"There was, once upon a time, so long, long ago..." "A Queen, but not like the others." "The Dark Queen was the most cruel the most wicked, the most ruthless." "She was, in short... the most witch-like of all the queens of which you've ever heard." "Lightning!" "Bolt!" "Where are you, damn slaves?" "Bolt, Lightning!" "Lightning!" "Bolt!" "Where are you?" "Lightning, where were you hiding?" "I jumped on the clouds to get some water." "How can you ever get water from a cloud?" "What are you hiding?" "Let me see." "Flowers?" "I planted them with Bolt." "They're so beautiful and so colorful." "What do you mean "colourful"?" "I won't have colours in my house!" "Or should I begin to worry that you and your sister are becoming good?" "What?" "Good?" "No, You see..." "We just wanted to annoy you." "Then I forgive you, it's always more difficult to be wicked in the outside world." "We'll stay where we are." "Don't you think that sin cultivates the worst values?" "How unpleasant I am today." "Hysterical, volatile, angry." "I am absolutely unbearable." "Practically the best, Your Majesty." "Nothing bothers me more than love, it takes my breath away, my will to live." "and to do iniquitous things." "Are you in love, Your Majesty?" "Not me, numb skull!" "I know a couple who love with such enthusiasm that it makes me sick." "I swear I won't find peace until I've separated them." "Is it those to whom Bolt has taken... your very special wedding gift?" "Yes, but why hasn't she got in touch?" "Contact her immediately." "I'm curious to know... what has happened to that crazy sister of yours." "How on earth can those mortals... live with all that sun?" "What gift are you bringing for the wedding of our lords?" "I don't know." "I'm taking it for my Mistress." "Although she's not invited to the wedding." "It will certainly be valuable, she only gives special presents." "We are all bringing important and valuable gifts." "Stop!" "Stop where you are." "PART ONE" "Lay down your arms." "And get out the money, bracelets, necklaces or whatever you have." "Take it." "Give me that." "Don't leave anything." "There!" "Let go of the whip, fatty!" "Stop screaming, The brigand Goldeye doesn't like to ill-treat old ladies unless it's absolutely necessary." "Save your breath." "There's no one for miles." "No one can hear you." "And why not?" "Lay down your arms." "That's an order to you all." "D'you think that an order from you can stop someone like me?" "If my order won't stop you, then my sword will." "We are attacked!" " This way." " Save us, please!" "You must be the King's guards." "No!" "We are the guards of the Queen." "I advise you to surrender, as your men have done." "You must fight with me." "But I warn you, stranger... that no man has ever beaten me in a duel." "And perhaps no man ever will." "But you have managed." "I am a woman." "A woman?" "Of course, I understand." "You must be Fantaghiro." "You guessed it." "Now put down your arms and get on your horses." "And this would be a woman according to the mortals?" "She's disgusting!" "She isn't any woman." "She is the Queen in person." "The Bride." "Her love has put you in a bad mood?" "My enemy." "I would like to know who is this human being, this man, who has lost his head over this woman... with these features?" "What happens now?" "What the devil is she looking at, that idiot, Bolt?" "Give up all your weapons." "I warn you." "Don't return armed to any land that belongs to me." "But we'll meet again and soon!" "If you come in peace, you're welcome." "Otherwise I'll tell everyone of your defeat at the hands of a woman." "Although one of your companions... might do so before me." "What's so funny?" "As for you, there'll come a day in which you'll have to leave... these lands, and on that day you'll see what I am capable... of doing to a woman, without weapons." "With your permission, my Queen." "Help!" "I can't swim!" "Help!" "Help!" "Save me!" "Help!" "Somebody save me!" "Help!" "Yet I vowed not to return to the castle without the King." "Help, I'm drowning!" "Who is it?" "Help!" "Somebody save me!" "Clasp hold of me." "I'll take you to the shore." "Come, that's it." " Don't be afraid." " No!" "We won't hurt you." "It's a King who's saved you." "We've been traveling for weeks." "Do not waste any more time, Romualdo." "So you are King Romualdo?" "Yes, and who would you be?" "And what are you holding onto so tightly?" "Seeing as he's only a man, he's not bad, this creature." "When an enemy is to my liking inflicting inhuman pain is even more enjoyable." "It's Romualdo!" "Welcome back!" "Hurry, my lady!" "Romualdo has just returned." " Have they found my father?" " No." "Romualdo is very sad and disappointed about this." "But when will you stop running around chasing bandits and rebels?" "And