The Automaton of the Opera: An Aude Towne Tale (written by Shawn E. Pallier)

Cast:

The Raconteur

Master Douling, an Inventor & the Richest Man in Town

Mrs. Dratt, the Opera Singer

Melton, a Servant

The Butcher, Melton’s Father

The Doctor

The Jailer

   

1^st Scene: Oh Dratt

{The stage is permanently set with basic representations of 3 locations upstage: Melton’s Family shack, Master Douling’s conservatory which has a window, Master Douling’s Workshop. The entire downstage will be used for outdoors and other locations}.

The Raconteur:

This is a story that occurred in Aude Towne, a name most apt for a place such as this.

Master Douling was at the workbench, staring at another carcass. Sometimes, it was a beast he or someone in his hire had found on the cobblestone road. Sometimes, ‘twas a thing that would be flying by that would get caught up in one of his servant’s traps. Sometimes it would be nothing more than a donation from the body mill at the top of the hill.

But this time, it was Mrs. Dratt.

Melton, his servant, had fled into the cover of night. 

Melton:

He’s gone too far this time…

The Raconteur:

…He hissed under his breath.

For as long as Melton could remember, he had been in the employ of Master Douling, who had the highest passion for… art in all the town. It was Melton’s job to help make Master Douling’s… visions come to fruition. These implausible works came from the mind of his master, and he was there to help make them come to life... If you can call it that.

While Master Douling was certainly able to be quick & nimble-fingered, he was quite measured and meticulous, meaning he usually took his time, so someone like Melton became necessary to do the menial work.

Ever since the Master was a child, he had an aptitude for ingenuity. Sometimes, his creations were astounding.

Master Douling:

My mother has been no more for long enough, and in the ground for too long. Therefore, I have attached to her skeleton the wings of an albatross so she can fly to heaven!! Now, on with the grinding to lighten her bones… MELTON!!!

The Raconteur:

Other times, his design left something to be desired.

Master Douling:

I finally have the horn of the rhinoceros I’ve so desired. Now, to attach it to this mastiff to finally create:  The horn dog!!... Why do you snicker, Melton? SILENCE YOUR CHORTLING!!

The Raconteur:

But if there was one thing that Master Douling loved the most, it was music. The instruments he has created are beyond compare. The massive mbira made of whale teeth and the body of an octopus. The hellacious harp made from elephant tusks the guts of a hippopotamus.

But this. This. What he had today in his possession was beyond compare. He was going to make his finest instrument yet. It’s a shame Mrs. Dratt couldn’t be around to hear it.

I suppose you might be wondering who she is and how he obtained her. For that, we’ll have to go back in time just a bit.

 ______________________________________________

2^nd Scene: Most Foul

The Raconteur:

It was a week ago tonight, Master Douling was working with Melton in the workshop on their latest concept.

Master Douling:

Careful with that beak, boy. You’ll break the tip!

Melton:

Sorry master. I haven’t slept much lately.

Master Douling:

That is because you refuse to come when I ask! I’ve had quite enough of everyone else thinking you should just cater to their every whim. We wouldn’t have to be here at night if you could get your priorities straight.

Melton:

Sorry master.

Master Douling:

Now if it’s quite alright with you, “Master” Melton, we will begin work on the horse hoof.

You did remember to stop by Eli’s Epoxy Emporium before you came here, right? You did remember to check the bin??

Melton:

I… I’m sorry master.

Master Douling.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. It’s like listening to an insipid invalid. Don’t you know any other words??... Very well. I can make do conceptually for the moment. After all, we still have the donkey, I just didn’t want to disassemble him quite yet. I will think of a suitable punishment for you when I’m not so angry.

Melton:

Thank you master. It won’t happen again.

Master Douling:

What a silly thing to say. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Forget the hoof for now. It will be the beak we work on tonight. I will need your steadiest hand and your highest level of concentration. I require you to slice the beak perfectly in half. If you’re wondering why, don’t. It’s unbecoming of you to have thoughts that are above your station. You are here to work, not think.

Melton:

Yes master. I wouldn’t dream of asking.

Master Douling:

You would.

I see it in you.

So don’t.

Melton:

Yes master.

Master Douling:

Doesn’t yes feel so much better than sorry?

Melton:

Yes master.

Master Douling:

Good. We shall begin the incision... Careful now, remember how hard it was to get that beak. We cannot have any mistakes.

{Melton slowly begins to cut, and is suddenly interrupted by Mrs. Dratt’s singing – She is a silhouette on the window. her voice is a slightly more trained version of Florence Foster Jenkins – Perhaps she’s singing “Adele’s Laughing Song” or anything similar or more suitable to the actor’s range. Melton immediately cringes, fumbling the beak and dropping it to the floor. It breaks.}

Master Douling:
Curse that cur!

The Raconteur:

Mrs. Dratt and Master Douling live next door to each other. Perhaps there was a time when they were in love, perhaps not… Love may be too robust of a word to use to describe what they shared. But they did share one thing for sure:

Music.

