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INT. TIPI, NIGHT
An INUIT-style family gathers around a DYING MAN, lying asleep near the
fire, a fur pelt blanketing his fragile form.
The flap-door of the tipi flies open, and standing in the entrance is an
AGHAST MAN, equally terrorified and fuming with an urge to aid, in some
way.
A young lady kneeling before this OLD MAN looks upon this buffoon with
sorrow. She shakes her head, No.
Our MAN is left pondering, tears building in his eyes. He blinks them away
in contemplation.
AGHAST MAN
But...how?
Yet another man BUSTS in this solemn scene. He speaks in short breath.
BREATHLESS MAN
There...has been...an act of... treason.
CUT TO
INT. FINELY WOVEN RUG, NIGHT
A gorgeous tapestry sits upon the winter ground, illuminated by torch
light. We see the patterns and stitching in fine detail, extreme close up.
A handful of pebbles and twigs are rolled onto the carpet like dice. A leaf
is crushed by aged,feminine hands, and with wrinkled, dignified lips,
they're blown across the tapestry, landing where they may.
An ELDERLY WOMAN lifts herself up using a cane, surrounded by guards and
advisers, adorning fine felts and leather straps, knives and spears.
Our AGHAST MAN bites his nails and watches pensively. The ELDERLY WOMANlooks upon this blanket and seems to study it. Reading it.
The crowd readies for the results...
The elderly woman SIGHS, disappointed.
A beat.
The crowd breaks out in angry chatter.
WELL WHAT ARE WE TO DO, NOW?
WHO'S TO SAY IF IT'S EVEN WORTH IT?
WE'RE NOT REALLY GOING THROUGH WITH THIS?
Our AGHAST MAN is aghast no longer. His neck goes limp. He hangs in utter
defeat...
CUT TO
EXT. WEAK BLIZZARD
A fox scurries past a tree in this vast, feathery valley, searching for
food but to no avail. It's a scene fit for a Yuletide sleigh to come
dashing across, but-
The fox approaches a marching band of men, garbed in pelts and wool
blankets. They are soldiers of the SOUTHERN TRIBE, far from home, marching
in a line together, cooks, carpenters, soldiers and generals.
The fox is frozen, peering up at the line of marching men. It doesn't even
see one of them kick it in the back.
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A paw print in the snow, next to that of mukluk track. The snow begins to
fall.
Two mittens envelop another handful of sticks and stones. The two hands
come apart, the materials drop upon a soft, pillowy cushion.
We now see that these hands belong to our once AGHAST MAN. He sits atop a
feathery pillow upon a wooden board, hauled around by four BURLY men. He is
indeed their PRINCE.
Those BURLY men around him appear more like frightened mice. Our PRINCE
rubs his chin, inspecting his small pile of rubbish. He scoops it up and
shakes it around in his hands, the accompanying men who fall behind him and
around him, moan with dis ease. He tosses them across his pillow and
inspects them once more, the men falling silent, and watchful, like
children peeking over each other's shoulders for a better view.
He picks the materials up once more, for some reason, to the intense dismay
of his men. One of those carrying his "throne" speaks up.
SERVANT (WHISPERING)
...Adlartok, why do you tempt the Gods?
PRINCE ADLARTOK (MELANCHOLY)There's no pestering a God. Only a prince, no
hush.
He continues toying with the earthly stock.
SERVANT
Can you read what messages they speak?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
No. I'm not Spirit Chief, Aga is.
AGUTA
...Then put them away. You think your men's moraleisn't low enough?
Our prince slowly peers up from his hands. His eyes go dead, staring off.
The sticks and stones lay on the mat in front of him.
AGUTA
...Adlartok?
SWIPE.
He non-nonchalantly knocks the materials off his riding pad and into the
grass and snow to his side.
The men surrounding him flinch, wince and moan.
ADLARTOK
Fine, then I'm taking a nap.
He curls up on his side.
SERVANT NUMBER TWO
No! But it's been said it's bad luck to sleep
before a-
Prince Adlartok turns around and gives them a look. Don't you dare whine.
