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by Donald Armbrecht (Donald_Armbrecht@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy User Review:

Part one of the tales from the fictional 'Lands of the East'... For a real treat, check out the first six scenes on my Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi4xlyPX5nY where I added some music to give you a feel of what it would be like in the movies! Please send feedback and any suggestions!!!

EXT. OUTSIDE THE FOREST OF LUSTAIN - DAY

Black Screen Shows the Following Text:

The War of the North was long and horrific. The alliance
between the Lands of Lustain and Urithane were able to fend
of the invading Mountain People but not without terrible
loss. In the final assault which sent the invaders running
back to the mountains, the Great Queens of both lands died
honorably in battle, leaving their children to rule one
day...

FADE IN

It is a cold winters day. A long parade of the Red Guard
escorts the chariot of the Queen's Body over a dirt path.
The Guard surrounds her on all sides, followed by the army
behind her. On the side of the path are thousands of
citizens, crying and screaming in her name. The road is
silent save for the sounds of their mourning. The chariot
goes through the woods and to the Graveyard of the Queens.
There stand many beautiful statues in stone and marble, each
a replica of a past Queen, each looking over her tomb. A man
speaks in Soldatan, language of the Queen and the Red Guard
as they lay their Queen to rest. Standing in front of
everyone is the princess Mephame, only six years old. She
throws a flower on the grave of her mother. The other guards
follow her motion. She looks up at the sky. The camera
follows her view above the trees and over the forest until
it comes down on an open field in front of a large Red
Castle. Two horses thunder past the camera.

'Lustain'

The Red Guards arrive at the doors of the castle and
dismount. Servants take their horses. They are Lathal head
of the Red Guard and Dorithame another Red Guard.

INT. GREAT HALL OF LUSTAIN - DAY

Lathal and Dorithame enter a large room where other Red
Guards are waiting for them. There is a large fireplace
burning. There is also a large table in the middle of the
room with a beautiful chair at the head where the Queen
would normally have sat.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
General Lathal. You have arrived.

LATHAL
Yes, Forgive me. I was delayed.
Many unpleasant things must be
attended to now that the war is
over.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
It is understandable. Many things
require the attention of the guard
in these days.

GORAMOTH
None as important as what must now
be discussed. I think it is time
we sat down.

They all sit, but none sit in the chair of the Queen.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Lustain stands on a thread. The
Queen is gone as is the General of
the Guard. There is no one to lead
us.

LATHAL
We must appoint a Queen to the
throne. The people will follow no
other.

            GORAMOTH
      (His eyes open a
       bit.)
Nor will we.

LATHAL
(Pauses.)
Of course.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Lustain has a Queen. Mephame.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
She only a child. She is not a
Queen. A Princess, yes. But she
needs training. Time. She can not
be crowned at such a young age.

GORAMOTH
Not in the known history of this
country has there been a time
without a sovereign.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
But to put a girl of six winters
is preposterous. Even if she were
crowned, she would have no idea
what to do. We can not follow a
child.

GORAMOTH
She must be trained and cared for.
When she is of age, she will be
put on the throne.

LATHAL
Then the guard must take power for
now. Until she is ready.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
We also, Lathal, have lost our
leader. He was killed in battle.
Who will lead the guard?

LATHAL
A new General must be appointed
then.

DORITHAME
This is also a problem. The
General must be the husband of the
Queen. She is as much ready to be
married as she is to rule.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
We must abandon a little tradition
if we are to find a solution.

DORITHAME
It is not tradition. It is our
way. It has been our way since
time began. The Queen rules all
and the General of the Guard
protects her.

Pause.

DORITHAME
And leads us.

GORAMOTH
Then we must appoint a leader for
now. When the Princess is of age,
so will be the new guards. She
will marry one of them. Our time
will then pass, as it should.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
Then Lathal should lead.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
I agree. He is the most talented
of us. And the wisest. If anyone
can lead us, it is him.

DORITHAME
He is also the most fit to train
the princess.

GORAMOTH
All who wish it so...

Everyone raises their hands except Lathal and Goramoth.

GORAMOTH
Lathal, have you anything to say
of this appointment to you?

LATHAL
(Standing)
I hear in your voice and see by
your vote, good Goramoth, that you
do not agree with this counsil.
But I do accept the appointment.
And I promise to fufil the duties
as General.

GORAMOTH
You are a good man, Lathal, and a
good soldier. But you are arogant
as much as you are wise. Your
leadership will be for either our
good, or our ruin. But my feelings
are not those of the council. And
so it is. Lathal shall lead until
Mephame is old enough and until
she marries. May you lead well and
in good will.

All stand and bow.

Lathal walks over to the seat of the Queen and sits. The
other Guard look surprised at this move, but say nothing.

LATHAL
Then...

He motions his hand for the others to sit. They all do.

LATHAL
Let us continue to other matters.

EXT. THE GARDEN OF THE CASTLE OF LUSTAIN - DAY

Goramoth is in the garden alone, looking around and thinking
to himself. Dorithame enters.

DORITHAME
I thought I might find you here.

GORAMOTH
It is not time for them yet.

He looks around the garden.

GORAMOTH
It is true though. I love it out
here. So peaceful. She used to
love to come out here. Oh how many
times we would spend the entire
day in this garden. Playing with
Mephame. Her husband loved it to.

DORITHAME
I know you knew him well. I wish I
had. But I was always away on her
duties.

GORAMOTH
(Smiling)
He was a good friend. I think it
is time we go.

They begin walking towards the castle.

DORITHAME
You were hard on Lathal yesterday.
He may be ill tempered. But the
council was right to chose him.
Why did you oppose? Did envy spite
you?

GORAMOTH
Envy? Ha! I have never had a
child. I could hardly lead a
nation. No, I do not think of
myself as a General. But I do
think of Lustain.

Pause

GORAMOTH
Lathal is wise, and he can lead us
and Mephame to great things. But
he is not selfless. Before the war
he tried to lead the council
through many resolutions to give
the Red Guard more power. Power
that belonged to the Queen. Power
we did not need. He questions, I
think, why we must follow one
woman in all that we do. He does
not share the passion you and I
do.

DORITHAME
Still, he is a strong leader.

GORAMOTH
Hmm. Towards what? During the war
he led endless offensives. Most of
them meaningless. All in the name
of Lustain? The Queen? No. For
Lathal the great warrior! That is
for whom those battles were
fought.

The have arrived inside and come to a door that is closed.
They stop in front of it.

GORAMOTH
But I am not a revolutionary. The
council has decided and I will
follow Lathal, with cautious eyes.

He opens the door. Inside is a classroom with fifteen young
boys, ranging in age from six to ten or so. Mephame is
inside but not particularly noticeable. She is also running
around and playing in the classroom with the others.

DORITHAME
(In Soldatain)
Good morning class. Take your
seats. Take your seats.

Quickly and obediently the children sit down. Mephame sits
in the first row.

DORITHAME
(In Soldatan)
I am Dorithame. This is Goramoth.

The children look at each other, not understanding the
language.

DORITHAME
Soldatan is the language of the
guard.. The language of the Queen.
You don't know it now. But you
will.

GORAMOTH
You parents have trusted your
education to the guard. And one
day, you will be of the guard, to
serve the Queen. Here, you will
learn Soldatan, fighting,
literature and maths.

CHILD 1
Will we learn to use the pistols?
And the muskets?

DORITHAME
Pistols? Muskets!

GORAMOTH
Those are weapons for the army,
child. Weapons of the untrained,
the unskilled. Your parents
thought more of you. You are the
elite! We will not teach you to
use a gun! We will teach you to
use this!

He unsheathes his sword. The children gasp. He moves in
close to the children.

GORAMOTH
(Whispering)
And with this, you can cut any
musket right in half!

            DORITHAME
      (Holding up two
       wooden swords.)
Let's try shall we? Mephame, come
up here. And...

All the children raise their hand eagerly. Dorithame picks
one at random.

DORITHAME
You sir. What's your name?

HATHAL
Hathal, sir.

GORAMOTH
Hathal. That is a strong name.
Very well then. Mephame,

He positions Mephames hands to hold the sword a certain way.

GORAMOTH
This is a full defensive position.
Like this you can easily move to
stop any head on assault. Hathal,
you may attack.

Hathal obeys. He attacks Mephame. He swings at her and in a
close shot the two wooden swords become real ones. A wide
shot reveals that we are fourteen years later. Hathal and
Fascamine are sparing with members of the guard and some
classmates watching.

Lathal smiles.

DORITHAME
Lathal has trained her well these
years.

GORAMOTH
Indeed he has. Though I do not
recall the council meeting to
decide who would be her master.

DORITHAME
Come now, Gormoth! He has
impressed me.

GORAMOTH
So has this Hathal. He has become
stronger than I could have ever
imagined.

DORITHAME
You think he will be General?

GORAMOTH
In less then a year, our time will
have come. We must decide. He is
the most fit. He is the best
fighter.

DORITHAME
A General must be more than that.
He has to be wise as he is strong.

GORAMOTH
He is wise enough. Passionate, but
not without restraint. Perhaps
most important he loves Mephame in
a way I have not seen in a long
time. A long time.

DORITHAME
What of your apprentice? You see
no possibility in him?

Mephame defeats Hathal in the sparring match. The two stop.
Hathal bows in respect of his defeat.

LATHAL
Good! Good! You get better
everyday my dear girl. That will
be all for today.

The room disburses. Goramoth and Dorithame leave together.

INT. INSIDE GORAMOTH'S HOME - DAY

Goramoth has just finished making tea for the two of them.
Dorithame is sitting at the kitchen table in front of a low
burning fire. Goramoth comes to the table and pours the tea
into their cups.

DORITHAME
You did not answer me at the
castle. What of your apprentice?
Do you see no future in him?

GORAMOTH
You are very anxious to know who
will be General! No. Semith is a
good child, but he is not fit to
lead. Like too many of the Guard
these days he has too much
ambition. Something I am sure
Lathal enjoys in him.

DORITHAME
Where is he now?

GORAMOTH
Lathal sent him on some task in
the woodlands. Chasing ghosts
again! Humph! Latahal is just as
superstitious as those commoners
for believing in such things.
Chasing the wind!

10.

DORITHAME
Were you not to go with him then?

GORAMOTH
Come now. I may call him a boy but
he is hardly that anymore. He will
be released from my service within
the year. He is one of the guard
now.

DORITHAME
Indeed. I suppose now they all
are. And Hathal shall lead.

            GORAMOTH
      (Smiling as he
       pours another
       cup.)
And I will have more time for tea.

INT. GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

'Urithane'

A large table of the guard is in the center of the slightly
different hall of the Queen. The guards all sit down, but
the chair of the Queen remains empty.

SAMUEL
Welcome all. Let us begin, shall
we? Eric, you have just returned
from the northern defenses. What
news from the mountains?

ERIC
Nothing of importance. The people
there remain in their caves. From
time to time we see torches, but
nothing of any interest. Just
people moving to and fro. The
defenses are always manned in
case, but they will not attack.

SAMUEL
And of the outer territories?

URITHANE GUARD 1
Everything outside of the city is
quiet. More rumors have been
moving through the towns of the
ghosts in the east, but it has
(MORE)

11.

URITHANE GUARD 1 (cont'd)
created nothing more than jokes
and pranks.

SAMUEL
Then all is quiet. Are there any
other matters to be addressed?

URITHANE GUARD 2
And of the training of the
Princess? How are things?

SAMUEL
She only has a few more months.
She has become a better sword
fighter than myself. And she
remains as kind hearted as the
first day we sat here. She will be
a good Queen.

ERIC
Should we discuss the matter of
her marriage?

The room goes dead silent.

ERIC
After all, Smauel says she is
ready. And if she is ready to
lead, then she is ready to marry.

URITHANE GUARD 1
I think there is no rush in such
things. A little longer will hurt
no one.

UGUARD2
And just how much longer would you
like? We are holding Fascamine's
place. I think it is time she took
it.

SAMUEL
Eric is right. Urithane has gone
too long without a Queen and the
Guard without a General. It is
time. And it is our duty to
oversee this transition.

URITHANE GUARD 1
Very well. Then who?

Samuel looks down at the table and does not say a word.

12.

Everyone knows that he and Fascamine are in love. But it
would be against the ways of Urithane for them to marry.
Again the room goes silent.

EXT. IN A FIELD OUTSIDE THE CASTLE GATES - DAY

Mathiew is inspecting flowers that grow wildly in the field.
With him is Dilon, a young man of about twenty, helping him.

            DILON
      (Picking up some
       dandilions)
How about these? She likes yellow,
doesn't she?

MATHIEW
(Smiles)
Those are weeds, Dilon. We are
picking flowers for a princess. I
think we should try to find
something a little more of her
statute.

Dilon, a bit embarrased by his lack of knowledge, throws the
flowers on the ground and walks over to Mathiew, who is
still looking around.

DILON
And you know so much about
flowers?

MATHIEW
I do, in fact. Medicine and nature
was my study in the achademy.

DILON
What a waste! Studying flowers and
making potions that never work.

MATHIEW
It is as good as any trade. And it
is a way to celebrate the Queen
better than fighting battles.

DILON
I prefer battles. Full of honor
and courage. I am studying
warfare, you know?

MATHIEW
(Half listening.)
Yes, I know.

13.

DILON
I will make a good soldier one
day.

MATHIEW
But you're not a solider. You are
in the formation of the guard.

DILON
Even better. We lead the army.

MATHIEW
Only in times of war. Sometimes I
wonder if I should have been your
master. I was too young to teach
someone. So interested in
fighting, maybe you should have
asked to be the apprentice of
someone else.

DILON
Someone else? Ha! You may pretend
to not care about swords or
battles. But behind your flowers
everyone knows you are one of the
greatest fighters. Some even say
you're better than Samuel or
Fascamine.

            MATHIEW
      (Looks right at
       him.)
That is because I love the Queen.
That is what it means to be a Red
Guard. You must love her purely,
with all your soul. You must fight
with a fury that comes from the
heart. And to the very end, you
must never give up. That is
loyalty. That is love for
Fascamine.

