. It could be more convenient for us all for you
to remain completely human.
Oliver
Tell me then. What becomes of children sired by a human and a werewolf?
Eva
They become werewolves.
(Oliver stands up and becomes agitated.)
How many werewolves are there in the country anyway?
Eva
Nobody knows.
Oliver
Is there no top dog, top wolf?
Eva
No, nobody is the big boss, but each pack has it Alpha.
Oliver
So, who is your Alpha?
Eva
Vidas.
Oliver
Is that the big one?
Eva
Yes.
Oliver
Do you have to do everything he tells you?
Eva
No. But we have definite rules to be adhered to.
Oliver
What rules do you have?
Eva
Well, how can I put this? Let’s just say, that while we are animals we behave as animals.
Oliver
What about the shape shifting? Can you do that any time you like?
Eva
We can do it anytime we like, but we have to every 29 days, whether we want to or not. We have no choice. Most werewolves
will follow the full moon cycle, like the menstrual cycles of women did for many centuries. Before cultural influences messed
it up.
Oliver
Hold on. How come so little is know about you then? This book, about werewolves, doesn’t mention any of this!
Eva
There’s a lot of prejudice against werewolves. Even the name ‘werewolf’ only means a manlike wolf,
but has been taken to mean a warlike wolf, and therefore dangerous to man and beast. It is true we have to eat like everybody
else, but we don’t attack people to eat them. It is only done in defence and to maintain our kind.
Oliver
So, you can’t breed without biting people.
Eva
It is a little complicated. I have just become a werewolf, as you know, and I might not have all the facts straight,
but if we were to breed just within the group our wolf genes would dominate and we would become wolves in a few generations,
so to stay as werewolves we have to bite humans every now and again. I have been told entire werewolf packs have disappeared
because they couldn’t find humans to bite.
Oliver
And you have decided to do your bit by biting our children!
Eva
I just couldn’t bear the thought of bringing them up in constant fear of their mother. The only way they could
ever understand was for them to have a taste of it themselves.
Oliver
So while we’re on it. What do werewolves do while they’re wolves?
Eva
Not much. They’re just wolves. They sleep a lot. Hunt for their food. Mate. Groom. And howl.
Oliver
What do you hunt here in town, stray cats or what?
Eva
No, those that live in cities and towns don’t hunt unless on holiday. For instance, we have organised a camping
trip to the mountains this autumn.
(Pause)
Oliver
(Sits down) And what about
me? What’s going to happen to me?
Eva
We were just discussing it this morning, as a matter of fact – what’s going to happen to you. Milla wants
to have you bitten, but Sergei and Sasha are against it. At least while you are willing to live with me and the children without
freaking out. But it’s me that has the final say.
Oliver
And I have none.
Eva
You might have something to say about it before you are bitten, but after
you’re bitten you’ll be happy. No werewolf wishes not to be a werewolf.
Oliver
I can’t see what’s so brilliant about being a werewolf.
Eva
There are lots of advantages. But firstly, it’s a question of lifestyle.
Oliver
Lifestyle?
Eva
Yes, all werewolves are very successful, as long as nobody knows what they are. Nowadays most people don’t believe
in us – you saw what happened today.
Oliver
Yes, an Oscar-winning performance. So what makes you special then?
Eva
I think first and foremost our sense of smell.
Oliver
What about it?
Eva
It tells you completely what’s going on with the people you associate with. It tells you everything. Today at
the doctors I could clearly smell his lust. And the way it makes him ashamed. Your fear, the snottiness of that Doctor Oddson,
and the hostility of that girl in reception when I picked up my kids. She might have seen the bandages and drawn her own conclusions.
Oliver
It’s quite something. I can see how this kind of information would be useful.
Eva
Nobody gets suspicious now. You can even go to college to learn about Emotional Intelligence these days. Intuition
is all the rage.
Oliver
There’s got to be some downside on to all of this.