It was music that at first drew them together, and then it was music that tore them apart.

The moment the beak hit the floor, Melton saw something in the face of his master that he had never seen before.

Had he seen anger? Yes.

Had he seen hate? Yes.

Had he seen cruelty? Yes.

But not this. There was something behind Master Douling’s gaze that was most unsettling.

Most unwholesome.

Most vicious.

It would seem Mrs. Dratt had finally crooned her last chord.

Master Douling:

Today is the day that this must stop. Don’t move a muscle, boy, until I come back.

The Raconteur:

And with that, Master Douling grabbed the scalpel and stormed out of the workshop.

What happened next was going to change the project that Melton was working on quite abruptly.

{We hear Mrs. Dratt’s singing and see her silhouette. We see Master Douling’s silhouette suddenly appear in the widow. She is possibly singing “Queen of the Night’s Aria” from The Magic Flute, or something more suitable for the actor. Just as she gets to the high notes, Master Douling viciously slashes her throat 3 times to the rhythm of the song.}

The Raconteur:
{Master Douling’s struggle can be seen as a silhouette in the window.}

Procuring Mrs. Dratt was not something Master Douling was able to do with ease.

At first, he tried dragging her, but it was no good.

He thought if he could perhaps get her onto his back, he could slowly make his return to the workshop, but he collapsed under her corpse.

The Master searched his immense brain for a solution, and then it hit him. If he could only roll her to the front stoop, go to the shed by the workshop, get the wagon, and then flop her onto it just so, he’d be able to wheel her back. Maybe not comfortably, but she certainly wouldn’t complain.

Before the Master returned, a sudden, awful thought came to Melton…

Melton:

Surely, when nobody can hear Mrs. Dratt’s singing any more, the Doctor will come to check on her, and when they discover she is gone, they’ll come looking! When they discover what Master Douling has done… and perhaps what I will have to do… It will be the Jailer coming for us next!

But maybe, just maybe… I won’t do anything! It was the Master who did this, with his own hand! … Oh, this is all very, very wrong. I must call –

{Suddenly, Master Douling returns.}

Master Douling:

You must call WHAT, boy?

Melton:

Master!! I… I must call YOU into the workshop to find out what I do next, but never mind that! You have returned so that won’t be necessary.

Master Douling:

I have brought the shell of my next masterpiece back. Melton my boy, I do believe I can finally help her become the virtuoso she always wanted to be. We shall start immediately.

Melton:

Immediately?

Master Douling:

IMMEDIATELY!!

3^rd Scene: Prometheus, He is not

The Raconteur:

The sight of Mrs. Dratt was a horror to behold. Her face stretched in a note eternal, a note she would never hear again. It was up to Master Douling to make her sing once more, and sing once more she would.

Melton knew he could never be a part of such an atrocity. He stood, frozen, numb, not moving a muscle as the Master began his next Masterpiece.

Master Douling:

First, I shall need room for the bellows. Her belly seems like a very appropriate place. MELTON! Bring me the baker’s bellows that I bought from the cake maker. I… may have been planning this for a while.

The Raconteur:

But Melton stood still. He was a statue, eyes turned away, vacant.

Master Douling:

What’s the matter, boy? Can’t stand the smell?! HERE. Put a rag over your face and get moving.

Melton:

I… I can’t, master. It would seem I have suddenly grown very tired and I’m afraid I might collapse. Or be sick. Or… or… I must rest, I’m so very, very sorry, master.

Master Douling:

(Moving slowly towards Melton) Poor, poor boy. It’s your father, isn’t it? Does that prattling idiot need you to wipe his nose? Clean his teeth? Dress him for bed? IS… “THAT” IT? Melton?

Melton:

Yes. Yes Master. He… really is a handful.

Master Douling:

A handful? A HANDFUL? LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON… I suggest you get out of my sight, you useless imp. I don’t want to see you again until the sun comes up, and not a moment after. Do you hear me?

Melton:

Not a second after, master.

The Raconteur:

Melton scrambled into the streets. He ran towards his father’s hovel, stumbling down the dark lanes, nearly tripping on every cobblestone, his heart racing, his mind fumbling for the answer.

Melton:

I cannot be complicit for another minute! I must tell someone, but who? Who would be up at such an hour that could help me with something like this?

The Jailer! He never leaves the Jail and he hardly ever sleeps. He’ll know what to do! He’ll free me of what I know. Then I can be at peace. I will find him straightaway!

The Raconteur:

So it was off to the Jailer, in the darkest corner of Aude Towne. He would knock on the thick door so he could report the misdeeds of his master at once.

Melton:

I do hope he believes me. I will have to be confident. I will have to be certain. There can be no doubt on my face or in my mind. I can do this. I can.

The Raconteur:

Melton’s shaky hand clutched the large brass knocker. It was in the shape of a ring of keys. They all clanked and clattered as he knocked three times to summon the Jailer.

The door opened.