DILON
And that is why I you were and are
a good master. All these years we
have been friends, I can think of
no other who could train me
better.

MATHIEW
(Smiling)
And I am proud of you.

14.

Mathiew looks over Dilon's shoulder and sees some flowers.

MATHIEW
Ah!

He walks over and picks them up.

MATHIEW
Solqeens Plant! Fair to the eyes,
and intoxicating for the senses.
Even when it is dying, it is
beautiful.

He looks at it for a moment. He does not see a cavalry of
hourses ridding towards him, carrying the emblem of Urithane
and the Queen.

MATHIEW
(Whispering)
Perfect.

The cavalry closes in and the ground begins to trembel. The
two turn around to see Red Guards on their horses. The
guards stop just in front of Mathiew.

GUARD ON HORSE
Mathiew of Urithane, we have been
asked to take you back to the
castle.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF URITHANE - DAY

Mathiew and Dilon arrive on with the guardsmen that were
sent to get them. They dismount at the stairs in front of
the main entrance, where Samuel is waiting for them. The
rest of the guard disburse to do other duties, leaving
Dilon, Samuel and Mathiew alone.

MATHIEW
(Bowing)
Samuel.

SAMUEL
Welcome Mathiew, welcome Dilon.

MATHIEW
To what do I owe the honor of a
personal escort to the great gates
of Urithane?

SAMUEL
Good news.

15.

He looks at Dilon

SAMUEL
Dilon, there is still lunch in the
dining hall if you are hungry.

Dilon looks at Mathiew, who looks back with eyes saying he
should go.

DILON
(To Samuel)
Thank you, sir. I would like that
very much.

Dilon leaves.

SAMUEL
I haven't been in the garden
recently. I hear it is very
beautiful since the spring has
come.

MATHIEW
Indeed it is, sir.

SAMUEL
Come, walk with me.

The two walk to the garden.

SAMUEL
Indeed! It is beautiful. Now I
understand why everyone comes
here.

MATHIEW
Sir, why have you called me here?

            SAMUEL
      (Taking a deep
       breath)
Because, Mathiew, the council has
voted this morning for the General
of the Guard.

MATHIEW
(His eyes widening)
Husband of the Queen.

SAMUEL
Indeed. And as I am sure you are
aware, you are revered as the
strongest in your class. Some say
(MORE)

16.

SAMUEL (cont'd)
you are better than Fascamine.
You, Mathiew, will be the next
Guard. You will marry Fascamine.

Mathiew is overjoyed with this decision. But he does not
make a scene.

MATHIEW
And... what has she said of this?

Samuel looks up at the tower where Fascamine's room is. It
is too far to be sure, but it seems that Fascamine's shadow
can be seen in the window, looking down at the two talking.
He looks back to Mathiew.

SAMUEL
I do not know what she said. It
was Eric who went to announce her
the news. But she knows you well,
and trusts you. I know you love
her. I am sure she is as joyful as
you are.

Samuel's face has turned difficultly grim by now. He does
not want to give this news, but must follow tradition.
Mathiew is very well aware of all of this. He face also
reflects the fact that he, like everyone, knows that Samuel
and Fascamine are in love.

He looks back up at the tower. Mathiew also looks up,
wondering what he is looking at. The shadow disappears from
the window.

SWITCH TO FASCAMINE'S CHAMBER

FASCAMINE
Why must it be so?

ERIC
My lady, the council has chosen
what is best for you.

FASCAMINE
Have they? And what does the
council know of me? You all still
see me as a little girl. Yet you
are hardly men yourselves. How old
are you, Eric?

ERIC
Forty-five winters, my lady.

17.

FASCAMINE
Barely double. Hardly an elder.
You are all the beneficiaries of
war, given power long before your
time had come.

ERIC
The guard is sworn to your well
being, to your protection. You
must understand that.

FASCAMINE
And what about my happiness? Can I
rule for the good of all when I am
not well?

ERIC
What you wish, my lady, is
impossible.

FASCAMINE
Why, why is that impossible?
Because of age? Why? I will be
Queen! I can start a war if I so
wish. Why can't I marry as I will?

ERIC
You are not Queen yet. You can not
marry outside the Guard. And
Samuel's time has come. We are
young, yes, but no longer the
youngest. It is time to let
another generation rule.

Fascamine paces around nervously.

ERIC
Mathiew is a good man, and he
loves you. He will care for you.

FASCAMINE
At it's least, that is true. Thank
you Eric. You may go.

ERIC
(Bowing)
My lady.

Eric leaves Fascamine alone. She goes to the window and
looks out again with tears in her eyes.

18.

INT. LATHAL'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Lathal is looking into the bright burning fire in his room.
Semith enters dressed in a black cloak.

LATHAL
The council has appointed Hathal
as General of the Guard.

SEMITH
I know. I would have been there if
it had not been for these new
incidents in the woods.

LATHAL
These ghost stories are beginning
to become a nuisance.

SEMITH
All the same, they have their
benefits.

LATHAL
So Goramoth still thinks you are
in the woodlands?

SEMITH
Why shouldn't he? Such an
assignment could take months.
Besides, he trusts too much.

LATHAL
(Smiling)
Well, good Semith, you would know.

Lathal walks over to the table and pours himself some wine.
He offers some to Semith who takes a glass.

LATHAL
Hathal's appointment to the Guard
means he will marry Mephame. It
was not unexpected, but it is
quite troubling for us.

SEMITH
What would you have done?

LATHAL
Come now, Semith, we have
discussed this before. Mephame is
too young, she is too weak to rule
an entire Queendom. Someone older,
wiser, must lead. Had the council
(MORE)

19.

LATHAL (cont'd)
ajourned in stalemate, I could
have suggested the obvious.

SEMITH
(Jokingly)
That you should marry her?

Lathal slams his fist on the table. Dorithame stops
laughing.

LATHAL
That is precisely what must
happen.

Pause.

LATHAL
I have spent fifteen years
rebuilding this country. We will
not just hand it over to a child.
As a symbol, she may remain Queen,
for the people. But the Guard must
rule.

SEMITH
Then you plan to go through with
your plan?

LATHAL
Indeed I do. The pieces are
already moving.

SEMITH
It is a dangerous road you are
taking, Lathal. not only for
yourself, but for the entire
Guard.

LATHAL
True. But with much risk comes
much reward. When the time comes
to reward, I will remember those
who were loyal and those who were
not.

SEMITH
And I am loyal to you.

LATHAL
Good. You must leave again.
Tonight. there is something else
of great importance you must do.

20.

INT. FASCAMINE'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Fascamine is alone. The door knocks. She goes to answer it
with a smile on her face. It is Mathiew. Her smile fades a
little, but she tries to keep it.

FASCAMINE
Mathiew! To what do I owe the
pleasure?

            MATHIEW
      (Holding up the
       flowers.)
I was in the fields today. I
thought you might like these.

FASCAMINE
They are... very beautiful. Thank
you.

MATHIEW
I thought you may want to see me.
Now that Eric has told you.

FASCAMINE
He did tell me. But I don't know
if I am ready, Mathiew. I need
time to accept this.

MATHIEW
It saddens me that you have to
accept it, my lady. I know you do
not love me.

Fascamine looks at him with wide eyes, shocked by his
comment.

MATHIEW
But I do hope... In time you will
see my loyalty to you, and my
never ending love for you. Maybe
that will one day inspire you.

Pause. Fascamine holds back tears.

MATHIEW
You must be tired. I should not
have bothered you at this hour.

FASCAMINE
(Crying)
Mathiew.

21.

MATHIEW
(Bowing)
Good night, my lady.

Mathiew exits her chamber and closes the door, on his way
out he passes Samuel who is climbing the stairs. The two
look at each other.

MATHIEW
Samuel, it is late to be in this
part of the castle, isn't it?

SAMUEL
The Queen has called for me. For
what service I do not know.

MATHIEW
Well, serve her well, whatever it
may be.

Samuel enters Fascamine's chamber. He stands at attention.

SAMUEL
You called for me, my lady.

FASCAMINE
Samuel, why stand such a way? You
are not in a parade.

SAMUEL
(Not moving)
Why have you called for me?

FASCAMINE
Did you vote today?

SAMUEL
I am the voice of the council, my
lady. I...

FASCAMINE
Did you vote today?

SAMUEL
...

FASCAMINE
And who did you vote for? The
great Mathiew? Strong and wise?

She slaps him hard across his face. He does not move a
muscle.

22.

FASCAMINE
How could you?

SAMUEL
...

FASCAMINE
How could you!

She calms herself.

FASCAMINE
In all these years you have looked
at me not as my master, but as
someone who loved me. And my eyes
offered you the same regard. You
could have had my heart, my
breast, my everything. But not one
kiss, never once before tonight
did you ever come to my chambers
at night. Now you come because I
am to be married? Do you feel
safer because of that.

SAMUEL
You are mistaken, my lady. I
thought you wished something of
me.

FASCAMINE
I do. I wanted to see what you
thought of this. You may not be
general, but you are respected as
one. Call the counsil, reverse the
order. Give me my true husband.

SAMUEL
You know I can not do that. You
ask the impossible.

She tries to walk towards him and touch his face, he moves
back slightly, trying not to lsoe his at attention postion.

            SAMUEL
      (With a tear in
       his eye)
It is late. Tomorrow will be long.
Many things must be planned for
your wedding... Sleep well, my
lady.

Samuel exits. Fascamine burries her face in her hands.

23.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF LUSTAIN - DAY

From the watch tower of the castle a rider approaches the
castle. It is Semith, returning from Lathal's task. He
arrives at the gates of the castle. A servant boy takes his
horse and he walks into the castle. He makes his way to the
council room where Lathal is looking at some papers.
Goramoth is also there along with Dorithame and some other
Guards.

LATHAL
Ah! I see that your apprentice has
returned in good health, Goramoth.

SEMITH
Hail Lathal. I return with good
news.

GORAMOTH
Hail Lathal? I was not aware we
were making a custom of hailing
anyone, save Mephame.

LATHAL
What news do you bring of the
woodlands, Semith?

SEMITH
As was expected, there is nothing
of any concern. Our woods are
quiet. The Great Woods east of the
river are still untouched and
quiet. These ghost stories are
merely peasant talk, made worse
with wine and beer.

GORAMOTH
Tell me, Semith, how far east into
the woods did you travel?

SEMITH
Not more than a day or two. Once
the old path fades out there is
little to see. Trees have a way of
looking alike. Not very scenic.

LATHAL
Well then, I suppose that makes
our little meeting quite short.
Thank you, good sirs.

Everyone stands up and disburses. Goramoth approaches
Dorithame.

24.

GORAMOTH
Meet me at my home. Come as quick
as possible.

DORITHAME
Why?

GORAMOTH
Something is amiss. He has been
gone for more than three months,
but his journey should have taken
less than a fortnight. I fear
Semith has been doing more than
chasing ghosts for Lathal.

EXT. THE GRAVEYARD OF THE QUEENS - NIGHT

It is dusk. Mephame has brought flowers to her mother's
grave. Hathal approaches her from behind.

HATHAL
It's very dangerous for the future
Queen to be out this far without
escort. Don't you think? They say
there are ghosts in these woods.

MEPHAME
I would be afraid, perhaps, if I
were weak and needed an escort.
But seeing as I am more skilled
than the Guard, where is the need?

HATHAL
Then I suppose you will have
little need for me.

MEPHAME
I don't need you for your strength
or your sword, Hathal.

She kisses him.

MEPHAME
(Smiling)
I need you for your heart.

HATHAL
That, you will always have, my
love.

25.

MEPHAME
Come to my room tonight, once the
guards have fallen asleep.

HATHAL
They won't fall asleep. They are
charged with guarding you through
the night.

MEPHAME
Please! There is no task easier
nor more boring than guarding the
entrance to the Queen's Chamber.
They are always dreaming by
midnight.

HATHAL
Either way, you know I can not
visit you.

MEPHAME
Such a silly thing. A law with no
meaning.

HATHAL
All the same, it is the way of
things. Another month and we shall
have every night together,
forever.

MEPHAME
(Holding him)
Forever can't come soon enough.

INT. GORAMOTH'S HOME - NIGHT

Goramoth and Dorithane are sitting at his table, drinking
tea. Dorithane has not touched his tea.

GORAMOTH
Lathal is plotting something. He
is trying to keep his power.

DORITHAME
All these years you have disputed
Lathal. Mephame will be married in
a month and Hathal will be
General. What else can you ask of
Lathal?

26.

GORAMOTH
Mephame will be Queen, the people
demand it and Lathal knows this.
But if Hathal were not here... Who
would lead? Semith has not been
himself since he returned. And he
bows to Lathal as if he were
Semith's master. I fear Semith's
mind has been poisoned with
promises of glory.

DORITHAME
Let us wait until the wedding
comes, and see what comes of it.
You are weary from years of
politics. Your judgement could be
unbalanced.

GORAMOTH
Weddings. Humph. That is another
thing that bothers me. Lathal has
asked me to go north to Urithane
and represent Lustain at the
wedding of Fascamine. And he wants
me to take Hathal with me.

DORITHAME
(Laughing)
But that is a great honor! It will
give Hathal some seeing of foreign
politics. And Mephame's wedding is
not planned for until next month.
I doubt it will start without
Hathal.

GORAMOTH
Don't you see what is happening
here? I am being sent away.
Urithane will be festive, they
will have no time for politics. He
knows this. I am being removed.
More importantly, Hathal is being
removed.

DORITHAME
What will you do?

GORAMOTH
I must still go. Lathal is our
General and he has broken no laws.
I do not trust him, but I must do
my duty before all. I leave for
Urithane in the morning. Semith
(MORE)

27.

GORAMOTH (cont'd)
will stay here at Lathal's
request.

DORITHAME
You said yourself he is no longer
really in your service.

GORAMOTH
Indeed.