Eva
Not that I can see. It used to be horrible when people believed that we existed. Everybody went mad with fear if they saw something, or thought they saw something. Nowadays things are easier. Everything
can be explained in a rational way. And we maintain privileges.
Oliver
Privileges, what privileges?
Eva
They’re obvious. For example, if everybody was a werewolf, our sense of smell wouldn’t give us any advantage.
Oliver
Tell me, why didn’t Sergei and Sasha want me bitten?
Eva
Perhaps they didn’t want the competition.
Oliver
I thought so… My dear Eva, would you promise me one thing.
Eva
What?
Oliver
Will you promise that you will let me know if you decide to bite me, before you do it?
Eva
(stands up) That I can promise you. I’m going up to TV den – are you coming?
Oliver
There’s never anything good on.
Act Three
The living room, three weeks later. Eva is dressed up and preparing a romantic dinner for two.
As Oliver comes through the door she lights up the candle on the table and receives her husband with a kiss.
Eva
Hello darling, let me take your coat. (she takes his coat, hangs it up and leads him to the table.) There, take
a seat love. Make yourself comfortable. Would you have a little red wine? (he nods, she pours)
Oliver
What is the occasion – did I forget something?
Eva
I made us a little special dinner. The kids are downstairs with Milla and are downstairs tonight. How are you feeling
tonight, my love?
Oliver
What day is today? What’s the occasion anyway?
Eva
There’s no special occasion. It’s been very long since we’ve done anything – just the two of
us.
Oliver
(sniffs) Something smells good in the kitchen.
Eva
I cooked roast beef, with wild mushrooms. But first, let’s have an appetiser.
(she goes into kitchen, gets dish, and pours herself
a drink) Cheers, love.
Oliver
Cheers. (they sip. He looks at the appetiser) This looks fantastic. What is it anyway? (tastes) Mm. Tastes
good. What is it?
Eva
It’s a pate made from reindeer liver. I got the recipe from Milla the other day.
Oliver
It tastes delicious. Cheers, here’s to us and a good evening.
Eva
(raises glass) Cheers. (takes bite) Oh, I had to get something from the garage today. What are you making?
What are you going to do with all those washers?
Oliver
They’re not washers, my dear – they’re rings.
Eva
Rings?
Oliver
(nods) Yes, I’m making myself some chain mail. Armour.
Eva
Chain mail armour? What for? When did you become interested in Medieval stuff?
Oliver
Well, I thought the chain mail would go well with the shield, helmet, and sword I also made. Did you see those as well?
Eva
No, I saw no sword or shield. What’s come over you lately, you have never showed any interest in such things
before?
Oliver
(excited) Oh, let me show you. I’ll pop out and get it. (stands up. Eva also. He rushes out. Eva walks
towards window, opens it looks out. Before long, Oliver returns, out of breath, carrying a huge sword and shield.)
Oliver
Look. Not bad for the first time!
Eva
(takes sword and examines it) This is truly beautiful Oliver. But it’s very heavy. Are swords supposed
to be so heavy?
Oliver
They must have been lighter than this one. Be careful not to cut yourself. It’s made out of silver.
Eva
(gasps and drops the sword)
Oliver
(picks it up and leans sword and shield up against table and sits down smiling) If it wasn’t for the magnificent
aroma coming from the kitchen I would probably smell your fear. Cheers. Here’s to the full moon!
Eva
So you noticed.
Oliver
Noticed? I haven’t thought of anything else for the last few days.
Eva
(picks up shield and examines
it and notices on the reverse Oliver has pasted two photographs of Jack and Jilly). What? You have stuck photos of our
children inside the shield. Why did you do that?
Oliver
I thought if I was in a battle they would give me courage and inspire me to valour.
Eva
(puts down shield. Gathers dishes. Takes into kitchen and brings out covered dishes.) Why didn’t you put
a picture of me there too?