what should I do?" "Cook and sew?" "Romualdo knows me well and knows what I like." "You are stubborn as always." " When will you decide to become..." " A woman?" "The day you stop treating me as a child." "How wonderful!" "Look how lovely it is!" "And this!" "I've never seen so many valuable gifts!" "And what on earth is this?" "I'm so curious!" "What a splendor!" "It must be worth a fortune!" "Carolina?" "Come on back to work." "Sit down." "If you don't help me, how will we be ready for the wedding day?" "But if it's Fantaghiro running around you don't say anything." "How can I?" "It's enough to hear the clop of the Royal Guard's horses and she's already in the saddle!" "Who's in the saddle?" "Speak evil of me, for a change?" "We've searched for your father far and wide." "But we couldn't find him, Forgive me." "I don't have to forgive you." "You have tried." "This shows your great love." "I would like to show you mine." "I'm only afraid... that one life isn't enough." "How disgusting!" "I can't ever remember witnessing a scene" " so repugnant!" " Repugnant and nauseating." "Exactly." "I must think up something to separate them." "Before the marriage is celebrated, you idiot." " The gift that you sent?" " The one to spy on them when there's no Bolt." "My spells are without power in their territories." "There must be a way to achieve my goal." "What the heck!" "Those two insult me and my thirst for malice." "Resign, Majesty." "If you want to be at peace." "Stop this war." " Of course, but yes!" " I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it." "Of course, I should have thought of it myself!" "It's a great idea!" "A war!" "We must declare a war!" "But you have nothing..." "No army, no weapons." "On this you're mistaken!" "Your Majesty, wait!" "Where are you going in such a hurry?" "Your Majesty!" "Soldiers of terracotta?" "Is this the army?" "Yes." "And you're going to fight a war... with an army of toy soldiers?" "Why not?" "Didn't you notice their wonderful weapons?" "But they are just toys!" "They were toys." "Look." " But how the heck did you do it?" " Now we are ready for war!" "We'll send the army against them?" "It's not possible." "My magic is not effective in their realm." "Outside of our territories the soldiers would turn back into toys." "Then you must make their army come here." "That's exactly what I was thinking." "But how?" "They have no reason to come and fight with us." "I know, and therefore it's necessary find one." "And it must happen right now, because nothing other than a war, can separate those two sweet little birds... that are in love." "How lovely!" "In fact, it's magnificent!" "This and our wedding gift." "You can't imagine the work to embroider that, all with my own hands!" "All with your own hand, you say?" "Look here." "Thank you." "I also have a gift for you." "My mother gave me this ring before she died." "Since then I've never taken it off." "But now is the time for you to wear it." "Forgive me!" " I'm so sorry!" " Don't worry." "If it's too big, you can hang it round your neck." "Look." "It's beautiful!" "And this?" "Does anyone know who sent it?" "Do not touch it!" "The White Witch of Fantaghiro!" "Do not touch it!" "And do not approach, It would be better." "It comes from the Kingdom of Evil." "It's a gift of the Dark Queen." "A curse!" "Stand aside." "Where is your fool of a sister?" "Get in touch, you spineless wretch!" "There may be news." "And who is that old man?" "Wait..." "Wait." "I'm not a stupid idiot." "And that old man... is the father... the father... of Fantaghiro." "The father?" "The father!" "Yes, here!" "The perfect reason to attract them here to fight!" "My wedding gift to Romualdo is a promise." "I want to be blessed by a good friend." "The White Witch." "I promise that from now on..." "I will no longer use any weapons." "And will let my sword rest in... eternal sleep" "Really I had no idea that this would be so satisfying." "I know how much it costs, this sacrifice" "Are you sure you want to make it?" "Yes, Romualdo." "Let no one ever hold again this sword." "Let it remain eternally a sacred symbol of an everlasting peace." "Is it not time to return to the castle?" "The world and my castle." "I've heard tell that your daughter" "Very soon will marry Romualdo." "I thought that Your Majesty would be happy to attend the ceremony." "I swear that it's so." "But I abdicated and when a ruler goes away it's better that he not come back." "Quiet." "Lay down your arms, It would be best for you!" "I am a King, afraid of no one!" "If I must die, I'll do so with honor!" "Help!" "Help, no!" "Stop!" "Spare my squire." "Tie him up!" "Bring the squire to me." "You, take this sceptre and crown to the castle." "If they want to see their father alive again, they must abdicate