the choosing one by david scoville and r.j. nestor

8/7/2019 The Choosing One by David Scoville and R.J. Nestor

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THE CHOOSING ONE 1.

ILEXA (V.O.)We weren't always slaves.

FADE IN

EXT. VERDANT HILLS – SUNRISE

The first rays of the sun stream over a village nestled ina verdant valley. Cottages huddle along the slopes. Gentle-faced men and women work in the fields.

ILEXA (V.O.)We once lived as free folk do. Wetilled the land, lived in peace.

We chose our own destinies.

Children run through the fields. They splash through a lazystream, laughing.

ILEXA (V.O.)Until THEY came.

A CHILD glances up. He stares off downstream, worried.

EXT. DOWNSTREAM – CONTINUOUS

A SOLDIER, his armor the color of dried blood, sits atop amassive boar, its thick hide painted in violent red symbols.

ILEXA (V.O.)Riding on the backs of monsters...

Behind the Soldier, more Boar-riders pour forth.

ILEXA (V.O.)They came for blood and conquest.

The riders tear though the fields, trampling villagers andrunning them through. Others toss nets over young folk.

ILEXA (V.O.)And they were not disappointed.



THE CHOOSING ONE 2.

A shadow looms over the Child. The Red-rider stands beforehim. The boar menaces the water with its tusks. It lunges.

ILEXA (V.O.)For seven generations we have

toiled while they prospered.

EXT. SLAVE FIELD – DAY

Ragged slaves toiling under the hot sun, building heavybricks. Rough slave-drivers watch over them. Whips crack.Behind them a massive stone building stands covered in acocoon of scaffolding.

ILEXA (V.O.)We built their grand city.

EXT. THE CITY – DAY

A city sprawls where the village once stood. Towers andspires compete with the mountains for the skyline.

ILEXA (V.O.)Used our bodies for its stones.But there is hope.

EXT. SLAVETOWN – NIGHT

A ghetto of huts against the massive city wall.

ILEXA (V.O.)The Gods gave us a prophecy.

INT. SLAVE HUT – NIGHT

A girl sits on a dirt floor in a trance, speaking quietly.

An old man labors to capture the girl's words on a crudeparchment. A YOUNG MAN lurks in the corner of the hut.

ILEXA (V.O.)That there will be born a savior.Born under the hunter's red moon.A hero to kill the tyrant anddrive the monsters from the land.



THE CHOOSING ONE 5.

EXT. BED CHAMBER – NIGHT

A simple, clean stone chamber. A lovely young woman, ILEXA,sits by a fire, a babe in her arms, children at her feet.She smiles sadly.

The door flies open. The Young Man with the dragon pin, nowweathered, is in the doorway. His expression is of puremalice. Soldiers flow past him to grab the children.

CUT TO:

EXT. DESERT ROAD – DAY

A dirt road winds through a rocky desert. A train of weary

captives trudges along the road, tethered to a one-horsecart: men, women and children. A fat, dirty SLAVER drivesthe cart. Guards prod the captives on.

Ilexa walks among the captives, her eyes sunken and weary,her lips cracked from thirst, her head heavy. Her legs giveout. She falls to the ground, dragging other slaves down aswell. The Slaver halts the cart and looks back, irritated.

SLAVERGET THAT COW MOVING!

A guard prods Ilexa with his foot. She doesn't stir.

SLAVERIdiot!

The Slaver waddles to Ilexa. He raises his crop to strike.

DEVOS (O.S.)YOU!!

The Slaver looks down the road, where a lone figure stands,tall and broad. Armored in leather and bronze, his helmetthe likeness of a roaring bear's maw. In his right hand heholds a massive sword, its tip rests gently on the dustyroad. He is DEVOS, the Chosen One.



THE CHOOSING ONE 6.

DEVOSStrike her, and I will sever yourarm from your body.

The slaver sneers.

SLAVERI'll do whatever I please with myproperty.

DEVOSThey are not now, nor ever wereyour property.

The slaver motions, two guards approach Devos, swordsdrawn. Devos towers above them, radiating strength andconfidence. The closer they get, more unsure they become.

DEVOSYou're just hired guards. I'llgive you a choice. Drop yourswords now, and you can walk away.

One of the guards drops his sword. Devos nods to him. Theother guard gives his companion a disgusted look.

DEVOSYou've made your choice then.

Devos lashes out, severing the armed guard's head.

SLAVERKILL HIM!! Triple pay for the onewho brings me his head!

The guards charge. Devos opens his arms wide, welcomingthem. A horn sounds in the distance. On both sides of theroad, warriors erupt from the rocky terrain. Roaring, theycharge the guards. Battle rages.

Vir cowers behind a boulder. Two guards rush him. Virswallows his fear and struggles to lift his heavy blade.The guards laugh at his ineptitude. One guard disarms himand kicks him down. The other raises his blade to strike.



THE CHOOSING ONE 7.

Devos appears out of nowhere to deflect the blow. The otherguard strikes, cutting Devos' shoulder. Devos kicks oneguard away and engages the other, slamming the guard's ownblade into his face.

Behind Devos, the other guard raises his sword.

VIRDevos!!

Devos turns too late. The blade comes down. The instantbefore it strikes an arrow plunges into the guard's hand.He drops the sword as a second arrow sprouts from his neck.Devos glances up the path the arrows took.

BELTOR, stands on a rocky outcropping, bow in hand. Similarin stature to Vir, but wiry, worn and weathered.

DEVOS yanks Vir to his feet.

VIRDevos, you're wounded.

DEVOSGo. Free the slaves.

Devos dives back into the fighting. Where he moves, guardsfall. He is pure, relentless ferocity.

Vir rushes to the slaves. He grabs the shackles on an OLDMAN. He pulls a dagger to pick the lock.

OLD MANThat's him yes? The Chosen one.

VIR

Yeah that's Devos. All big anindestructib--

Vir's dagger slips from the lock and slices his hand.

VIRSon of a Goat-lover!



THE CHOOSING ONE 8.

OLD MANA single chain runs through theshackles. Free it from the cart.

Vir rushes toward the cart.

Nearby, Devos rips a helmet off a guard, and backhands itsowner in the face before running him through. The thrustcarries the sword through the guard and into one behind him.

Vir hops on the cart and pries at the chain with his knife.

The Slaver lashes at Vir with his whip. Vir falls off thecart. The Slaver grabs the reins and whips the horse intomotion. The slaves are jerked along.

Vir lunges for the cart. The Slaver whips him. He fallsback into the slaves. Ilexa catches him.

ILEXACut us loose!

Vir draws his sword and hacks at the chain, only to bedriven back again by the whip.

Devos charges the cart, hitting it broadside. The Slaverlashes out with the whip. Devos ignores the blows. He grabsthe cart and lifts. The Slaver lashes at him again andagain. Devos shoves harder. The cart overturns, crushingthe Slaver underneath.

Devos smashes the chains with his sword, splintering thewood where the chains are bolted to the cart.

The slaves drop their shackles. Devos sets the cart uprightand jumps atop it. He removes his helmet. A large birthmarkcovers one side of his face. At the sight of it the slavesgasp with excitement: The Chosen One.

DEVOSNow you are free. No one will everown you. Your lives are your ownto do with...however you choose.



THE CHOOSING ONE 9.

SLAVEOur lives are yours Chosen One!

Devos grins, but his eyes don't join in the smile.

DEVOSNever. Your lives are your own.

SLAVEHail the Chosen One!

The freed slaves cheer. Devos, embarrassed, steps down fromthe cart. A massive warrior steps froward, YORIN. Bushybearded and round bellied, he waves his hands for attention.

YORINCome on then all of you. We'veprovisions back at camp. You c'ndo yer cheerin' with a full belly.

The group, slaves and warriors, streams past. Devoslingers, examining the horse. Vir leans against the back ofthe cart defeated. Beltor strides to him.

BELTORThe next time there's combat I

want you out of it.

Vir looks up, his face stony. Devos joins them.

DEVOSVir did well enough Father.

BELTORHe almost got himself killed. Healmost got YOU killed.

Devos glances at his bloodied shoulder.

DEVOSIt's nothing.



THE CHOOSING ONE 10.

BELTORIt was almost more. You can'twaste your time worrying aboutkeeping your brother alive. Thenext battle, he stays back.Steadies the horses, feeds mearrows. He stays out of the way.

Beltor walks off.

DEVOSHe is simply worried about you.

Vir steps off the cart, avoiding his brother's gaze. Hebusies himself harnessing the horse back to the cart.

VIRHe's right. I almost got youkilled.

DEVOSIt'll take more than this scum todo me in. Besides, the Prophecy...

VIRThe prophecy says you'll stand

victorious. The Blessed ChosenOne, anointed by the Gods.

Devos puts a hand on Vir's shoulder.

DEVOSDon't envy me brother. You chooseyour destiny.

Devos glances at the road ahead.

DEVOSMy path was laid out the moment Iwas born.

Devos sets off down the road. Vir hops into the cart.




VIRThe path to Glory and Honor andthe love of all the people. Whowould want that.

Vir whips the reins, setting the cart in motion.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – CONTINUOUS

Devos, weary, travels along the road. His helmet danglesfrom his hand. The bronze is stained with blood.

LUMA (V.O.)And the Great Bear shall devourthe Winged Serpent. And take formanew.

INT. SEER'S TENT – LATER

An old parchment spread on a low table. A small lamp burnsnext to it, struggling to give enough light. LUMA, a youngwoman of fifteen, huddles over it reading. She wears asimple dress of light cloth. Her hair is tied in a carelessknot. Intricate Henna designs flow along her arms.

A breeze blows out the lamp. Luma glares at it, annoyed.

She frowns in concentration, chanting lightly.

The lamp smokes. A spark. A flame. Luma returns to her work.

A kindly old man: the SEER, leans over her shoulder. LikeLuma, his arms are covered in intricate designs.

SEERYour fire spell is much improved,Luma.

LUMAWhat does it mean “take form anew”?

The Seer chuckles.

SEERI have no idea.




LUMAOur tent is always prepared.

DEVOSI would speak with your master

alone.

Luma deflates.

SEEROf course. Luma, see to thewounded. This way Chosen One.

Ilexa weaves through the crowd like a dancer. She spinsDevos by the shoulder. She kisses him. As the kiss lingersthe hoots and whistles build from the crowd. Slowly, Ilexadraws her lips away. Luma glares at her, jealous.

ILEXAThank you.

Devos, off-kilter for the first time, nods to her. The Seertakes his arm and leads him into the tent.

EXT. THE CITY - DAY – ESTABLISHING

The city from the prologue, tall and sprawling.

EXT. CITY MARKET – DAY

A bustling open air market. Carts and shops line the edgesof broad streets. Hawkers compete for the attention ofshoppers. The people are dressed in fine garments; silks inrainbow colors. Bright gems on necks and fingers.

The crowd parts. A military entourage marches down the

road. At its head is the soldier with the dragon pin:MALUM. His armor has become even more elaborate. The dragonnow covers an ornate breastplate. He radiates confidence,ignoring the crowd around him. His path is arrow straight.

Beside him a BOY of a dozen years struggles to keep up tothe brisk pace. A nervous advisor, SATHOS, hustles behindMalum, in a protective cocoon of honor guards.




Ahead of them, at the end of the market road looms the tallspire of the High Temple of the Dragon. A stone serpentcoils around the spire, to look down on the market.

INT. TEMPLE – DAY

A cavernous antechamber. Priests and Priestesses hustlethrough the chamber on various tasks. At the entrance,heavy wooden doors are thrust open. Malum and his entouragestride through.

INT. GARIX'S STUDY – DAY

A lavish study. Scrolls and statuary line the walls. In onecorner an ornate crystal flask sits atop a heavy pedestal.An old priest sits behind a desk: GARIX, High Priest of theTemple. His face is lined from the stress of his duties.

A knock at the door. An ACOLYTE enters, out of breath.

ACOLYTEYour Eminence. The Lord General ishere. He has brought...

Malum enters, calm and confident. Garix stands in respect.

GARIXLord General Malum.

MALUMGarix.

Garix ignores the insult of the omitted title.

GARIXAnd what brings you to my temple

when you are so loathe to enter?

Sathos leads the Boy into the room. Garix stares at the Boyin outrage, his calm exterior forgotten.

GARIXYou dare!? He is forbidden toenter the temple until...




MALUMThe time has come for theascension. The boy is of age.