Oliver
Hey, that’s a great idea. Perhaps it’s best if I shoot one of you tonight and use that one. Shall I do
it before or after you change?
Eva
Don’t you love me anymore?
Oliver
The question is whether ‘you’ are still you?
Eva
Don’t you have the same reservation about the children then?
Oliver
Ah, the children. Are you not going to stay with them the first time they change?
Eva
You’re so naďve. Don’t you think I’ve prepared them? They have in fact shape shifted many times since
I bit them, but you weren’t even aware of it.
Oliver
I should have known.
Eva
(walks to window, opens it. Through it jumps three wolves: Milla, Sasha and Sergei. She addresses them growling)
Welcome. Please. (gesturing. They enter.)
Oliver
What the Hell? What’s going on now?
Eva
(growling) What kept you?
Milla
(growling) I was late with dinner, and then I had to wash up.
Eva
(growling) Where is Vidas?
Milla
(growling) In the garden, pissing.
Sergei
(growling) Well, have you bitten him?
Oliver
What is this growling all about, Eva? Do you understand it?
Eva
(growling) No, I’ve not bitten him yet. Can’t you smell how scared he is?
(turning to Oliver) Of course I understand
what they are saying. Wolf growling is international. It means the same everywhere.
Oliver
Well, what are they saying?
Eva
Good evening, and that sort of thing.
Sergei
(growling) I thought you were going to be finished when we came?
Eva
(growling) I just haven’t got to that yet. Just go up to the den and wait – I’ll be up there
in a minute.
(the wolves scramble up the steps. Sounds of noise, of making a mess, can be heard downstairs).
Oliver
(angry. Runs up first two steps and shouts) Where are they going? Listen, you come back here!
Eva
They are going to stay upstairs. There are certain things we haven’t finished yet.
Oliver
What like? Don’t think I’m in the mood for a romantic dinner now, with a house full of werewolves! I’ve
suddenly lost my appetite.
Eva
Don’t you remember? I promised to let you know if I was going to bite you.
Oliver
Yes, and it has come to that has it?
Eva
Yes. With the ways things have turned out it has become unavoidable. You have clearly unhinged by fear. And have started
to prepare all kinds of defences (pointing to the sword) Were you going drive us through with that?
Oliver
I don’t know what I was going to do? But it was impossible for me to sit and wait and do nothing.
Eva
Have you thought of just leaving?
Oliver
Leaving? Leaving where? This is my home, and here I’ll stay – despite the stench of their piss I will not
be driven away if that is what you are hoping for!
Eva
We are just wasting time. You’ll be perfectly content when we have got this over with.
Oliver
(Picks up sword and shield back away, up against window, trying to defend himself) Come then, if you dare. I
swear if you come any closer I’ll not hesitate in running you through with this sword! (Eva carefully moves closer,
without seeming threatening. Behind Oliver Vidas appears, towering over him.) What are you not going to change, jump me,
and bite me? Who is it now that’s afraid?
ACT FOUR
The Living room, 20 years later. Everything is more or less the same, but dingier and dirtier.
Before the stage lights go up we hear someone making a telephone call on a mobile phone.
Jack
Hello.
Jilly (from phone)
Hi Jack.
Jack
Hi.
Jilly
We have to meet right away.
Jack
Is something wrong?
Jilly
Well, not really. But there is something I have to discuss with you in private.
Can we meet at the house? Let’s say around 8pm.
Jack
I think I can make it. See you then.
Jilly
Fine, bye.
(Jilly enters the house. Flicks on light. She’s carrying shopping bags filled with groceries.
She goes into kitchen, puts things away, puts some coffee on. Then she comes out of the kitchen, back into the living room
and draws the curtains, singing ‘Blue Moon’ to herself. Then she goes back into kitchen. A few moments later Jack
arrives, letting himself in with his own key.)
Jack:
Hi, are you there?
Jilly
I’m in the kitchen making coffee.