all the powers of the realm in favour of the Black King." "Go!" "I'll make you pay for this affront." "Long live Romualdo!" "Long live Fantaghiro!" "On this day of celebration and joy for our kingdom we are here to consecrate the eternal union of two souls who love each other." "Two souls who are... children of the same nature." "Brothers and sisters... we are present at the union of two hearts already united." "Let the ceremony commence." "Romualdo..." "Take the hand of Fantaghiro." "Fantaghiro." "Today, finally, I take you as a wife." "I promise you eternal love, protection and respect." "The worlds of the immortals and of mortals will be my witnesses." "I want to be your husband." "My answer is yes." "Of this consent, I am a witness." "Fantaghiro" "Now you..." "Take the hand of Romualdo." "Come, take me home." "Just a bit more and we'll be there." "Romualdo." "I take you today as my husband." "And I promise you eternal love, protection and respect." "The worlds of the immortals and of mortals will be my witnesses." "Before them..." "I swear this oath." "I want to be your..." "He's wounded!" "Fantaghiro!" "Help him!" "Get him down!" "Fantaghiro, finish your words." "There's only one word missing, pronounce it, otherwise you cannot consider yourself married." "Fantaghiro." "The King, your father..." "Oh my God!" "Hurry." "What's happened?" "Tell me!" "I implore you." "Water for me and for my horse." "Come on, tell me!" "What's happened to my father?" "Here." "We were camped when the black knights attacked." "They managed to overpower us." " But they didn't..." " No, he's alive." "They took him hostage." "That's why they spared me." "To tell you that if you want to get him back alive... your father, the King, you must renounce your realm." "And abdicate your throne and crown to the Black King!" "This is an unacceptable request." "We must prepare for war." "My brave soldiers... this is a sad event." "As sad as unexpected." "Today the sun rose on a day of celebration" "And it will set, casting shadows of war." "But I give you my word." "I will succeed in avoiding this war..." "And will bring back our King... alive... and well" "At the risk of my own life." "I'll return before the birth, I promise you." "If you need more time, don't worry about us." "To give birth, I can manage myself." "But he needs you when he grows." "Carry my portrait always with you, my love... so that throughout your journey you will remember that I'm waiting for you." "Looking at your portrait will increase even more... the desire to return to the original, my beloved." " I'd like to accompany you." " You can't." "You must stay, my love." "But how can I stay here, knowing that my father may..." "You swore." "And in our absence, the people need someone..." " to guide them with a steady hand." " My sisters." "They must think of the children about to be born." "They cannot defend the castle." "Yes, it's true." "But you could leave Ivaldo or Cataldo." "Or better still your own man to guard the castle." "My man guarding the castle is you." "Could I have chosen better?" "How much I love you!" "I should have known that it had to do with a despicable witch!" "What a joy to see you lying chained in front of me!" "What sweet words issue from your mouth." "Despicable... is for me of the most beautiful compliments!" "You fight with spells and magic." "You can't declare war with those like us who use normal weapons to fight." "It wasn't me, but my King who declared war on you." "A King?" "Since there's a King, I demand to speak with him." "It's too bad that he has no particular desire to meet you." "He's rather busy at the moment." "Preparing a welcome for those who are coming to free you." "I won't stay powerless to witness your diabolical plans!" "You will not be powerless, my dear King." "No!" "You are in my power now." "From now on you will obey..." "my every whim." "I won't leave you there, just to lie and watch." "For me you will do so much more." "So much more." "Father!" "I must follow my instincts." "You've already done it once." "And it was the right choice." "Also this time I will." "Forgive me." "I must break my promise." "I am sorry White Witch." "I need my sword too." "What is it?" " It's useless." "The spell protects it." " And your oath seals it." " Only the White Witch can extract it." " But I need the sword." "Fantaghiro, you're starting again?" "Your hair!" "Another fainting fit?" "You're almost a mother." " You'll never change." " Listen who's talking." "I have to go and you know it too." "But this time you won't even have a weapon." "Patience, though I cannot use my sword, I will use another." "This is just as good." "No, I rather suspect that it isn't." "Let's see if this has more backbone." "This sword is first rate!" "Not bad." " What