GARIX

It must be conducted on thesolstice, in less than afortnight! The preparations...

MALUMIf the timing in inconvenient, wecould delay the ceremony a year.

GARIXYou know we can not. The boy hasentered the temple.

MALUMThen you had best get to work.

EXT. CAMPSITE – NIGHT

Warriors and slaves sharing a wineskin around a fire. Devosand Vir are among them. Yoren, leans over the fire.

YOREN

...and when the Gods struck Zaxethdown, he fled the heavens.

Yoren draws in the sand at his feet. A winged serpent.

YORENBut they hunted him still. And sothe Rogue God took refuge within aman, taking hold of his body. Andso he walks this world, hiddenfrom the Gods yet a God himself.

KRIN, a young brash warrior, jabs a spear into the drawing.

KRINUntil the Chosen One splits theold Goat-lover's skull and sendshim back to the heavens.




The Old Warrior snatches up the wineskin.

OLD WARRIORWhere the Gods are waiting tocarve him up an new asshole!

Laughter from the group.

KRINWhy would the Gods need to crap,old koot?

OLD WARRIORThey squeezed you out Krin, youlittle shit!

More laughter. Yoren snatches the wineskin.

YORENThe rains are their piss, thethunder their farts!

Two dead rabbits fall at Yoren's feet. Yoren looks up tofind Beltor looming over him, bow in hand.

BELTORThat's enough blasphemy for onenight.

YORENBeltor! Just havin' a bit o' fun.

BELTORGet the rabbits in the stew pot.Vir, see to my horse.

VIR(Swaying drunkenly)What?

BELTORShe took a bad step on the wayback to camp. I won't have hergoing lame. Now.




KRINOff you go little horse-maid.

Yoren guffaws. Vir stumbles past the warriors. Devoswatches the scene before him as if from a great distance.

YOREN(singing)

The oasis of the Golden Ben. Sofull of lovely women! They'lldrink you dry and make you cry,An' bury you beneath em!

Devos slips away. A figure follows him in the shadows.

INT. DEVOS' TENT – CONTINUOUS

A simple interior. A few rugs and cushions on the floor. Afew chests to serve as tables. A lamp burns on one, givingoff a dim light. A sheer curtain blocks the tent's opening.Devos reaches for the shoulder clasp on his breastplate.

ILEXA (O.S.)Perhaps I can assist you, ChosenOne.

Ilexa pulls aside the curtain and glides seductively intothe room. She reaches for the shoulder clasp.

ILEXAThis armor must be such a burden.

DEVOSOne worth having.

Ilexa reaches for the waist straps.

ILEXABut so heavy.

The breast plate comes off. Ilexa reaches for Devos'forearms. She removes one bracer, then the other.




ILEXAYou have done so much for us.

Ilexa moves in front of Devos, sliding a hand across hischest. She kneels before him. She reaches for his greaves.

DEVOSI have much yet to do.

Ilexa stands. She runs her hands up Devos' arms.

ILEXAI wish to thank you.

EXT. CAMPSITE – CONTINUOUS

Vir struggles with a horse's foot.

VIRHorse-maid. I'm as good a warrioras any of them.

The horse whinnies.

VIRWhat do you know about it!? Istood my ground against two guards!

The horse sniffs.

VIRSo I fell! At least I didn't run.Besides, if I had as much trainingas the blessed Chosen One, I'd beevery bit the warrior he is.

The horse wrenches her foot out of Vir's grasp.

VIRFine! Go lame! I'm done with you.

Vir stalks off.





ILEXAYou have a woman?

DEVOSNo.

Ilexa wraps her arms around Devos neck again.

ILEXAThen let me thank you properly.

She kisses him. He returns the kiss, drawing her closer.

EXT. CAMPSITE – CONTINUOUS

Vir storms through the camp. Krin spots him and stands, butjust barely. He is very drunk.

KRINHey horse-maid! What took yous'long? You bed one of the mares?

Krin thrusts his pelvis to illustrate. The motion tips himoff balance. The others laugh at his antics. Vir takesadvantage of the distraction to duck out of the firelight.


Ilexa pulls back for a moment, trembling with emotion.

ILEXAMy son is held in the city. Willyou set him free.

DEVOSThe prophecy says I am to slay theemperor.

ILEXAHow will that set us free?




A pause. Doubt crosses Devo's face.

DEVOSI will slay the emperor. The restis up to the Gods.

Tears in her eyes, Ilexa kisses Devos again, passionately.Ilexa slides her hand down Devo's chest, lower.

Ilexa tightens her hand on Devos' neck. She leans her bodyback from his. Her lower hand is a blur of motion. A joltruns up Devos' body. His eyes snap open.

Devos stops the kiss. He steps back from Ilexa. A daggerprotrudes from his chest. He falls to his knees before her.Ilexa's face is a mask of stone. Devos slumps to the ground.

CAMPSITE

Vir walks into the tent.

DEVOS' TENT

Through the sheer curtain, Vir sees the silhouette of awoman standing over Devos, a massive sword in her hands,raised over his body.

Vir dives through the curtains, tackling Ilexa. As they godown they fall on the lamp, snuffing it out.

They wrestle in the darkness: thuds, grunts and groans.Then, a tearing sound. Moonlight pours into the chamberthrough a slit in the back of the tent. Ilexa plungesthrough the slit.

Vir lurches forward, grabbing Ilexa's leg. She kicks him, a

solid blow to his face. Vir falls back, stunned. Ilexadives out of the tent. Vir shakes himself alert.

VIRDevos!

Vir finds the lamp. A spark. The lamp blooms to light.




Luma pulls the curtain aside. Vir snakes around behind her.He grabs her, and slaps a hand over her mouth.

Luma screams through Vir's hand. She flails her arms. Shekicks back at Vir. She bites Vir's hand. Vir calls out and

loosens his grip. Luma screams. Vir slaps his bloody handback, cutting off the scream. He falls back, taking herwith him. Luma reaches out, grabbing one of the curtains asshe falls back on Vir. The curtain tears, spillingmoonlight into the tent.

Luma sees Devos. Her screams turn to wails. Her eyes bulge,in utter panic. Tears stream down her face. Her breath islabored, wracked by sobs. Vir barely holds on.

VIR

It wasn't me. There was a womanhere. I walked in just beforeshe...I chased her. She tore theback of the tent to escape. See?

Vir twists Luma's head to face the gaping back of the tent.

VIRAnd her perfume. Smell it?

Luma's struggling relaxes the tiniest bit.

VIRWe can't call the alarm, not yet.She got away. I never saw herface. She could be miles away.

Luma shrugs. What is a few miles?

VIRI know my father could still trackher. But we can't call them. If wetell them my brother...that theprophecy is broken...it will killthem. All of them. Think about theSeer. What will this do to him?What will they do to him if theythink they put all their hopes ina false prophecy? Please!




Luma stops struggling. Vir still holds her, but gently.They are no longer combatants, but partners in grief.Slowly, Vir removes his hand from Luma's mouth.

LUMA

But the prophecy is broken.

VIRPlease just give me time.

LUMATo do what?

EXT. CAMPSITE – DAY

Ilexa kneels beside an OLD MAN. She tends his wounded arm.Beyond her, and out of ear shot, Luma stands outside Devos'tent speaking with a warrior. Ilexa anxiously watches theexchange.

INT. DEVOS' TENT – DAY

Vir sits by the body of Devos. He has not moved an inch.Luma enters the tent.

LUMAThey'll keep their distance. Fornow.

Angry voices outside the tent.

BELTOR (O.S.)I will see my son!

Vir and Luma exchange a terrified glance.

VIRSnuff the candles!

BELTOR (O.S.)Let me in or I'll skin you whereyou stand.




Luma snuffs the candles. Vir takes a deep breath.

VIRForgive me brother.

Vir heaves Devos to a sitting position. He wedges himselfinto a tight ball behind the body.

Beltor storms into the darkened tent. He scans thedarkness, searching.

BELTORDevos?

VIR

(in a raspy impersonation of Devos)Here father.

BELTORYour voice...

Vir coughs.

VIRMy throat is raw.

BELTORYorin tells me you are fevered.

VIRMy wound has turned angry, that isall.

BELTORI would see for myself. Where isyour blasted lamp?

Beltor moves farther into the room.

VIR AND LUMANo!

Luma jumps up to intercept Beltor.




VIRThe light hurts my eyes.

LUMAHe just needs rest.

BELTORI'll send for the Seer.

LUMAAnd what am I?

BELTORLook child I think...

LUMAI have made a poultice for thewound. I have given him brightfoiltea to bring down the fever.

Luma guides Beltor to the entrance.

LUMAHe needs rest, nothing more. Iwill stay with him. I will let youknow when the fever breaks.

Beltor leaves the tent.

Vir crawls out from under Devos. He lays the body gentlyback down. Tears in her eyes, Luma glares at Vir. Shestorms out of the tent.

INT. WORKHOUSE – MORNING

A large wooden workhouse. Sunlight trickles in through the

many holes in the walls. Children crowd the space, workingwith looms, weaving fabric, sewing clothes. Slave driverswalk among them, whips held lazily.

In the back of the workhouse an old woman leans over abundle, wrapping it in a thick parchment. A priest standsbeside her, overseeing. A young Page steps up behind thepriest, craning his neck to get a look at the package.




A flash of the finest crimson silk, chased with gold. Thenthe bundle is wrapped, the package tied off. The priestpresses his seal onto the package and hands it to the Page.

EXT. SLAVETOWN – MORNING

The page weaves through the filthy, crowded streets ofSlavetown. Worn hovels lean against each other for support.Beggars, lying in filth reach out to him.

The Page comes to the city wall. It rises high over eventhe tallest buildings in Slavetown. A heavy gate standsopen. The Page shows the priest's seal to a guard beforedarting though into the city.

EXT. CITY MARKET – MORNING

The page wrestles his way through the crowded marketstreet. No one makes way for him. They jostle and shovehim, a slave, a dog in their way.

A gong rings out over the crowd. The Page looks up to thesource of the sound; The Temple. He breaks free of thecrowd and runs to the temple.

INT. TEMPLE – MORNING

The gong again. The page hurries through the antechamber.

INT. TEMPLE LIBRARY – MORNING

The gong yet again. The Page sprints into a massivelibrary. Malum and Sathos sit at a heavy table. The Boystands on a small stool, a PRIEST kneels before him,hemming a robe. The Page trips and falls at the feet of theBoy. The package falls to the ground.

Smiling, the Boy stoops to pick up the package, then offershis hand to the Page. The page takes his hand.

In a flash Malum lunges from his seat. He draws his swordand severs the Page's hand from his body. He kicks thescreaming Page away. The Boy drops the hand in horror. Thepriest yanks him back.




PRIESTHe must be cleansed at once!

INT. GARIX'S STUDY – MORNING

Garix sits at his desk. Beside him a priestess rubs a faintgreen oil into the Boy's hands. Malum enters the room.

GARIXThe slave?

MALUMExecuted, of course.

The Boy startles, shocked. Garix nods, satisfied.

GARIXIt is good to know you have someregard for tradition.

Malum looks to the Boy.

MALUMWhen others do not. You shouldnever have touched that slave. Itis because of you he is dead.

INT. DEVOS' TENT – NIGHT

A mound of fresh earth now covers Devos' body. Vir and Lumacollapse next to the new grave. Vir stares at it, defeated.

VIRThey'll see the mound.

Luma, murmuring softly, takes a handful of earth. She blows

it over the grave. The air around the mound shimmersslightly. Vir glances at her in confusion.

LUMAAn illusion spell. The Seer alwayssaid I worked best with air andlight. They won't see the mound.




VIRBut I can see it right now.

LUMABecause you know it's there.

They'll see only what they expect.

EXT. CAMPFIRE – NIGHT

Freed slaves sleep huddled around an ailing fire. Viremerges from the tent, dusty and exhausted, and slips past.A LITTLE GIRL opens her eyes as he passes.

EXT. DESERT STREAM – NIGHT

Vir stoops at the bank of a lazy stream to wash his hands.He scrubs them raw, obsessively, his face knotted in grief.

LITTLE GIRL (O.S.)You're his brother, aren't you?

Vir whips around to find a small pack of children behindhim, a little girl at the lead.

LITTLE GIRLMy daddy says he's sick.

VIRShouldn't you all be asleep?

LITTLE GIRLWe made him something.