4^th Scene: Jailer, Bring Me Justice

The Raconteur:

The creak of the hinges was deliberate, methodical, and deafening. There stood the Jailer: Silent, expressionless.

Melton:

Excuse me. I hope I didn’t wake you.

The Raconteur:
But Melton knew full well that he did not. The Jailer put his finger up, and then he spoke.

The Jailer:

This must be something of utmost importance for you to come at such an hour. To what do I owe this visit?

Melton:

A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED! -

The Raconteur:
- Melton blurted like a frenzied nanny goat. The exclamation was so severe it nearly knocked the Jailer off his feet.

The Jailer:

Yes yes, but WHAT crime, you shuddering simian??

The Raconteur:

Melton had to gather himself in a hurry. It could not be clearer that he was already testing the limits of the Jailer’s patience. Melton took a deep breath.

Melton:

Murder.

The Jailer:

Perhaps the most serious crime of them all.

Where is the body? Surely you have reported the death to the doctor and had it confirmed?

The Raconteur:
Melton was flummoxed. He had never had to report a murder before, and was unfamiliar with the process as set out by Aude Towne.

Melton:

I… I’ve never… no, I did not.

The Jailer:

Of course you haven’t. You have wasted my time without an examination determining cause of death and a death certificate. How am I supposed to lock anyone up for the crime of murder without a body and a guilty party? Are you suggesting I am to simply throw someone behind bars because a braying buffoon in a potato sack has come to my door and shouted that he may have seen a slaying? Is that what you think?

The Raconteur:

That was precisely what Melton thought.

Melton:

Of course not.

The Jailer:

So where are you going?

Melton:

To the doctor.

The Jailer:

And what are you asking him?

Melton:

To perform an examination.

The Jailer:

To determine…

Melton:

… The cause of death.

The Jailer:

And you will be getting?

Melton:

A death certificate.

The Jailer:
Which you will…

Melton:

Bring back to you.

The Jailer:

And you will also bring me…

Melton:

The body! … With great difficulty…  Or perhaps I can bring you TO the body?

The Jailer:

Perhaps.

The Raconteur:

And with that, the door slammed in Melton’s face.

So it was off to the Doctor, who was in the complete other end of Aude Towne.

[Melton shoots the Raconteur a look. The Raconteur shrugs.]

And of course, he would have to run as fast as he could, while he still had an ounce of bravery in his body.

5^th Scene: Doctor, Doctor, I have some News

The Raconteur:

The sun slowly began to rise over Aude Towne by the time Melton was able to make it all the way to the Doctor. It had been many hours since the devious deed was done, but somehow, Melton had stayed just sturdy enough to manage the journey. The time was now. He picked up the Rod of Asclepius that sat next to the doctor’s gate and used it to rap on the door, just as the doctor requested of all who came with an urgent request.

The Doctor:

Go away, please.

Melton:

But… The rod! This is a serious event I’m here to report!

The Doctor:

Is somebody dying?

Melton:

Someone is dead!

The Doctor:

Then it’s hardly a pressing matter. If they’re already dead, I doubt I can make any improvements to their condition. You want Danilla the Resurrector’s Roundhouse.

Melton:

I’m telling you, this is significant! The woman who is dead was murdered!

The Doctor:

Then tell the Jailer.

Melton:

He said I need you to perform an examination and issue the death certificate before he could make an arrest! Please sir, I’ve come very far and I’ve been up all night.

The Doctor:

He said that, eh? What woman are you talking about?

Melton:

Mrs. Dratt.

The Doctor:

She was still alive? The last time she came for an appointment I told her to cut back on cake and wine or she’d be dead in five years, and that was at least ten years ago! Are you sure she was murdered?

Melton:

YES!

The Doctor:

You don’t need to shout! I begin my work after the first cock’s crow, and I don’t commence until then!

Melton:

BUT SIR…

The Doctor:

BUT NOTHING!

The Raconteur:

And then suddenly… [the sound of a rooster crowing loudly]

The Doctor [bursting out the door]

Good morning!

6^th Scene: What He did in the Shadow of Night

The Raconteur:

The Doctor and Melton sauntered down the road towards Master Douling’s dwelling so that corpus delicti could be established. The Doctor was fresh as a daisy, & Melton was as rotten as a blackened banana but determined as an ox.

Melton:

Rotten as a blackened banana? Who said that?

The Raconteur:

They arrived to the sounds of drills and saws, hammers and anvils, and a smell most foul.

The Doctor:

Grievous Feist! What is happening here?

Melton:

A crime like no other, a mauling, a disfiguration, the ultimate indignity!

The Raconteur:

Abruptly, all the commotion inside the abode stopped. The door swung open swiftly, and 

Master Douling appeared.

Master Douling:

Gentlemen. Good morning to you both.

Melton:

Gentlemen?

The Doctor:

Master Douling. Pardon the intrusion, but…

Master Douling:

Please good sir, this is no intrusion, I always welcome guests at any time of day.

The Doctor:

Ah… yes, well. This is not a social call.