now?" "It's all happening to me?" " It's your promise." "Yes, alright." "I swore not to use a sword." "But I didn't promise to spend the rest of my life here." " Wait!" " It's useless." "All these years, has she ever listened to us?" "Why are you complaining, Chiomadoro?" "We're going back to war, don't you like it?" "Not even a little!" "Now you're talking!" "Since when?" "Since always, but only when there's no one around." "However, you're the only one who can understand what I say." "The White Witch has taught you to talk with animals." "And you know, I don't approve of your decision." "It doesn't matter." "I've always acted without the consent of others." "And the same with you, my friend." "Friend." "For days and days we've traveled without stopping." "The men are exhausted." " Let's look for a place to camp." " No." "First we must reach the Black Castle." "Romualdo is right." "I don't trust the Black King." "Whilst we're on the move no one will dare attack us." "We are still in neutral territory." "There's no danger here." "Did you hear?" "It was some animal." "Yes, but keep your eyes open." "You never know." "It's days and days we've been advancing through this land." "Are you sure this is the way to the Black Castle?" " I hope so." " What kind of answer is that?" " You assured me you knew." " To err is human." "Oh yes." "But you're a horse." "But seriously, where are we?" "Wherever it is, it's better that at the Black Castle." "So you did it on purpose." "Let's just say that I followed my nose." "That's the limit!" "It's better to go alone, than with a lying horse." "I didn't expect it?" "Not from you." "And I didn't expect you to be dashing off to war." " Stubborn as a mule." " I have my reasons." "These you know." "Here our paths must part." "I'm fed up..." "Bye!" "What now?" " Stop following me!" " Come on, let's make up." "Forget it!" "It's pointless to ask." "I don't want you with me." "I won't allow you to follow me even if you get down on your knees!" "Fantaghiro!" "Help!" "Fantaghiro, save me!" "Chiomadoro!" "Hang on!" "I'll pull you out!" "Help me!" "Chiomadoro!" "Hey, what's happening here?" "Where's Sir Picchio?" "You're imprisoned by a tree!" "I'm not a tree." "Have we had a diabolical hallucination?" " No, it was true." " More than true, believe me." "Then it's magic." "Nonsense!" "All nonsense!" "We're not magical creatures." "We are..." "The elves of the forest." "Elves of the forest?" "They should be peaceful." "Not any more." "Lay down weapons, stranger." " And surrender." " Surrender?" " To whom should I surrender?" " To me." "I'm here in front of you." "If I surrender, at least let me see you." "I'm an elf of the air." "You can't see me like the others." "The earth and the wood elves already have the better of your knights." "Now you must give me your sword." "And I suggest you do so without any fuss." "But, I thought you were peaceful." "Indeed." "And we still are, but not with those who cross our territories, armed." "We didn't know they were yours." "There wasn't a soul." "We were right in front of you." "But you humans don't see farther than your nose." " Come on!" " Where are you taking us?" "To one who will decide if you can continue your journey, or..." "Or what?" "Or never travel again." "What have you done with my horse?" "Hush now." "Don't get worked up, lad." "Never mind the horse, if I were you." "You should rather start worrying about yourself." "How dare you!" "Are you crazy?" "How dare you!" "The jewels where you keep them hidden?" "I've nothing!" "Nothing at all!" "Impossible!" "A fine gentleman like you." "Let me go!" "Come on!" "Not even a halfpenny." "What'll we do?" "Put me down!" "Put me down!" "Come on, now!" "In the lemons!" "One, two, three!" "So that's how you treat whoever comes to visit?" "Yes if they've not a penny." "Now shut up and work." "And tell me please, what must I do?" "Squeeze the lemons." "Ah!" "Lemons?" "And how?" "Tear it with your hands, the squeeze between your teeth." "Hurry, the boss is thirsty!" "And... your boss..." "Who is he?" "The ferocious brigand..." "Lemon-gobbler" "This is his lair." "I've something to tell him." "What d'you mean?" "Naturally, where my treasure is." "I knew you'd hidden your money somewhere." "But if you're lying" "I'll make you swallow whole all these lemons." "Let go, I know how to walk!" "Don't shove!" "Shut up, you block of wood!" "On your knees!" "You too on your knees..." "Before the Queen of the Elves." "A Queen?" "Where?" "I can't see her." "There's no Queen here, unless she's air too." "No, it's not true." "It's not true, Sir Knight." "You are mistaken." "Unfortunately I must disappoint you." "I'm sorry, Sir Knight, but you have broken our laws." "I am forced to punish you." "And what is our crime?" "We've done