The Little Girl hands him a trinket: a small iron bear on abraided cord.

LITTLE GIRLGwen wove the cord from our hair.We all gave a lock. The bear ismade from our shackles.

A GRUBBY BOY steps forth.




LUMAYou'll lead them to their deaths.

VIRNot if you help me. You know the

prophecy better than anyone, butthe Seer. You can tell me what todo to fulfill it.

LUMAIt doesn't work that way.

VIRWhy not? Help me. Help me keepthese men invincible. Help mefulfill the prophecy. Help me free

our people.

Luma stares long and hard at Vir. She thrusts her hand out.

LUMAGive me the helmet.

VIRI'm going to do this.

LUMAI can see that. Give me the helmet.

Vir hesitates, then passes Luma the helmet. She crawls tothe grave. She digs into the earth. Vir snatches her wrist.

LUMAYou asked for my help.

Vir lets go. Luma plunges her hand into the earth. Shepulls her hand out, holding a few hairs. She scoops ahandful of earth from under Devos. Chanting softly, shespits into her hand, mixing the ingredients. She smears theconcoction on the helmet. She hands the helmet to Vir.

LUMAWear that, and anyone who looks atyou will see him.




VIRLuma...

LUMABut you'll still have to act like

him. If they suspect, they mightsee though the illusion. And it'sjust an illusion. Underneathyou'll still be...you.

VIRLuma...thank you.

LUMADon't thank me yet.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – DAWN

The golden rays of the sun illuminate a line of riders offin the distance. The sun glints off polished armor.

Beltor and Krin lie on a rocky outcropping overlooking theroad. They watch the progress of the riders.

INT. DEVOS' TENT – MORNING

Luma helps Vir into Devos' armor. It is much too large.

VIRYou could fit two of me in here!

LUMAIt just has to be on you, theillusion will make it look like itfits.

VIRYou're sure?

LUMA...no.

YORIN (O.S.)Chosen One!




LUMABut you're not...ready, I...Theprophecy doesn't say anythingabout this.

VIR/DEVOSThe prophecy doesn't say anythingabout me taking a piss either.Should I stop that too?

EXT. CAMPSITE - DAY

Vir/Devos bursts from the tent, all but dragging his sword.He is greeted by a wave of cheers. Luma trails behind.

Vir's POV: Ilexa stares at him in total shock.

Luma's POV: Vir under the Devos image, tiny and terrified.He looks to her. Is it working? Can Ilexa see through it?

Ilexa's POV: Devos glances at Luma, looking doubtful andunsure. Luma shrugs. Devos turns back to the crowd. He nodsto Ilexa.

Vir's POV: Ilexa ducks her head in response. Vir sighs inrelief, the spell is working.

As Vir/Devos marches through the camp, calling orders,Ilexa watches Luma linger nervously by the tent.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – LATER

Vir/Devos drives a cart, a heavy cloak draped across hisshoulders, his face hidden in a deep hood. A line ofslaves, plod behind the cart, their hands bound and tied toone another. Warriors escort the "slaves". Beltor and a fewothers take cover along the road, their bows ready.

Luma trails behind the caravan, doing her best to stayunnoticed. The caravan halts. She ducks behind a boulder.

Ilexa watches both Luma and the caravan from her own secretvantage point.




Ahead, several dozen Imperial soldiers come into clearview, with two heavy cage-wagons. The soldiers wear armor,lacquered red and black. Two mounted soldiers ride at thehead of the caravan. One has a red-plumed helm: theCAPTAIN. The other, a BROWN-PLUME rides to Vir/Devos.

BROWN-PLUMEYou should have met us two daysago. We traveled an extra fortyleagues.

VIR/DEVOSBandits held us up.

Brown-plume nods. Six guards move forward to the slaves.

CAPTAINWait.

BROWN-PLUMEHalt!

The soldiers halt between caravans.

Behind the caravan, Luma sets a leather pouch on the ground.

CAPTAINWhere is Agros?

VIR/DEVOSHe's... ill. A poison arrow.

CAPTAINAnd who are you?

VIR/DEVOS

Vi...machos.

CAPTAINTell me Vimachos, Why do you goabout cloaked and hooded so, onsuch a fine day?




Luma pulls out a small mirror. She places it on the groundalong with a lock of hair. Ilexa watches intently.

VIR/DEVOSI...the sun hurts my eyes. Too

much drink last night.

CAPTAINI would see the face of the manI'm conducting business with.

The Captain gestures and several soldiers ready their bows.

VIR/DEVOSBut the sun, I...

CAPTAINREMOVE YOUR HOOD!

Luma draws a small knife.

Vir/Devos reaches for the hood. He pauses.

Beltor nocks an arrow. The soldiers at the wagon take aim.

Luma runs the knife along her hand, drawing blood.

Vir/Devos throws the hood back.

Luma stabs the bloody knife into the mirror. The mirrorshatters. Light pours from its fragments.

Brilliant light erupts from Vir/Devos' helm. The soldiersrecoil, shielding their eyes. The archer-soldiers flinchaway, loosing their arrows harmlessly into the air.

Beltor stands, his bow drawn taut. He lets loose. The arrowsinks into the neck of one of the archer-soldiers.

BELTORNOW!!!!




One of the slaves throws off the rags he was huddled under.It is Yorin. He draws a massive ax.

YORINFOR THE CHOSEN ONE!

Yorin charges. The others follow suit. Slaves and theirescorts alike draw their weapons and rush the soldiers.

Ilexa charges Luma. She slams Luma against the rock face.The light dies away from the mirror and from Vir/Devos.

ILEXAWhat sort of witch are you!?

Still blinking from the light, the closest soldiers areslow to act, defending themselves feebly.

The Captain glares at Vir/Devos. He spurs his horse forward.

Ilexa wrenches the knife from Luma's hand.

ILEXADo you control him? Did youconjure him?

LUMAI'm protecting him!

Vir/Devos grabs his massive sword. It tangles in his cloak.

The Captain runs down one of the warriors.

Luma kicks Ilexa away.

Vir/Devos falls off the cart trying to free his sword.

Luma grabs a mirror shard.

The Captain raises his saber.

Vir/Devos winces, anticipating the blow.




Luma stabs her hand with the shard. More light, lessbright, erupts again from the mirror.

Light erupts from Vir/Devos once more, blinding thecaptain. His horse rears, then falls, crushing the captain

beneath it.

Ilexa shoves Luma over and straddles her. The light diesout again.

ILEXAWhy would the Chosen One need yourspells!?

Luma looks away, unable to answer. Her silence is enough.

ILEXAHe's not the Chosen One is he?

Vir/Devos tears the cloak off and rushes to the captain.He raises his sword to land a killing blow. Broken andbloodied, the Captain looks up at him, waiting. Virtrembles with anger, but is unable to strike.

Krin lunges in and sinks his sword into the soldier's neck.He flashes Vir/Devos a menacing grin.

KRINHah! You'll have to move fasterDevos, or I'll take all your kills!

Blinded and disheartened, the remaining soldiers arequickly overcome.

Cheers of victory drive Ilexa to her feet. She darts off,out of sight. Luma watches her go, worried.

EXT. CAMPSITE – DAWN

The campsite is dismantled and split into two caravans,facing opposite directions on the road. They set off. Thewarriors take up the bulk of one of the Caravans, alongwith the Seer in one of the wagons.




SEERAnd the God's blessings shall pourforth from him like a greatfountain. The light of the Gods'justice shall shine like a beacon.

YORINIt's true! We saw it! 'Remove yourhood!' said the captain. And whenhe did the soldiers were struckblind!

The warriors cheer. Beltor rides up next to Vir/Devos.

BELTORWhere the hell is Vir? I haven't

seen him since before the battle.

VIR/DEVOSI sent him with the other Caravan.We do not need him.

BELTORBut I haven't even seen him.

VIR/DEVOS

He was ashamed to be sent away. Heleft before dawn as a scout.

BELTORI suppose it is for the best.

VIR/DEVOS(bitterly)

Of course it is. He was useless.

Beltor is shocked by the venom in Vir/Devos' words.Vir/Devos kicks his horse ahead of the caravan. Beltorsurveys the caravan. Something catches his eye:

THE SITE OF DEVOS' TENT

The air shimmers for an instant as if from intense heat.Beltor stares harder. Is something there?




Again, a slight shimmer to the air.

Beltor dismounts. He takes a step toward the site. Krinrides up to him, blocking his view.

KRINYou have to piss already old man?Don't get left behind.

Krin chuckles, pleased with himself and rides ahead. Beltorshakes his head. He mounts his horse and joins the others.

INT. CITY – CATACOMBS

A NERVOUS MAN stalks down a dark tunnel. One side of his

face is stained with a red birthmark. He carries a torch tolight the way. The walls of the tunnel are lined withskulls, old and dusty. His feet crunch over ancient bones.

INT. TEMPLE LIBRARY – DAY

The Boy sits with a TUTOR, an ancient withered priest.Several scrolls are spread on the table before them.

TUTORAnd so the heir shall breathe inthe Emperor's dying breath, for init dwells the God Zaxeth. It wasArcheon Tertious who added theblood of his greatest enemies tothe ritual, an offering to Zaxeth.

INT. TEMPLE STOREROOM

A dark storeroom filed with casks and crates. A hatch inthe floor creaks open. The Nervous Man slides out onto thefloor. He searches the room, finding a small cloth bundle:a robe. He unfolds it to reveal a dagger.

LIBRARY

Malum, Sathos and a quartet of honor guards enter.




MALUMYour lesson is concluded tutor. Ihave business to conduct.

TUTOR

But surely the Palace is moreappropriate my Lord.

MALUMThe Boy is sequestered here. He isstill under my protection. Leaveus. Have food sent up.

The Tutor bows and leaves.

EXT. TEMPLE KITCHENS

The Nervous Man, in acolyte robes, moves among the kitchenworkers. The tutor enters.

TUTORThe Lord General requests lunch inthe Library.

INT. LIBRARY

The Nervous Man enters with a tray of food.

SATHOS...the escort you sent to collectthe slaves has not reported in.

Nervous Man sets the food at the table. He places gobletsin font of Malum, Sathos. He pours wine. His hand shakes.

SATHOS

Shall we send a garrison toinvestigate?

Nervous Man spills a few drops of wine. Malum glances athis shaking hands. Nervous Man bows in apology.

MALUMYou overreact. Give them time.




SATHOSOf course Lord General. About the..

Nervous Man pulls the dagger and lunges toward the Boy.

In a blur of motion, Malum grabs Nervous man and lifts himinto the air. Malum slams him onto the table. He twists thedagger in Nervous man's grip and plunges it into the would-be assassin's belly.

INT. TEMPLE ANTECHAMBER

Malum and his entourage hurry toward the door. Guardshuddle around the Boy. Garix spots them from across theroom.

GARIXLord General! You have no businessconducting your affairs inmy...where are you taking the Boy!?

MALUMTo the palace.

GARIXHe MUST remain here until the

ceremony!

Behind them, a pair of guards drag the Nervous Man along.

MALUMYour temple is infested. Only inthe palace can I assure hissafety. If you want him to live tosee the ceremony, he comes with me.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – DAY

Vir/Devos rides at the head of the caravan, beside thecart. Luma drives the cart. The Seer sleeps beside her.

VIR/DEVOS(Whispered)

Luma! So what's next?




LUMAWhat?

VIR/DEVOSThe prophecy...what's next?

Before she can answer Krin rides up next to Vir/Devos.

KRINIt's hot as a pig's balls Devos!Are you ever going to take thatbloody helmet off?

VIR/DEVOSWha...no! I..ah...that is...

Vir clears his throat.

VIR/DEVOSI must be ever vigilant. TheEmperor's dogs could be anywhere.I will not leave off my helm untilmy deed is complete.

KRIN...ya, okay, you really need to

bed that slave-girl. You'regetting too serious even for you.

Krin rides off. Beltor rides into view.

BELOTRHold!!!

The caravan slows to a halt. Beltor rides to Vir/Devos.

BELTORThe Gate is on the horizon. Weshall go no further today.

LUMA'He and he alone shall overcomethe Guardian and tear open theGate to the Garden.'




VIR/DEVOSWho is the Guardian?

EXT. CAMPFIRE – NIGHT

Yorin and several warriors gather around the fire.

YORINIt's a beast, conjured up by theEmperor himself, and set to guardthe pass into the Green Lands. Anightmare of death and hatred, itcraves the blood of men and knowsno pain. It's mere image has sentlesser men to madness.