Master Douling:

Oh? Well that is a shame. We have so much catching up to do.

The Doctor:

Yes, yes. That’s true, but –

Master Douling:

The smell. I know, and I ask for forgiveness. As you may know, I have a passion for taxidermy.

The Raconteur:

With that, Master Douling thrust the body of a badger in the face of the fine Doctor.

The Doctor:

That stench is beyond description!

Master Douling:

Oh yes, truly dreadful. I’m unsure what kind of stink badger it is unfortunately. But it smells like the body of a portly lady, doesn’t it?

The Doctor:

Lady?

Master Douling:

Or chubby Gentleman. Or scrawny Gentlewoman. Or fit Gentle ladyman. It really checks all the boxes, doesn’t it?

The Doctor:

It truly does.

Master Douling:

Indubitably. Well, I really must continue my work if this is not time for a visit.

The Doctor:

Yes, well I’d be remiss if I did not ask one question. Have you heard from Mrs. Dratt recently?

Master Douling:

Oh, I’ve certainly heard from Mrs. Dratt. In fact, she’s here right now. Would you like to see her?

The Raconteur:

Melton was aghast. In what state would she be in by now? Surely he couldn’t possibly show the Doctor Mrs. Dratt.

Master Douling:

She’s in the conservatory, working on her latest Aria. Come, let’s have a listen.

The Raconteur:

The trio made their way into the room, Melton’s heart racing. What on earth could the Master be talking about? What had occurred in the shadow of night?

Master Douling:

Here she is. I admit, I’ve fallen hopelessly in love.

The Raconteur:

It was more than the cat that had Melton’s tongue, it was Mephistopheles himself. There stood Mrs. Dratt: A blank but beautiful expression on her serene face, her posture perfect, and her gown pristine.

But alive, she was not. And only Melton and Master Douling knew that.

7^th Scene: Introducing the Automaton

Master Douling:

Dear Mrs. Dratt, I would be ever so appreciative if you would sing for these fine gentlemen this morning. They must hear you, my enchanting nightingale.

The Raconteur:

But Mrs. Dratt said nothing.

Master Douling:

She’s shy. But she mustn’t be. A talent like hers must be heard! My love, would it help if I left? I know you think, given my prominence, that my disapproval may be too much to bare, but I assure you, I do not frown on your complete brilliance.

The Raconteur:

But Mrs. Dratt stayed soundless.

Master Douling:

Your silence speaks volumes, my dearest. I shall retire to my workshop. Then, you will be free to express yourself without fear of my impeccable judgement. I only hope that you believe me. I know our love is newfangled and mysterious, but I assure you, I believe you are a masterpiece.

The Raconteur:

Master Douling backed out of the conservatory, his hand reaching for Mrs. Dratt’s heart in a devoted, fervent expression of love. As soon as he was out of sight, he ran like he was young again, with a furious pace to his workshop, as the magic needed a little help from him to begin.

This was his work of genius. Mrs. Dratt, deceased, but full of life. How was it possible? The workshop held the key to the mystery. Here was the labyrinth of tubes, and when Master Douling turned a specific crank of his own design, the air moved in and out of the bellows in Mrs. Dratt’s belly, and those bellows were attached to her lungs and throat, making her dead body appear to breathe, and a tin whistle had been engineered to ensure her voice became reawakened with just the right notes. But that was not all. The tubes also lead to her arms, neck, and legs. Each appendage had its own gearshifts all operated by the master himself to create the perfect illusion of life.

He had to operate his creation with intense mastery or the artifice would be unconvincing.

But of course, he was up to the task. This was his magnum opus, and he would make certain that all of Aude Town would witness it. But first, this test on his audience of two.

[The lights come up on both the conservatory and the workshop, and we see Master Douling operate the controls to make Mrs. Dratt come to life and perhaps sing “Queen of the Night’s Aria” or a more suitable piece for the actor, but this time beautifully.]

Melton:

I… I can’t… This is IMPOSSIBLE!!

The Doctor:

[Hissing in a whisper] Yes. It certainly is impossible for a dead woman to perform an Aria.

Master Douling:

[Still in the workshop, not hearing Melton or the Doctor, shouting up the stairs] She is spellbinding, isn’t she?

The Doctor:

[Shouting down the stairs] She is more than spellbinding, she is an enigmatically marvelous. Mrs. Dratt, I’m speechless.

The Raconteur:

And so was she. Master Douling arrived in the conservatory. He was mad with pride. He knew his creation would be astounding, but he did not know it would be such an irrefutable triumph.

Master Douling:

You’re too kind, Doctor.

The Raconteur:

The Doctor was hypnotized by the performance. He had to kiss her hand to show her respect. It was cold as ice.

The Doctor:

By Ceres, you are glacial! I should fetch my supplies, you need help!

Master Douling:

No, no! It’s this drafty hovel, it’s far too cold. MELTON! Coal in the furnace, IMMEDIATELY! Her voice must stay warm for tonight’s performance. I’m inviting everyone in town, and she must be in pristine condition! How dare you let my love become so cold!!