INT. MEPHAME'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Mephame is brushing her hair, preparing to go to sleep.
There is a knock at her door.

HATHAL
I sent the guards away.

MEPHAME
You have been sent north.

HATHAL
I can not bare the thought of
being away from you for so long.

MEPHAME
And still, you will go.

HATHAL
I must go. It is my duty. I must
obey the General of the Guard.

MEPHAME
Soon you will obey only me. Let us
pretend it is he way of things
now. And I command you to sleep
with me. In my bed this night.

HATHAL
Mephame, it is not...

MEPHAME
There is nothing it can not be. I
want to have this night which I
might use to remember you all
these nights you shall not be
here. I want to be held, so I can
know what it feels to be held by
you.

She lets her robe fall and she stands before him naked.

28.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF LUSTAIN - DAY

Goramoth stands before Lathal, Dorithane, Hathal, Semith,
and some other guards. They have come to wish him farewell
on his journey.

LATHAL
Take care. May your journey be
swift and pleasant. Give Urithane
our blessings and our joy for
their Queen.

GORAMOTH
Indeed I shall.

He bows and mounts his horse.

GORAMOTH
(Looking at Lathal)
I will return in two month's time
at latest. I look forward to
Mephame's wedding.

Goramoth and Hathal rides off.

DORITHAME
He cares much for the Queen. He is
a good man.

LATHAL
Much for the Queen, but how much
for Lustain? Come, there is much
to discuss.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF LUSTAIN - DAY

Everyone sits at their seat at the great table. Lathal takes
his place in the Queen's Chair.

LATHAL
Semith has told me of his dealings
with the mountain people. They
have agreed to help us.

SEMITH
They have placed spies within the
city walls in Urithane. They will
wait until after the wedding when
the guard is less prudent. When
they feel the moment is right,
they will strike.

29.

DORITHAME
How do you know the guard of
Urithane will do as you think?

LATHAL
They won't have a choice. Not
enough of their guard are
experienced enough. They army can
not enter the mountains. It will
be their only choice.

SEMITH
We have now only to wait.

EXT. CASTLE OF URITHANE - DAY

EXT. THE CASTLE OF URITHANE - DAY

Hathal and Goramoth arrive at the gates of Urithane.

MATHIEW
(In Soldatan)
Welcome good Sirs to Urithane.

GORAMOTH
(In Soldatan)
Hail Mathiew, General of the Guard
to be and his wife Fascamine,
Queen of Urithane.

MATHIEW
I trust you journey was easy.

GORAMOTH
Long but quiet, yes. How are your
preparations coming?

MATHIEW
All is well and ready, thank you.
Everything will be ready for
tomorrow. I only wish you had come
sooner. It would have been nice to
acquaint ourselves before the
entire nation comes to our
footstep.

GORAMOTH
Of that matter I must ask you if I
may not meet with your council
today. There are matters of great
importance I wish to discuss.

30.

MATHIEW
It may be difficult to find
someone to discuss politics with
you today, good sir. But I think I
know one man who might have time
for such things.

GORAMOTH
I am indebted to you.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

Goramoth stands alone in front of the fire. Samuel enters.

SAMUEL
(In Soldatan)
Good afternoon.

Goramoth turns around.

SAMUEL
I am Samuel.

GORAMOTH
Are you the General of Urithane?

SAMUEL
We have no General as you do. We
share power until tomorrow when
Mathiew will take his place. But
when matters disturb the council,
I am often given the
responsibility of finding a
solution.

GORAMOTH
I asked Mathiew to call council.

SAMUEL
Come now. The entire nation is
preparing for the wedding of the
princess. Lustain is in the south.
There is no threat to your nation
save for your ghost stories to the
east.

GORAMOTH
I am not concerned with ghost
stories of the east. Lathal is
plotting against our Queen. I fear
while I am here a plot is stirring
at home.

31.

SAMUEL
And what do you expect from us?

GORAMOTH
For the moment nothing. But I need
someone I can speak with. If
Lustain falls to Lathal's hands, I
will not be able to stop him. He
has corrupted the guard and I fear
most of my men and even my friends
are now in his plotting.

SAMUEL
You ask us to invade Lustain?

GORAMOTH
I ask you to be aware that dark
times may be coming. We are all
blinded by the light of these two
weddings. I fear Lathal will
strike soon.

SAMUEL
I will send scouts south to keep
and eye on things if you wish. But
for now there is little else I can
do. If such things come to pass,
we will discuss them then.

GORAMOTH
Thank you. There is one more
thing. Has anyone come for the
wedding from the Mountains? Or the
Valley?

SAMUEL
No. Nor should I expect them. No
one has heard from the Valley in
hundreds of years. There is no
reason to think they will come
now. The mountain people still
hate Urithane. Even if we are at
peace.

INT. BALCONY OF THE GUEST CHAMBER, URITHANE - DAY

Goramoth stands on the balcony with a cup of tea. He watches
the scouts Samuel promised leave the city walls.

GORAMOTH
Scouts! It is a two week journey
to the castle of Lustain. If
(MORE)

32.

GORAMOTH (cont'd)
Lathal intends to strike while we
are here, it will all be over by
the time they arrive.

HATHAL
It is normal that they do not
believe you. There has not been
this kind of conspiracy in written
history.

GORAMOTH
That is what scares me. All this
is happening too easily. And the
dogma of our order is beginning to
work against us.

HATHAL
When I am General, I will see to
it that it ends forever.

GORAMOTH
And what would you do, good
Hathal?

HATHAL
Any guard who acts against the
Queen is a traitor. They will be
executed as such.

GORAMOTH
When this is over, you may find
that doing such a thing would
erase the entire guard. It will be
a time for forgiveness, Hathal,
not for revenge.

HATHAL
Mephame must be honored,
respected. I will not have any
less. I would rid this world of
all the guard if it had to be so.

GORAMOTH
(Surprised)
Then I hope with all my love for
this world, that it will not be
so.

EXT. CASTLE OF URITHANE - DAY

The wedding has begun. All the citizens of Urithane are

33.

standing and watching with great joy as Fascamine passes
them in a beautiful and elaborate white gown. They thrown
white and red flowers on her path as she walks into the main
hall of the castle. Inside there are the members of the
guard in full dress and other members of the aristocracy.
Fascamine's head is bent and she is sad. At the foot of the
hall is the throne of the queen beautifully decorated for
her first day. Samuel is standing in the centre, he will be
leading the ceremony. Standing one step down from him is
Mathiew in a special uniform.

Music overcomes the exact words of Samuel's speech. He too
looks somewhat disturbed, but he is still very official. He
speaks to Mathiew and then to Fascamine. He bows to Mathiew
and the rest of the guard do so as well. He allows Mathiew
to kiss Fascamine's teary face. Mathiew makes as though he
does not see the tears. The Fascamine kneels to receive the
crown.

SAMUEL
Long may they be the days of the
Queen, Fascamine, ruler of
Urithane. And to her protector,
Mathiew, General of the Guard.

The Guard kneel.

SAMUEL
(Looking up.)
May they be blessed.

EXT. THE COURTYARD OF URITHANE. - NIGHT

Fireworks explode and the entire city is dancing and
celebrating the long awaited return of the Queen. Some of
the guard are not celebrating but watching the gates. Many
people are coming to Fascamine and offering her simple gifts
as homage. Samuel is walking about watching the crowd and
Fascamine. She sees this and excuses herself to people and
approaches him.

SAMUEL
(Bowing)
Your majesty.

FASCAMINE
Are we going to be like this for
the rest of our lives then?

SAMUEL
Yes.

34.

FASCAMINE
Pity.

SAMUEL
Are you enjoying your party?

FASCAMINE
I am trying to. But there are so
many people. Everyone wants to
give me something and congratulate
me. It is very tiring.

SAMUEL
You are their Queen now. You
belong to them as much as they
belong to you.

FASCAMINE
I haven't even had time to dance.
But I do so love this song. Dance
with me, dearest Samuel.

SAMUEL
I think Mathiew would be more
inclined.

FASCAMINE
But I am now Queen. And you are
one of the guard. I believe that
obliges you to do what I say.

SAMUEL
(Bowing his head.)
Majesty.

FASCAMINE
Then I command you, soldier of the
guard, to dance with me.

The two dance. Mathiew looks from afar with jealous eyes.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

It is the first meeting of the guard under the rule of
Fascamine. She sits at the throne with the main guards at
their table.

FASCAMINE
And what of the military? They are
under equipped as I last saw. They
require more arms. The cannons
need re-fitting.

35.

ERIC
As you can see, Majesty, the
city's need for repairs are
becoming pressing. More money must
go to this problem.

FASCAMINE
I asked of our military, not our
roads.

ERIC
Majesty, it is important that the
people be taken care of. The
cities repairs is only one worry.
The villages outside these gates
are in desperate need of aide.
Many will starve the winter.

FASCAMINE
As Queen my responsibility to the
people is to protect them as a
guardian. But they must be strong.
I will not feed them like infants.
The military has priority. It must
be brought up to date. I want my
cannons repaired.

SAMUEL
And when they are repaired,
Majesty, who will they be prepared
to fight?

FASCAMINE
Your desire for peace, Samuel, is
commendable. But it is not even 25
years since Urithane last saw war.
A war my own mother died in. I
will not have Urithane stand weak.

ERIC
And of the people?

FASCAMINE
The people must learn to live with
the good they have. Their defense
is more important for the moment.

MATHIEW
What news comes from Lustain? Our
scouts have returned I hear.

36.

ERIC
The scouts have returned from all
parts of Lustain. The outer
villages complain of ghosts in the
woods, but nothing more. In the
city there is no unrest. It would
seem, good Goramoth, that your
worry has been for nothing.

GORAMOTH
I admit that this is puzzling. I
expected more from Lathal by now.

FASCAMINE
He has undoubtedly had the chance
to do the things you accuse him
of. Yet he has done nothing. You
are returning home soon. I see no
reason to redeploy scouts.

SAMUEL
There is one more matter to be
brought to your attention, my
lady.

FASCAMINE
What troubles you, Samuel?

SAMUEL
With your majesty on the throne,
and Mathiew to lead us, I do not
see the need for me to continue my
service. I ask to be dismissed.

FASCAMINE
To go where?

SAMUEL
That, I do not know. Perhaps into
the country.

FASCAMINE
You are still a master, Samuel.

SAMUEL
Forgive me, my lady, but Danial
has been ready for some time now
to become a member of the guard.
His acceptance has only been
delayed by more pressing matters.

37.

FASCAMINE
Mathiew, you know Danial's
training as well as you know your
own Dilon. Is this so?

MATHIEW
It is true that Dilon and Danial
are close friends, so I have seen
Danial's fighting closely. He is
talented, a good student, but not
yet ready for the guard. He still
needs training.

FASCAMINE
Then it is so. Danial will not be
accepted with haste. Your request
is denied, Samuel.

            SAMUEL
      (With shock and
       anger)
My lady.

FASCAMINE
This meeting of the guard is then
closed.

She stands. Everyone else stands and bows. Fascamine leaves
the room and the guard begin to disburse. Samuel walks up
furiously to Mathiew.

            SAMUEL
      (Whispering
       angrily.)
What do you think you are doing?
You know damn well that both our
apprentices are ready.

MATHIEW
Perhaps so, but it was not the
Queen's will to let you go. She
only used me as a formality. I had
to concur with the Queen's wishes.
You know this, Samuel. The Queen
before all.

Pause.

MATHIEW
(In Soldatan)
May the Queen Bless you with a
good day.

38.

Mathiew leaves Samuel, who stands stunned.

INT. THE LIBRARY, URITHANE - DAY

Fascamine is looking at some books. Samuel walks in. She
sees him and puts her book down.

FASCAMINE
(Smiling)
Lord Samuel.To what do I owe the
honor?

SAMUEL
What are you doing, Fascamine? My
staying here will bring no good. I
have served my time and loaly. It
is time for me to go.

Fascamine begins to walk through the ailes of books.

FASCAMINE
Do you remember when I was
younger? We spent hours in here,
reading about everything. The
Great Legends. Poetry. Love
Stories. I miss doing that with
you.

SAMUEL
You are not listening to me.

FASCAMINE
Come this way.

She motions with her hand to a small room. Samuel hesitates,
but her followers her into the Archives.

FASCAMINE
(Whispering)
Things of this nature are
forbidden in this land. If you
want to speak the word 'love', you
have to whisper.

SAMUEL
Fascamine...

39.

            LATHAL
      (Putting her
       finger to his
       lips.)
Shh! Let us whisper, just once. Do
you love me?

Samuel breathes hard and says nothing. Fascamine takes his
hand and moves it over her body, leading to her breast.

FASCAMINE
If you could have me and all that
I would give you, would you take
it?

SAMUEL
Fasc...

            FASCAMINE
      (Coming close to
       his lips.)
Whisper...

The two kiss passionately. They hold each other tightly.
Samuel begins to cry. He holds Fascamine tightly.

SAMUEL
I love you.

Fascamine begins to cry.

SAMUEL
With all that I am to the end of
my days I will love you.

He looks at her, holding her shoulders.

SAMUEL
We can not discuss this here.

FASCAMINE
Then meet me, tonight. In the
woods outside the castle.

SAMUEL
I will. I will see you there.

They kiss again and for the last time. Samuel hangs his head
in shame.

SAMUEL
And for the last time.

40.

EXT. COURTYARD OF URITHANE - NIGHT

Fascamine, cloaked in black, sneaks outside the gates to
meet Samuel. One her way she is stopped by a beggar lying
half drunk on the road.

BEGGAR
Spare something, madam. Lost much
in the war. The years haven't been
as kind to all of us.

            FASCAMINE
      (Giving him some
       coins.)
For your sufferings and loyalty to
the Queen.

She leaves the courtyard. The beggar lifts his head and we
see that in fact the man is one of the Mountain People. He
gets up and walks away.