INT. DEVOS' TENT – NIGHT

Vir/Devos storms into the tent, Luma hot on his heels.

LUMA...They're going to just sit hereand let you march off into whoknows what!?

VIR/DEVOS

'He and he alone.' That's what theprophecy says.

Vir/Devos tosses his sword aside. He tries in vain to reachthe side buckles on his breastplate.

VIR/DEVOSDamnit! How does anyone do this?

Luma grabs at the buckle.

LUMAThey have help.

Luma loosens the buckle, then another. Her efforts drawthem closer together.




VIRI don't know. I just want to freeour people. Beyond that, what doesit matter?

Ilexa's hand leaves the knife and caresses Vir along thechest, bordering between sincere and seductive. Luma glaresat them both, forgotten.

ILEXAThen let me help you. You cantrust me.

LUMANot like we have a choice.

EXT. CAMPSITE – DAWN

Vir/Devos stands with the Seer and a small cluster ofwarriors. Beltor and Yorin among them. Devos' sword isstrapped to Vir's back, a smaller sword hangs at his hip.The Seer raises his hands over Vir/Devos' head.

SEERMay the Gods clothe you in armorthat no blade may pierce. May

their truth shine from you toblind your enemies.

The illusion falters for an instant. A brief moment, aflick of light. The image of Devos wavers and draws inward.An instant later the image is restored. Only Beltor marksthe event. Is it part of the Seer's benediction?

Yorin hands Vir/Devos the reins to one of the horses.

YORINIt should be a day's ride to theGate. Be quick and you can be backhere in two days time.

VIR/DEVOSIf I come back at all.




YORINYou will. The prophecy...

VIR/DEVOSRight. The prophecy.

Beltor is taken aback by the uncharacteristic words. Virmounts his horse. He sets off down the road.

BELTORSon!

Vir/Devos turns to face Beltor. He refuses to meet his eyes.

BELTOR

Good Luck.

Still Vir/Devos will not meet his father's eyes. He nodshis head and turns back to the road. Beltor stares hard atVir/Devos' back. Again, the illusion falters. Beltor rubshis eyes and looks again. The image is once again restored.

LUMA (O.S.)No!

Luma bursts from the tent. She rushes toward Vir. Yorinscoops her up in his massive arms.

LUMANo he can't! Not yet!

YORIN(amused)

Don't worry little one. He'll beback soon enough.

LUMAHe can't go! Not alone! Go withhim.

YORINThis is a task for the Chosen Onealone.




LUMABut he isn't...ready!

The Seer puts a gentle hand on her shoulder.

SEERWe all fear for him dear Luma. Wemust put our trust in the Godsnow. And in their Chosen One.

Luma stops struggling. Yorin sets her down.

Beltor locks eyes with Luma, reading her. Luma shudders andlooks away. Beltor looks down the road after Vir/Devos oncemore. Something clicks in his mind.

Beltor snaps into action. He strides toward the horses.

BELTORYorin!

Yorin joins Beltor, struggling to keep pace.

BELTORMake sure the scouts check inoften. I don't want anyonecatching us off guard.

Beltor checks his horse's saddle. He mounts up.

YORINWhere are you going?

BELTORThere's something I need to see.

Beltor kicks his horse into motion. He rides swiftly up theroad in the opposite direction as Vir.

Ilexa slides next to Luma, a pair of bows in her hand.

ILEXAAre you ready?




LUMAFor what?

ILEXATo go hunting of course.

LUMAI'm not going anywhere with you.

ILEXAGame is sparse. We should be gonetwo maybe three days. We'll havethe best luck if we head south.

Ilexa nods to the road Vir took. Luma accepts one of thebows. She eyes Ilexa with suspicion, but buddingappreciation as well.

INT. PALACE DUNGEON – EVENING

A dark stone chamber. The Nervous Man hangs from heavy ironshackles. On a table next to him sits the dagger and asmall scroll. The Dungeon Master, STALLIP a tiny cadaverousman bows to Malum and the Boy. Malum runs a hand along theface of nervous man, along the birthmark. His hand comesaway stained with red.

MALUMAn impostor.

STALLIPHe has said little My Lord. I amtrying improve his health before Ibegin a proper interrogation.

Malum inspects the table. He picks up the dagger.

STALLIPThat blade is from the emperor'sarmory. He did not act alone.

The Boy picks up the scroll. On it is the image of a bearand a serpent locked in battle.




MALUMCowards hiding in shadows. Theyshall all be dealt with.

STALLIP

My Lord we don't know how numerousthey are. If they rallied theslaves...

MALUMThe slaves will do nothing withouttheir fabled Chosen One.

Malum grabs the scroll from the Boy.

MALUMAnd he will never come.

Malum crumples the scroll.

EXT. SEA OF STONES – EVENING

Vir leads his horse through a sea of massive boulders. Theyrise above him, casting the failing light into a thousandshadow shapes. The helmet sits on the saddle.

Ever present before him is the Great Wall: no man-madething but a wall of natural rock. It runs as far as the eyecan see, unbroken but for a single gap, still far off: TheGreat Gate.

Vir leads his horse to a tiny stream to drink.

Movement in the shadows. Vir looks up: nothing. He pullshis waterskin from the saddle.

Another shadow moves. Vir scans the area: again, nothing.He kneels to fill his water skin.

An arrow sinks in the ground at his feet. Vir jumps, fallsback. An arrow smacks the ground between his legs.

A figure stands atop one of the boulders. A silhouette inthe dim light, and only vaguely humanoid.




Another figure rises up on another boulder. Then another.

One steps from behind a boulder only a few paces from Vir.It is a man, filthy and dressed in patchwork armor andragged hide. Feathers and bones sprout from the armor at

random. A human skull rests atop his head. He grins awicked grin of jagged filed teeth. A WILDMAN.

Vir scoots away from the Wildman. Another arrow strikesnear him. He flings himself on his horse and bolts.

One wildman lets out a piercing shriek. It is answered bymore calls, yips and howls.

The horse dives madly though the boulders. More and morewildfolk; men and women rise up from the boulder tops.

An arrow sinks into the horse's flank. It screams. An arrowstrikes it hind leg. The horse falters but continues.

An arrow strikes the horse's neck, its throat. The horsefalls screaming to the ground. Vir lands in a crumbled heapagainst a boulder. More arrows drive him to his feet.

Vir hurdles through the stone maze. The wildfolk herd himforward, ever closer to the Gate.

EXT. THE GREAT GATE – CONTINUOUS

A field of barren earth separates the stone pillars fromthe cliff face. A huge wood and stone gate spans the gap inthe cliff, dwarfed by the cliff itself.

Vir sprints for the gate. Behind him, a hoard of Wildfolkemerge, hooting and howling.

Vir reaches the Gate. The heavy doors stand immobile. Asmaller door lies open beside it. Vir dives inside.




INT. THE PIT – CONTINUOUS

Vir bolts through a shallow tunnel into a large roundchamber. The walls are sheer smooth stone. Light streams infrom holes in the distant ceiling. Fifteen feet above him a

balcony is cut into the stone. It encircles the entirechamber. Across from the entrance lies another tunnelbarred by a heavy iron gate. The balcony continues down thetunnel.

Vir runs to the gate. He yanks on it: locked. Vir runs backto the entrance. An iron gate slams down trapping him.

The Wildfolk pour into the chamber along the balcony,hooting and howling. Several launch flaming arrows into thepit to splash the walls with rippling light. One wildman

raises a large horn to his lips. An eerie, hollow soundarches over the crowd.

Silence. Then a yipping sound from far down the tunnel,followed by heavy footsteps. The gate to the tunnel creaksopen on rusty hinges.

A small pack of wildmen labor along the tunnel's balcony.They maneuver four long poles. The poles end at chains thatdip down into the darkness of the tunnel.

The GUARDIAN steps into the arena.

He is a towering mass eight feet tall and almost as wide.Bowed legs hold up a hunched frame. His hide is a networkof scars and burns, his face a bulbous ruin. A witheredhalf corpse, what would have been his twin, danglesuselessly at his side, stick limbs twisted at odd angles,remnants of a face half buried in rolls of loose flesh.

Cruel iron hooks are sunk deep into his flesh, two at his

collar bones, and two more in his forearms. Chains run fromthe hooks to the wildmen's poles. The wildmen drive theGuardian forward: wicked little puppeteers. The Guardianroars in pain but obeys his masters. He raises a massivespiked club.




EXT. SEA OF STONES – EVENING

A half dozen wildfolk huddle around Vir's dead horse. Theytear hunks of flesh with obsidian blades.

A wildwoman hears something. She looks up from her work, aragged strip of meat hangs form her mouth. She chews lazilyas she searches the area. She sniffs the air.

An arrow sinks into her chest. The Wildfolk erupt like aflock of startled birds.

Ilexa stands atop one of the rocks with bow in hand. Shelets loose another arrow. Beside her Luma fumbles with herown bow. She looses an arrow, missing terribly.

The remaining wildfolk disappear among the stones.

Ilexa and Luma slide off the rock. Luma rushes to thehorse. She kneels down, searching.

LUMAHe's not here he's...

A horn sounds in the distance. Ilexa yanks Luma to her feet.

ILEXACome on!

INT. THE PIT - EVENING

The Guardian spots Vir: a victim, a thing to focus all hispain, all his rage.

With a bellow the Guardian charges. He swings his massiveclub at Vir. Vir dives away. The club slams into the ground

tearing a shallow hole in the packed earth.

Vir runs to the exit, out of reach of the Guardian. Anarrow grazes his hand, more zing past him. Vir lurchesaway. Arrows drive him back toward the Guardian.




Vir draws the short sword at his hip. He yanks a flamingarrow out of the ground. As the Guardian hurtles towardshim, he flicks the arrow in the Guardian's face.

The Guardian roars. He smacks at his scorched face,

blinded. Vir dives past him toward the open gate.

A wildman on the balcony swipes a lever. The gate crashesdown. One of the gate spikes catches Vir's sword belt,pulling him down to the ground and pinning him.

The puppeteers lash and pull at their reigns, trying toturn a half-blind Guardian around to face his adversary.

Vir tears at his sword belt. It holds fast to his waist.The Guardian gets caught in his tethers. Several puppeteershurdle across the tunnel to get him untangled.

The Guardian raises his club. Vir slices the sword belt. Hedives free as the Guardian swings.

Vir lunges forward with this blade. Puppeteers leap backacross the tunnel, taking the Guardian's arm with them. TheGuardian deflects the blow, tearing Vir's sword away.

EXT. THE GREAT GATE – CONTINUOUS

A wildman stands outside the small gate. The cheers of hiskinsmen echo from inside. An arrow zips past him. He whipsaround. Another arrow clacks against the stone beside him.A third hits the ground three yards away.

Ilexa steps into view, apparently unarmed. She smiles atthe wildman. She saunters toward him seductively. Confused,but very male, the wildman steps out of cover to get abetter view. Ilexa walks up to him. Out of nowhere sheproduces a dagger and jabs it into his throat.

Luma pops up from her hiding spot like a prairie dog. Shejogs forward with both bows. She hands one to Ilexa.

ILEXAWell, you ALMOST hit him.




THE PIT

Arrows hit the ground behind Vir. Luma screams.

Vir whips his head toward the sound. The Guardian swings.

Vir looks back just in time to duck under. The swing throwsthe Guardian off balance. The puppeteers yank on the chainsto keep him upright. The Guardians howls in pain, roars atthe puppeteers, Vir forgotten. He takes a step and swingsat them. They yank on his chains, pulling the swing upshort. The Guardian bellows. The hooks in his flesh openfresh wounds.

Vir gets an idea. He plants himself firmly, and draws thesword at his back.

The Guardian, back under control, turns to face him.

The Guardian swings. Vir stands firm. At the last mirco-second he dodges the blow. He swings the heavy sword at thethe chain attached to the Guardian's unarmed hand.

The chain breaks.

Unaware of what just happened, the Guardian swings again.Vir ducks and swings up at the Guardian's Club-arm.

Another chain breaks.

Suddenly unencumbered, the blow knocks the Guardian offbalance once more. He falls to one knee.

Vir charges in. He runs up the Guardian's body and slicesthrough one of the chains at his collarbone. The Guardianswats Vir away. Vir comes down flat on his back, winded.