Jack
It’s so dark in here. Shall I put on more lights?
Jilly
It’s up to you.
(Jack puts on some more lamps. The squalor is revealed. Years of decay and dirtiness. He sniffs
as he does that, loping. Jilly brings out two coffee cups, places them on the table and gives him a long kiss).
Jack
So, sis. What’s up?
Jilly
Had a phone call yesterday from a man who asked me if I could see him.
His name is Doctor Oddson, and he’s said he’s a psychiatrist. He said he needed to talk to me about something
concerning Mum and Dad. I met him this morning in his office, and he said something I think we have to discuss.
Jack
Obviously something that couldn’t wait. Dr Oddson? Dr Oddson…that sounds familiar…
Jilly You can judge for yourself
if you could wait (picks up letter and pushes it over the table to him) This is a copy of a letter from a colleague
of his who died recently. His name was Dr Magnusson. He instructed that it shouldn’t be opened until after his death.
Jack
(picks up letter and reads aloud). “Dear Dr Oddson, I believe those children were bitten. Linda Abbott,
my secretary, told me she had seen bandages on both the children’s upper arms the same day the couple came to meet us.
Regrettably, I never met with the children myself and dropped the matter altogether in the wake of the events that ensued.
My conscience has never been at rest, because this information was never put forward – but at the time I thought it
would only complicate matters. Nevertheless, I want you to know this, although a long time has passed and nothing can be changed
now. Best regards, Dr Magnusson.
P.S. I gave Linda strict instructions at the time not to mention this to anyone, which she has
followed to the best of my knowledge.”
(Jack places letter on the table.)
Jack
Will this never stop?
Jilly
He asked me if I had a scar on my arms from since I was a child.
Jack
And?
Jilly
I told him the truth. No scars. I even showed him my arms.
Jack
(roars with laughter) Right, no scars! Not even from your caesarean.
Jilly
I just answered his question exactly as he wanted me to (smiles). He asked about Mum and how everything had
gone.
Jack
(indicating letter) This won’t matter. Can’t we count on him to let sleeping dogs lie?
Jilly
He said he tried to contact this ‘Linda’ person. But she apparently moved to the United States a few years
ago, and he hasn’t been able to reach her.
Jack
This is neither here nor there. What would he do anyway? Have the case re-opened or something?
Jilly
No, I don’t think he’ll ever do that. I felt he was doing
this out of personal interest. You know this is the same man who has written a lot about parapsychology
over the past few years? He has become something of an authority on the matter.
Jack
So that’s him, is it? The one who wrote about the ‘mysterious predators’ in the mountains a few years
back. He was way off, wasn’t he? Old wives’ tales. Superstitions. Black
Cats, Big Foot, the Big Bad Wolf!
Jilly
So, this doesn’t worry you at all?
Jack
I just don’t see how this matters now, unless this Linda shows up all of a sudden.
Jilly
Exactly. I got a really strange feeling when he began to talk about trying to contact her. His eyes became a little shifty. I really thought he was lying.
Jack
Why should he be?
Jilly
I don’t know – maybe to protect her.
Jack
Well, that could be (stands up) I’ll talk to Sergei about this first thing tomorrow. He’ll be able
to find out in no time. If she still lives in the States this shouldn’t be a problem.
(Jill stands up, walks towards Jack and strokes his hair smiling.)
Jilly
The hunt is on. The thrill of the chase, is it? One would think you enjoyed this…
(he lets out a low growl as he’s being stroked)
Jack
(picks up phone, looks at time on it – puts it on the table) Hey, don’t we have time?
Jilly
You mean…to go up stairs?
Jack
(smiles and nods. They take each others hands and go upstairs. Then you hear the TV turned on really loud, with
growling and howling blended in).
