The King of Skampavia takes the stage, revealing his ambitions through dealings with a merchant and tales of emeralds. He is accompanied by a mysterious talking horse, and amid a great celebration in Oz, he senses the path of his destiny. Soon, a strange warning and confusion about a supposed wizard deepen the tension, while cries of “way for the emperor” mark the start of a perilous journey. Entering the Black Forest, the king encounters a witch whose dark powers heighten the danger. The first half sets a foundation of intrigue, magic, and the promise of adventure.