The puppeteers panic. They pull at the single remainingtether. Several wildmen work to pull the heavy gate upbehind the Guardian.

The Guardian glances at his newly freed wrists. He reachesup to his collarbone. The puppeteers yank on his singlechain. He glances at Vir. Vir looks back, hopeful.




The Guardian understands. He grabs his last chain with bothhands and yanks with all his might. The puppeteers goflying. Three land inside the pit. The Guardian slams hisfoot down on one, crushing his head.

BALCONY

The crowd flies into a panic. A row of archers draw theirbows to shoot into the pit. A bolt of flame launches acrossthem. Charred archers plummet into the pit.

Luma stands at the edge of the crowd, flask in one hand,torch in the other, Ilexa stands at her shoulder. Lumachants under her breath. She takes a long draw from theflask and spits it into the torch flame. Another column offire lances out at the wildfolk.

THE PIT

Vir charges one of the puppeteers. The Guardian steps inbetween them and pummels the wildman with his club. Heglares at Vir: the puppeteers are for the Guardian alone.

Arrows fly into the pit. Several bite into the Guardian'sthick hide. He ignores them. Vir takes cover as anothervolley launches into the pit.

Fire from the balcony sends more victims to the pit.

The Guardian wraps his chain around the last puppeteer. Heswings him like a mace overhead, building momentum. Heslams the man-mace into the crowd on the balcony.

ILEXA (O.S.)Vir! The gate!!

The gate blocking the exit rises a few feet. Vir glancesonce at the Guardian: he is devoted to his task ofdestruction. Vir dives under the gate. Ilexa meets him atthe base of the stairs. Luma stands a few stairs up,blasting more fire-breath.




Ilexa fires her bow into the crowd with rapid accuracy.

As Vir gets a safe distance away, Luma launches more firebreath.

The Guardian is master of the pit. The wildfolk havestopped fighting. They climb over each other to escape theroaring nightmare. They clog the exits.

Vir runs to the gate latch at the tunnel. The gate smashesdown on the crowd. The Guardian roars. The roar turnslaughter, cruel and wild.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – NIGHT

The wicked laughter of the Guardian echoes away, to bereplaced by a howling wind. The moon shines down on anempty road.

A rider gallops alone the road: Beltor. He comes to a broadclearing. He reins in his mount. The area around him istrampled flat from days of use: their old campsite.

Beltor glances at one particularly featureless spot. Theair around it shimmers slightly, out of focus.

EXT. THE GREAT GATE – NIGHT

Vir, Luma and Ilexa gather around a meager fire. Luma tendsVir's wounds. She and Ilexa are patched and bandged as well.

VIRTomorrow we'll open the main gate.Then we'll head back. The otherscan deal with what is left ofthose people. If any even showtheir faces when we march through.

LUMAWhat about...Him?

Luma nods toward the gate. Vir shrugs.




VIRHe's a slave.

EXT. DESERT ROAD – NIGHT

Beltor dismounts. Vir continues as a voice over.

VIR (V.O.)No different from us.

Beltor stares hard at the shimmering air.

VIR (V.O.)They were using him. Like apuppet, a toy.

Beltor strides into the shimmering air. It whirls aroundhim. The landscape bends and warps.

VIR (V.O.)Just like The Chosen One. Theprophecy, the Gods. They chew usup and spit us out.

The air settles. Beltor stands beside an earthen mound.

ILEXA (V.O.)But you aren't the Chosen One.

Beltor falls to his knees before the mound. He sinks hishands into the earth, digging.

VIR (V.O.)I know.

Beltor uncovers the face of Devos. He wails in grief.

EXT. THE GREAT GATE – DAWN

Vir, Luma and Ilexa packed for their return journey.




VIRI'll wait awhile before I followyou back. And come at the campfrom a different angle. If theythought you helped me...

LUMAThey won't. You'll be fine.

ILEXANot without this.

Ilexa hands Vir the helmet.

ILEXATry to keep it on your head.

THE PIT

Vir enters the pit. All the bodies are piled in one corner.The Guardian sits far from them, motionless. Vir sets hisbag down. He rummages through it and pulls out some linenbandages, and a small pouch. He takes a few cautious stepstoward the Guardian.

VIR

I can help you. I'm not the healerthat Luma is but...

The Guardian doesn't move. Vir reaches a hand out to one ofthe Guardian's arrow wounds. He grasps the arrow. He breaksit in half: no reaction.

VIRI'm going to push this through.It's gonna hurt. Try not to killme.

The Guardian turns his crooked head to face Vir calmly.

VIROkay, here goes.




Vir pushes the arrow through the wound. The Guardiangrunts. Vir bandages the wound.

VIRYou could come with me... us.

He continues tending the Guardian's wounds as he talks.

VIRYou're free now, but there aremore people like you...moreslaves. We are going to free them.We are going to stop the peoplewho did this to you, from everdoing it to any one again.

The Guardian grunts.

VIRBut first I need your help.

EXT. GREAT GATE – CONTINUOUS

The morning sun peeks over the gate.

VIR (O.S.)I need to open this damn gate.

EXT. DESERT ROAD SOUTH – DAY

Vir and the Guardian walk along the road.

VIR...so when the helmet is on...

Vir dons the helmet.

VIR/DEVOSI look like someone else. That'sthe someone everyone thinks I am.We can't tell them I'm me. Okay?But then, you don't really seemmuch for talking.




EXT. DESERT ROAD NORTH – DAY

Beltor gallops.

EXT. DESERT ROAD SOUTH – DAY

VIRDo you even have name?

DESERT ROAD NORTH

Beltor pelting across the courtyside.

DESERT ROAD SOUTH

VIRI'll give you a name. Eraxus! Itmeans strength. Eraxus theterrible! Speak up if youdisapprove. Hah!

Vir slaps Eraxus on the back. Then he freezes realizingwhat he just did. He pauses, ready for anything. Eraxusglances at him calmly. He snorts.

EXT. CAMPSITE – DAY

Krin sits watch from an outcropping overlooking thecampsite and the road. He looks to the south.

DESERT ROAD SOUTH

In the far distance a lumbering giant travels along theroad. A smaller companion walks beside him, barely visible.

EXT. CAMPSITE - DAY

Krin gazes in horror at the thing approaching. He fumblesfor the horn at his side. He blows the horn.

The camp buzzes with activity. Warriors scramble to armthemselves. They rush to the Southern road.




SEERAre we attacked?

YORINThere is a beast on the road. It

has the Chosen One.

EXT. DESERT ROAD SOUTH

Vir/Devos and Eraxus on the road. Before them the entirecamp has come to see. Archers stand on several boulders,arrows notched and ready.

YORINHOLD BEAST!!!

Vir/Devos lays a hand on Eraxus, halting him.

VIR/DEVOSPut down your arms! The deed isdone.

KRINWell what's that thing?

VIR/DEVOSThe Guardian...Eraxus. You needn'tfear him. He's with us now.

KRINBut you're supposed to kill theGuardian!

The crowd murmurs approval. Luma walks forward.

LUMA

'He and he alone shall overcomethe Guardian and tear open theGate to the Garden.' Those are thewords. And here he stands, theGuardian overcome.

YORINSeer?




At the back of the crowd Ilexa moves slowly to the horses.

YORINYou're talking madness.

BELTORWhat are you!? A sorcerer? Did theEmperor send you?

VIR/DEVOSFather... It's me.

BELTORNo!

Beltor leaps off his horse.

BELTORDO NOT CALL ME BY THAT NAME!

Beltor storms to Vir/Devos.

BELTORYou are no son of mine!

Beltor rips Vir/Devos' helmet from his head. The illusionwithers and fades, leaving only Vir.

BELTOR(whispered)

No!

VIR...Father...

KRIN

MURDERER!!!

Beltor lets the helmet fall through his fingers. Behindhim, the crowd erupts into chaos. Warriors draw theirweapons. Other fall to their knees, weeping, wailing.




Behind them Ilexa has three horses saddled. She swats theothers, sending them off running.

YORINTHE PROPHECY IS BROKEN!!

Beltor falls to his knees in shock.

KRINHE KILLED HIS OWN BROTHER!

VIRNO! I DIDN'T, I...

Yorin, tears streaming down his face, charges. The crowd

behind him surges forward.

Just before Yorin reaches Vir, a massive fist slams intohim, knocking to the ground, senseless.

The Guardian steps in front of Vir. He roars at the crowd,and slams his club into the ground. The warriors halt.

Behind the crowd Luma and the Seer watch the scene inhorror. Ilexa rides up next to them. She throws Luma thereins to one of the horses.

ILEXAWe better get him out of here.

SEERLuma? Did you have a hand in this?

LUMAMaster...I...

ILEXANow! Or we're all dead.

LUMA...I'm sorry...

Luma mounts her horse. The Seer watches her confused.




LUMAI'm sorry!

Luma and Ilexa ride to Vir's side.

ILEXACome on!

Vir doesn't move. Ilexa leaps from her horse. She grabsVir's shoulder.

ILEXAWe need to go. Now.

The Guardian, Eraxus turns his crooked head to Vir. He

speaks, his voice is a deep rumble, awkward from little use.

ERAXUSThank you.

Vir understands the finality in the words.

VIRNo!

With another bellow, the Guardian charges the crowd.Archers pelt him with arrows before he hits the warriors.

VIRDon't hurt him!

Luma drags him to his horse. Ilexa snatches the helmetbefore running to her own horse.

VIRDon't kill them. DON'T KILL THEM!

The trio disappears down the road. Beltor kneels,motionless. Behind him, the Guardian falls. The warriorsswarm over him. He bellows in rage and pain. Still Beltordoes not react. Finally, there is silence. Beltor weeps.




EXT. PALACE COURTYARD – NIGHT

The night is alive with lights. Torches line the courtyard,their flames a rainbow of colors. Revelers crowd the space.They are clothed loosely in the finest silks. Many sport

masks. Dragon-masked servants offer libations. Wine flowsfrom a large fountain.

A YOUNG CAPTAIN escorts a HOODED FIGURE through the crowd.The crowd barely notices the pair.

INT. MALUM'S STUDY - NIGHT

The sounds of revelry echo up through the open window.Malum sits at a table, reviewing reports. Sathos is withhim. The Boy stands at the window, watching the celebration.

MALUMCome away from the window Boy.You're much to easy a target.Listen to those fools.

SATHOSThe Ascension is so close. Afterall this time. It is cause tocelebrate.

MALUMIt's an Excuse to celebrate. Theydon't care who rules them, so longas their purses are fat and thewine flows.

A knock at the door.

MALUMCome.

The Young Captain and the Hooded Figure enter. The Captainsalutes. The Hooded figure pulls back the hood. It is aWILDMAN.

MALUMWhat is this...thing, captain?




YOUNG CAPTAINOne of the Wildmen from the Gate.They tend the Guardian...My Lord...the Gate has fallen.

MALUMWhat?

YOUNG CAPTAINTell him.

WILDMANBear comes to gate. He tricks pet.Pet goes wild-crazy. Killsmasters, bad pet. The Bear laughs.Bring a witch. Witch burns us.

Bear comes.

YOUNG CAPTAINHe had this with him.

The Captain hands Malum a necklace; a silver seashell,hanging from a simple hemp thread. Malum frowns.

YOUNG CAPTAINI'll send out a garrison at once.

MALUMSee that you do. If their ChosenOne is indeed with them, I wanthim brought here...alive. As forthe rest...

Malum closes his fist over the shell.

MALUMKill everyone last one of them.

EXT. FOREST – EVENING

Ilexa rubs at the base of her throat, where her necklaceused to be. She frowns, when did she lose it? Her hand runsdown her chest to rest on the bear-helmet on her pommel.She glances up at Vir riding ahead, his back to her.




EXT. CAMPSITE - EVENING

The camp is bustling with activity. Warriors scramble topack up. Beltor tightens the straps on his horse's saddle.Krin stands next to him.

KRINYorin's awake. His brain's stilladdled. Seer thinks he'll be fine.

Beltor grabs a saddlebag and slaps it over the horse.

KRINWe've rounded up the rest of thehorses. The scouts are ready toleave. The caravan will just haveto catch up.

Beltor mounts his horse.

KRINWait! They're not ready ready.I'll need to gather them...

Beltor rides off down the road.

KRINDamnit!

Krin hustles on his own horse. He blows his horn.

KRINCome on boys! The chase in on!