The Raconteur:

But it was Melton who was truly frozen. This could not be, and he would have to get to the bottom of it. And what was in the bottom of it all but the workshop? He knew where he has to go to get answers. And the furnace was the perfect excuse.

8^th Scene: The Beautiful Abomination & the Butcher

The Raconteur:

Melton climbed down the stairs and into the workshop, his knees weak, his heart racing. His eyes widened and he looked at the labyrinth of tubes and controls, each one playing an sinful part in his master’s scheme. He didn’t know how he put it together, but he did know it all somehow brought Mrs. Dratt to a disturbing kind of life, for a lack of a better description. He had no intention of putting more coal in the furnace. His mind turned to the only real source of advice he’d ever had: His father.

Melton:

Oh no! My father must be worried sick about me! I never came home last night! I have to tell him about Master Douling immediately!

The Raconteur:

It was as if adrenaline had taken over Melton’s body, and sleep no longer meant anything to him. His legs now filled with vigour, he sped off into the night towards his father’s fleapit… er, shack, if I’m generous. Truth be told, it was Melton’s fleapit too.

Melton:

Shack!

The Raconteur:

It was Melton’s shack too. When not spending all day and all night serving his master, he was tending to his father, someone who was quite familiar to Master Douling. You see, there was a reason Melton knew and served the Master, and that reason was his father.

He burst through the… uh… “Door”… and there his father sat, a knife quite deeply thrust into his head, motionless. But he was alive, and the knife had been there a long time. The citizens of Aude Town rarely saw the man who was once Master Douling’s butcher any more. The only time he came out was when he was confused and unsettled. No, the town was not a good place for the Butcher any more. He was safe in –

Melton:

[To the Raconteur] THE SHACK.

The Raconteur:

Yes. The shack.

Melton:

Father, I’m so sorry. You must have been worried sick.

The Butcher:

Why would I be worried about a stick?

Melton:

No reason. I’m just glad you’re okay.

The Butcher:

Oh, I’m fine. I’m starving and I think I lost sight in my left eye, but otherwise I’ve been having a lovely time.

Melton:

I’ll make you some porridge right away!

The Butcher:

That would be lovely, but my boy, something troubles you. Please, speak.

Melton:

It’s just… Master Douling.

The Butcher:

EEEEEAARRGHHH!!!!

Melton:

I’m so sorry, father. I shouldn’t have said his name.

The Butcher:

Whose name?

Melton:

Master Douling:

The Butcher:

EEEEEAARRGHHH!!!!

The Raconteur:

This was going to be a long morning.

9^th Scene: What the Butcher Thought

The Raconteur:

Melton knew that confiding in the Butcher may be fruitless, but he had to go through the events out loud so that he could relieve the pressure in his brain.

Melton:

 Father, an awful event has happened. I’m the only one who knows about a murder, and I’m afraid that the guilty party will never be exposed. You see, he’s been able to make his victim seem alive, and I don’t know how to convince anyone that she’s dead!

The Butcher:
How can someone seem alive, my boy?

Melton:

The body is rigged up like a marionette, it even breathes!

The Butcher:

Then she’s alive!

Melton:

No, no. She only seems alive.

The Butcher:

I don’t understand.

The Raconteur:

And that was the truth. This situation was complex, but the Butcher often wasn’t able to understand simple things either. You see, when he was in the employ of Master Douling, it was a terrible stress on him. The Master was very demanding, and the pay was very meagre, and trying to take care of Melton as a single father was very taxing despite him being a very good boy. One day, the Butcher was ordered to kill and prepare a Cornish game hen for the Master, and he made a mistake. He thought a Plymouth Rock chicken would be just the same, but he Master knew the difference. He was so enraged, he grabbed the Butcher’s butcher knife and stuck it straight into his skull. The Butcher survived, and he never told anyone what happened, insisting he accidentally did it to himself when the knife fell off a shelf. It did change him quite a bit, and Master Douling found him quite useless indeed. He demanded restitution, and that’s why Melton now works for the Master.

Melton:

The point is, I must make it obvious that she is dead, but how?

The Butcher:

I hope the culprit isn’t who I think it is. Because if it’s who I think he is, DO NOT PURSUE THIS ANY FURTHER. He is dangerous, and it’s not worth losing you, my boy. DO NOT PLAY WITH FIRE… Or you will get …uh … you will get… a nasty wound.

Melton:

I must do what is right. Please don’t worry about who it is, please just help me think.

The Butcher:

You say she’s rigged up like a marionette?

Melton:

For all intents and purposes, yes.

The Butcher:

Then cut her STRINGS, boy! Then she will dance no more!

Melton:

Cut her strings. Father, you’re a genius!

The Butcher:

I got some thought left in my… thinking gadget yet!

Melton:

I have to go, father. I love you very much, you’ve been a magnificent help!

The Butcher:

Then go, my boy! You have a lot of strings to cut! I think.

[Melton exits.]