The men go on whining, and marching; unnerved by their own king's treatmentof what could be considered sacred items.
Our Prince is met with his pleasant, yet anxious, confidant and royal
adviser, Aipa.
Our Prince sits upon his arrival.
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PRINCE ADLARTOK
My good friend Aipa, please hand me my abacus.
Aipa reaches into a satchel and pulls out a counting frame. The Prince
appreciatively takes it and begins clacking away on it.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
I'm going to run the numbers again, and this time,
I WON'T be factoring in Aga's warnings.
He speaks like a teacher announcing a final exam, and the soldiers lininghis back cry like school children.
Aipa becomes DISMAYED.
AIPA
Is there not enough excitement for you already?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
They need to know I'll do whatever it takes. I'll
do whatever it takes to make sure, we go off
without a hitch.
AIPAOh, I see...Like anger the Order?
Adlartok falls sullen again.
AIPA
What is the point in all this busy work? Sliding
the calculator, fumbling around with sticks and
stones? What is it you are questioning?
Adlartok tacks away at the beads of the abacus.
PRINCE ADLARTOKWhatever bad news Aga gave us cannot be undone,
and it also cannot be made worse. Can't you see,
Aipa? It's comforting to me. It reminds me of
home.
AIPA's face is muddled with doubt.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
And as for my calculation; I am not questioning, I
am preparing. If things go as bad as Aga
prophesied, then we'll know what to do. But if all
goes to plan, we need to know our limits.
AIPA
Limits on what?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Rations, supplies, that sort of thing.
AIPA
Ah, so not weapons and lives of men, then?
ADLARTOK stares at AIPA.
AIPA
...It just seems to me, that even
by questioningthe Order-
PRINCE ADLARTOK (FLOWN INTO A RAGE)
Superstitious! You're all superstitious! I can't
even do some multiplication without you running
your sweaty palms down my back?
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AIPA
We're already marching against the Order's wishes.
Aga told us so. It's a mission against God is what
it is. She TOLD us, Adlartok. She saw into
the future-
ADLARTOK
I know how it's supposed to work.
AIPA
And found that there is only great misfortune on
this venture. The trees, the ground and the air,
they all beg us to retire, now, Adlartok. But you
pray, then, that fate will just make an
accommodation for a King.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
...For a prince, Aipa. My father is still king,
and he will be buried in his crown. As soon as we
come home.
ADLARTOK hops off of the carrying mat, and pats one of the men on the
shoulder as they fold up the royal carpet ride.
Our two over tasked tribesmen take a walk and speak privately outside the
hearing range of the marching men.
AIPA
Do you believe he was murdered? Maybe by a LOOVIK
assassin? Maybe one of the men of the TUSERK?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
No. And remember it is not why we are marching,
Aipa. So put it out of mind. Father's death was
not timely for us, but it was timely for him. He
was old. And ready.
AIPA (CONCERNED)
But it was so fast, Adlartok. It was like he
waspoisoned.
A look of deep understanding from Adlartok.
I know.
AIPA
I wish I could have known what he'd have to say
about this...The Eastern tribe at ends with The
West. And us, stuck in the south, not knowing a
thing about it. What if Loovik see's us upon his
battlefield? Huh? Will that wily coot not lunge
into us at first sight?
ADLARTOK
He wouldn't. Because we won't stand on the
battlefield.
AIPA
Ah, so the Tuserk and his Western men, then. We'll
wait for one of their arrows to accidentally fly
off and land in your eye, is that it? As you wave
your hands about, suing for peace?
PRINCE ADLARTOKI'm going to do run my numbers in the back, for a
little bit of privacy.
He mushes through the snow and Aipa looks on.
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This platoon travel on until night fall...
EXT. CAMP GROUND. NIGHT
...and then sleep under the stars, dozing off as the camp fires die.
Sounds of snoring and late night chatting.