nothing." "We were just passing through your land to reach the Black Castle." "Your reasons don't interest me." "Armed as you are, you bring with you death... and destruction." "Your presence alone contaminates the peace... and the tranquility of this nature." "So we pay the toll with our lives, right?" "That's right." "I understand your contempt for our weapons." "But why condemn us with..." "no chance of salvation?" "True..." "Arise." "Your words seem sincere." "So I want to give you a chance of salvation." "Wait, I said one." "But really I meant three." "The three trials." "Subject them to the three trials." "Yes, the three trials." "If you manage to overcome at least one of the three trials..." "I'll let you go, avoiding any other difficulties" "I'd even face all three" "Very good." "I will be able to ascertain your gifts of valour, nobility e readiness." "Here I have an hourglass, of brief duration." "Before the last grain of sand rests on the bottom you must manage to find ten different species of animals." "Of each of these you must hunt two and kill them." "Fail and your comrades will be hanged from the branches of this tree, in front of your eyes." "Better not accept." "This forest doesn't contain that many different species of animal." "Fear not, Romualdo." "You know, I can imitate all the voices of the forest." "It will be easy to draw these animals out of their holes, and with your aim, to kill them." "Why hesitate?" "Do you lack the gifts of a hunter?" "I don't wish to undergo a trial of this kind." "Right." " A wise decision." " But not for the reasons you think." "Because I don't think that killing all those animals is the right solution." "Shouldn't you be protecting your nature?" "I'm sorry, Ma'am... but I cannot do it." "So you refuse?" "You said, one of the three." "Let's see the other two." "But perhaps you're refusing." "the easiest of the three." "Have you thought of this?" "Put me down!" "Boss, here is the lad that we've just caught." "He says he's got a treasure hidden somewhere." "What shall we do with him?" "Tell me where you've hidden your treasure, laddie?" "In my castle." "Accompany me there and I'll hand it over." "What would be your castle, you urchin?" "The Black Castle." "So who are you?" "The secret son of the Dark Queen?" "You're a little liar." "The impertinence!" "The ferocious Lemon-gobbler won't be made a fool of!" "I'm not making you a fool." "I'm too scared from that yellow face!" "You're not even funny." "What can I do with someone like you?" "In this case, leave him to me." "I've a very good idea of how to have fun with him." "Didn't you look at him?" "He's not even good to squeeze." "It's you who've not looked well, boss." "He has a smooth, soft skin." "And note These delicate features." "Listen to me." "Dressed as a woman he'd be a girlie, oh so pretty." "At least we'll have a good laugh." "Well." "Well, Goldeye you must be in league with the Devil." "That lad dressed as a woman!" "I'll make you pay for this" "I won't!" "Let me go!" "This is the oldest and most imposing tree in all the forest." "This trunk has taken millennia to expand and grow so high." "It's harder than steel... or any other metal." "If you can chop it down in time for the last grain of sand... you will be free." "It's the perfect axe and will cut it." "With transverse blows, one on one side, then the other." "It's not about energy but precision." "No, Romualdo!" "It's a trap." "You hear that?" "For millennia that trunk, hardened by years." "The Queen wouldn't have thrown you the challenge to cut down her throne unless she was certain that you'd fail." "This tree is alive." "I can't." "I don't want to do it." "Even if I failed in cutting it down" "I would cause too much injury." "More than even the wind..." "or lightning!" "My lady of the forest and the animals..." "Let us pass to the final trial.." "It will certainly be more reasonable than these two." "Are you a dare-devil, Knight?" "No one has ever overcome the third trial." "Women, transform this lad into a beautiful girl." " How handsome you are!" " What a guy!" "How would you like to be dressed, your Lordship?" "Or should I say Mademoiselle?" "Would you like to be a maid or a Princess?" "In the cave we have all kinds of trunks." "From that of a Lady to one of a dancer." "Right, the dancer!" " The belly dancer!" " Don't touch me!" "Pull up my leggings!" " Isn't he cute!" " I won't put it on." "Don't make a fuss." "Just wait and see." "Once on, you won't want to take it off!" "All right!" "I'll dress myself." "I must find a wig that fits." "Look now!" "Remember, this is the tail that we cut from the filly of the Wizard of the North." "The tail the neighs" "We could make a nice braid." "Yes." "But this is sorcery." "You are..." "better than a real