Still, that porridge would have been nice.

10^th Scene: Crisis and Determination

The Raconteur:

Melton knew that both The Jailer and The Doctor would have to be at the performance that night for his plan to work. He ran towards the Doctor, who was the closest of the two, and to his delight, when he burst through the door, there sat The Jailer with him.

Melton:
‘How fortunate! Just the two gentlemen I was looking for!

The Doctor:

Don’t you knock, boy?

Melton:

I’m terribly sorry, sir. I was sent by Master Douling with an important message.

The Doctor:

This better be very significant. You’ve wasted enough of our time.

The Jailer:

Indeed.

Melton:

Firstly; you are attending this evening’s performance as is the Master’s wish, correct?

The Jailer:

Yes, the Doctor has told me all about Mrs. Dratt’s newfound skill. It sounds almost miraculous, too good to be true! I wouldn’t miss it.

The Doctor:

Of course we are.

Melton:

Well, that is excellent, because it would seem The Doctor’s presence is now quite essential. Mrs. Dratt hasn’t fully recovered from the chill she was suffering from earlier. She can still sing, but she may need medical attention at any moment if her condition worsens. Of course, we’re not expecting any issues, but the Master would be ever so grateful if you brought along your physician's bag, just in case.

The Doctor:

Anything for Master Douling and his delightful songbird. I do wish her a speedy recovery!

Melton:

Oh I assure you, we all do. Thank you so much. We’re looking forward to having both of you as our guests tonight at the performance. I think you’ll never forget it.

The Raconteur:

And with that, Melton backed out of the room, a sly smile on his face.

The Jailer:

I think you should give that boy a head examination tonight, Doctor. He’s not right at all.

The Doctor:

A capital idea! I haven’t performed a lobotomy in ages! It will calm him right down.

The Raconteur:

Melton was off again, back to Master Douling’s, when suddenly, he froze.

Melton:

I haven’t been alone with Master Douling since I brought the Doctor over. I will have to explain myself thoroughly if I’m ever to get his trust back for all to go the way I want tonight. But how?

My Master… he’s… he was a monster before all this, and if anything he’s even more of a monster now. My family has been tortured by him for as long as I remember. But he doesn’t see it that way. He thinks he’s doing us a favour by employing us all these years. He told me I’d be nothing without him.

So, if I expose his crime, is that what I become? Nothing?

He killed Mrs. Dratt, and I’m powerless to do anything about it.

Why turn him in? I’ll lose my job, my livelihood! And what will happen to father then? Without Master Douling, we are nothing.

The Raconteur:

But even as the words came out of Melton’s mouth, he knew that it was fear.

He was in a glorious rut, and to disturb the status quo scared him to death. He started to realize that to abandon the plan now would only prove what Master Douling had once said to him: “It’s unbecoming of you to have thoughts that are above your station. You are here to work, not think.”

Melton:

Unbecoming? Is it improper for me to know that the Master did wrong, and that he should pay for it? Is it inappropriate for me to think someone as little and insignificant as me can make a difference?

The Raconteur:

A little naïve maybe.

Melton:

Quiet, you. A little naïve, yes. But a little courageous? Yes. That too. Just because I’m afraid doesn’t mean I should stop when I know I’m right. The words will come to me when I see the Master. He will fall right into my trap, and just like the animals I’ve captured for him all these years, I’ll finally capture HIM.

The Raconteur:

Melton felt a strange sensation come over his body as he felt a feeling he had never felt before; Bravery. 

Melton:

[To The Raconteur]: It tingles.

11^th Scene: A True Automaton

The Raconteur:

Melton went back to the Master Douling’s with great poise. He knew he would be interrogated.

Melton:

Sir, I suppose you’re –

Master Douling:

Don’t suggest I “suppose” boy, that’s for pathetic weaklings such as yourself. I don’t suppose, I demand. I demand to know why you’ve been absent, and why on earth you came here this morning with the Doctor.

Melton:

The answers are really very boring sir. When I became ill, I went straight home to father to give him the care he needs, and I made him a bowl of porridge because he was very hungry… Drat!

The Raconteur:

It finally occurred to Melton that he had forgotten the bowl of porridge.

Master Douling:

What on earth is wrong with you, boy?

Melton:

Not a thing, sir, I just realized I left the stove burning, but he wood is long since spent, and father’s burns always heal quite readily, so I really have nothing to fear… Well, I made him the porridge and then I became light-headed and unintentionally fell asleep. When I woke up to the cock’s crow, I realized how upset you’d be by my absence and ran straightaway to assist you. As I approached, I saw the Doctor almost at your door. I caught up to him just as he arrived.

Master Douling:

What made you think I needed so many details for a story so exceedingly tedious?

Melton:

Well I just assumed you’d be wondering why –

Master Douling:

You want to know what I was doing with my mind instead of supposing, assuming, and wondering while you were gone? I was inventing, innovating, improving! My creation was beautiful when you last saw it, but it was not perfect. So, I have made significant improvements for tonight’s performance.