(The bedroom door moves slightly. Out of the door emerges a man dressed in chain mail armour
with metal gauntlets, a helmet covering his face, holding a shield and silver sword. On the shield has been painted a silver
sword. He walks slowly and quietly towards the table, picks up the letter, and reads it quietly to himself. Then he notices
Jacks mobile, picks it up, walks away from the table, as far away from the stairs to the TV den as possible. He faces the
audience, dials a number, lifts his visor – to side, so audience can’t see his face – and speaks with a
hoarse, old, unused voice.)
Good Evening, could you please give me the number for Dr Oddson, psychiatrist at the Healthy Care
Centre (pause) Can you also give me his home number? I’m one of his patients. It’s urgent (pause)
Thank you. (dials it) Good Evening, is this Dr Oddson? I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour. My name is Oliver and
I really need to see you. I just read the letter from Dr Magnusson. (pause) Well, it would be better if you were able to come
here. (silence) I still live at South Street, yes, Number 7. Can you make it? (silence) No, no, not tonight. That wouldn’t
be convenient. But tomorrow would be okay. The sooner the better really, before noon would be best. (pause) That’s fine.
Thank you very much. Goodbye.
(Oliver puts down phone and letter – goes into kitchen , sheaves sword, and comes out with
a cup of coffee and goes into his room)
***
(The morning after. The door bell rings. Oliver emerges from his room, still dressed in armour
but with a knight’s tunic over him – with the silver sword emblazoned on it. He noisily goes to the door. Unlocks
and opens it. Dr Oddson stands there, 20 years older, somewhat surprised at Oliver’s appearance.)
Oddson
Good lord, Oliver, is that you Oliver underneath all of that?
Oliver
I am he. Come in quickly.
(walks into living room. Oddson takes out handkerchief and puts to his mouth)
Oddson
Urgh!
Oliver
Yes, the smell is rank, isn’t it?
Oddson
You must forgive me, but this is the most horrible smell I’ve ever come across.
Where does it come from?
Oliver
I can’t say I notice it any more. But it’s not surprising it’s so strong. They urinate all over the
house when they come here. But I retaliate right away when they’ve gone, so they don’t think it’s completely
their territory.
Oddson
You mean you urinate here, in the living room?
Oliver
It’s the only thing they understand – they’re animals!
Oddson
Do they enter here often?
Oliver
What do you think? This is still their main stomping ground. Jilly and Jack were even here when I phoned you last night.
I used Jack’s phone when they went up. They had mine disconnected a long time ago.
Oddson
Up? Up where?
Oliver
Up to the den, up there. That’s where they hang out.
Oddson
Can I look?
Oliver
Go ahead, be my guest. I haven’t been up there in years, but the last time I looked it wasn’t pretty.
(Oddson goes up the stairs, but returns quickly back.)
Oddson
My word! What kind of beasts are they?
Oliver
Werewolves, we call them werewolves. (Oliver walks to the window and peeks out through thick curtains). Do you
now believe that I was telling the truth?
Oddson
How can you live like this?
Oliver
What was I to do? After they set me free, I had nowhere else to go to, you must understand. I went home, and here I’ve
been ever since.
Oddson
That must have been fifteen years ago, wasn’t it?
Oliver
Thereabouts
Oddson
And what, you never go out?
Oliver
What for?
Oddson
You must have to eat something.
Oliver
They take care of all that for me. They pay what needs to be paid. They bring me what food I need. It’s all in
their hands, or paws.
Oddson
Whose?
Oliver
The children.
Oddson
What happened to them while you were away?
Oliver
They were fostered by the pack that live downstairs – that’s where they wish to stay.
Oddson
You of course had no say in it?
Oliver
Nothing thwarts their plans if they mean to do something. They stick together no matter what and they always get what
they want. Their weapons of deception are powerful. And it doesn’t help that nobody believes how devious they are! Do
you remember how you yourself responded when I came to you, years back?
Oddson
Yes, it’s true. It isn’t really long since I’ve been able to accept this myself.
So, what are your intentions now?