EXT. FOREST ROAD – NIGHT

Vir, Luma and Ilexa ride hard along the road, guided onlyby the moon. The desert gives way to lush forest.

LUMAVir! Vir we need to slow down.

Vir ignores her.




LUMAThe horses can't take this pace!

Ilexa takes his reins and slows his horse to a walk. Virdoesn't protest, but keeps his face to the road.

ILEXAWe need to get off the road.

VIRWe stay on the road. It's thefastest way there.

LUMAWhere?

VIRTo the city.

ILEXAAnd then what?

Vir pulls his horse to a halt.

ILEXAWhat will you do? Just one man.Will you sneak into the Emperor'sbedchamber and kill him in hissleep? Will that solve anything?

VIRWe follow the prophecy.

LUMAWe are way beyond the prophecy!

VIRWe are going to the city! Ourpeople, YOUR people are waiting!We are all that's left of whatthey're waiting for. If we stop,everything stops with us. If westop all hope dies. If we stop...




Vir can't finish. Overwhelmed he turns away from them.Ilexa takes the helmet from her pommel and hands it to Vir.

ILEXAYou need to stop dropping this.

Vir takes the helmet. He cradles it.

ILEXAWe'll talk about the city later.First we need to lose your friends.

VIRGood luck, my father could track afart in a windstorm.

EXT. FOREST STREAM – MORNING

A crystal stream murmurs through the forest. Beltor studiesthe ground. Krin splashes up next to him.

KRINThey crossed up stream. Looks likethey're headed back to the road.

BELTORThat is the track you were meantto see. They crossed back here.

EXT. FOREST TREETOPS - MORNING

Luma sits precariously high in the branches of a tree. Hereyes have a dull glow about them. A thick paste is smearedon her eyelids.

FOREST STREAM - LUMA'S CLAIRVOYANT POV

Beltor and Krin beside the stream. Beltor hops on hishorse. He and Krin head into the forest, followed by adozen mounted scouts.




FOREST FLOOR

Luma half climbs, half falls to the ground where Vir andIlexa are waiting. Luma wipes the paste from her eyes.

LUMANo good.

Vir glances at Ilexa for ideas.

FOREST FLOOR – LATER

Luma and Vir ride together on Vir's horse. Ilexa transfersone of the saddle bags from Luma's horse to her own horse.

ILEXAYou really should ride with me.We're lighter.

Luma ignores the comment.

VIRYou think this is worth the loss?

ILEXAAnything to slow them down right?Now they have two trails to follow.

Ilexa swats Luma's horse. It takes off into the forest.

EXT. FOREST – EVENING – LUMA'S CLAIRVOYANT POV

Beltor kneeling beside the split tails. He hops on hismount and leads the scouts all in one direction.

LUMAHe completely ignored the decoy.

FOREST FLOOR

ILEXACurse that man!




VIRI warned you.

Ilexa paces thinking. Something catches her eye: a largescarred tree. Something in the bark, a mark, a boar,

stained red. She jumps on her horse.

ILEXAFollow the game trail to the topof the ridge. Wait for me there!

LUMABut what are you...

ILEXATrust me!

Ilexa bolts into the forest.

EXT. GUARD POST – ESTABLISHING - NIGHT

A stone tower squats in a small forest clearing. A bannerhangs above the main gate: red with a white boar.

INT. GUARD POST – CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

CAPTAIN JASPER, a leathery, balding, one-eyed veteran sitsat a heavy oaken desk. A tray of food and wine before him.

A knock at the door.

JASPERCome.

A guard escorts Ilexa into the room.

JASPERLeave us.

The guard exits.

JASPERShow me your mark.




ILEXAThe Boars!?

JASPERA worthy weapon considering the

opponent.

ILEXAI must go.

JASPERNot likely.

ILEXAI'm past due at the palace. Orwould you like to explain to LordGeneral Malum why you detained hisfavorite companion?

Jasper grits his teeth, but releases her.

JASPEROff you go whore. Mind you, ifthis turns out to be a fool'serrand, I'll send word to theGeneral about your mischief.

Ilexa bows and flees down the hallway, hiding her panic.

EXT. FOREST RIDGE – MIDNIGHT

Luma tends a small fire. Vir paces.

LUMAYou trust her too much.

VIRWhat choice do I have?

LUMAThere is always a choice. Youtaught me that.




VIRWe need her to get into the city.

LUMAShe's hiding something.

ILEXA (O.S.)We need to leave!

Ilexa rushes into the firelight.

ILEXAUp the ridge is the fastest way tothe city.

VIRWhat? What's happened?

ILEXAWe'll have to leave the horsesbehind. It's too steep.

LUMAWhat is it?

ILEXABut that will just give them moretrails to follow.

VIRWho? What happened?

ILEXAThey won't expect us to climb inthe dark.

Vir grabs Ilexa by the shoulder.

VIRIlexa! Tell us what happened!

ILEXASoldiers. They're coming here!




Luma dabs a thick black paste on her eyelids.

VIRHow many?

ILEXAToo many! We need to leave.

VIRMy Father will be coming here!

ILEXAI know! I left a trail for thesoldiers to follow.

Luma stares out into the forest.

VIRYou what!?

ILEXAIt's the only way we can get awayfrom him!

LUMA'S CLAIRVOYANT POV

The forest below. All is shrouded in darkness.

RIDGE

Luma runs to the fire. She picks up a tiny flaming brand.

VIRThey're walking into a trap!

Luma murmurs low in her throat. She reaches out to theflame. She pinches it. She holds the tiny flame between herfingers. She rubs the flame across her eyelids.

ILEXAThey'll be fine. Your Father andhis scouts will be more than amatch for a few soldiers.




VIRThen why are you so scared?

Luma opens her eyes. They glow a dull smoldering red.


The forest floor lightens. The shadows give way to detail.

RIDGE

ILEXAI'm not scared! We just don't wantto be caught in the middle.

LUMAI see torches coming this way!


The bearers of the torches become clear. A dozen footsoldiers following three riders. The riders are on massiveboars, their cruel tusks capped with metal.

RIDGE

Luma screams. The Boar-riders are the stuff of nightmares.

LUMABoars! They have boars!

VIRMy father! Do you see him?


The view pans across the forest, searching. Beltor and hisscouts come into view.

RIDGE

LUMAHe's walking right into them!




KRINThe hell he does!

More crashing. A boar tears into the clearing, comingstraight for Krin. Vir draws his sword. Just before the

beast tramples Krin, Vir steps in its path. His sworderupts in eerie blue light. The boar rears its head. Virstrikes up into the beast's throat. The beast screams, abass version of a pigs squeal, and falls to the ground.

The other Boars and soldiers surge into the clearing.

Krin stares at Vir, conflicting emotions holding himmotionless. The boar's rider recovers. He rushes toward Virwith his spear. The motion draws Krin out of his reverie.

KRINNo!

Krin fires several shots in rapid sucession. The boar-riderfalls, bristling with arrows. Krin tosses his bow and drawshis sword. He points it at Vir.

KRINYou're mine!

The clearing is pure chaos. Horses and scouts scatter. Aboar rider runs a scout through as he tries to mount hishorse. A moment later an arrow sinks into the rider'sshoulder, then his neck. The rider slumps in the saddle.

Ilexa and Luma emerge at the edge of the clearing. Ilexanotches an arrow and holds it to Luma. Luma holds a tinyflame between her fingers. She breathes into it. The flameflows onto the arrow. Ilexa fires.

The flaming arrow sinks into the flank of the riderlessboar setting its hide aflame. The beast screams in terrorand charges, panicked, across the clearing. It tramplesseveral soldiers before slamming into one of the horses.

Krin rushes Vir, swinging. Vir barely deflect the blow.




VIRCan you kill me later?! Thesoldiers...

KRIN

You couldn't stand it! Yourbrother being who he was. Whileyou were so useless!

Krin lunges forward, stabbing. Vir deflects it from hischest, but the blade bites into his shoulder.

Captian Jasper sits atop the final boar, creating a path ofdestruction. Scouts and horses lie gored in its wake.

Beltor, mounted, fires several arrows into the beast. Theyhave little effect.

Jasper charges Beltor. Beltor deflects Jasper's spear andleaps from his horse onto the boar. He swoops his bow downover Japser's head, garroting him with the bowstring.

Krin kicks Vir as he pulls his blade free. Vir screams inpain. He falls back. Krin raises his sword to strike. Anarrow sinks into his leg. Krin stumbles and falls.

Jasper falls limp. Beltor lets him slump to the ground.

Vir gets to his feet and runs. Krin tries to follow but hiswounded leg gives out on him.

Vir stops at the clearing to glance back at the scenebefore plunging into the darkness.

Beltor soothes the boar as he watches his son disappearinto the forest. Behind him, the soldiers have all beenslain. Only three scouts survive.

EXT. FOREST RIDGE – NIGHT

Vir, Ilexa, and Luma emerge into their campsite. Ilexascoops up her saddle bag. Vir grabs her arm and spins heraround to face him.




VIRWhat the hell were you thinking!?

ILEXAI was thinking about you!

VIRThose were my friends you justkilled. I don't know how many.

ILEXAThey died so you can fulfill theprophecy!

VIRThey didn't have to.

ILEXAIt was the only way...

Vir slams Ilexa's back against the ridge.

VIRYOU HAD NO RIGHT!

Ilexa drops her saddle bag. It spills open. A vial fallsout and smashes against a rock. Vir takes a deep breath.

VIRThat smell...that perfume...YOU!!!

With a rush of rage, Vir pins her against the ridge. Hepulls a dagger from his belt, the dagger he pulled fromDevos' chest. He lays it across Ilexa's throat.

LUMA

Vir what are you doing?

VIRYou were the one in the mybrother's tent!

LUMANo it can't... she couldn't...




VIRDo you think we have perfume likethat living like rats in thedesert? Was it part of yourpayment?

A thin line of blood runs down Ilexa's throat.

VIRHow much was he worth? His weightin gold? Your freedom? Your ownflock of slaves to beat?

ILEXATHE EMPEROR IS MY SON!

Vir pauses, confused. Ilexa kicks him away.

ILEXAThe Emperor died last year. My sonTheo is his successor. He's notyour enemy!

Vir recovers and Lunges at Ilexa. She dodges to the side.

ILEXA

I taught him to care for ourpeople. So he would free us Whenhe ruled.

As Vir lunges forward, Ilexa catches his knife hand andtwists the blade free.

ILEXABut the Emperor died too soon!

Vir draws his sword.

ILEXAHe's only a boy!

Vir swings. Ilexa deftly dodges the blow.




MALUMLeave us.

The guards leave. Malum rises and walks to Nedros. Heclasps him on the shoulder.

MALUMNedros.

NEDROSMy Lord Gereral.

MALUMNo need for formalities old friend.

Nedros' relaxes the slightest bit.

MALUMThe would-be assassin is talking.

NEDROSYou let him live!?

MALUMHe has named you as his accomplice.

NEDROSYou knew he would. Why did you lethim live?

MALUMI still have a use for him. Thesacrifice.

NEDROSThe priests will demand the boy

back into their custody.

MALUMThey would...if they knew I wasinvolved. The trail must end withyou.




NEDROSWhat!? They'll brand me as atraitor! They'll want my head.

MALUM

And they shall have it. GUARDS!

The guards burst into the room. They grab Nedros.

MALUMCaptain Nedros. You have beennamed in a plot to assassinate theDragon's heir and host.

NEDROSYou Son of a whore! I only didwhat you...

Malum pulls a dagger and drives it into Nedros' throat.

MALUMGet this filth from my site.

EXT. FOREST ROAD – DAY

The caravan lumbers along the road. At the head, Yorindrives the cart, a bandage around his head. Beltor, Krinand the remaining scouts emerge from the forest.

YORINCurse you dogs for leaving me toplay wet nurse while you...So fewreturn.

KRINWe were betrayed. Again. Vir setBoar-riders upon us.

BELTORHe warned us.

KRINHe is in league with the Empire.




BELTORHe saved your life.

YORINDid you lose his trail?

BELTORI know where he's headed. The city.

KRINThe dog returning to his masters!

BELTORThey're not following the road. Ifwe ride swiftly, we can reachSlavetown before they do.

YORINHow can you be sure he's goin' tothe city?

Beltor gazes down the road, almost as if watching his son.

BELTORBecause he isn't finished yet.