I enjoyed doing the dance I had to do to make Mrs. Dratt move and sing, it made me feel more alive than I’ve felt in years, but what is it all for if I can’t witness it myself? No, that was never going to do at all. Mrs. Dratt would have to operate without my help for me to see my genius firsthand.

This lever right here, boy… This lever right here in the conservatory has created the world’s largest wind-up toy. This foot pedal has several positions for several songs, causing several mainsprings that are now attached in the workshop to constrict, powering her to sing several tunes of my own design. This lever is attached to a ratchet which twists the mainspring of choice tighter. Then the force of that mainspring turns the many clockwork gears that I also mounted in the workshop, until the stored energy is used up just as the song ends, bringing her gently to rest and bow as the performance ends.

I have created life, Melton. Do you know how that feels?

Melton:

No sir.

Master Douling:

Of course you don’t.

I want you to take every chair, every stool, and every stump from every corner and put it in the conservatory for everyone in town to sit and see. Tonight will be a night I don’t want ANYONE to miss. Do I make myself clear?

Melton:

Very clear, sir. I will make sure everyone sees what happens tonight, and I’ll do anything it takes to make sure everyone attends.

12^th Scene: The Guests Arrive

{Either a room divider or a curtain over Mrs. Dratt hides her from view}.

The Raconteur:

That night, the scene was set. There was a place for every inhabitant of Aude Towne to sit in the conservatory and witness the recital of a lifetime. However, Melton only truly cared about two guests: The Doctor and The Jailer.

The Butcher:

What, not me?

Melton:

Father! You came!

The Butcher:

Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Where am I exactly?

Melton:

M…Master Douling’s, father.

The Butcher

EEEEEAARRGHHH!!!!

Melton:

I’m terribly sorry, father. I didn’t know you were invited.

The Butcher:

Invited to what?

Melton:

Tonight’s performance by Mrs. Dratt.

The Butcher:

Oh, I see. No thank you. I’ll just wait here until it’s done.

Melton:

But if you wait here, you’ll see the whole performance anyway.

The Butcher:

Great! I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Melton:

Excellent! Enjoy!

The Raconteur:

It was just then that The Jailer and The Doctor arrived together.

Melton:

Gentlemen, welcome. What a fortunate time to arrive, you’ll get the best seats in the room.

The Doctor:

Fantastic, we’ve been looking forward to this all day.

The Jailer:

I do love the opera. It’s been so long since I’ve been to a proper performance, I hope to be overwhelmed tonight by her talent, if all of what I hear is accurate.

Melton:

Oh, you will be astounded, but I hope you don’t become speechless.

The Jailer:

Eh? Why not?

Melton:

Well, er, I want you to sing praises of her brilliance into the night! She must get exposure if she’s going to be discovered.

The Jailer:

Yes. Indeed. Although it would be lovely if Aude Towne could keep her. It would be nice to have some culture around here, everything is so dreary.

The Doctor:

I assure you, her voice is quite the cure for the tedium that is our town.

The Jailer:

Don’t build her up too much, I’ll be disappointed if I’m not dumbfounded.

The Raconteur:

The lights in the conservatory suddenly began to dim. Other guests hurriedly made their way into the room. Lastly, in strode Master Douling, as proud as a peacock. He slowly made his way to where Mrs. Dratt sat, and he revealed his creation to the crowd.

13^th Scene: The Alpha and the Omega

Master Douling:

{Revealing Mrs. Dratt dramatically} Behold, the debut performance of a chanteuse of unequaled talent, a soloist like no other before her. You are the privileged few that have the honour of witnessing this beyond enchanting event!

Before these last two days, I was ignorant. I was a fool to not recognize Mrs. Dratt for the true virtuoso she is. I kept my distance, judging her on her rehearsals, not grasping how senseless that was. I admit, I did approach her home to reprimand her, but instead, I DISCOVERED her. She would have never come to light like this had it not been for me insisting she share her voice. Isn’t it ironic that she has so much singing to share but so little to say? {He kisses her hand}.

And now, without further ado, Mrs. Dratt will perform a piece of her own picking, and even I will be enchanted and surprised with her choice.

The Raconteur:

Little did he know, that was the cue for Mrs. Dratt and for Melton too. He watched as his Master slyly slithered over to his controls, selecting the song with his foot, and gently, quietly, pulled the lever to start his cadaverous but beautiful pageant.

{Mrs. Dratt comes to life slowly, and begins to sing “O Mio Babbino Caro”, or a suitable piece for the actor}.

Melton slid down his seat, disappearing in the sea of spectators’ feet, and he made his way to the workshop. This was his moment to be altruistic, to rise above fear, to reveal the misconduct of his master.

Melton:

Just as father said, “Cut her STRINGS, boy! Then she will dance no more!”

The Raconteur:

Melton’s eyes searched for the strings he remembered, and there they were: The large tubes that pumped all the air to Mrs. Dratt.

Melton:

Without air, she cannot breathe.