INT. YURT. SAME NIGHT
The PRINCE is slumped over pawing at the sand floor inside his royal YURT,
mapping out a battle field on the ground with stones and sticks. AIPA, and
two other HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS are there. A dim fire lights the yurt, the
mood is deathly serious.
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL ONE
The Western tribe, accompanied by their leader,
the mighty Tuserk, have set up camp in the
northern clearing, and may attack their opposing
force in the morning once again, while the Eastern
tribe sit to the south of the valley, bidding
their own time and constructing defensive
blockades. Scouts tell us, they're using the
forest and it's lumber to house themselves in.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Hmph, it would be a first. The Eastern tribes
fight like rabbid dogs with no common sense in
them, never one to simply hide from the hawk -
Adlartok creeps over the map, hovering over it for a better view.
ADLARTOK
The archers on the left...The swordsmen on the
right.
GENERAL ONE
I'm afraid we've misplaced the yellow painted
stone. It's supposed to represent you and yourplacement on the map.
ADLARTOK
That marker is designed to represent a king. Is
there one among us?
A grave beat.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
And we enter into the fray here, from the east,
then?
GENERAL ONETomorrow morning, we enter and take center stage,
and make our call for a treaty.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Do you believe they will listen to reason, my
friends?
They hang their heads in unknowing.
AIPA
That depends. What was their reason for going to
war in the first place?
PRINCE ADLARTOK...God help me. Why is it under my rule that the
kingdoms go to war...After hundreds of years of
peace?
AIPA
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You are not cursed, sire.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Ha! I know it. If I'm cursed than so is the world,
and if I'm blessed, I'm still no better than the
poorest man.
GENERAL TWO
...But you are to be a king.
PRINCE ADLARTOK...Yes, and I'm sure the western tribe no doubt
have a spear fit for one.
The fire crackles on, though only embers now. The prince stands up and lays
another log in the fire, and tends to it.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
We'll meet ourselves between the wolf and the
hawk...
A fox runs up to the entrance of the yert, his silouhette appears alert and
oddly proud. Only the prince see's his likeness.
PRINCE ADLARTOKFor now, I must go for a walk.
AIPA
Be safe.
He exits the yurt.
The man are left in silence.
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL ONE
Is it really going to happen?
AIPA
I don't know.
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL TWO
She told us. "The catapults will fail. It will
bring about the end of the tribes,"
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL ONE
And as much as I respect the order, and the
earth's spirit, and I do...I must wonder, how is
it that a few faulty catapults will bring about
our end? It worries me to no end, I fear even
standing next to the men tasked with carrying the
building blocks for our trebuchets.
AIPA
Aga didn't saw it would bring about our end, she
said it bring about the end of the tribes. I know
our Prince only looks to make good, but his
presence, it seems to me, will only make things
worse...His father meant everything to him.
Without that man around, I feel maybe Adlartok
simply doesn't care about the Order.
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL TWO
Then he is insane.
Adlartok re-enters this Yurt, his eyes alive, brewing with thought.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
The whale?
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Aipa and the generals laugh at this, Prince Adlartok sneers warmly.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Yes...I suppose so, are we not called by others as
the bloated kingdom?
AIGA
We'll plop our selves down right in the middle of
the valley and waddle about hoping it puts an end
to their fighting.
The Prince and Aipa share a chuckle.
the prince looks off to a corner of the room, smacking his lips, and
twirling his fingers, in thought.
AIPA
Adlartok, back already-
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Do you feel that our catapults will hold? Or would
you rather believe the medium? Will their ropes
snap like hair, and fall apart where they stand?
Will they?
His cabinet is a tad perplexed.
HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL TWO
My, it seems your faith is faltering-
PRINCE ADLARTOK
I wasn't asking you. I want to know what you
think, Aipa. You haven't said a word about it all
night. Tell me, as a friend, what you really
believe. Will our catapults hold? Or will they
crumble to dust?
Aipa searches for his words. He lets out a sigh.
COUNSELER ANGG
...They will break.
Adlartok slumps into his yurt once more.