EXT. FOREST'S EDGE – NIGHT

The forest ends at a large moonlit meadow. The lights ofthe city are visible in the distance. Ilexa leads Vir andLuma across the field. Vir holds a knife to her back. Hehalts them, in awe of the sheer size of the city.

ILEXAIntimidating isn't it?

Vir yanks Ilexa's arm and marches her toward the city.

EXT. SLAVETOWN WALL – NIGHT

The trio comes to a heavy wooden wall. Ilexa leads them toa small guardhouse. Vir grabs her arm yanking her to a halt.




VIRWhat the hell are you doing?

ILEXAGetting you into the city.

A young guard, ARGEN steps out of the guardhouse.

ARGENWho goes?

Vir pulls Ilexa closer and lays his dagger against herback. Argen steps closer.

ARGEN

Ilexa!? Is that you.

ILEXAIt's me.

VIR(Hushed)

Tell him to drop his sword.

ILEXAYou can trust him.

VIRTust him? LikeI can trust you?

ILEXADo you think we have been sittingidly by all these years. There areeven citizens, even soldiers ofthe empire working towards ourfreedom.

ARGENWho is with you? Step into thelight.

Argen puts a hand on his sword.




ILEXAArgen, I bring the Chosen One.

Vir curses under his breath. Argen pauses, trying to decidehow to react. He takes his hand away from his sword.

ARGENWell then...we had best get himinside where it's safe.

He steps aside from the doorway. Vir lets go of Ilexa. Thetrio approaches guardhouse. Argen stops Vir at the doorway.

ARGENAre you really the Chosen One?

VIR...I guess we'll find out.

INT. GUARDHOUSE – CONTINUOUS

The small space is overcrowded with guards. Vir walks inand stops in shock. Krin sits at the central table.

KRINThat's him.

Vir dives for the door. A guard smashes the pommel of hissword on Vir's head.

INT. GUARD TOWER – NIGHT

A large, sparsely furnished stone chamber. Yorin, the Seerand a few warriors cluster in one corner amidst stacks ofsupplies and weapons. Beltor stands at the open window,surveying the lights from Slavetown far below.

A trap door opens in the floor. Vir, Ilexa, and Luma, theirhands bound, are shoved up through the door. Krin, Argen,and a dozen guards follow. Argen shuts and bolts the door.

Krin throws Vir down at Beltor's feet.




KRINWe caught them just as they wererunning back to their masters.Lucky for us they picked the wrongguardhouse.

ILEXAIt wasn't luck you goat shit. Iknew there would be help at thatguardhouse.

ARGENShe's right. Ilexa knew Icaptained that post, that a slavewould be safe coming there.

KRINFine. So he was coming to convinceyou he was the Chosen One.

ARGENI'm not yet convinced he isn't.

KRINHE KILLED THE CHOSEN ONE!

ARGENIf your friend was the Chosen One,how could he die!?

Ilexa inches her way to the guard holding Vir's sword andhelmet. The guard, intent on the argument, doesn't notice.

KRINHe was born under the red moon! Hehad the Mark!

ARGENIt means nothing if he's dead!Just another impostor.

YORINBLASPHEMOUS DOG!!!




Yorin lunges for Argen. Guards jump in to hold him back.Krin and several warriors join the brawl. Beltor rushesforward to break up the fight.

Ilexa leans back against Vir's sword. She slices the rope

on her wrists. She kicks the guard holding Vir's sword.Before he can react, Ilexa grabs her dagger from his belt.

Ilexa cuts Vir and Luma free. She shoves the helmet andsword in Vir's arms.

ILEXATime to go.

VIRNo. We need to convince...

The guard lunges at Vir. Vir deflects him barely.

Ilexa grabs a rope from the supplies and loops it aroundthe guard and brains him with her dagger's hilt.

ILEXACan't do much convincing if you'redead.

She tosses the loose end of the rope out the window.

ILEXAGo!

Vir sheathes his sword and climbs out the window. Krinnotices him leaving.

KRINNot again!

Krin rushes to the window. Ilexa tackles him. Luma runs forthe window.

EXT. GAURDTOWER

Vir climbs down the rope. Luma climbs out of the window.




INT. GAURDTOWER

Yorin, now restrained, spots the escape attempt.

YORIN

LET ME GO CURSE YOU! THEIR GETTINGAWAY!

EXT. GUARDTOWER

The rope jolts, then begins moving up. Vir, almost to theground glances up to see Yorin and several warriors pullingthe rope up. Yorin yanks Luma back into the tower.

VIR

Luma!

Vir climbs up the rope.

INT. GUARDTOWER

As Yorin yanks Luma inside, Ilexa dives for the window.

EXT. GUARDTOWER

As Vir looks up Ilexa wrestles through the warriors to thewindow. She cuts the rope. Vir drops a dozen feet to theground. Above him. Krin kicks Ilexa out of the window. Sheplummets to the ground in front of Vir. He runs to her.

ILEXA...he's not your enemy...

Ilexa dies. Shouting from the tower whips Vir into action.He darts off into the shadows. A moment later warriors andguards alike pour out of the tower.

A SERIES OF SHOTS.

Vir running through Slavetown

Krin and Argen leading a group of guards through thestreets.




Beltor on the rooftops scanning the streets.

EXT. GATE TO THE INNER CITY – NIGHT

A massive stone wall separates Slavetown from the city

proper. Guards walk the walls above the heavy gate,overlooking a broad cobbled courtyard.

Vir bolts out of a side street into the courtyard. He skidsto a stop, disoriented. He darts down a street only to seesome of his perusers in the distance.

He runs to a different street but spots Krin down the road.He runs back to the courtyard. He tries another road onlyto find the same result.

Trapped, Vir cradles the helmet, deciding. He lowers it tohis side. No more illusions. He grabs a torch from abuilding and marches to the center of the courtyard. Hecalls out drawing the attention of guards and slaves alike.

Vir draws his sword amidst a growing crowd of onlookers. Heplunges it into the ground, drawing sparks where it hitsthe stones. Vir spreads his arms out wide, unarmed.

A NIGHT WATCHMAN peers down from his post.

NIGHT WATCHMANYou there! Off with you, or I'llput an arrow in your gut.

VIRI DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH THEEMPEROR!

The guards on the wall burst into laughter.

NIGHT WATCHMANTarget practice boys!

The guards draw their bows.

NIGHT CAPTAIN (O.S.)HOLD!




The NIGHT CAPTAIN steps into the light atop the wall.

IN THE CROWD

Krin and Argen shuffle through the crowd. Krin spots Vir

and surges forward. Argen grabs him and jerks him back.

ARGENAct now and we're ALL dead.

COURTYARD

NIGHT CAPTAINSTEP FORWARD!

Vir steps closer to the wall.

NIGHT CAPTAINStrange armor for a slave. Wheredid you steal it?

VIRI am no slave. I AM A FREE MANFROM THE OUTLANDS. I HAVE COME TOSET THESE PEOPLE FREE!

A gush of excited murmurs from the crowd.

NIGHT CAPTAINTake him... alive.

The gate creaks open. Guards pour out, weapons drawn. Theysurround Vir and push the crowd back.

Guards swarm around Vir. One takes his sword. Anothershackles his hands. Another strikes him across the face

with a heavy gauntlet. Vir's knees buckle.

ROOFTOP

On a nearby rooftop Beltor draws his bow. He pauses, thereare too many guards. He holds his bow taut, wanting todefend his son by helpless to do so. He can not save him.




COURTYARD

The guards drag Vir through the gate into the courtyard.The gate slams shut.

INT. THRONE ROOM – NIGHT

Torches on pillars create a single corridor of light fromthe main doors to the throne. The doors swing open. TheNight Captian strides in. A dozen guards drag Vir inside.

They throw Vir down at the foot of the throne. The Captainand guards fall to one knee.

Vir looks up. The Boy, THEO sits on the throne, dressed in

opulent robes of crimson and gold silk. At his side Malumstands radiating power and malice.

THEOThey tell me you are the ChosenOne, their champion. Others sayyou murdered the Chosen One in thenight. Which is it?

VIRNeither.

THEOThey say you have come to kill me.

VIRYour mother said you aren't ourenemy. I came to see if she spoketrue. She said that...

Malum strides across the room and kicks Vir in the gut. Vircoughs, winded.

THEOLet him speak.

MALUMHe will only spout lies. This dogwas sent here to kill you.




THEOSo you say. But I would here himout. Mother died when I was born.How could you have known her?

VIRShe died? But Ilexa said...

Theo all but leaps from his throne.

THEOYou've seen Ilexa!? Where is she!?

Theo rushes toward Vir. Malum steps in to intervene. Theodarts around him to kneel beside Vir.

THEOTell me.

MALUMYour highness must not forget yournursemaid plotted to kill you.

THEONo! She would never! Where is she?

VIRNurse maid? But she said...

Vir studies Theo's face.

VIRYou even look like her. She died.She died to bring us together.

MALUM

Lies. Ilexa betrayed you. Shetried to kill you. When she failedshe fled. Or had you forgotten?

THEOThat's what you told me...




VIRShe would never hurt you. Sheloved you.

MALUM

Enough. Take him away. Prepare him.

Two guards grab Vir and drag him away from Theo.

VIRShe killed my brother, the realChosen One, to keep you safe!

Malum strides to Vir and pounds him in the face.

VIRShe was your mother...

The guards drag Vir away. Malum glares angrily at Theo.Theo meets the gaze, a tiny spark of defiance in his eyes.

INT. GUARDTOWER – NIGHT

The tower chamber is crowded with warriors. Luma sits onone of the stools, her hands bound behind her. Her cheek isswollen and bruised. Tears stream down her face. Kringlares at her from across the table.

KRINLiar!

LUMAIt's true!

KRINAnd you told no one. You just let

him lay there.

LUMAIt was Vir! He didn't want theprophecy to die with is brother!




KRINHorse shit! He was jealous of theChosen One. He wanted the glory.

LUMA

No!

KRINSo he killed him and took hisplace.

LUMAHe would never!

KRINHow did he convince you to helphim? Did he bed you?

LUMANo!

KRINThen what did he offer you?

LUMANOTHING!

BELTORENOUGH!

Beltor kneels beside Luma. He gently lifts her chin.

LUMAHe would never have hurt Devos. Hedid all this, we did all this tokeep him alive. You have tobelieve me.

BELTORI want to believe.

KRINThis has all gone sour. We shouldhead for the forest.




LUMAYou can't stop now!

KRINThe prophecy is broken

LUMAIs it?

YORINThe Chosen One is dead.

LUMABut we've done so much since then.The soldiers on the road, theGuardian, both parts of theprophecy, not achieved by Devos'hand, but by Vir's.

KRINWith your help!

LUMADoes it matter? If it's a trueprophecy than it will come true nomatter what you think. And if it

is false than it was always false.But one this IS true. You willnever get a better chance than now.

SEER'And even as the bear rises heshall fall. A great and burningsun, his own fires consume him.From his ashes shall the peopleemerge, free folk of the land.'

BELTORYou've never spoken that verse.

SEERNot to you. Not to anyone save theChosen One. I always believed itmeant he would give his life tofulfill the prophecy.




INT. HIGH TEMPLE – PREDAWN

A large antechamber. Ornate tapestries line the walls. Theytell their own tale: A great battle in the heavens. Adragon struck from the sky. The dragon takes human form.

Theo sits beneath them, adorned in ceremonial robes ofcrimson, and surrounded by his personal guard.

Malum stands at a wide doorway, leading out to a massivebalcony. Garix stands next to him. In his arms he cradles alarge crystalline flask. Vir slumps against a wall, hisarms weighed down by heavy shackles.

GARIXMake it a clean cut. I shall mixthe blood with the Dragon's

essence. The Emperor will be twiceblessed this day.

VIRSo that's it. Today you become aGod. But right now you're just aboy. Like me. But God or no youalone have the power to free us.It's what your mother wanted.

An HONOR GUARD emerges from the balcony.

HONOR GUARDYour Majesty. My Lord General.Your Eminence. All are assembled.

Theo and his entourage walk out onto the Balcony. Malumstays behind with Vir and a Guard.

MALUMWhat did you expect would happen?

Did you think the Gods would stormdown from the heavens, and strikeyour enemies dead? Turn them todust? Did you think yourselfinvulnerable? That our blows wouldhave no sting? But they do.

Malum backhands Vir across the face. Vir spits blood.




MALUMYou're the reason our people willalways be slaves.