Oliver
My intentions? Shouldn’t the question be: what are your intentions? I have fought them alone for 20 years. I
have conceded my family and all that I have into their claws. Even this house is no longer in my name!
Oddson
Maybe I could notify the health inspectors about this mess. That might get things moving. So, in whose name is this
house now?
Oliver
Sergei, I think. He took over after I killed Vidas.
Oddson
Took over what?
Oliver
Leadership of the pack. Vidas was the Alpha.
Oddson
But did you actually kill Vidas? If I remember right, it was only reported that he had received superficial wounds.
(Oliver picks up sword and waves it about)
Oliver
Those wounds were inflicted with this. That’s their weakness you know. It is made of pure silver and it wasn’t
cheap. But luckily they never found it. You know they can’t stand silver. If it as much as grazes them, they die.
Oddson
Weren’t you under any kind of supervision? Weren’t you supposed to check back regularly?
Oliver
Yeah, they mentioned something about that but it was never followed up. That’s care in the community for you.
The first thing I did when I came back here was to throw the pills into the garbage.
Oddson
I have been wondering about something. Why are they dangerous?
Oliver
What do you mean? They are werewolves, monsters!
Oddson
What harm do they do to others?
Oliver
Don’t you see how they behave?
Oddson
Take for example your children, both with good jobs, solid citizens. On the surface anyway. What is it that makes them
so dangerous?
Oliver
Nobody is really safe. They are not human!
Oddson
But they behave mostly like they are human. What is it that they do, that we humans don’t do?
Oliver
Werewolves are devious. They let you think they are like us, but they are not.
You saw what it looked like upstairs. You think any human would stay there? Hours at a time like
they do? And then they take hunting trips, just to kill. But worse of all they have to bite other people just to maintain
their human genes!
Oddson
But they don’t kill other people.
Oliver
Kill, or not kill, they destroy the lives of those they bite. They kill the humanity and in turn it into an animal.
That’s a crime, isn’t it?
Oddson
I don’t know the letter of the law on this, but it has to be illegal
to change somebody like that, against their will…
Oliver
Exactly, they never asked the children!
Oddson
I saw Jilly, your daughter yesterday. She showed me her upper arms and there were no scars to be seen.
Oliver
That doesn’t mean anything. Don’t you know that a werewolves wounds will heal without leaving a scar!
Oddson
Ah. No, I didn’t know that. (pause). Do you want me to contact the Health Inspector? They will write up a formal
report, and that might get things started as I said.
Oliver
And that would mean I was locked in again, wouldn’t it?
Oddson
Let me see what I can do. I will be in touch shortly. (walks towards front door) Don’t trouble yourself, I’ll
let myself out. I will be in touch soon. Goodbye for now.
ACT FIVE
The house has been emptied. There’s no furniture left except the table, which Vidas and
Sergei are carrying out. In the middle of the stage, the armour is displayed on a makeshift frame. Jack comes down stairs
carrying a bucket and mop.
Jack
I can’t get it any cleaner for now. It won’t really be ready until it is painted.
(puts down bucket. He goes to the window and opens
it up wide) Let’s leave the window open to air the place better.
(Jilly comes out of front hall, from the toilet, wearing rubber gloves, holding a red rag.)
Jilly
The bathroom is ready, but we’ll probably have to change the linoleum.
Jack
There, and probably in the whole place. Nobody would buy the property in its current condition.
Jilly
Mum, aren’t you about finished?
(Eva and Milla come out of the bedroom. Milla wipes the floor with a rag as he steps out. Eva
has a scarf around her neck. Wiping surfaces clean)
Eva
Did you get it all on the lorry?
Jack
It wasn’t as much as we’d thought. Perhaps it’s best if I go home now that this is finished. Wasn’t
Oddson meant to be here by now?
Jilly
He phoned a moment ago and said that he was on his way.
(Eva walks to the armour and starts polishing it. Milla cleans living room floor.)
Jilly
What are you doing, Mum?