The Prince cordially rounds up the pebbles and drops them into a satchel.
INT. YURT. NIGHT
Inside this royal yurt, Aipa and the TWO HIGH RANKING officials lay
asleep.
Adlartok lies awake, between his fingers appears to be a nugget of gold. It
is the yellow painted pebble, used to represent the king. He toys with it,
and then tucks it into a pocket on his leathery vest. His eyes fall shut.
EXT. ARCTIC FOREST. DAY
The army marches on.
ADLARTOK vigorously power walks ahead of his men. The wind nips at him, he
pulls his coat over him again. His gaze is focused, his mouth mutters
whispered words, his mind a buzz.
AIPA
Adlartok.
The Prince is startled.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Y-Yes Aipa?
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AIPA
We are eastbound a half mile from the valley,
which it seems has been branded with a nick name.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Really? Only a half mile...The men are prepared to
begin cutting wood for lumber, are they not?
AIPA (HUMORED BY WHAT ADLARTOK HAS SAID)
Oh yes sir, they're prepared. They're prepared to
do whatever you think is best. Happy? Refreshed?Oh, I don't know.
PRINCE ADLARTOK (OBSESSIVE)
That is neither here nor there, I only wished to
know if all is according to plan.
AIPA
Yes, Adlartok.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
And Aipa?
AIPA
Yes?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
When we are conferencing with the other tribes and
their leaders...Refer to me as sire. And never by
name. I want to appear powerful.
Aipa is understanding but non-enthusiastic.
Yes sir.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Good, good. Alright,yes, good good.
ADLARTOK plunges back into his mind, muttering away. He spins around on his
wheels.
Apprehensively, he watches all the soldiers passing by, perhaps a little
crazed in his intentness, nodding to each one. THey nod back, sometimes
nervously smiling.
AGUTA, hauling heavy loads on his back, instead has a snarl on his face for
his king as he walks past. Adlartok doesn't notice.
AIPA, though, gets offended and calls out AGUTA, angrily.
AIPA
You there! You there!
AUGTA
Yes, couselour? My name is Aguta.
AIPA
You're so often the spunky one, aren't you. Well
your attitude helps no one.
AGUTA
We'll be sleeping in between flying arrows
tonight. Perhaps my son would have preferred that
I stay at home where my arteries would be safe.
AIPA
You surprise me, Aguta...With your naivety.
Imagine for a moment that you have any
responsibilities in the world, at all. Maybe a
smile could help HIS disposition. He's doing what
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he can to help and maybe you should, too.
AGUTA
He denies his people's religion...what kind of a
prince-
AIPA
You...you have no idea what you're talking about.
AGUTA
Oh, I do. The king has never gone against aprophecy's foretelling. And we've always been
happy, we've always been safe! Why stop now?
A beat.
AIPA
I heard the prince last night. Even he fears his
death will come by nightfall. He said it himself,
he'll find himself upon a spear. So don't go
thinking this is some kind of trip to pick
berries, with Aga warning that we should wait a
week for better turnout. He needs to do this. What
choice does he have?
AIPA takes his depression else where.
CUT TO
The journey finally reaches it's zenith. Upon a hill, they look down on the
densely populated forest.
Adlortok steps ahead of the crowd, and courageously takes a knee. He points
out a clearing in the forest.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
There. That's the valley.
AIPA
If I may?
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Mmm?
AIPA
This valley, it has two nick names. The Eastern
tribes have come to call it Stand off passage.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Stand off...
A beat. The wind blowing Adlartok's hair about
A boisterous soldier pipes in.
SOLDIER
The Western name does not bode as well!
PRINCE ADLARTOK
And whats that?
SOLDIER
They have been calling it, The Blood Spark Valley.
Adlartok eyes sharpen, a cold sweat brewing in him, though he remainsreasonable.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
Blood spark, eh? Isn't that concerning? Oh but the
Western tribes, everything is bruises and welts to
them. Isn't that right, Aipa?