VIR

OUR people?

MALUMThey sit and wait for someone elsethe free them. Look at me.

Malum lunges forward and grabs Vir's face.

MALUMLOOK AT ME! I didn't wait! Ididn't huddle in the corner,waiting for someone ELSE to giveme freedom. I TOOK IT! I FREEDMyself. And they hate me for it. Iam what they are too weak tobecome. They cower like dogs at myfeet. And you would save them.

Malum places the helmet on Vir's head. The illusion isrestored. Malum steps back astonished.

MALUMNow you look the part.

Malum loosens Vir's shackles.

VIRWhat are you...?

MALUMGiving your Gods a chance to showtheir favor.

EXT. CITY STREETS – DAWN

The street is choked with foot traffic, all headed in onedirection, the heart of the city. Argen and a dozen guardspart the river of people, to make way for a wagon, heavyladen with goods. Luma and the Seer dive the wagon forward.




As Luma passes, she glances around her. All types of folkwatch her pass, slaves and free folk alike. She notices thedifference; Those clad in silk, and those in rough soiledcast-away garments. She passes a pair of young slaves ingolden collars and chains, their ends held by a wealthymerchant in cloth-of-gold. She passes a dozen slaves bentunder the weight of a heavy litter. A fat merchant sitsatop guzzling wine.

Ahead, the river of people splits before a towering stonewall. Freefolk and their attendants head in one direction,the poorest of slaves in the other. The wagon follows theslaves to an open gate. A PORTLY GUARD halts the wagon.

PORTLY GUARDWhat's This?

ARGENBread and wine.

Doubtful, Portly Guard inspects the wagon. He pulls aceramic jug from the back. He pulls the cork and sniffs.

ARGENThe Emperor, in his generositywishes to feed his citizens.

PORTLY GUARDYour at the wrong gate! Nocitizens here! Only slaves.

ARGENEven so, the emperor would see allhis subjects fed today.

Portly Guard shrugs and waves the wagon along, keeping thejug for himself.

EXT. COURTYARD – DAWN

The wagon lumbers into a sprawling courtyard choked withpeople. slaves cluster nearby. Citizens gather in thedistance. At the far side the courtyard a balcony juts outover the crowd. Wooden pillars rise up to support its roof.




BALCONY

Theo steps between smoking braziers to the edge of thebalcony. Garix holds the Crystal Flask for all to see.

GARIXBehold! Theo Heximus! The Dragon.The God on earth. Your Emperor.

The crowd kneels. The Garix gestures to Theo.

GARIXBehold! Theo Septimus! New host tothe God your Emperor.

Theo nods to the crowd. Malum steps forward bearing Devos'sword. He gestures to the guards to haul Vir/Devos forward.

GARIXBehold! Devos the Bear! Traitor tothe Empire. Servant of lesser Gods.

THE COURTYARD

At the wagon, Luma hands out tight cloth bundles along withthe bread. As she hands one off, the hilt of a sword peaksout from the cloth. She grabs one of the jugs for herself.She pulls out a small torch. She whispers to it. It ignites.

THE WALL

A guard lounges along the stone railing. Beltor creeps upnext to him.

BALCONY

MALUMFor crimes against the HolyEmperor, the traitor's life isforfeit. All Hail Theo Septimus.

Malum leans down to whisper in Vir's ear.




MALUMNow is your chance boy. Fulfillyour cursed prophecy.

Vir still hesitates. Theo watches almost peacefully,

accepting his fate.

VIRNo.

Vir turns face Malum.

MALUMHe is the Emperor! You are swornto slay him.

VIRI swore to defeat a tyrant. You.

MALUMSo you won't play the part afterall. Fine.

Malum nods to the corner of the balcony. Sathos emergesfrom the shadows with a dagger.

VIRNO!

Vir charges forward. Malum intercepts, yanking the swordfrom Vir's grip and kicking back against a pillar.

Sathos raises the dagger to slay Theo. Garix rushes forwardand grabs Sathos' wrist.

THE COURTYARD

The slaves push the dwindling guards back toward the gatesof the courtyard.

THE WALL

Krin battles up the stairs to join the archers.




KRINHa! Look at the cowards! They'vepissed themselves!

THE BALCONY

Vir/Devos yanks his helmet off. The illusion fades. Malumswings. Vir uses the Helmet to deflect the blow. The helmetflies from his hand to a smoking brazier.

MALUMYou must be very proud of them.Fighting so valiantly. The fools!

Malum swings. Vir ducks at the last instant. The swordbites into a wooden column. Malum wrestles to free it.

VIRThey're sending your guardsrunning!

Vir yanks a dagger from a guard's belt. He stabs at Malum.Malum deflects the blow with a gauntleted fist.

MALUMAre they?

COURTYARD

Roaring, Yorin slams into a knot of guards driving themback father to the gate. A bell sounds in the distance.Yorin looks off at the far side of the courtyard where asecond gate creaks open.

THE BALCONY

Garix wrenches the dagger from Sathos' hand and pushes himoff the balcony.

Malum releases the jammed sword and draws his own. Heswings. Vir catches the blade with his dagger. Malum twistshis blade free sending Vir staggering. Malum presses theattack, shoving Vir between two guards and pinning him tothe balcony railing.




MALUMDo you think I didn't expect this?

THE WALL

Beltor looks off at the balcony, where Vir struggles alone.He bolts down the stairs. Krin looks off at the second gate.

KRINSomething's coming.

BALCONY

Malum grinds his sword along Vir's dagger, inches from hisface.

MALUMI've been watching them for years.Planning, plotting...waiting!

WALL

Krin runs along the wall toward the gate.

KRINCLOSE THAT GATE!

THE COURTYARD

Yorin charges toward the second gate.

YORINThe Gate! Close the Gate!

A mass of slaves follows behind Yorin.

BALCONY

Malum leans forward bending Vir half over the rail.




MALUMThey waited for you. And you cameright to me. Forcing the verymoment of their revolt! And so Iam very prepared.

Malum twists his sword, turning Vir's head to the courtyard.

THE COURTYARD

Yorin and the slaves push at the gates, trying to closethem. Yorin looks inside. His eyes bulge.

BALCONY

MALUMYou have sent them to their deaths!

COURTYARD

The gates stop moving for a brief second, then burst open.Boars and riders pour into the courtyard. The slaves runfor their lives.

Beltor fights through the chaos to the balcony. He leaps upthe wall and jabs his dagger into it for a handhold.

Luma blasts a Boar with fire-breath. It screams and chargesher. Suddenly the earth erupts just in front of the boar.Stone and earth grab and suck at the beast dragging it intothe ground.

Luma looks to the wall to find the Seer chanting in deepconcentration. His face is flush with effort.

BALCONY

Malum yanks Vir from the railing and hurls him against apillar. Malum wrenches the dagger out of Vir's hand. Heplunges it through Vir's hand pinning him to the column.Vir screams.




Malum draws a dagger from his belt and pins Vir's otherhand to the next column. Malum lays his sword against Vir'sface. He draws back to strike.

Beltor erupts onto the balcony. He kicks one guard off the

balcony just as he deflects Malum's blow away from Vir. Hewhirls and topples another guard.

COURTYARD

The boar riders and soldiers herd the slaves into an ever-shrinking circle.

BALCONY

Beltor is a blur of motion. Fending off Malum and three ofTheo's remaining honor guards. Malum sees an opening.

Malum runs Beltor through.

Vir screams. Beltor falls to his knees. Malum releases thesword, leaving it in Beltor's gut. Malum kicks him down.

THE COURTYARD

The slaves are completely surrounded. Yorin holds a woundedKrin over his shoulder and supports an exhausted Seer withhis other arm. Luma's fire-breath keeps the boars at bay.

BALCONY

Malum grabs the red hot helmet out of the brazier.

MALUMDid you enjoy it boy, playing hero?

Malum swings, smashing the helmet across Vir's face.

MALUMThis is why you're people willalways be slaves.

Malum swings again. Vir spits blood, a tooth.




MALUMThey wait for a hero that doesn'texist. They wait for someone tosave them. And you have failedthem all.

Malum shoves the helmet against Vir's face, branding him.The sound of charred flesh hisses. Vir screams.

Malum tosses the helmet aside. He yanks the sword fromBeltor and lays it against Vir's neck. He draws back toswing.

THEOENOUGH!!

Malum pauses. He turns to face his Emperor, incredulous.Theo steps forward from behind his guards. He moves withall the strength and bearing of a true ruler. He speakswith authority beyond his age.

THEOThere will be no more deaths thisday!

MALUM

This traitor will die. Or has hisMajesty become weak?

THEOI have become merciful. Lower yourweapon General.

Malum tightens his grip on the sword.

GARIXThe God emperor has spoken!

MALUMGod? He is no god!

Malum wrenches the crystal flask from Garix and kicks himaway.




MALUMTHIS is your God! Waiting for itshost.

The guards rush forward. Malum holds the flask out over the

balcony. The guards freeze.

MALUMWaiting for a WORTHY host!

Malum raises the flask to drink.

BELTORThe mark of the Chosen One.

Malum whirls to look on Vir. His raw and bloody face nowbears the charred image of the Helmet: the roaring maw ofan angry bear. Vir looks up, alerted by his father's words.

BELTORMy son...

Beltor dies. Tears well in Vir's eyes. New resolve boils upinside him. He looks to Malum.

Malum takes a step back, suddenly afraid. For the firsttime, he doubts himself.

With a roar, Vir rips his hand from the column, taking thedagger with it, then the other hand. Trembling, he pullsthe dagger free from his hand, then the other. He divesforward and plunges the dagger into Malum's throat.

The Flask slips through Malum's fingers. Garix divesforward to catch it.

Vir grabs Devos' sword. He yanks it free of the Column. Heswings, severing Malum's head from his body.

The strength leaves Vir's body. He falls. A pair of Theo'sguards surge forward. They grab him.

THEOStop.




Theo grabs the flask from Garix. He holds it aloft.

THEOWe have ALL been slaves! Slaves tothe will of a tyrant who should

not be on this earth!

He looks down to Malum's body.

THEOSlaves to a tyrant who abuses hispower.

He looks to Vir.

THEOSlaves to what must be done.

Theo hurls the flask off the balcony. It shatters upon thestone of the courtyard. A cloud of ash and dust spills out,is dispersed by the wind.

THEOWe are slaves no more. YOU areslaves no more! You, all yourfamilies, all your children. From

this day forth you are FREE!

COURTYARD

Silence.

Then the newly-freed slaves erupt in cheers. The guardssurrounding them stand down, lowering weapons. The boarsdraw back. The celebration is one of exhaustion, and relief.

BALCONY

Vir struggles to maintain consciousness.

VIR'S POV

The celebration in the courtyard. The vision blurs, darkens.




INT. PALACE BEDROOM – DAY

Vir, covered in bandages, lies in a large ornate bed. Nextto him, Luma slumps in exhausted sleep.

A muffled argument rumbles outside the door. The doorbursts open. Yorin wrestles with three honor guards. Theowaits behind them.

YORIN...yer scaly hides can just wait!He's still sl...

Yorin notices Vir sitting up.

VIRLet them in.

Yorin steps aside. He eyes the guards with menace. Theojoins Vir at his bedside.

VIRWhat happened.

THEOI decided to act like a ruler. Butdeclaring a people free isn'tenough. We are trying to dividethe city up, the valley. And thereis so much hatred. There is stillfighting in the streets. I canorder my soldiers, but not yourpeople. We need you. They'lllisten their Chosen One.

VIRTheir Chosen One died to fulfillthe prophecy.

THEOStill, you're the only one who canhelp.




The Seer waves his staff. The earth shifts, creating anopen grave next to Devos.

LUMA (O.S.)The prophecy was fulfilled. But

not in any way we expected.

CITY CATACOMBS

The guards slide Ilexa's body into a narrow shelf. Theoruns a hand along her cheek.

DESERT ROAD

Beltor is laid in his grave. The Seer waves his staff

again, closing the grave. Luma kneels beside Devo's burialmound. She lays the ruined helmet down.

LUMA (O.S.)And not by who we expected.

Vir kneels beside Devos' mound. He removes his necklace andLays it on the mound.

LUMA (O.S.)He wasn't blessed by the Gods. Hewasn't spoken of in the prophecy.

Luma mouths a few words. The helmet glows red-hot. The Seer

the choosing one by david scoville and r.j. nestor

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