woman." "So here I am!" "I did it!" "We have the finishing touch, look at this lovely braid." " What is it?" " It was the tail of a lovely filly." "It neighs because its mistress was enchanted." "It'll be alright so long as you don't shake your head." "You couldn't be more beautiful." "Look." "She's a perfect dancer!" "Romualdo." "Fantaghiro." "The moment has come." "We have reached the third trial." "The last at your disposal." " Now you cannot choose." " Tell me what I must do." "This river goes to the sea." "But if you can change the course before the last grain hits the bottom of the hourglass your lives will be spared." "No, first think." "This is not an easy task." "Now go away, he must think." "We'll wait here under the big oak." "Think on it and make the right decision." "Wait, Romualdo." "It's not easy, but you can." "It's what I was doing in our Kingdom." "A system of dams." "Let's look for a ford lower down, where it's more convenient to organize your work." "Very good." "Knight, my knight." "I beg you don't divert the river's course." "Of our river." "The fish is right, knight." "We follow the river... to arrive at the sea." "then from the sea, return to the source, understand?" "If the river changes its course... many of us won't..." "find our families, understand?" "Don't do it." "No!" "Don't do it, please." "Goldeye!" "Silence!" "Sit down!" "To the delight of this noble company here is a beautiful woman." "She's an oriental dancer of the highest class." "Well, I never!" "Coward, I'll make you repent!" "Dear Fantaghiro, you've been laughing behind my back!" "It's my turn now!" "A big round of applause for our young friend." "Excuse me..." "our young lady." "Unbelievable." "You were right, Goldeye." "Dressed like that you'd mistake him for a woman." "And I'd bet that you'd even marry him!" "However, I too would marry him, even knowing that..." "That's an idea." "Don't you find it funny?" "What do you think?" "Want to celebrate your wedding now?" "No, no!" "We're all here to have fun!" "You're an oriental dancer, so dance!" "I won't argue with you..." "but I can't dance a step." " All women know how to dance!" " I hate dancing!" "And I never do..." "Never, that which I don't want." "You're so cheeky!" "So cheeky!" "You act like a princess, but you're a dancer." "Come, don't be bashful." "Don't make me insist." "Don't want to" "Man or woman that you are, you're boring." "Enough!" "Take him away and bring in the horse!" "No!" "Why do you want my horse?" "My men are waiting for you to dance." "You don't want to dance and so they're upset." "But I know how to make them forget their disappointment" "A nice horse steak." "No, not that." "Chiomadoro!" "No, please!" "Spare his life.!" "I'll dance!" "Stop!" "I'll dance all night if necessary." "That's better." "Let's have some music." "You are truly a woman." "Oriental and hot." "Beautiful." "The lad's not doing too badly." "Beautiful!" "Yes..." "You are a woman!" "And you know what you are?" "My prisoner!" "Get back!" "Stop where you are..." "or I'll kill him!" "Come!" "Get back or I'll roast him!" "Away, you too!" "I want her alive!" "Stop her!" "Come on Chiomodoro, gallop toward the light!" "Escape!" " Escape!" " No, Fantaghiro!" "Run!" "Flee from here!" "At least save yourself" "I can't leave you here." "Please, you must escape." "Run!" "Alright." "If that's what you want." "I'll leave you." "Now I'll turn the hourglass." "You can stop!" "Not even this test is worthy of acceptance." "Not even this." "Are you crazy?" "It's easy." " I can do it." " Don't change the river's course." "The fish don't want it." "The fish?" "But when do we ask the opinion of fish?" "When my heart has listened to their prayers." "Enough!" "No, you can't leave your men!" "You are our King!" "Accept the challenge... or for us it's certain death!" " Accept!" " Romualdo, accept!" "No!" "Untie him!" "You must stop them!" "Please, Majesty!" "Keep me but they let them go." "Kill me!" "Turn me into wood, or air or water!" "But please, save them!" "Take me!" "They have only obeyed my orders." "Spare them!" "You leave me no alternative." "What?" "Don't look so glum, King Romualdo." " Resume your journey with my best wishes." " What's happening?" "You have passed the three trials with honour." "The only way to win them in fact... was not to tackle them." "Refusing to kill my animals... my trees..." "and my fish... you have demonstrated that you are armed not to attack... but to defend yourself." "Go now." "Let your journey be enlightened by the wisdom of your heart." "This is the day of reckoning, my Queen." "Tomorrow morning, Lemon-gobbler will cut off your pretty little head." "But I'm moved by compassion." "I'm persuaded to give you one last chance." "To die at dawn..." "Or to marry me" "That would