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AIPA
Wha-oh, yes. Of course.
PRINCE ADLARTOK
No slacking. Pick up your feet gentlemen.
CUT TO
EXT. FOREST HILL
The hauling of heavy gear and heavy men, sliding and balancing themselves
off of tree's as they tread down the hill.
The ground levels out, and the tree's lessen up.
There's enough space now that one could stretch his legs and begin smoking
his pipe, resting for a moment.
Carpenters and woodsmen begin chopping down trees and setting up camp,
never ones to take a break.
Adlartok makes his way down the hill, holding his arms out and keeping his
balance on the branches. He reaches the ground floor and begins making his
way around.
ADLARTOK
Yes, this will be a fine spot to make camp. We're
guarded by trees, so we won't be out in the open,
and there's really no telling where we are. Yes, I
think it will be good.
A couple of lean and fast looking men race up and stand attentive to
Adlartok, they wear brown leather over their mouths and carry small knives
in their sheaths. Our prince thinks over what he's going to do with thesescouts.
CUT TO
EXT. STAND OFF VALLEY
The SCOUTS miles down at the SOUTH end of the valley, near the Eastern
Tribe's encampment.
The TREES here have been BOARDED up. Planks nailed straight across the
trees, making for a WALL. It seems oddly quiet compared to...
CUT TO
The WESTERN TRIBE at the north end of this two mile long valley, in which
SMOKING YURTS catch the eye and the sound of MEN WORKING echo from.
The scouts rush back to their camp to report what they've seen.
ADLARTOK'S CAMP
SCOUT
Cousnleor Aipa! Counslouelr Aipa!
AIPA
The tribes, are still present?
SCOUT
The Tuserk's men are still here, but the Eastern
tribe...They may or may not be. No sign of any
life, no camps. Only that wall. As if someone
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wanted to seal in the bad spirits.
All three men are visibly creeped out.
AIPA
I'll inform the prince. Go find something to eat.
AIPA reaches ADLARTOK, sitting by the fire, with bustling work all around
him, he seems focused on the drawing in the dirt. Aipa approaches him with
like a mad man working out an equation.
AIPA
The scouts have returned with strange news.
ADLARTOK
Mmm?
AIPA
It's the Eastern tribe, they remain unseen and
unheard. As if their camp is abandoned. Without a
trace.
ADLARTOK
...Then the wall is gone?
AIPA
No, the wall still stands.
ADLARTOK
Well, that's a trace.
AIPA
Yessir. And you'll be ready to venture to the
Eastern tribes soon, to make counsel with The
Tuserk?
ADLARTOK
Well...I'd like to have spoken with the morerational of men first...But I suppose the fates
have tossed us a spoiled egg already.
He stands up, brushing off the dirt.
ADLARTOK
Let us fertilize with it. You and I will go see
this wall for ourselves and bring with us a
defense force.
ADLARTOK
But-! There may be an ambush, or a terrible
accident-!
ADLARTOK
That's why the defense force is coming along. If
you wish to stay, my friend, I wouldn't blame you.
But if you do come, remember...
The prince stands up and begins to walk off. He turns his head back to AIPA
and looks at him out of the corner of his eye.
ADLARTOK
...I'm your sire, nothing more.
OUTSIDE THE WALL - DAYLIGHT
A group of men, lead by the silent yet thoughtful Adlartok, approach the
boarded off and eerily quiet walled up forest, from about a quarter mile
off.
A hawk flies above them and caws as it soars above and over the wall. Two
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soldiers peer up at this bird, guarding their face from the sun. Another
solider runs up along the crowd and shakes Aipa on the shoulder. He turns
around and hears what the man says, whipsering in his ear. Aipa responds
solemnly.
AIPA
No, I'm afraid we cannot stop marching, but hurry
now behind some bush and be quick with your
business.
A group of five soldiers with bow and arrows and little ways up arelaughing and clapping hands behind each other's backs. They smoke on pipes.