What happens from this moment forward is fate, and I cannot be afraid of the consequences of doing what is right.

The Raconteur:

I already covered that, there’s no need to –

Melton:

We’ve heard quite enough from you, it is my turn to speak! My family has suffered at the hands of this madman, and so has everyone he has touched, and one… One soul paid with her life. I have been stepped on for too long. It is finally time for me to do the stepping!

The Raconteur:

{Encouraging Melton} With those words, he was able to take action with great conviction. Out shot one of his feet, stamping down on one tube {one of Mrs. Dratt’s arms sags}. Then, the next foot, cutting off another hose {the other arm sags, pulling her torso awkwardly to the side}. He grasped another tube, {Mrs. Dratt collapses back into the chair} and immediately gripped another {Mrs. Dratt’s neck falls clumsily forward, but she continues to sing}.

But still, the beautiful songbird sang.

And then he saw it, the last tube, and only one thing left to stop the air from flowing.

{Melton reaches out with his mouth and bites down on the last tube. Mrs. Dratt lets out a horrific-sounding note that bends down like a record player being slowed to a halt, until all that’s left is gurgling and gagging, and then there’s no sound at all. Mrs. Dratt should look like a collapsed marionette}.

The Doctor:

My stars and all the heavens! Clear the way! Let me see her at once!

The Raconteur:

Master Douling desperately yanked on the lever and stomped on the pedal but to no avail.

The show was over.

He tried to race over to his creation to ensure the Doctor would not discover his indiscretions.

The Jailer:

{Restraining Master Douling} Keep your distance, good sir, please! Let the Doctor save your beloved!

The Raconteur:

Melton tore the tubes free from the machine with his arms, feet, and teeth. He had to make sure she would not move again.

Melton:

How do I do that with my feet?!

The Raconteur:

You’re a clever boy, you’ll figure something out.

{Melton fumbles with the tubes until they are all ripped out.]

Melton scrambled back up the stairs, and saw his Master restrained.

Melton:

Doctor! Pull back her collar, look at her throat!

The Doctor:

Great idea, boy. Something might be blocking her from breathing.

The Raconteur:

But the Doctor didn’t see a blockage. He saw the three slashes that were the deed of Master Douling. They were hidden until now, but the wounds… and Master Douling… could hide no more.

Master Douling:

You insolent child! How dare you!? I should have done the same to you as I did to her! You will pay for this with your life!

The Raconteur:

The Jailer gasped.

The Jailer:

Master Douling, you do realize I’m restraining you at this very moment?

The Raconteur:

Master Douling attempted to escape, but his struggling was woefully insufficient against the experience of the Jailer.

The Jailer:

Master Douling, you hereby stand accused of the murder of Mrs. Dratt. Oh Doctor, does she breathe? Is she alive?

The Doctor:

She does not. She is dead. I do believe the Master was bringing her to life through some sort of trickery.

Melton:

He was! I will show you everything. Justice will be swift.

The Jailer:

I will take your word.

Master Douling, you’re coming with me tonight, and I don’t think you’ll ever see the light of day again. I dare say with your admission of guilt I doubt we even require a trial according to Aude Town decrees.

Melton:

That’s right, there will be no trial for you!

Master Douling:

You’ve destroyed me. Your tiny brain hasn’t even figured out that you’ve DESTROYED YOURSELF AND FATHER, TOO. I was your only lifeline, and you’ve cut me out. Your humanity is your downfall, and you’ve demolished the most beautiful creation ever known as well. You are the destructor of grandeur and yourself. This is NO VICTORY!! May the Butcher perish in his own filth!

The Butcher:

MY NAME IS MELTON AND YOU KNOW IT!!

Melton

No father, that’s MY name.

The Butcher:

Oh. I’ve always meant to tell you. Your name is Melton Junior, just like my name and his father before you... Wait… your name is Melton the… Third. Fourth... You know what? Just Melton serves you fine. AND YOU KNEW THAT, OLD MAN!

The Jailer:

Master Douling, I declare you do NOT get to respond to the Meltons.

The Doctor:

I second that.

The Raconteur:

Master Douling was forcefully removed from his own home, and true to the Jailer’s words, he never saw the light of day again.

Master Douling:

{as he’s being dragged away} WHAT? How do you know that already? Curse all of you!

Melton:

Father, I had to do it. I couldn’t bare it. I had to bring him to justice or I fear my soul would crumble. But I promise you, you will not die in our fleapit… er, shack. I will find a way for the two of us, and we will prevail. I love you.

The Butcher:

I love you too, and I’m proud of you. I always was, always will be. Now on with the performance!

The Raconteur:

But the performance was over.

Melton was true to his word, and although he and his father never lived in the lap of luxury, they found their true calling together. Melton and Son’s Cookery grew into the finest caterers ever known in Aude Towne, and all they needed to do was overcome their panic, dread, and anxiety… and overthrow those who caused it.

They became truly free and very happy without fear.

Thus concludes one of the tales of Aude Towne, a name most apt for a place like this.