EXT. IN A SMALL FOREST OUTSIDE URITHANE - NIGHT

Samuel steadies his horse to a tree. He looks around the
quiet, moonlit forest. He sighs deeply. He knows what he
must do. Fascamine arrives on foot. She runs up to him and
hugs him, holding him tightly.

            FASCAMINE
      (Pressed against
       his breast.)
Do you remember the first time we
came here? The moon was just like
this and you held me as you hold
me now.

SAMUEL
I remember it like it were a
dream, my lady. For that is what
it must now be.

FASCAMINE
(Stepping back.)
Then let us dream together, as we
once did.

SAMUEL
Fascamine, Mathiew is your husband
now. And he is my General. I have
only come to say goodbye. I can
not be with you anymore.

41.

FASCAMINE
Oh Samuel, only I can release you
from duty.

SAMUEL
Release me, yes. But you have
refused. So I have taken up with
the Guard in the north, at the
border with the mountains.

FASCAMINE
Then I shall move the capital.

SAMUEL
Fascamine, you have grown to
become more than I would have ever
hoped for. You are fair, wise a
wonderful swordswoman. The entire
world knows of your beauty. But
there is nothing more I can bring
you. I am sorry.

Pause

SAMUEL
Goodbye.

Samuel releases his horse and mounts it. He gallops off
slowly into the forest. Fascamine, tearfully stands there.

SWITCH TO SAMUEL RIDING AWAY SLOWLY INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE.

Samuel halts his horse and looks back. In the distance is
the capital city of Urithane, burning bright with the candle
lights and fires. He lowers his head in sadness, knowing he
can never return to the home he defended and the Queen he
loved.

SWITCH TO FASCAMINE IN THE FOREST

Fascamine is standing thinking about what happens. Some
leaves and branches move in the forest. She looks over
curiously. She approaches the bushes that were moving.
Suddenly, eight mountain men jump out from all sides.
Fascamine without a moments hesitation draws her sword. The
mountain men charge her and she kills two of them. One of
the men takes out a pistol and shoots her in the chest with
a powder bullet. The bullet explodes, knocking her to the
ground, spitting blood.

42.

SWITCH TO SAMUEL

Hearing the echo of the gun shot, Samuel turns around. He
listens.

SWITCH TO FASCAMINE

MOUNTAIN MAN 1
Are you crazy! We need her alive!

MOUNTAIN MAN 2
It is only a powder bullet.
Look...

They look at Fascamine laying in agony on the ground,
bleeding from her mouth, gasping for air.

MOUNTAIN MAN 3
We must go now! It will not be
long before she is missed.

They put her on a horse and ride off. As they ride,
Fascamine wails in agony.

SWITCH TO SAMUEL

Samuel hears Fascamine's wails.

SAMUEL
Fascamine!

He turns his horse around and strides as fast as possible
towards the wails. He arrives behind the mountain men, who
see him.

MOUNTAIN MAN 1
Quickly!

Two of the men fall behind and attack Samuel. He takes out
his sword and cuts through them with no effort.

MOUNTAIN MAN 1
Faster!

Samuel catches up quickly. Another man turns around with a
musket. He aims at Samuel. He fires. The bullet hits
Samuel's horse killing it. The horse and Samuel fall to the
ground. Samuel looks up to see the mountain men fleeing,
with Fascamine.

43.

INT. CASTLE OF URITHANE - NIGHT

Mathiew awakes to the sound a the bells ringing. Someone in
the distance is crying 'wake the guard!'

INT. THE MAIN HALL OF THE CASTLE - NIGHT

The guard are assembled in the main hall. Samuel breaks
through the doors with a thunderous boom. He walks in a
stops. All look at him.

SAMUEL
The Queen has been kidnapped by
mountain men.

A large murmur of surprise and concern erupts.

ERIC
How is this possible? The night
guards saw nothing!

SAMUEL
It happened in the woods, outside
the gate, not more than a few
minutes ride from here.

DILON
How do you know all of this?

SAMUEL
Because I was with her.

MATHIEW
And what were you doing with the
Queen in the forest? In the middle
of the night?

SAMUEL
I was leaving for the northern
boarders, near the mountains. I
had only stopped to bid her
farewell.

DILON
Because you could not do that from
within these walls? Do you know
what you...

MATHIEW
Enough! Dilon, Enough. Samuel's
madness will be dealt with later.
There is not a moment to lose. We
(MORE)

44.

MATHIEW (cont'd)
need to assemble the army, at
once.

ERIC
It shall be done.

GORAMOTH
Wait! Think about what you are
doing!

MATHIEW
Lord Goramoth, this is not your
country, nor your Queen.

GORAMOTH
True. But I beg you for only a
moment to consider. You want to
march an entire army to the north,
while strange things happen in the
south. An army can not move
through the mountains. The people
there know that. They will be
waiting. The fact that it is not
my country or Queen may very well
make me the only rational man in
this room.

MATHIEW
What would you have me do?

GORAMOTH
Send some of the Guard north. Hold
the army here in readiness. The
mountain people will come to
bargain for her life. Either the
Guard or gold will save her.

ERIC
There are not enough Guard with
experience to do such a thing.

Mathiew paces, thinking. He looks around the room, noticing
that Eric is right. He looks at Goramoth.

MATHIEW
True. Unless Lustain will answer
our call for help.

45.

            GORAMOTH
      (With a heavy
       sigh.)
We should return home. But we will
not leave our friends and allies
in their time of need. We will go.

INT. THE GUEST CHAMBER, URITHANE - NIGHT

HATHAL
We should be returning home!

GORAMOTH
And we will, as soon as Fascamine
is back here safely.

HATHAL
This is not our fight! Our place
is with Mephame.

GORAMOTH
And if we return home and Lathal's
plans are ready to be executed?

HATHAL
If he is planing anything!

GORAMOTH
Do not be blind. There are more
than a hundred Red Guard in
service of Mephame and yet we were
sent here for Fascamine's wedding.
And she is kidnapped only days
later! If Lustain falls to Lathal,
we will need Urithane's help. We
must earn their trust.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - NIGHT

Mathiew and Dilon are alone. Looking over a map.

MATHIEW
We will move north east along
mountains. When we arrive in the
north, we can approach from the
lakes. They can not hear us coming
with the water falls. During the
war it was the weak end of their
defenses. If our luck holds, it
will still be so.

46.

DILON
And what of the army, General?

MATHIEW
You have command in my absence.
Keep the army here. Arrest anyone
who comes to bargain for
Fascamine's life. If you are
needed, I will send Danial.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF URITHANE - DAY

Mathiew, Danial, Samuel, Hathal, Eric and Goramoth are all
preparing their horses for the journey. Dilon is with them,
but not coming.

DILON
Why are you not taking muskets?

GORAMOTH
Muskets?

SAMUEL
They are a weapon of the army,
boy. Clumsy as they are loud.

DILON
I seem to remember learning in
history that the army won the war
against these same people with
muskets.

SAMUEL
It was a new invention at the
time. It was a mistake.

HATHAL
Perhaps he is right. We can only
defeat so many through strength.

GORAMOTH
We will defeat them with skill.
Come. It is a three day journey to
the mountains. We must make haste.

DILON
Bring her home safe.

Dilon and Mathiew hug.

47.

MATHIEW
(In Soldatan)
For love of the Queen

DILON
(In Soldatan)
For love of the Queen.

EXT. ON THE ROAD NORTH - DAY

The company has taken a break. Samuel sits alone looking
over a large field. Mathiew comes over and joins him.

SAMUEL
You're looking at a great piece of
history, you know?

MATHIEW
Is that so?

SAMUEL
This is as far as the Mountain
People ever came.

MATHIEW
The Battle of Fire.

SAMUEL
Yes. Dilon was right, you know.
This is where we used muskets for
the first time. We slaughtered
them and pushed them north. I
wonder if Fascamine is not their
revenge.

MATHIEW
You were thinking about her.

Silence. Samuel just looks at Mathiew.

MATHIEW
It is quite alright. I know you
love her. Humph. I know she loves
you. But also love her, Samuel. I
love her with all my blood and I
will always obey her will.

SAMUEL
And I will never stand in your
way.

48.

MATHIEW
I know. I believe what you said
about the forest. I have great
love and respect for you, because
she does. After this is over, I
will see to it you are released.

SAMUEL
I wonder if that is still
possible. No matter how this turns
out, I fear it will change
Urithane. It may still need the
elder Guard.

MATHIEW
It will be as you wish. Come! we
have rested long enough.

INT. THE MOUNTAINS - DAY

Fascamine is caged in a small prison. People walk by from
time to time, but don't say anything. A prison guard, Doina,
enters with food.

DOINA
Eat some bread, you must be
starving.

FASCAMINE
(Eating)
Thank you. You are a woman. Is it
your custom for the women to be in
the army?

DOINA
It is our custom to survive, my
lady.

FASCAMINE
What is your name?

DOINA
Doina.

FASCAMINE
That is a very old name.

DOINA
We are a very old culture.

Another mountain man passes by and speaks to Doina for a
moment in Soldatan. She responds and he walks on.

49.

FASCAMINE
You speak Soldatan?

DOINA
Of course. We are not the
barbarians you think we are. Long
ago we had a Queen and a castle.
Did you know Urithane was once
part of our country?

FASCAMINE
That is a legend.

DOINA
(Smiles)
Legend, history. Perhaps. To the
north of here is a castle, old,
deserted and worthless. But it was
once the centre of these lands. We
were proud. But our Queen did
something quite unexpected. she
had two daughters. And you know
what? They both wanted to be
Queen. So they warred with each
other. They tore the country in
half. The north was laid to waste,
their heir executed. Her people
fled to the mountains. We have
lived here for all these
generations.

FASCAMINE
That is why you warred with my
mother? That is why you have taken
me.

DOINA
Hate is a horrible thing. It does
not sleep. It does not tire. It
does not die.

FASCAMINE
When this is over, I think I will
understand you.

DOINA
That is a shame. I had hoped I
could persuade you to see us
differently.

FASCAMINE
I see you for what you are. Just
what I was always told.
(MORE)

50.

FASCAMINE (cont'd)
Scavengers, beggars, war mongers.
You capture me in the night like
thieves and hold me like a
prisoner. Do not think that with
bread and water you have won my
favor?

DOINA
(Standing)
I am sorry to hear that. It may be
difficult to find you more water
in the future. Bread is even less
scare here. I am sure you
understand.

EXT. A LAKE IN THE NORTH - NIGHT

The company has set up camp.

ERIC
No fires. we are too close now.

DANIAL
We are well protected by the
woodlands here.

ERIC
We are too close. And I do not
want to disturb the spirits.

GORAMOTH
Spirits? You mean ghosts! Nonsense
legend of wood folk.

Goramoth walks over to Hathal.

HATHAL
I pray Mephame is well. My spirit
feels heavy tonight. I do not know
why.

GORAMOTH
I am sure she is fine. Try not to
think too much about it.

HATHAL
Is that possible?

GORAMOTH
(Smiles)
No.

51.

HATHAL
I swear if he touches her. I will
kill him. If the Guard fails her,
I will execute them all. I will
wage war and fire on this world.

GORAMOTH
Stop it. You have a good heart,
and your love is just. But do not
let your passion cloud you. No
matter what happens, we must react
with the best intentions, not some
foolish vendetta.

HATHAL
Perhaps.

SWITCH TO SAMUEL AND DANIAL.

DANIAL
I worry for Dilon. He has changed,
hasn't he? He has become obsessed
with muskets and the army.

SAMUEL
Perhaps it will make him a good
officer, even General.

DANIAL
Good General and Guard, not very
fair. I miss when we were younger.
We were very close then. He was
fun to go to school with. And a
good friend.

SAMUEL
You still spar with him?

DANIAL
Of course, from time to time. He
is not to be underestimated. We�re
a good match. But he does little
else. He spends all his time with
the army now. Glory is his
mistress.

SAMUEL
Don�t worry too much about him.
Mathiew watches over him, and he
is a good man. Just keep your eyes
to the Queen, not glory.

52.

DANIAL
I will always serve the Queen for
the good of Urithane, I promise
you.

SAMUEL
And that is what it is to be a
Guard. For the Queen and Urithane.
I am proud of you.

INT. GREAT HALL, LUSTAIN - DAY

The Red Guard are assembled. A meeting is already in
progress.

LATHAL
This news of Fascamine's
kidnapping is disturbing. The
Mountain People have not been so
bold in over a generation.

SEMITH
The Guard must be cautious. If
they are daring enough to
infiltrate Urithane, they may be
so bold as to come to Lustain.

LATHAL
I have already seen to it. Mephame
has been confined to her chamber
for the time being. I am sure you
will all agree it is the only way
to be certain.

DORITHAME
I am not sure such radical actions
are necessary. The Castle is well
guarded. Perhaps more men
patrolling, stronger boarders. But
to keep Mephame in her chamber is
a bit harsh.

LATHAL
Perhaps. But I do not wish to risk
anything. Especially with the heir
to her throne in her belly.

A great murmur of surprise and shock.

DORITHAME
How is that possible? Hathal could
not have...

53.

Dorithame stares fearfully at Lathal.

LATHAL
I am aware that the traditions of
this land have been broken. For
this I beg the pardon of the
Guard. But there is less sin in
breaking tradition than in letting
Lustain fall to ruin. Mephame's
daughter, my daughter, shall
inherit a great nation. And with
the two of us to guide her at her
side.

DORITHAME
(Whispering)
Goramoth was right.

SEMITH
I shall take it upon myself to
watch the Princess day and night
until she gives birth.

DORITHAME
This is preposterous! Does no one
else see it? You mean to say our
Princess is holding your child.

LATHAL
I am? Does it surprise you so?

DORITHAME
It does. I wish to see her. I want
to touch her belly.

LATHAL
I am afraid that is quite
impossible.

EXT. THE WATERFALLS - DAY

The company arrives before a massive waterfall.

MATHIEW
Behind that waterfall is the
entrance to their city.

SAMUEL
You want to just run in there?

54.