A little ways up is a man with a heavy load of water barrels falling over
and spilling it, then being helped up. At the front of this group of fifty
men is Adlartok, who is as thoughtful as ever. He pulls out a stick from
his pocket, and then from his other pocket, a couple of rocks. He roles the
rocks around in his hands briefly and then puts it all away again, nestling
his hands in his pockets. A HEFTY SOLIDER, wearing little clothes though
sporting much hair growth all over his body, speaks to the Prince.
HEFTY SOLIDER
Are you in need of more warmth?
ADLARTOKAye. And are you ever not?
HEFTY SOLIDER
Haha...Take this, sir. With this much meat on my
bones I won't need this fox pelt.
ADLARTOK (KINDLY)
Then you are lucky to have both.
The hefty solider laughs again.
ADLARTOK
You like that, huh?
HEFTY SOLIDER
Are you sure you don't need the extra-
Adlartok raises his hand.
ADLARTOK
Go bring me something to drink instead and I'll
play with you some more.
He is off. Adlartok marches on, a little cold, but he must appear tough for
his people now.
CUT TO
Adlartok and co. arrive before the WALL'S BORDERS. There is a series of
wooden planks and boards nailed against the trees, crudely, but
effectively. The army comes to a halt and falls at ease, chatting and
smoking. ADLARTOK touches the wall, studying it, and the HEFTY SOLIDER
approaches him again, now with a cup of steaming tea.
ADLATOK
Thank you.
He takes a sip and breathes it in, deep...Then its time to face his men.
The Prince's demeanor changes from benign and kind to forceful and
demanding of respect; he doesn't quite have the act down, though.
ADLARTOK
I want the entirety of you to send the Eastern
tribe a message. Before we so rudely intrude on
our brothers, we will call on them. In our most
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earth shattering voice!
He turns to face the barricade and begins screaming a chant
ADLARTOK
COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL!
People begin joining in and screaming at the tops of their voices at the
wall. Time skips ahead as we see that they have been yelling for maybe
fifteen minutes to no avail. ADLARTOK's voice becomes very hoarse, and he
becomes quite irritated.
ADLARTOK
Quiet, quiet now. I don't think it's going to
work.
The crowd dies down. They catch their breath and clear their voices, some
fall over in exhaust. ADLARTOK looks down in intense thought, crosses his
arms, and mutters to himself without thinking about it, then COMES OUT OF
IT.
ADLARTOK
Let us hoist one man on another man's shoulders
and have him climb that tree, there. And he can
look beyond the wall and tell us what he sees.
Two men do so, who climb the tree and take a look around. ADLARTOK watches
anxiously, but the man calls to him from the tree with benign news,
gesturing at the ground beyond the wooden wall.
SCOUT IN TREE
Nothing! There is nothing there! Just forest!
Adlartok is at a stand still.
SOLIDER
So what now, Prince?
ADLARTOK does not respond, lost in his thoughts.
SCOUT IN TREE
ADLARTOK! ADLARTOK!
He looks down the way at the scout.
SCOUT IN TREE
I think I see a, a, I don't know what! Something
looks funny in the wall down there!
It's go time.
ADLARTOKLet's march!
The men wind up a square hole in the wooden wall, indented. and another
board behind it, suggesting it may be a sliding door.
ADLARTOK
Hmm...
NAMELESS SOLIDER
Do you wish for someone to knock on it?
ADLARTOK
...I'm still thinking.
the Nameless soldier backs away like a lowly dog, but is then ushered
forward by a signal from Adlartok's finger.
ADLARTOK
Yes. Knock on the door, would you?
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He gets on his knees and knocks on the door. Nothing happens. Still on his
hands and knees, he looks up at the army behind him. He gives an expression
of "I dunno"
ADLARTOK
Go on. See if it slides open.
He slides it open a little bit. The group gasps and mutters, ADLARTOK looks
on. The NAMELESS SOLIDER looks behind him again, and then back to the door.
He finishes sliding the door open, then sits back, nervous.
NAMELESS SOLIDER
A door.