Eva
Oh, nothing really. But it’ll be difficult to make it shine again. (polishes it lovingly). Whatever else
could be said of your Dad, he was a good blacksmith.
Jilly
Stop this. This is probably how Dr Oddson wants to have it. I can’t understand why he wants to keep this junk.
To tell you the truth I think it’s a little creepy.
Eva
Well, you and Jack agreed to it anyway. What were we to do with it?
Jilly
Well, it was either that, or destroy it. The sword must be worth a fortune. Isn’t really pure silver?
(Eva picks up the sword and strokes it)
Eva
Your dad sold his car in order to pay for the silver in it.
(absent mindedly strokes her neck) No, it’s
best that it goes.
(Milla comes to where the table was, cleaning still. Then goes to bedroom without finishing. Suddenly
knock on the door. Jilly goes to answer it. )
Jilly
Good afternoon.
(Dr Oddson and Jilly enters)
Oddson
I’m sorry that I’m late. The traffic was horrific. (walks to Eva and shakes her hand) How do you
do? You’re Eva, aren’t you? It’s been a long time.
Eva
How do you do, Dr Oddson. Twenty two years… I want to thank you for what you did for Oliver. You were very kind
to him in the last months.
Oddson
There wasn’t really much I could do. He did want he wanted, whatever we tried.
Jilly
Can you get all of this into your car? It’s quite heavy.
Oddson
We will sort out it. Well, you have been busy, haven’t you?
Jilly
And what will you do with it?
Oddson
I thought I might have a cabinet made for it in my home. It is a fantastic piece of craftsmanship. (he admires it)
Jilly
(smiles wryly) Aren’t you going to see whether it fits you?
Oddson
(laughs)
I don’t think so, but you never know! (turns to Eva) Have you and Vidas moved back to town?
Eva
You could say that. Vidas never sold the apartment downstairs. You might say we’ve had two homes all these years,
though we haven’t been here much. It was just a coincidence that we were here when Oliver died.
Oddson
Quite so, strange coincidence.
Eva
Perhaps not. Sometimes I wondered whether he heard that we were downstairs and frankly couldn’t handle it. Perhaps
he saw us.
Oddson
You really shouldn’t blame yourself. Oliver was a very sick man. The lacerations on his body prove that.
Jilly
(edgy) Shall I give you a hand with this to the car?
Oddson
Thank you very much. Yes, I best be on my way. If there is anything anytime I can do for you please don’t hesitate
to call me.
(Oddson and Jilly carry armour. Eva picks up shield to help, but freezes when she sees the
picture on its inside, and she still in that position when they came back. She stirs and gives Oddson the shield and the sword.)
Oddson
Well, I’ll be on my way then. Thank you very much for giving me the armour. I much appreciate it.
(Oddson carries the shield out and the audience see that the pictures of the children have
been changed for wolves)
Jilly
(to Oddson) Good bye and good luck
Eva
Goodbye.
(Oddson exits)
Jilly
There’s nothing left for us to do here. Milla will finish and lock up. Shall we go?
Eva
You know, I think this Doctor Oddson is not everything he seems to be.
Jilly
Yes, did you sense that to?
(Eva and Jilly go towards the front hall pick up coats, pull them on.)
Eva
When he started to talk about the lacerations I became worried.
Jilly
(shouts) Goodbye Milla,
we’re leaving
Milla
(calls from children’s room)
Goodbye. I’ll see you later.
(Milla comes out of bedroom, and quickly finishes the cleaning. His appearance has changed
a little. When he has finished, he takes mop and bucket into kitchen and empties the latter, storing both. Then he comes out,
and he has changed even more. He goes into hall, puts on coat. More hair under arms. Wraps scarf around neck, more hair, this
time on face. He walks back into the living room and jumps out of window.)
Finish
Copyright Svanur Gisli Thorkelsson
2006
Translated by Kevan Manwaring