MATHIEW
Of course not. But it is the back
way. Hopefully there will be fewer
guards. We will have to kill them
quickly. From there it is all a
matter of chance.

ERIC
Mathiew is right. We have no way
of knowing what is inside. There
is no other way.

DANIAL
At its least we have the element
of surprise. If they are expecting
the army, they are surely looking
to the slopes to the east.

SAMUEL
Then the falls it is.

Behind the waterfall there are only two guards. Samuel
throws his sword and hits one in the chest. Mathiew attacks
the other one and kills him.

MATHIEW
Come, quickly now.

The company runs in, killing any guards they pass. There are
only a few people. One guard sees them ahead. Shocked, he
runs for a horn.

GORAMOTH
Kill him! Quick!

Eric throws a dagger but the guard gets off one blow before
he dies.

GORAMOTH
Come! There isn't much time now!

HATHAL
Its too late! We must turn back!

MATHIEW
No!

Mathiew charges into more guards, advancing the attack.
Guards, soldiers, and mountain people of every kind begin
pouring in from everywhere now. Up ahead, Samuel sees
Fascamine.

55.

SAMUEL
There she is!

A guard rips Fascamine out of her cell and begins to run off
in the other direction. The company continues to fight off
the mountain people who have now entirely surrounded them.
Closer and closer the circle closes around them until they
are huddled together, fending off attacks. For just a brief
moment the fighting stops and the company look at their
adversaries. Enemies surround them for as far as the can see
in every direction.

Silence

Suddenly, the entire cave begins to shake violently. Rocks
begin to fall. Then silence again. Everyone looks around,
confused. Another large shake. Some of the rocks come loose
and crush a group of the mountain men. The mountain men
become frantic.

DANIAL
What is that?

SAMUEL
Cannon fire.

SWITCH TO THE WESTERN SLOPE.

Dilon has brought the entire Red Army north. They are
assembled on a field in front of the slope. A row of cannons
is firing into the mountain. Dilon, on a horse, commands.

DILON
Fire!

The cannons explode and hit the mountain side again.

SWITCH TO THE INSIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN.

A third BOOM and shake of the mountains. The mountain people
disperse frantically in every direction running for their
lives.

GORAMOTH
The fool will bring down the
mountain!

Another BOOM! Rocks begin to fall from everywhere. The
mountain is caving in.

ERIC
Run!

56.

The company begins to run for an exit. All around the
mountain is beginning to collapse. Every few moments they
feel another shake and another loud BOOM! Eric sees in one
direction some of the mountain people pushing Fascamine
towards an exit.

ERIC
There she is!

MATHIEW
Come on!

They run towards the tunnel Fascamine has been pushed
through. But another BOOM! Rocks fall in front of the
entrance, blocking the path and making it impossible to
follow.

MATHIEW
No!

SAMUEL
Leave her for now! We are no use
to her dead!

HATHAL
Come! This way!

Samuel leads them towards some sunlight, which indeed turns
out to be an exit to the western slope. Outside, some of the
mountain people have already begun fighting with the army,
firing muskets at each other and some fighting with
bayonets. The company draw their swords and race into
battle, killing many of the mountain people. The force of
Urithane is far too great for the mountain people and the
battle does not last long. Another thunderous BOOM! And the
cannonballs hit the side of the mountain. The mountain has
become weak from all the blasting and a massive part of it
collapses at the slope. Samuel and Mathiew look in despair,
fearing Fascamine might not have gotten out.

Dilon rides up on his horse.

DILON
(Smiling)
Samuel! Mathiew! Good to see you.

Samuel jumps on Dilon, knocking him off his horse. He grabs
him by his collars.

SAMUEL
Have you lost your mind?

57.

DILON
The Queen needed her army. I have
only brought it to her.

MATHIEW
You were given an order to stay in
the city.

DILON
An order which I judged to have
been made on irrational grounds.

ERIC
That was not your decision to
make.

DILON
No? I was made General of the Army
in Mathiew's absence. That gives
me full authority.

SAMUEL
Nonetheless, the army had no
business here. You could have
killed us all and who knows what
has become of Fascamine.

DILON
No business here? And tell me,
dear Samuel, how was your rescue
going just before the army
arrived?

HATHAL
He's right.

GORAMOTH
What?

HATHAL
Without the army we would have
been lost.

Goramoth grabs Hathal.

GORAMOTH
(Whispering)
This is not our place. More
importantly, you clearly know
nothing of battle. Dilon was wrong
to bring the army here. But that
it not for us to decide.

58.

MATHIEW
You were told to stay, Dilon. But
you are right. We are alive
because of you. And we thank you.

Silence. Danial and Samuel look very discontent. A soldier
enters.

RED SOLDIER 1
Sir! Sir! We have a prisoner. We
have taken one alive.

The soldiers bring a mountain man over. He is brutally
beaten, cut and bleeding from battle.

MATHIEW
Where have you taken Fascamine,
Queen of Urithane!

He grabs the man.

MATHIEW
Where!

MOUNTAIN MAN 1
(In Soldatan)
You have no Queen! Only the
descendant of traitors!

Hathal takes out his sword and plunges it through the man's
foot. He cries out in pain.

HATHAL
Where!

GORAMOTH
Hathal!

HATHAL
Every moment that we are here we
are away from home! I told you, I
will have no one stand in my way.

He lifts his sword out of the man's foot. The man falls to
his knees. Hathal puts his sword on the man's shoulder, next
to his neck.

HATHAL
Now...

59.

MOUNTAIN MAN 1
The Castle in the Sands. It is our
last stand. She has been taken
there.

Hathal puts his sword back. Dilon gets on his horse.

DILON
There is no time to lose. We ride
north!

INT. CASTLE IN THE SANDS - DAY

Some Mountain Soldiers are talking in a tower.

CHRISTI
Make sure everyone gets inside.
This castle is our only defence.

MOUNTAIN SOLDIER 1
Yes sir.

Mountain Soldier 1 leaves to make the preparations.

MOUNTAIN SOLDIER 2
Now we can only wait.

CHRISTI
There is nothing more that we can
do. It was foolish to listen to
the men from the south.

Horns blow from below.

MOUNTAIN SOLDIER 2
They are here!

CHRISTI
Close the gates! Seal the city!

SWITCH TO THE FIELD

The Red Army is preparing for their assault, putting cannons
in place. The soldiers are forming lines. Dilon rides up to
Mathiew, Samuel and Eric who are now on horses.

DILON
We will be ready for battle within
the hour.

60.

MATHIEW
So be it.

Dilon gallops off to continue preparing.

SAMUEL
This is a mistake, Mathiew. There
is no need to do this.

MATHIEW
Why not? They are cornered. They
will give up the Queen. We will
crush them in less than a half
day. And for the last time.

SAMUEL
That is the talk of a soldier.

Pause. Mathiew�s pride falls a little. He knows that Samuel
is right.

SAMUEL
Let me go to talk to them.

SWITCH TO INSIDE THE CASTLE IN THE SAND

MOUNTAIN SOLDIER 1
Everything is ready sir. It is the
best we can prepare in such haste.

CHRISTI
Very good. May the spirit of our
Queen bless and protect us now.

A horn sounds. The mountain soldiers go to the window.
There, they see Samuel approaching on a horse alone.

CHRISTI
Open the gate.

SWITCH TO THE INSIDE OF THE GATES.

The gates open and Samuel approaches. Christi descends to
greet him. Samuel enters through the gate as it slams shut.

SAMUEL
Who here may I speak with in the
name of Fascamine, Queen of
Urithane?

61.

CHRISTI
We have no leader, our royalty
dead. Sometimes the people look to
me. My name is Christi.

SAMUEL
And it was you who took our Queen.

CHRISTI
It was a foolish decision we
regret. We were deceived by the
Southern Men. I am sorry.

SAMUEL
Deceived? What do you want from
her?

Silence. Christi says nothing.

SAMUEL
Regardless, you know what is about
to happen here. You have no
defences. You are outnumbered. By
the looks of it most of the people
here are women and children.
Release the Queen and I promise
you we will leave you in peace.

CHRISTI
If I do not?

SAMUEL
Then we will destroy you. Don�t
make it come to this. We will
leave. You have my word.

There is a pause as Christi thinks.

SWITCH TO OUTSIDE THE GATES

The gates open and Samuel rides out slowly with Fascamine.
The gates close behind them. They ride back to Urithane�s
camp where Fascamine is instantly greeted with cheers.

MATHIEW
Fascamine. Thanks be you�re OK.

Fascamine says nothing. She looks with great anger at the
castle.

MATHIEW
Clean her up. Bring her horse. It
is time to go home.

62.

FASCAMINE
No.

Everyone pauses.

FASCAMINE
Not yet.

Fascamine walks forward and stares at the castle. The entire
army is silent, waiting for her to speak.

FASCAMINE
Kill them all.

SAMUEL
What?

MATHIEW
My lady?

FASCAMINE
That is my command. Fire the
cannons. Advance the infantry.
Kill every living thing in that
castle including the rats! When
the assault is over, burn the city
to the ground.

DILON
It shall be done.

SAMUEL
No wait! Fascamine, there is no
need for this. You are safe. They
are all but dead anyway. There is
no need to�

FASCAMINE
I am Queen! The guard has failed
me once to the hands of these
people. It will not happen again.
Now, dearest Samuel, execute my
orders.

SAMUEL
I gave them my word!

FASCAMINE
Much as you once swore to protect
me.

SAMUEL
I will not.

63.

FASCAMINE
Mathiew.

MATHIEW
My lady.

SAMUEL
Mathiew!

MATHIEW
You are not General, Samuel. I am.
And I live to love and serve the
Queen, my Queen.

SAMUEL
This is not love! This is not
service.

MATHIEW
Loyalty to the death, Samuel.

SAMUEL
Not like this.

MATHIEW
(To Fascamine)
It shall be done.

Samuel storms off disgusted. Mathiew rides over to Dilon.

MATHIEW
You may begin your attack.

DILON
Yes Sir.
Fire!

The cannons boom and the walls of the castle begin to
crumble quickly. The gates of the castle break. The army
enters and massacres everyone. They leave the castle to
burn.

INT. CASTLE OF URITHANE - DAY

Samuel, Mathiew, Dilon, Danial and Eric are in the main
hall.

SAMUEL
Fascamine's murder of those people
was uncalled for! We should never
have let her!

64.

MATHIEW
And what would you have done? Defy
a direct order of the Queen? That
is treason. It's worse! It's
heresy!

MATHIEW
You confuse loyalty to the Queen
with loyalty to Fascamine,
Mathiew. And it is dangerous. And
it is showing in your apprentice
as well. Dilon is not General, you
are. His obsession with being a
hero almost killed all of us.

MATHIEW
He was right in the end. They
saved us.

LATHAL
And murdered an entire country!

MATHIEW
They haven't had a country since
before history. Their end was near
in any case.

ERIC
What is past us is past. We can
not change the actions of the
Queen nor should we question them.

SAMUEL
Perhaps so. But she has not been
herself since she has returned.
She is nervous. She sees no one.
The Guard has not met since she
has returned.

MATHIEW
It has only been a few days. Give
her time.

SAMUEL
I will give her anything she asks.
So long as it does not question my
loyalty to man, to Urithane. We
walk a dangerous line acting on
emotions. If this continues I fear
for this nation.

65.

            FASCAMINE
      (Entering from her
       chamber)
And what is there to fear, good
Samuel?

All bow.

SAMUEL
My lady.

FASCAMINE
I was unaware that Urithane had
any enemies. The mountain people
are extinct. Lustain is peaceful.
There isn't another country on
this side of the mountains.

DILON
Perhaps he is still afraid of the
ghosts in the forests.

SAMUEL
(Turning to Dilon)
I was not aware we were taking
custom to apprentices speaking
freely.

FASCAMINE
I have appointed Dilon to the high
command of the army, second to
Mathiew.

SAMUEL
The army needs no more leadership,
my lady. As you said, we are at
peace, the guard keeps watch on
the city, I do not see the...

FASCAMINE
The army is being awarded new
powers. The Guard is weak, Samuel.
I have seen it first hand.

MATHIEW
My lady, while I love you with
every breath, I must agree with
Lord Samuel. The guard is your
protector. The army does not need
more power.

Fascamine paces around them, keeping her eyes fixed with
hate on Samuel.

66.

FASCAMINE
The Guard is nothing but an old
tradition, stubborn and archaic.
The future lies in the army. I
have disbanded the academy. There
will be no more use for it.

Everyone tries to hold in their surprise.

FASCAMINE
Urithane is my land. And I will
rule it as I see fit. Now, call
your precious Guard and let us
return to matters of this nation.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF URITHANE - DAY

Goramoth is preparing the horses to leave. Samuel comes over
to see him.

SAMUEL
I suppose it has been too long
since you saw home.

GORAMOTH
Indeed. I look forward to being
there again. And what for you,
good Samuel? What will you do now
that there is no border to Guard?

SAMUEL
I will remain here a while longer.
I fear things are not all well
with Fascamine.

GORAMOTH
I do hope things will be better in
time.

SAMUEL
Goramoth, there is something I
must warn you of before you leave.
One of the mountain men, before
they released Fascamine, he told
me he was foolish to have trusted
the men from the south.

There is a pause. Goramoth�s eyes grow large.

SAMUEL
Be careful.

67.

Hathal enters.

HATHAL
Everything is ready?

HATHAL
Indeed. Samuel has just comes to
see us off.

HATHAL
We wish you well here. I hope to
see you at my own wedding soon.

SAMUEL
I would like that. Thank you, both
of you for helping us.

They smile and hug each other. Hathal and Goramoth get on
their horses and ride south to Lustain.

EXT. ON THE ROAD SOUTH - DAY

Evening is falling. Goramoth stops and get off his horse.

HATHAL
Why are we stopping?

GORAMOTH
We have almost gone without rest
or food, Hathal. I am not as fit
as I once was. Forgive me, but we
must rest for the night.