He stands up and brushes himself off. ADLARTOK cocks his head.
ADLARTOK (SARCASTICALLY)
Hmm? You aren't going in?
He gets a couple of laughs as the NAMELESS SOLIDER passes by ADLARTOK who
pats him on the back.
ADLARTOK
Vexing...What to do now?
NAMELESS SOLIDER 2
Perhaps you send someone to search for the
encampment?
ADLARTOK
Alone? Wandering into who knows what? I wonder why
I would do that...
NAMELESS SOLIDER 2
S-Sir, don't we want to, maybe, reach the
encampment? Speak to the people there? Isn't
that...urgent?
The crowd grunts and mumbles in agreement.
ADLARTOK (CRYPTICALLY)
Hmmm...Isn't it?
He stares at the soldier, who only stares back, perplexed. He shrugs, and
returns to stroking his chin and starring at the hole. The men all together
let out a disperate sigh. AIPA approaches the prince, weary.
AIPA
Adlartok, You must consider your men and their
sense of honor they have towards you and following
you...You frighten them, they've seen you like
this before and know what happens when you fall
too deep into thought.
ADLARTOK
Aye.
AIPA
We've marched here, followed you here, and now it
may appear as though...your the one clenching up
now.
ADLARTOK looks up at AIPA, raising an eye brow. He then shuts his eyes
affirmitively.
ADLARTOK
I only require a bit more time to think.
AIPA sighs and returns to the soldiers. Taking a seat on the ground next to
a soldier.
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AIPA
Yes, the Prince only needs a little more time to
think.
ADLARTOK
I've made my decision.
Aipa SPRINGS up.
ADLARTOK
I want twenty men beyond this border, carrying a
message of peace and counsel to the camp beyond.
If they can't be reached or nothing is found
before sun down, you return here and meet with an
away camp that will lead you home. Understood?
The Soldiers affirmatively grunt.
ADLARTOK
Good.
Nothing is happening.
ADLARTOKWell?
AIPA
Who is it to go?
ADLARTOK
Oh..well...You there.
HEFTY SOLDIER
Who, me?
ADLARTOK
Yes. You decide the other 19 that goes with you.
HEFTY SOLIDER
Aaah...?
He rubs the back of his neck, and picks out the nineteen men. No one seems
happy to be picked, but hey what can the hefty soldier do about it?
ADLARTOK (WEAKLY)
Very good, thank you, thank you.
HEFTY SOLDER
You're welcome.
The twenty men then mobilize around the hole. A nameless soldier hesitantlydrops to his knees and slowly pokes his head beyond the hole.
Everyone is silent, and still, and the soldier doesn't move or speak. He
very slowly continues in.
Adlartok motions for another to go in.
with much less hesitation the next man drops to his knees and crawls in,
but as his head makes it past the wall, he suddenly stops. ADLARTOK's eyes
twitch at the sight of this. The SOLIDER pauses, then continues in. The
Next soldier drops to his knees.
ADLARTOKEy ey ey ey.
AIPA
Hmmm?
ADLARTOK
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Do you two see anything? Any sign of life? Do you
see anything at all?
A beat.
BEHIND THE WALL
No. Nothing here at all.
Another beat.
Silence.
A third soldier without thinking drops to his knees, but Adlartok GRASPS
his shoulder. No.
ADLARTOK
I'll have a look.
ADLARTOK approaches the hole and drops to the ground, crawling forward. His
head slowly pokes past the wall.
AIPA
What do you see? Sire? SIRE WHAT DO YOU SEE?
ADLARTOK says nothing, and simply, continues to crawl through. He's on the
other side.
The wooden door closes.
Aipa rushes in after-
AIPA
PRINCE!?
And in a panic-
AIPAPRINCE!? PRI-!
He very nearly stabs himself in the eye with a spear.
Three are pointed at his head
He can see a hundred men on eiter side of him, JUST BEYOND the wall, all
their bodies pressed against it to stay hidden. His fellow Southern
Tribesmen sitting on the ground, scratching their beards and hanging their
heads, with a couple spears limply pointed at them, and Adlartok being held
with his arms behind his back, scowling.