be a fate worse than death." "You have the whole night ahead to solve this sweet dilemma." "What do I do?" "I don't want to die." "And I certainly don't want to marry that awful Goldeye." "Shut up, bat." "Good people are trying to get some sleep." "Keep your big black mouth shut." "At night, even us worms have the right to sleep." "If you don't mind." "So shut your trap, batty." "Stop it!" "I'm not a bat." "Really?" "Then why are you hanging from the ceiling?" "I am a woman who's been taken prisoner inside this net." "However I'm sorry for waking you." "I won't talk any more, worm." "And if you're a woman how can you understand what I'm saying?" "Because the White Witch taught me to talk with the animals" "Really?" "But then you must be Fantaghiro, right?" "Yes, and I'm prisoner of Lemmon-gobbler." "Could you help me escape?" " Yeah." " Why not?" "We can try." "Are you ready?" "We'll help her." " Come on." " We can try." "Why not?" "Watch out." "You'll fall to the ground." "Thank you, friends." "It's a pleasure." "Watch out for the guard stationed at the exit." "Goodbye, Fantaghiro." "It's all down to the accuracy of my throw." "Eh no!" "You don't intend to throw me, by any chance?" "Why not?" "I have to escape from here." "But I've no intention of hitting people on the head." "I don't like it!" "And take your finger off my face." "But you know it will hurt them, and not you." " That's what you say." " Alright, now." "Do your duty." "Help!" "You've come back." "How did you do it?" "What d'you mean?" "For me it's normal." "I'm a there-and-back stone." "A there-and-back stone.?" "One of the last of a species threatened with extinction." " Treat me well and look after me." " Certainly." "I promise." "But what am I seeing!" "As big as you are and still sucking your fingers?" "No, I'm whistling..." "for my horse." "That's not very smart!" "With a whistle you'll wake up all the bandits!" "You're right." "So how will I call him?" "The braid." "You're a genius." "Who's that?" "What impatience!" " Ah, it's you." " Yes, it's me." "Are you disappointed?" "I'm sorry." "No, I'm happy that you're free." "But of course, if it had been a beautiful filly..." "Next time." "But now we must think of escape." "We're traveling in circles." "And of the Black Castle, still no sign." "Perhaps it's invisible" "Perhaps we'll never find it.." "Perhaps we should make camp." "And perhaps sleep." "Cataldo." "You're right." "We'll camp!" "Look for a safe place to pitch the tents." "You can't see a thing." "There might be a precipice" "Look!" "The fog is lifting." "And the ground is softer." "We can camp here." "It seems to be..." "There..." "The Black Castle!" "We're there." "He is already here." "And she's on her way." "A few hours more and those two will find themselves together again." "And once together, the more they'll be apart." "And day after day their hearts will finally be separated for eternity!" "Oh no!" "Oh no?" ""Oh no", what?" "Eternity..." "it seems like a lot of time." "Maybe you can't do it." "What do I know." "Let's say a couple of centuries." "Oh, dear, little Bolt." "So you don't want me to separate them for eternity?" "But well..." "I was thinking that if I was separated a long, long time from Lightning" "I'd be so upset." "But look..." "So you mean to tell me that you like him a lot?" "Lightning?" "A bit, a tiny bit." " She hates me..." " Quiet!" "Let her speak!" "Well?" "Yes, he's obnoxious." "In fact I hate him to death!" "And now your turn." "What do you feel about her?" "I hate her, of course." "I confess that you upset me there for a moment." "Anyway..." "I trust that you hate me too with the same strength!" "You can't imagine how much, Your Majesty." "Good." "There's no entrance." "And no secret passage." "Then we'll just have to scale it." "Let's go." "Come on!" "I'm King Romualdo." "I want to talk with your King." "I know that you're holding our King here as hostage." "I've come to negotiate his freedom." "I don't trust them." "Keep your eyes open." "Why don't they attack us?" "They want to hear our proposals first." "And we're not at war." "It's them..." "Shields!" "Hey up there!" "Is this your welcome?" "We come in friendship." "It's true." "We're here to negotiate, not as enemies." "Knights!" "Our King will give you an audience." "Follow me." "Can we trust them, Romualdo?" "We have no choice." "You've drunk enough." "Stop now." "But I'm still thirsty." "The Black Castle must be in that forest." "Yes, I know." "And for that reason you should avoid entering it." "Chiomadoro is right." "Beware, Fantaghiro." "Once you are beyond these trees you will be in the realm of the Dark Queen." "There my magic is useless." "Here." "Take this with you." "It's a magic phial." "It can cause fire." "But be careful." "You can use it