HATHAL
Lustain is not a half days ride
from here!

GORAMOTH
That is true. But there will be
much more than greetings to attend
to when we return. We must be in
good spirit when we arrive.

HATHAL
We will arrive before sunrise. You
will be able to sleep a little
before we are even noticed.

GORAMOTH
It may not be a peaceful night in
Lustain. Samuel warned me before
we left that the Mountain People
(MORE)

68.

GORAMOTH (cont'd)
might be connected to what is
happening at home. I fear Lathal
has something to do with
Fascamine's kidnapping.

Hathal paces around impatiently.

GORAMOTH
At least let us make something to
eat, and give me a few hours to
rest my eyes. Then we can
continue.

SWITCH TO NIGHT TIME.

A small campfire burns. Hathal sits staring at the flames
while Goramoth sleeps. Hathal hears something in the brush
nearby. He draws his sword and goes to wake Goramoth.

GORAMOTH
What? What is it?

SAMUEL
Something draws near.

GORAMOTH
Don't tell me you're afraid of
ghosts now, too.

More noise from the brush. Goramoth gets up and draws his
sword. Dorithame falls out of the brush. He is wounded,
dirty and bleeding. He falls in front of them.

GORAMOTH
Dorithame!

DORITHAME
Goramoth?

GORAMOTH
What has happened?

DORITHAME
Forgive me. I did not know Lathal
would...

HATHAL
Where is Mephame!

DORITHAME
I'm so sorry.

69.

HATHAL
Where is she?

DORITHAME
She is dead.

GORAMOTH
What?

HATHAL
No.

DORITHAME
She died in childbirth.

GORAMOTH
Childbirth? How is that possible?

DORITHAME
Lathal has claimed the child as
his own. He rules Lustain.

Without hesitation, Hathal runs for his horse.

GORAMOTH
Wait! If Lathal has taken Lustain,
we can not just run through the
country. We must take care.

HATHAL
I go to face him.

GORAMOTH
What will you do? Fight the whole
of our Guard and army?

HATHAL
If I have to. I will see Lathal
pay for his treason.

GORAMOTH
You can not leave me here.
Dorithame needs us.

HATHAL
I have to go. The child can not be
mine.

GORAMOTH
Do not talk like this. We don't
know anything. Dorithame can
hardly speak. We must have more
answers.

70.

HATHAL
What else is there to know?
Mephame has given birth to child!
It is not my baby. Even if Lathal
is not the father, she has
betrayed me.

GORAMOTH
It is still the blood of Mephame.

HATHAL
That blood must be spilt. I go to
see it done.

GORAMOTH
Hathal!

Hathal races off on his horse. Goramoth runs back to
Dorithame.

GORAMOTH
You knew of all of this.

DORITHAME
I did not think he would do such
things. I thought he would do good
for Lustain. Goramoth, forgive me.

GORAMOTH
Fool of a man you are, but I do.
Listen to me. I must save the
child. Where is she? Where is the
princess?

DORITHAME
In the tower.

GORAMOTH
Mephame�s chamber?

DORITHAME
Yes. Goramoth, go. Leave me here.
May the spirits of the Queens have
mercy on me. May they forgive me.

Dorithame dies. Hathal holds him for a moment and then runs
for his horse. He gallops to the Castle of Lustain.

EXT. GRAVEYARD OF THE QUEENS - DAY

Hathal arrives at the graveyard on his horse. He gets off to

71.

find Mephame's grave with newly turned dirt covering it. Her
tomb is beautiful in marble with poetry written in Soldatan.
He falls to the ground and weeps for her.

EXT. THE CASTLE OF LUSTAIN - NIGHT

It is raining heavily. Lightening strikes and thunder
crashes! Goramoth rides close to the castle and ties his
horse to a tree near the side. Quietly he enters the castle,
avoiding the guards. He moves in through the castle and up
the stairs towards the Queen's tower.

EXT. THE MAIN GATES OF LUSTAIN - NIGHT

Outside again, Hathal arrives from the Graveyard of the
Queen. He walks right up the main entrance, guarded by two
of the Red Guard.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Lord Hathal, you have returned.

Hathal draws his sword and kills the two Guards. His face is
emotionless. He enters the castle. Some other Guards walking
by see him and the blood on his face. They draw their swords
and fight. Hathal kills them all.

SWITCH TO THE MAIN HALL

Lathal is sitting in the Queens chair looking over some
papers with a servant. He hears the commotion in the next
room and opens the door to look. He sees Hathal fighting
with Guards. He slams the door shut.

LATHAL
Run! Get all the Guard you can
find and bring them here! Quickly.

The servant nods in fear and runs off. But it is too late.
Hathal breaks down the door and enters, covered in blood and
rain. He approaches Lathal. Lathal says nothing. He draws
his sword and the two fight briefly. But Lathal is older and
is quickly overcome by Hathal. Hathal cuts him on his legs
and he falls to his knees. Hathal looks him in the eye with
great rage. He stabs Lathal in the heart. Other guards
arrive with their swords drawn. Hathal turns around and
looks at them. No one moves. Hathal walks around looking at
them. Finally he sits in the chair of the Queen. A pause
before anyone reacts. Slowly, the guard begin to lower their
swords and bow to Hathal.

HATHAL
Bring me the child.

72.

INT. MEPHAME'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Goramoth opens the door to Mephame's chamber. Inside is
Semith watching over the child.

GORAMOTH
Why am I not surprised?

SEMITH
Goramoth, what do you think you
are doing?

            GORAMOTH
      (Taking out his
       sword.)
I do not have time for long
speeches of morality. You are
arrogant as you are stupid. I have
to take the child. What you have
done is beyond repair. Give me the
baby, and I will walk away.

SEMITH
I do not think that Lathal...

GORAMOTH
Lathal is dead. If he is not, he
will be soon. Hathal has gone mad
with rage. He is coming to kill
her.

SEMITH
Stay away from the baby.

Goramoth steps forward and Semith takes out his sword.
Goramoth cuts his leg off. Semith screams in pain.

GORAMOTH
You are corrupted, Semith, but you
do not deserve to die.

He takes the baby and begins to walk out.

GORAMOTH
Goodbye Semith.

73.

He begins to run down the stairs. When he gets there he
comes across some of the Guards who were coming to get the
baby. He draws his sword and fights with them. He then makes
for his escape. More soldiers run behind him. He gets to the
doors of the castle and is able to get onto his horse. He
begins to ride off. A soldier lifts his musket and fires,
hitting Goramoth in the back. Goramoth stays strong and
continues to ride north.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF LUSTAIN - NIGHT

Some Guards enter. Hathal is waiting for their report.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Goramoth took the child.

HATHAL
What! What about those guarding
her?

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
He was wounded.

HATHAL
Assemble the Guard and the army. I
want every man who can wield a
sword or musket ready in the
morning.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
Yes sir.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Sir, where do you intend to lead
such a force.

HATHAL
We will scour the country. We will
find the child, no matter where
Goramoth takes it. Execute the
Guard that let him through.

The Guards leave.

HATHAL
Goramoth. This is all your doing.
Had we not followed the men of
Urithane, we would have been here.
And now you have taken the child.

74.

SWITCH TO GORAMOTH RIDING IN THE NIGHT.

Goramoth is terribly wounded. He limps over the baby but
persists in riding slowly.

HATHAL
(VO)
But where will you go?

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

A meeting has already begun with the Red Guard and
Fascamine. Much to the surprise of the guard, Dilon has been
placed next to Fascamine and Mathiew. A few members of the
army are also strangely present.

FASCAMINE
News of the south brings rumours
of unrest from Lustain.

MATHIEW
It is said that the Guard have
imprisoned Queen Mephame in her
own chambers for her protection.

DILON
Measures must be taken to ensure
such things do not happen here as
well.

SAMUEL
Since when is this an affair for
someone of your stature, Dilon?
You look small in a chair so big.

FASCAMINE
I remind you, good Samuel that
Dilon is no longer in the service
of the Guard.

ERIC
Yes, with the noble military as we
can see. And what brings so many
members of our second line of
defense to a meeting of the Guard?

FASCAMINE
It is as Dilon has said, we can
not know how deep the plot in
Lustain is.

75.

URITHANE GUARD 1
Then we send scouts to gather more
information. Something more
reliable.

FASCAMINE
There is nothing more to know. The
Guard has ploted against my ally.
She is alone, betrayed by her most
trusted. It is of little surprise
to me. The Guard of our age has
lost most of its honor.

SAMUEL
You didn't call the Guard to
discuss precaution.

Samuel looks up at Fascamine with anger and sadness.

SAMUEL
You called us to announce it.

Silence.

SAMUEL
Why is the army here?

FASCAMINE
The Guard has been stripped of all
its duties outside the city walls.
The army now controls Urithane.

A murmor of shock and horror.

LATHAL
A curfew is in place for all
members of the Guard. They are not
to be seen meeting in private or
at each others homes. All Guard
will be accounted for at sunset.
Only the Guard of the Gates shall
continue night duty.

SAMUEL
Don't do this.

FASCAMINE
I am Queen of Urithane and I have
spoken.

Fascamine stands and walks out. Dilon, Mathiew and some of
the army go with her.

76.

INT. HALL OF LUSTAIN - DAY

A Scout of Lustain arrives in the Main Hall. Hathal is
reviewing his war plans with other guards.

LUSTAIN SCOUT
(Bowing)
Lord Hathal.

HATHAL
What news of Goramoth?

LUSTAIN SCOUT
All our searching suggests he has
fled north to Urithane. It would
be the most logical decision. It
is the only place with strong
defenses against our force.

LUSTAIN GUARD 2
I agree. North would make the most
sense. He has friends there who
could protect him. A solder said
he is sure to have shot Goramoth
during his escape. If he needs a
doctor, he would have to go to
Urithane.

HATHAL
Then we shall travel north. Give
the order.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
(Surprised)
You will move the army north over
the boarder?

HATHAL
We will invade Urithane. If they
do not give us Goramoth and the
child, the north will fall.

LUSTAIN GUARD 1
Sir, with all due respect,
Urithane has been a loyal ally
since before The War of the North.
To simply invade for...

HATHAL
Execute my orders!

Hathal stand up and storms out of the room.

77.

HATHAL
We march at dawn.

INT. COURTYARD OF URITHANE - DAY

Mathiew and Samuel are walking in the garden. The flowers
are all but gone. The frost has killed off most of the plant
life. The leaves are a dark and somber brown.

SAMUEL
Fascamine has all but eliminated
the Guard. I fear now she will not
stop there.

MATHIEW
She is both wise and fair. She
tries
to do what is best for Urithane.
In time things will go back to
normal.

SAMUEL
Mathiew, the world that was is
leaving us. It will not return, no
matter what the future is. I think
it is time we all began to think
about what we will do next.

MATHIEW
You are thinking of leaving again?

SAMUEL
I do not know what I should do.
But I must decide soon.

The two hear a commotion coming from the gate. They go to
see what is happening. Goramoth has arrived barely alive
still with the baby in hands.

SAMUEL
Goramoth!

He falls of his horse and into Samuel's arms.

SAMUEL
(To a servant)
Fetch a surgeon. Go!

SERVANT
Right away, my lord!

78.

Mathiew takes the baby. Holding it, he looks at Samuel,
shocked.

SAMUEL
Take it to Eric. Do not tell
Fascamine. Mathiew! Do not tell
her of it! Hide it somewhere safe.

INT. A CHAMBER IN URITHANE CASTLE - DAY

Goramoth is in a bed. He is weak and dying. Samuel enters.
he sits next to Goramoth's bed.

GORAMOTH
Mephame has given birth to a girl.
Hathal has gone mad. He is
searching for the child. He means
to kill it.

SAMUEL
Is it his?

GORAMOTH
I can not be sure. He thinks it is
Lathal's. But he is full of rage.
He will stop at nothing to destroy
her. Samuel, if he finds the baby
is here, he will come for it at
any cost. She is the only
bloodline of Mephame. She must
survive.

SAMUEL
You have my word. She will be
protected.

GORAMOTH
Samuel, the end of many things is
upon us. I am dying. I know this.
I see now I was wrong. I should
have let Hathal go. He might have
stopped Lathal. For my part, I am
sorry.

SAMUEL
We are all to blame. Maybe you
should not have come with us.
Maybe I should not have taken
Fascamine to the woods. Maybe I
should not have loved her.

79.

GORAMOTH
(Smiling)
Maybe the word should have never
existed.

SAMUEL
Exactly. I must go now. There is
much that must be prepared.

GORAMOTH
(Smiling)
Then this is goodbye.

SAMUEL
(Smiling)
Yes, it is.

GORAMOTH
(In Soldatan)
May the spirits of the Queens
bless you.

SAMUEL
(In Soldatan)
May they take you home in peace.

The two hug.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

The Guard is assembled with Fascamine in her chair. A
servant enters.

SERVANT
Goramoth is dead.

There is a silence.

FASCAMINE
Then it is so. Nothing can change
his spirits path. We must look to
our own. Scout, what news of the
south?

SCOUT
What Goramoth told us is true.
Hathal has claimed rule over
Lustain. His armies move North to
the boarder with Urithane.

80.

FASCAMINE
Then it is true. Dilon, assemble
the Lieutenants. We must prepare
for war.

DILON
At once, my lady.

SAMUEL
Majesty, might I remind you that
it is the Guard who leads the army
in times of war. I think we should
also prepare.

FASCAMINE
There is no need. The Guard will
not be used in the defense of this
country. You shall remain in the
city under curfew.

ERIC
And why would her majesty make
such a decision?

FASCAMINE
Because you can not be trusted.
You have failed me already. I will
not risk the entirety of this
nation on your negligence.

Silence.

FASCAMINE
(Standing)
You have your orders.

All stand and bow. Fascamine walks out of the room. The
Guard disburse save Eric, Mathiew and Samuel.

ERIC
She has gone completely mad.

SAMUEL
There may still be time. She does
not know of the baby.

MATHIEW
What will you do, Samuel?

