Legend has it, in the mystic land of Prydain. There was once a king so cruel, and
so evil, that even the gods feared him. Since no prison could hold him, he was thrown
alive into a crucible of moltin iron. There his demonic spirit was captured, in the form of
a great black cauldron. For uncounted centuries The Black Cauldron lay hidden, waiting, while
evil men searched for it. Knowing whoever possessed it, would have the power to
resurrect an army of deathless warriors. And with them, rule the world.
Dallben: There's something wrong! I can feel it in my bones. Hmm, the Fairfolk know
it too. You don't see any of them around! The Horned King! That black hearted
devil! What's he waiting for? ( the tomcat jumps in front of him and meows )
YES, yes, Cat, I KNOW you want your breakfast! But just now THINKING is
more important! Oh,Taran! The pot is boiling over, Taran! ( he sees Taran
staring out the window in a daydream. )
Taran: Oh, Dallben, I was just thinking. What if the war's over, and I never had
a chance to fight!
Dallben: ( who is now looking at old maps ) Hmm, and a good thing too. War isn't a
game, people get hurt!
Taran: But I'm not afraid!....Ouch! ( Taran reached his hand out in protest, only to touch
the boiling pot, burning his finger. )
Dallben: Ah, ha! There you are! If the Horned King ever returned you'll have a great deal more to
worry about than a burned finger.( Taran scooped out a spoonful of whatever Dallben
was cooking, smelled it, and quickley turned his face away in disgust. He sets
it in a small bowl. The cat, hoping it was for him, attempts to eat it and
turns away in disgust, too. ) No, no, no, no. Cat that is not for you it's for
Hen Wen.
Taran: Hen Wen, Hen Wen, it's ALWAYS Hen Wen!
Dallben: And one day, my boy, you may learn why. Now, no more dreaming, you have
chores to do.
Taran: Yes, sir. ( and he sets off to feed Hen Wen. )
Dallben: He's so anxious, and so blind to the dangers ahead. ( he opens the pot )
Look,look Cat you're in luck! Just enough left for you! ( the cat backs away )
Hmmm?
Taran: Dallben doesn't understand. I'm not a little boy anymore. ( he kicks a stick, and walks over to the flock of
geese and tramples across the bridge. He kicks open the gate to Hen Wen's
pen ) I should be doing heroic deeds for Prydain! Not waiting hand and foot
on a spoiled....Hey! ( Taran had set down the bowl and shoved it in the barrel
only for it to come back at him.) ( Taran laughing ) Oh, alright Hen, I didn't mean
it. ( a small cute pig comes out of the barrel and looks at the food.) You'd
better eat it Dallben made it especially for you. ( Hen takes a bite, and swallows
hard, and backs away from the food. ) Is this to be my life? Pampering a pig!
I'm a warrior, not an Pig-Keeper. Dallben thinks I'd be afraid, but I
wouldn't. All I need is, is, is a chance! And I could be a famous warrior! ( By now
Taran has walked out of the pen, with Hen Wen following. Taran sees a stick
and picks up, pretending it's a sword. ) Look at me Hen! I can do it! Ha!( Taran
points the 'sword' at Hen and she squeals, runs and hides.) Ha, ha, ha, ha. Even
you're afraid! ( Taran turns to the geese.) You challenge me? Run you
cowards! See Hen?( Dallben's goat comes out and looks at Taran.) There you are!
His majesty the Horned King! So, we meet at last! Ha!( Taran takes the stick and
rattles it between the goat's horns.)Even the Horned King shakes with
fear! See Hen? EVERYBODY runs from the famous Taran of Caer Dallben! ( Hen Wen
squeals when she sees the goat ready to butt Taran. The goat succeeds in doing
so and sends Taran and Hen Wen flying through the mud, while the geese 'laugh'
them. Taran begins to cough.) Prydain's finest warrior, draws his last (gasp) breath!
( Taran collapses on the ground, Hen thinking he's not faking, scurries over to him
and nudges his cheek, Taran looks at her and finally notices Dallben's shadow.)
Dallben!!!!!!!
Dallben: Hmmm. Not quite the blade for a hero!
Taran:( tossing the stick away.) I was... It's just we were....uh,
Hen Wen got dirty!( He begins to brush the mud off Hen Wen.)
Dallben: So I see. Another dream, Taran?
Taran: ( wiping the mud off his face.) But, Dalben! Won't I ever be anything but an
Assistant Pig-Keeper?
Dallben: ( rubbing Hen Wen's belly ) She's a SPECIAL pig, Taran! Now give her a nice bath!
Taran: ( picking Hen up and carrying her to the basin where she has her bathes.) Well
Hen, it looks like I'll still be an Assistant Pig-Keeper, even when I'm as old as
Dallben. ( Taran sets her down, and pours a bucket of water on her) You like
that, don't you. Now for the part you like best.
Taran begins to scrub Hen Wen's back. She settles herself down, but a concerned look
soon overcomes her face, then that face turns to terror. Hen jumps up, and squeals
madly.
Taran: Hey, c'mon Hen, I haven't finished scrubbing your bac-.Hen what's the matter? Calm
down, Hen! Stop it! Please what's the matter?!?! Hen Wen!!
Dallben:( opens the shutters of the cottage because of the noise.) Taran! Whats going
on?!
Taran: I-I don't know! There's something wrong with Hen Wen!
Dallben: ( frightened) WHAT?!?! Oh, quickly lad, bring her inside!
You are now inside the cottage. We see Dallben lighting a candle and setting it next to
a basin filled with water.
Taran: What's that for?
Dallben: Put Hen Wen down. I never use her powers unless I have to. But now I must!
Taran: Powers?
Dallben: Taran, what you are about to see, you must never reveal to ANYONE!
Dallben sticks his oak staff into the water and recites these magic words....
Hen Wen appears to be dizzy. She drops her snout into the water and images appear.
Dallben reads the images.
Dallben: The Horned King......( Taran gasps and stifles a cry.)
Dallben: Sshh.Don't interfere!( he turns back to the images.)
He's searching......
The Black Cauldron..! So thats it!
Taran: The Black Cauldron?
Dallben: An awsome weapon, Taran! It's been hidden for centuries, BUT if the Horned
King should find it, and unlease It's power. NOTHING could stand against him.
Taran looks at the images and cries:
Taran: It's Hen Wen!
Dallben: He knows....( to Hen) Stop! Enough! ( Hen quickley backs away from the water.
Dallben is more frightened than ever.) You must leave here at once! Take Hen
Wen to the hidden cottage at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hide there, never
bring her out, until I come for you!
Taran: Hide? But why?
Dallben: Only I knew the secret of Hen Wen's power! But now the Horned King has
discovered it! You must make sure he never uses it to find the
Black Cauldron!
Taran: Humph! I'm not afraid of the Horned King!
Dallben: Then you are a very foolish lad! Untried courage is no match for his evil. Just
remember that! Now, now off you go my boy and take care of yourself!
Taran: Goodbye Dallben! I won't fail you! ( Taran and Hen Wen walk out the door.)
Dallben: So much. So soon. To rest on his young sholders!