only once." "I don't know what I'd do without you." "Thank you, White Witch." "Step forward knights." "We want to talk, not fight!" "My men are aggressive by nature." "Show them your valour." "You have imprisoned my King, I ask you to free him." "Hand over to me your kingdom and I'll be happy to oblige you." "An unacceptable request!" " Then do not accept it!" " I must declare war!" "Then war it is" "But they're terracotta." "Behind you, Cataldo!" "I'll give you one night to give us back our King!" "I'll wait for him at the camp, 'till sunrise." "Otherwise my army will attack!" "Lay down your arms." "Your ultimatum is a masterpiece of presumption." "I will save your..." "miserable lives... only for the pleasure of allowing you one last night tormented by nightmares." "Imagine how sweet will be your rest, brave Romualdo... knowing that tomorrow at dawn..." "You and your men will cease to exist." "You should worry about your own rest and leave your words to the battlefield." "I don't know who will sleep the worse tonight." "The Dark Queen is also a woman." "She might even make him fall in love with her through a trick." "That's impossible." "She'll never do that." "We're in love, and would never betray one another." "You shouldn't underestimate the power of magic." "If by some trick she can make him kiss her on the lips..." "He will forget you." "Romualdo would never kiss another woman." "You are too sure of yourself." "This could lead you to commit some imprudence." "Then come with me." "If I enter the forest..." "I would lose all my powers." "I couldn't help you at all." "I would only be a burden." "You say that I must be satisfied only with your advice." "Fantaghiro!" "Wait, I'm coming with you." "Stop!" "Where are you going?" "Who asks?" " Romualdo." " Who are you?" "Don't you recognize me?" "Has my voice changed so much?" " Romualdo." " What?" " Is it dawn yet?" " No, but I've news for you." "Good and bad." "First the bad." "Fantaghiro has violated her promise and left the castle." "I'm not surprised, not at all." "What's the other?" "The good?" "The good is that she's here, with us." "I couldn't stay away from you." "Why don't you get up and embrace me?" "Your usual recklessness." "I told you not to leave the castle." "I couldn't help it." "I have great news for Cataldo and Ivaldo." "Your children are born." "Two boys." "You understand why it's so important that they return to the castle?" "But how?" "It's impossible." "There's a battle tomorrow." "Even if the soldiers are brave we cannot abandon them now." "Yes." "Tomorrow we will fight." "And you will be risking your lives." "Leaving two orphans." "And if we lose?" "Who will defend the castle?" "Your wives... and your children?" "Alright." "You're right." "Your place is no longer here." "If the Black King were to defeat us his armies invade our territories immediately." "And in that case you must organize their defence." "My heart trembles to see my son." "But I cannot abandon you." "Neither can I. You'd be alone in command of the troops" "You won't be alone." "I'll be there with him." "You know well my valour and my courage." "Better go." "And hurry now, whilst it's still dark." "Your children are the future." "Defending them is defending ourselves." "Alright then." "Perhaps in two days we'll reach the castle." "The gesture of Fantaghiro was very generous." "She broke her promise and took up her sword to inform us." "Imagine how exhausted poor Chiomodoro is." "Yeah, now it's us," "Wearing out our horses, dashing home." "You don't..." "What is it?" "Why look like that?" "Why didn't I think of it before?" "I was a fool." "Think of what?" "Her horse." "It wasn't Fantaghiro's, remember?" "Not even the sword was hers." "We've been tricked!" "Quick, back, before it's too late!" "Romualdo." "Now's not the time to sleep." "I'm here." "Why not look at me?" "Are you shy?" "I'm not naked under my armour." "Since I've been here you've not smiled at me once." "But how can I smile?" "Tomorrow we'll fight and I'm exhausted." "If you want..." "I can help you find a sweet rest." "How?" "Kiss me... and see." "You promised you wouldn't leave the castle." "You always do as you like." "And I don't like it." "Is that the only thing you don't like about me?" "Or, perhaps, there something else?" "We've never spent a night together." "The night of the battle." "It could be our first and our last night." "I'll sleep on the ground." "I'm sorry, but I'm dead tired." "Alright." "Then I'll let you sleep." "But first I want something you won't have the courage to deny me." "A goodnight kiss." "Welcome, Romualdo..." "To the Realm of Evil and Darkness inside my heart." "Tonight you can say your last goodbye to Fantaghiro." "From this moment on you will love" "Only me!" "Subtitles:" "Corvusalbus"