SAMUEL
That we must all decide together.
But not here. Not now. The Queen
has many ears. Meet me tonight in
(MORE)

81.

SAMUEL (cont'd)
cellar rooms. Fascamine must not
be allowed to continue like this.

EXT. COURTYARD OF URITHANE - DAY

Dilon and Mathiew walk through the gardens.

DILON
Fascamine has named me to lead the
army south.

MATHIEW
I know. it is a great honor to
serve the Queen in such a way. You
have fallen under her graces since
the Battle at the Castle in the
Sands.

DILON
I do hope that this causes no harm
between us. I did not wish for
things to be this way.

MATHIEW
Dilon, you are not my apprentice
anymore. But remember the most
important thing I tried to teach
you: our lives, our blood,
everything we have is in service
and loyalty to the Queen. Never
betray her. Never stop loving her.
You have done that. I couldn't be
prouder.

They stop. Dilon puts his hand on Mathiew's shoulder. He
smiles.

DILON
Neither could I. Come, dine with
me tonight. My last good meal
before I ride to war.

MATHIEW
Forgive me, I can not. The Guard
have their own affairs to attend
to.

DILON
What could you possibly have to
attend to in the night? With the
curfew in effect, you should have
all the time in the world.

82.

MATHIEW
The city's defences have not been
looked over in a long time. Samuel
thinks it is crucial to do so as
soon as possible.

DILON
Does Fascamine know of this?

MATHIEW
Of course she does. I am her
husband. There is nothing of me
she doesn't know.

DILON
I see. Then I bid you farewell,
dear Mathiew.

They hug.

MATHIEW
Until our next meeting.

Mathiew walks off towards the castle. Dilon watches him
suspiciously.

INT. A CELLAR ROOM - NIGHT

Samuel and Eric stand in a small cellar room with torches
waiting for Mathiew.

ERIC
He is late.

SAMUEL
He will be here.

There is a knock at the door. Samuel opens it and Mathiew
comes in.

ERIC
We can not stay here long. It is
hard to know what Guards are still
loyal to Urithane and who is loyal
to Fascamine.

MATHIEW
They are still one and the same
thing, Eric.

83.

SAMUEL
No they are not, Mathiew. The
Queen has gone astray from all
reason. She can no longer lead
Urithane.

MATHIEW
What do you two mean to say?

ERIC
She must be removed from power.

MATHIEW
You can not kill her.

SAMUEL
I said nothing of killing her. She
must be removed. We can decide
where to exile her later. But we
must act quickly.

MATHIEW
And who, Samuel, will rule? She
has no heir. Or will you take the
throne?

SAMUEL
Don't be foolish. I have no
interest in ruling. The Guard will
rule collectively as they did
before she was Queen. You will
remain with her and when she has a
child it will be taken for
training.

MATHIEW
This is madness.

ERIC
Mathiew...

MATHIEW
I love her!

SAMUEL
We know that.

MATHIEW
For God's sake, Samuel you love
her!

84.

            SAMUEL
      (Looking at the
       ground)
I do. But this is the only way. If
there were another, I would die to
make it so. She can not rule.

Pause. Mathiew thinks for a moment.

MATHIEW
What must be done?

ERIC
We must get the baby out of the
city.

MATHIEW
Fascamine will notice if one of us
is gone.

SAMUEL
We will send Danial and a few of
the other apprentices. They will
not be missed in the commotion of
everything else going on.

MATHIEW
When?

ERIC
Now.

MATHIEW
Now?

SAMUEL
There isn't a moment we can waste,
Mathiew.

ERIC
Danial and his men are already
waiting. You will help them to the
walls and out of the city. Samuel
and I must try to assemble the
rest of the Guard.

MATHIEW
Why should I take the child? I
should go to get the Guard.

ERIC
That would not be wise.

85.

MATHIEW
Why not? I am their General.

SAMUEL
Because they don't trust you!

Pause. Mathiew looks with shock and sorrow at Samuel. Samuel
comes close to Mathiew and puts his hand on his shoulder.

SAMUEL
But I do. And you must also trust
me. Take the child to Danial. See
him through the path. Get him out
of the city.

MATHIEW
(Nods)

ERIC
May the spirits of the Queens
watch over us.

They hug. They open the door and walk out.

INT. A CASTLE CHAMBER, URITHANE - NIGHT

Danial waits with three other Guards inside a small room.
Mathiew enters with the baby.

MATHIEW
Come. This way.

SWITCH TO CASTLE TUNNELS

MATHIEW
These tunnels will lead you
outside the city walls. From there
I must leave you.

URITHANE GUARD 3
What is this place?

MATHIEW
A secret tunnel, used for the
Queen's escape in times of war.

They arrive at the end of the tunnel.

MATHIEW
Do you know where you go?

86.

DANIAL
North and over the mountains.
Hopefully we will find an old path
to the valley.

MATHIEW
Take care Danial.

DANIAL
And you, good Mathiew.

They hug. Danial and his men go out the exit and into the
country. Mathiew begins to walk back to the castle with
tears in his eyes. He arrives to the entrance where there
are soldiers standing, waiting for him. He draws his sword
but they grab him by his arms. Dilon enters.

DILON
Mathiew. I had hoped that it would
not be you.

MATHIEW
Dilon. What are you doing?

DILON
I am protecting the Queen.

MATHIEW
Don't do this. You don't know what
you're doing.

DILON
Arrest this man.

MATHIEW
No!

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

The Guard are assembled. Fascamine's chair is empty.

ERIC
Another meeting of the Guard. And
I see our friends from the army
are keeping us company again.

SAMUEL
I would get used to them. I think
Fascamine means to keep them close
to us.

87.

ERIC
Well, maybe they will learn a
thing or two.

Fascamine enters and all of the Guard stand at attention.
Behind her enters Dilon and with him two soldiers walking
Mathiew in chains.

SAMUEL
Oh no.

Fascamine takes her seat. The other Guard sit as well,
except for Mathiew and the two soldiers guarding him.

FASCAMINE
This meeting of the Guard comes to
order. It shall hear the trial of
Mathiew, General of the Guard,
Husband of the Queen for the crime
of treason.

Samuel lowers his head.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

Samuel stands alone looking around the Great Hall. Dilon
enters.

DILON
You are angry with the Queens
ruling.

SAMUEL
There are many things the Guard
used to decide for the good of the
nation. It seems Fascamine feels
able to do them all.

DILON
Treason is often an easy crime to
judge.

SAMUEL
And judge harshly.

DILON
I don't want to see Mathiew hanged
any more than you do. He is like a
brother to me. But he sinned
against our Queen.

88.

SAMUEL
I have nothing to say to you.

Samuel begins to walk out of the Hall. He turns around.

SAMUEL
Congratulations, by the way. All
your dreams seem to be coming
true.

INT. A PRISON CELL - DAY

Mathiew is inside sitting and thinking. The door opens and
Samuel enters. Mathiew does not move.

SAMUEL
I can not stay long. I'm surprised
they let me see you at all.

MATHIEW
Why have come here, Samuel?

SAMUEL
I have talked to Eric and some of
the other Guards. We're going to
get you out of here.

MATHIEW
To go where?

SAMUEL
East to the forests for now. Until
we can reason with Fascamine.

MATHIEW
There is no need. I want to do
this.

SAMUEL
What?

MATHIEW
This is what it is to die for
something. This is loyalty.

SAMUEL
No. It isn't. Fascamine's mind has
been polluted by paranoia. Her
reason is gone. She knows not what
she does.

89.

MATHIEW
She uncovered a conspiracy.
Someone must pay for that. And she
loves you. For all of her that has
become hate, she always loved you.
I tried to love her, to serve her.

SAMUEL
And you did. But this will not
accomplish anything.

MATHIEW
Yes it will. It is my service.
Loyalty to the death.

A guard comes to get Samuel.

PRISON GUARD
Lord Samuel.

SAMUEL
Mathiew...

MATHIEW
Goodbye, Samuel.

INT. FASCAMINE'S CHAMBER - DAY

Samuel enters Fascamine's room with two guards.

FASCAMINE
You may leave us.

The Guards leave and close the door.

SAMUEL
I have come to plead for Mathiew's
life.

FASCAMINE
Are you surprised I will still see
you in private?

SAMUEL
Fascamine, Mathiew...

FASCAMINE
Mathiew has broken the law! My
law! He must pay the price of
treason.

90.

SAMUEL
I asked him to go down to those
tunnels. I am more guilty of
treason than he is, though you do
nothing to me. He is your husband.

FASCAMINE
He was never meant to be my
husband!

She paces around the room frantically.

FASCAMINE
I did not love him then and I do
not love him now.

She runs up to him and grabs his face gently. Tears begin to
roll down her eyes.

FASCAMINE
I love you. I have always loved
you. When Mathiew is gone, we can
marry. Things can be the way they
should have been.

SAMUEL
Not like this. Your heart is
loving, but your actions are going
too far. Stop this madness now.
let us rebuild. Release Mathiew.
We will win the war in the south
and we will rebuild.

FASCAMINE
Very well, I will release him.
Under one condition.

SAMUEL
Majesty?

FASCAMINE
He will be exiled to the forests,
and I will marry you.

Samuel lowers his head in despair.

SAMUEL
You know that can not be.

Samuel walks for the door and opens it.

91.

FASCAMINE
(Sternly)
Then he will hang at sunset.

EXT. URITHANE CASLTE - DAY

Samuel storms outside to the great steps of the Main Hall.
He leans on a ledge, tears in his eyes as he watches down on
the crowd gathered to watch the execution. Mathiew is
brought out from the prison in chains by prison guards. Many
citizens throw flowers before his path, crying for him.
Samuel watches helplessly as Mathiew is brought to the place
of execution. The guards place a rope around his neck. The
tears begin streaming from Samuels face, brightly lit by the
sunset. Mathiew looks around sadly one last time at the city
and at the people also weaping for him. He looks up to the
tower where he sees Fascamine's shaddow watching him. He
lowers his head sadly. A prison guard kicks the chair from
under him his neck snaps and his feet dangle. Mathiew dies.

INT. THE GREAT HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

Fascamine sits in her chair. The Red Guard around her.
Mathiew chair is empty.

FASCAMINE
Mathiew's death was necessary to
maintain order in this land. May
the Guard remember his example.

ERIC
(Bitterly)
The Guard will do so. But her
majesty must look to her borders
now. The war goes poorly. Hathal's
forces advance towards this city
every day.

SAMUEL
I beg her majesty to consider
putting the army back under the
command of the Red Guard for the
sake of the nation.

FASCAMINE
There is no need. The war with
Lustain is at an end. I have
arranged so that we shall have
forever peace with the south.

She looks at Samuel.

92.

SAMUEL
What have you done?

FASCAMINE
Guards.

The Guards open the main doors. Hathal enters. The Red Guard
all draw their swords.

FASCAMINE
Steady your swords. You would not
want to harm your new General.

ERIC
General?

FASCAMINE
I will marry Hathal. He is both
strong and loyal. They are
qualities lacking in this country.

Hathal walks up to Samuel.

HATHAL
I am sorry we could not have met
again before this.

SAMUEL
Perhaps it is for the best.

Samuel storms out of the Hall. Eric follows him.

HATHAL
Now. Where is my child?

FASCAMINE
Child?

INT. THE ARCHIVES ROOM URITHANE - DAY

Samuel gathers all of then maps and writtings he can find
and places them in the center of the room. He takes a night
lantern and pours the oil around the floor. Eric enters.

ERIC
What are you doing?

SAMUEL
When they find the baby is gone
they will look here. They will
need maps. These would lead them
to Danial.

93.

ERIC
So you are going to burn them.

SAMUEL
We must. Anything hidden can be
found.

ERIC
If you burn this room, our entire
history will be lost.

SAMUEL
There is no history without a
future.

He takes a torch from the staircase and throws it into the
room. The archives begin to burn. Samuel runs down the
stairs. Eric follows him. They arrive in the armory. Samuel
arms himself.

SAMUEL
It will not be hard to figure out
who did this. Gather any Guard
still loyal to Urithane. Tell them
to flee to the Eastern Plains.

ERIC
Where are you going?

SAMUEL
I must go south. With any luck,
some of the Red Guard of Lustain
are hiding out as well.

ERIC
Why must we do this?

SAMUEL
Don't you see what is happening
here? Fascamine is finished with
us. At best she will disband the
Guard. I fear she will do much
worse. If we do not leave while
there is still time we may all be
dead.

ERIC
I will see to it at once.

SAMUEL
Quickly then. Meet me in the
plains. We will decide what to do
next from there.

94.

INT. MAIN HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

Hathal throws over a table.

HATHAL
How could the child escape you
Guards?

FASCAMINE
We did not even know it was here
until you came. Samuel hid it from
us.

DILON
It is not surprising. The Red
Guard still post many of the
entries here. They would have
sympathies for these traitors.

FASCAMINE
The Guard has indeed become
uncontrollable. My police tell me
Danial and several others have
also gone. They clearly have the
baby.

HATHAL
And where do you think they have
gone?

DILON
They can not go south. There are
only two paths. Across the plains
and east into the forests or north
and over the mountains.

LIEUTENANT
There is no one who could help
them in the east, save if they
believe in ghosts. They must be
running for the mountains.

HATHAL
It is their only choice.

FASCAMINE
Arrest Samuel. He will know. Go
Dilon. Find him. Bring him here.

DILON
(Bowing)
Majesty.

95.

Dilon leaves.

FASCAMINE
Traitors, all of them.

HATHAL
The guard of both countries have
betrayed us.

FASCAMINE
The Guard is of no use to us
anymore. I think it is time they
were dealt with.

EXT. THE ROAD NORTH - DAY

Danial continues to march North on foot. The two Red Guard
with him are falling behind from fatigue.

URITHANE GUARD 4
Danial, we must stop.

DANIAL
Just a little further.

URITHANE GUARD 4
(Stopping)
A little further to where? The
north will still be there when we
arrive.

