The Shannara Chronicles

Amberle, you still alive?

Relax, Uncle Ander.

It's not like I'm gonna break.

How many times have I missed that jump tonight?

Five.

You lose count of your steps tomorrow,

it'll be the shortest half mile of your life.

I'm going again. No.

It's late.

The race starts at dawn-- you need to rest.

But only the first seven runners across the line

become members of the Chosen.

I didn't do all of this just to lose.

?

Princess, are you sure you wanna step on

thousands of years of Elvin tradition?

There's no turning back.

We need to get in there and stake out my starting place.

Don't worry.

As your friend and loyal servant,

I've got you covered.

Okay, let's stay focused, Catania.

Bet you wish you'd told Lorin you were running now.

He's a big boy, he can handle it.

Jace told me that if Lorin becomes a member

of the Chosen, he's going to ask you to marry him.

Amberle.

You're not allowed here.

Have you come to wish me luck?

Yes...

... and no.

I'm racing too.

You're kidding?

Is there a rule that says a girl can't run the Gauntlet?

That's the way it's always been.

We have female commanders in the Elvin army,

and women on the High Council.

It's time the Four Lands had a female Chosen.

You knew about this?

Who do you think sneaked her past the Home Guard

and out of the palace?

The Gauntlet is dangerous, Amberle.

These guys will do anything to win.

So will I.

Then good luck.

May the best elf win.

I'm definitely sensing a lot of

sweaty elf boy hate.

Are you sure you want to do this?

Tie me up.

?

Steady!

Only the first seven to cross

will be anointed.

On the sound of my horn...

Get up, Amberle.

?

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four...

Jump.

They're coming!

One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Don't give up! Go!

There's one Chosen left!

Get up!

? I feel it running through my veins ?

?

? And I need that fire just to know ?

? That I'm awake ?

?

Look. I can't believe it.

Is that the princess?

I thought you were teaching her how to fence?

She was a quick study.

Congratulations.

As king, I welcome you to the Order of the Chosen.

At the dawn of every new year,

we gather in this sacred garden

to recount the story of the Ellcrys.

Thousands of years ago...

our Elven ancestors fought a war against

an army of Demons.

The Elves were at the point of annihilation,

when their elders turned to magic.

Using this powerful gift,

they managed to imprison the Demons

in a realm known as the Forbidding.

The Ellcrys was created to stand sentry.

As long as it lives,

the Demons are locked up for all eternity.

Now, I realize that for some of you,

this is merely...

folklore.

But in no way does this diminish your responsibilities.

And you are now its protectors.

Now step forward,

place your hands on the tree and be accepted by the Ellcrys.

I can't believe you let her embarrass

our father like that.

Um...

This is his last ceremony

before he abdicates the throne.

I didn't let Amberle do anything.

Okay, this was her idea.

I just aided and abetted.

She could have seriously hurt herself.

I thought for Aine's sake

that you'd want to keep her safe.

Invoking our dead brother.

Very subtle.

You should work that into your coronation speech.

We made a pact to protect her.

Remember?

Well, at least you'll know where she'll be

for the next year--

locked behind these walls, watering an old tree.

Do you have any respect for Elvin traditions?

Only the ones with parties.

?

?

It has begun.

?

Had to go all the way to Olney,

but I found white willow bark.

Afraid it won't do any good now.

I'll leave you two alone.

Wil...

Hey, Mom.

You hang in there, I've got something new to try.

I promise, this will ease your pain.

Always...

such a...

a sweet boy.

So much I need to tell you.

Open it.

They're Elfstones.

Belonged to your father.

They're magic.

I know you thought...

... your father was crazy...

but he was a good man.

He believed in those.

Mom, you're not making any sense.

My precious boy...

... find the Druid.

Find the Druid.

Promise me.

No, Mom, don't leave me.

No, Mom, I'm not ready.

She always loved this spot.

Said she could see the whole world from here.

I'm sorry, Wil.

Hey, um, Uncle Flick...

... have you ever seen these before?

Mom called them Elfstones.

I told her to bury those damn things

after your father died.

Why?

Because they put him in an early grave.

He was never the same person after he used 'em.

Used them?

Wait, you're not seriously telling me

you believe in magic.

I believe in evil, Wil,

and those things

will bring you nothing but misery.

Do yourself a favor, throw them in the river

and be done with 'em.

I'm sorry.

?

Someone's here to see you.

I told the Home Guard not to let anyone in.

That's why Catania helped me avoid them.

If you won't tell me what's going on,

maybe you'll talk to him.

You owe me.

You didn't need to check up on me.

You passed out in front of the Ellcrys.

I was worried about you.

I'm fine.

Then why have you locked yourself up in here?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Is that one me?

Oh, oh...

You definitely got the ears right.

Can I ask you something crazy

but you have to promise not to laugh?

Yeah.

Do you think the story of the Ellcrys is true?

You mean the part where it's a barrier holding back

a Demon army?

Come on, Amberle,

we both know magic died out with the Druids.

Yeah, you're right.

Forget I asked.