DANIAL
We have no time to lose. By now
Fascamine and Hathal must have
launched a force to find us. We
must get to the mountains this
day.

URITHANE GUARD 5
It is not possible. You wish to
lead us with your strength and
that is honorable. But we need
rest. Even you are about to
collapse.

DANIAL
Follow me just to the forests, to
the mountain's foot and we will
camp there.

URITHANE GUARD 4
Very well.

96.

INT. MAIN HALL OF URITHANE - DAY

Hathal and Fascamine are sitting at the table of the Guard.
Hathal is in Mathiew's chair. Dilon is standing attention.

DILON
Samuel is gone, along with most of
the Guard. Those who remain here
have sword loyalty to Queen
Fascamine and the army. My scouts
report a camp set in the plains of
the east.

HATHAL
My men also report movement from
the south. Some of my Guard are
heading northeast.

FASCAMINE
Samuel is building an army?

DILON
I am not sure. But it would be
foolish. Even with Hathal's guard
they can not have more than two
hundred men. The Guard do not use
muskets, only swords. They are
outnumbered and using primitive
weaponry.

HATHAL
Is the baby with them?

DILON
I do not know. But it would not
make sense. Samuel would not
attract this much attention if she
were there. A small group of
Guards may be trying to move
north.

FASCAMINE
How many troops are within a days
ride of the plains?

DILON
With Hathal�s forces we are twenty
thousand strong.

FASCAMINE
Good. Assemble your troops. Crush
them.

97.

HATHAL
I will take what Guards are still
loyal to us and move north. I must
find the child.

FASCAMINE
So be it. Hathal shall go north.
Dilon will eliminate the Guard in
the East.

Dilon bows and walks out.

EXT. THE EASTERN PLAINS - NIGHT

It is dusk. Eric is organizing his Guards. They are digging
trenches facing west.

ERIC
Quickly! I want this done by
nightfall.

URITHANE GUARD 1
Lord Samuel approaches!

Samuel arrives with his forces from Lustain. He gets off his
horse and hugs Eric.

SAMUEL
It's good to see you.

ERIC
And you.

            SAMUEL
      (Looking at the
       trenches)
What�s this?

ERIC
Trenches. The army may have
muskets. But if we can get down,
we may escape the bullets. We can
make our attack when the reload.

SAMUEL
I thought we had to discuss our
next move.

ERIC
Come now Samuel. No one here makes
any delusions of what is going to
happen here. Dilon�s army is
(MORE)

98.

ERIC (cont'd)
probably already marching here.
There is no escape.

SAMUEL
(Smiling)
Perhaps not. Where would we go?

ERIC
I don�t want to leave my home. I
would rather die here.

SAMUEL
And we will.

ERIC
Yes, we will.

SWITCH TO NIGHT.

Samuel and Eric are sitting at a campfire. Other Guard are
moving about, eating, talking and laughing.

ERIC
They are in good spirits.

SAMUEL
Why shouldn�t they be? We are
still free men after all.

ERIC
My father used to take me riding
near here before I went to the
academy. This was always a
peaceful place to come, away from
the city.

SAMUEL
I would have liked to have seen it
under different circumstances.

ERIC
Do you think there is any hope for
the Guard?

SAMUEL
The Guard? No. But there is in
Urithane. The entire hope of this
nation now lies with Danial. I
pray he has found a safer path
than we.

99.

ERIC
It is late. We should get some
sleep.

SAMUEL
Go on. I don�t think I will very
much be able to tonight.

ERIC
(Standing)
Neither will I. But I should try
all the same. It was an honour
serving with you.

SAMUEL
And you. You were a valiant Guard.
And a good friend.

ERIC
Goodnight, Samuel.

SAMUEL
Goodnight Eric.

INT. ON THE ROAD NORTH - NIGHT

Danial and his Guards arrive at the edge of the forest.
Danial looks at the entrance with a smile.

DANIAL
Come! Rest awaits us.

SWITCH TO THE LAKE OF THE WATERFALL

Danial sits down by the fire where Urithane Guard 4 is
cooking. The baby is sleeping near them. Urithane Guard 5
comes back with water from the lake.

URITHANE GUARD 5
How large a force do you think
they sent?

DANIAL
I don't know. it wouldn't make
sense for the army to come. We are
only three.

URITHANE GUARD 4
But they don't know that.

100.

DANIAL
Hathal was once a good man, and
one of the Red Guard. I would
imagine he is still a wise man.

URITHANE GUARD 5
How will we cross the mountains?

DANIAL
We will have to trust the mountain
people. They dug caves and holes.
With any luck there will be a way
through.

URITHANE GUARD 5
And if there is not?

DANIAL
I do not know. But I think it is
time we got some sleep. Tomorrow
is going to be a long day.

EXT. THE EASTERN PLAINS - DAY

The sun rises in the east. Samuel stands alone watching it
come up. Eric comes out of his tent and walks up to him.

SAMUEL
Did you sleep at all?

ERIC
Not a moment�s worth.

            SAMUEL
      (Looking at the
       sunrise)
It is beautiful isn�t it?

ERIC
Yes.

SAMUEL
I fear it is the last time I might
see it.

ERIC
We may have a day or two before
Dilon arrives.

SAMUEL
Not at all. Listen.

101.

Silence. Eric listens. Drums beat in the distance. He turns
west and looks over the plains. He can not see anything, but
the drums are getting louder.

ERIC
There are here.

SAMUEL
Wake the Guard. It is time to make
our stand.

Eric races off. Samuel continues to look off into the west
now. Slowly, the Red Army appears over the horizon with
Dilon leading them in the front on his horse. The Red Guard
wakes and scrambles to arm themselves. They file into the
trenches. Meanwhile, Dillon's army comes to the middle of
the plains and stops.

SWITCH TO THE RED ARMY

DILON
Form lines!

The Red Army begins to form lines.

SWITCH TO THE RED GUARD

Samuel jumps into the trenches. He looks around. Some of the
Guard are not even fifteen, old students of the academy.
They look scared and unready.

SAMUEL
Hold steady men! For the true
Queen and for Urithane!

ERIC
My god.

SWITCH TO THE RED ARMY

Dilon�s army has now fully formed showing how massive his
forces are.

SWITCH TO THE RED GUARD

SAMUEL
Steady! Everyone down!

SWITCH TO THE RED ARMY

DILON
Fire!

102.

The Red Army�s guns boom and cannons blast. For a few
moments the sound of gunpowder is deafening. The trenches
hold and most of the bullets fly over or hit the ground.
Some Guards still not in the trenches are hit. Others not
ducked low enough are also shot. Samuel stands to look at
the Red Army.

DILON
Reload!

SWITCH TO THE RED GUARD

SAMUEL
Draw swords!

The Red Guard draw their swords.

SAMUEL
For the Queen!

The Guard shout war cries. Samuel points his sword to signal
the attack. The Red Guard charge.

SWITCH TO THE RED ARMY

DILON
For the Queen!

Dilon rides off beginning his attack. The two armies meet in
the middle smashing together, the Red Guard with swords, the
army with bayonets. The Red Guard, more experienced with
sword fighting cut through the army. Many fall, overwhelmed
by the number of Red Soldiers.

SWITCH TO SAMUEL

Samuel cuts through soldiers like paper. He continues to
fight forward towards the center of the crowd. he sees Dilon
fighting on his horse with a pistol and a sword. He begins
to fight towards him. He is hit in the head by the butt of a
musket and falls to the ground unconscious. Slowly, the
Guard begin to fade in the battle. The Red Army is too
strong for them and one by one they are stabbed by many
bayonets. The battle ends. Eric, who has survived is brought
before Dilon. the two stare into the others eyes. They say
nothing. Dilon pulls out his sword and cuts his head off.

DILON
Kill anything that moves on the
ground. We return home.

Dilon rides off on his horse, leaving the dead behind him.

103.

EXT. THE EASTERN PLAINS - DAY

Samuel awakes in a confusion. He looks around and knows what
has happened. He falls to his knees crying. After a few
moments, he takes his sword and sheaths it.

SAMUEL
Fascamine.

Samuel begins to walk west towards the castle of Urithane.

EXT. THE SLOPES OF THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS - DAY

The Guard hide in the small forests near the waterfalls of
the mountains.

DANIAL
Quickly. i do not want to stay
here too long. Hathal must be near
by now.

UGUARD1
What we will do in the mountains?
tell me you know the way.

DANIAL
I do not. I wish I could lead you
better.

A Guard runs up from the forest.

UGUARD2
They are here!

The Guard take out thier swords. Danial holds the baby
tight.

UGUARD1
(To Danial)
Go. The baby must be protected.
Into the mountains.

DANIAL
(Sadly)
May the spirtis of the Queens
bless you.

UGUARD2
In the name of the Queen.

DANIAL
In the name of the Queen.

104.

Danial runs for the mountains. The other Guard turn around
to face Htahals men. There are about ten of them. They begin
to fight. The Guard from both sides fight valiantly. Hathal
sees Danial making his escape and runs forward to face him,
leaving the others behind. The Guard kill off their
advacaries, but die from their wounds.

SWITCH TO THE WATERFALL OF THE MOUNATIN

Hathal catches up to Danial, just behind the waterfall.

HATHAL
Danial!

Danial puts down the baby gently and walks towards Hathal.
he draws his sword.

DANIAL
It shouldn't have been this way!

HATHAL
None of it should have!

DANIAL
I am sorry it had to end like
this.

HATHAL
So am I.

The two fight. Danial wounds Hathal mortally. Hathal falls
to the ground. He looks over at the baby. His eyes begin to
water.

HATHAL
Mephame.

Hathal dies. Danial picks up the baby and continues into the
mountains.

INT. MAIN HALL OF URITHANE - NIGHT

A storm covers over Urithane. it is violent and terrible.
The rain falls down in buckets. The lighting crashes at
almost continuously. Inside the castle, Fascamine has thrown
a celebration in honor of her victory over the Red Guard.
Fascamine sits on her throne. Many of the common people are
present. Music is playing. Samuel opens the door and walks
into the centre of the room. The music stops playing. All of
the people move to the side making a path between Samuel and
Fascamine.

105.

SAMUEL
FASCAMINE!!!

FASCAMINE
Samuel.

Some Guard rush to arrest him.

FASCAMINE
(Standing)
No.

The Guards back off. Fascamine draws her sword.

HATHAL
Fascamine. It does not have to be
like this.

Fascamine approaches slowly.

SAMUEL
There is still time.

Samuel draws his sword.

            SAMUEL
      (Tears falling
       from his eyes.)
We can still fix everything.

Samuel lowers his sword as a sign of his unwillingness to
fight her. Fascamine walks close up to him.

SAMUEL
Don�t.

Fascamine lifts her sword to strike. Samuel responds
immediately. The two begin to fight ferociously in the main
hall. All the nation watches them. Samuel fights back his
emotion as he continues to fight with the Queen. Fascamine
fights strongly and pushes back Samuel through the main
hall, past the citizens and to the entry. There, in front of
the main stairs they continue to battle. Fascamine kicks
Samuel in the stomach and he falls down the stair and into
the rain. He looks up from he knelt position and sees
Fascamine slowly walking down.

FASCAMINE
I LOVED YOU!!!!

Samuel lowers his head and sobs for a moment. He stands and
charges at Fascamine. She charges at him. The two meet and

106.

clash swords in the rain. A bold of lightning clashes in the
backround. They continue to fight with all their passion
behind them. Samuel outmenouvers Fascamine and dearms her.
He sword falls to the side. The two look at eachother for a
moment. Samuel hesitates and then lifts his sword to kill
her.

SAMUEL
Ahh!

A loud boom rings out and Samuel pauses, his sword suspended
in the air. He drops his sword and blood begins to drip from
his mouth. He falls to the ground.

SWITCH TO THE MAIN ENTRANCE.

Dilon stands with a pistol smoking from his shot. He walks
slowly down the stair and stands next to Fascamine, Samuel
knelt next to them, dying. Dilon takes out his sword and
hands it to Fascamine.

DILON
Loyalty to the death.

Fascamine takes the sword and plunges it into Samuels heart.
Samuel dies. Fascamine looks at him for a moment with a
hateful face.

FASCAMINE
Burn his body as a traitor.

DILON
It shall be done, Majesty.

Fascamine walks back inside.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CASTLE OF URITHANE - NIGHT

The rain has stopped. Samuels body lays on top a large pile
of wood. Dilon walks over to it with a torch in hand. He
sets fire to the pile and to Samuel�s body. The camera
follows the flames as they consume Samuel and then follow
the embers upwards into the night over the stars. The camera
lowers onto Dilon as he comes out of the path of the
mountains and into the Valley of the Queens. Holding the
baby, he looks down on a beautiful scene. Hundreds of little
lights shining from different cities, each with a small
castle. He smiles with tears in his eyes. he looks at the
baby and again at the cities below. He begins to walk down
the mountain and into the valley.

FADE OUT.

Feedback

From Jacob Reeves	Date 6/10/2010
It's good. Read most of it, but continued to wrtie my script. I think it is better then most people on script buddy.com. You should use script buddy for roughdrafts and get another software for other drafts. Script buddy is great becuase you get feedback, but once you get it, you should transfer it while editing it to another software. Celtx is free. You'll freakin love it, no doubt. But continue to use this site for recognition. But about your script, I liked the characters. You were somewhat able to write correctly to their times but I can tell you didnt do much studying before writing. A lot of things we'rent appropriate for the time or were just flat out incorrect. But it still is a good script, no doubt. I just recommend if you do a time piece, study and look into a lot before writing. Study for at lease two months before doing so. Documentaires, movies, books, the internet. etc., I posted a script on here that I didn't finish on script buddy but am now transfering it to a new software, Celtx, making it much better. The one posted on here is about 6 down from yours titled, THE NEW ENGLAND HUSTLE. I'd appreciate it if you'd read at leas the first ten pages and tell me what you think. I made it to 110 pages, so just read what you want and comment. I'd really appreciate.

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