Aipa crosses through, a spear is gestured at his face, and he sits down,looking beaten.
The next soldier crawls through, gasps at the spears, but the SPEARMEN
gestures with his finger to his lips: SSSSH.
CUT TO
a bustling little make shift town, with people working about; carrying
lumber, hammering and sawing, yurts being erected, and even some children
and women cooking and playing with animals.
It's a jubilant scene, though our PRISONERS are uncomfortable.
AIPAWho know the Eastern tribesmen were so...
ADLARTOK
Pleasant.
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ADLARTOK mostly looks pissed. When a SOUTERN TRIBE SOLIDER looks him in the
eye, ADLARTOK scowls back - the soldier grins stupidly, exposing his
rotting teeth.
A VOICE shouts out, loud, MASCULINE. The crowd of people make way for this
BOISTEROUS MAN, as he steps out from a yurt.
"HOOOO!"
Before we catch sight of his face-
CUT TO
ADLARTOK extreme close up.
As this man speaks, Adlartok's face melts from utter contempt to enjoyment.
BOISTEROUS MAN (O.S)
Ah, I see you've finally brought us back our
lunch! Good job, men. Though they do look a little
too scrawny to eat. I'm not feeling peckish,
anyway. Though, Perhaps we are more in need of
some light entertainment...You! Musician! I'll
carve you up some flutes from their bones!
With laughter in his heart, we see this royal warrior, lean and strapping,come to step before ADLARTOK, his white teeth gleaming, he looks as though
he is both warm and joyful but VERY intense. Like Santa Claus on speed.
He wraps his arms around ADLARTOK, and embraces him, who is taken aback.
The SOUTHERN TRIBE people cheer and clap hands. THE BOISTEROUS MAN releases
ADLARTOK, and takes a step back, breathing him all in. Our prince has but
one word to say.
ADLARTOK
Loovik.
LOOVIKLook at them. Look at them, these familiar
specters! These are the benign Southern
Tribesmen. It has been TWO generations since last
the royals of our tribes met in person, but, aaah,
here we are again! Our brothers! Here again,
ahahaha!
The entirity of the Adlartok's men are confused and maybe even frightened
at the celebration going on around them, and leaves them on edge. AIPA in
particular, who is being bounced around by Eastern tribe soldiers.
ADLARTOK
Loovik, your men captured us very swiftly andeffectively. Was that little plan your idea?
LOOVIK
Hmm? Oh, yes! You liked that, didn't you?
"Beheading the Curious Fox." I invented it! Just
for the occasion! It captured you; and soon those
dogs of The TUSERK! The bastards will come one by
one, and one by one we'll slit their throats.
ADLARTOK
Is the plan fool proof?
LOOVIK
It worked on you, didn't it? And you're no fool.
The all fore-seeing and mystical Southern tribe
predicted nothing, now those curious little foxes
shouldn't stand a chance!
The Crowd roars in agreement.
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A hawk flies above, caws. Adlartok watches it.
ADLARTOK
The Tuserk is no fox. He finds cunning to be a
childish trait.
LOOVIK
Of course of course. He likes to think of himself
as a hawk! Phooie. I've never been maimed by a
hawk. What's so forceful and direct about a bird?
The two kings begin to walk together.
ADLARTOK
We're the curious little foxes, Loovik; We snooped
and poked around, getting caught in traps. But the
Western Tribesmen, they aren't ones to do that.
They'll find another way.
LOOVIK
And what exactly does that mean?
ADLARTOK
That earthly properties don't inhibit them.
LOOVIK
Earthly properties!? Oh, like walls of sturdy
oak!? And swarms of wily assassins and killers!?
Loovik raises his arm to the air, his men go crazy for it.
LOOVIK (TO ADLARTOK)
Let's see them spread their wings, already.
ADLARTOK
I wouldn't put it past them.
Something becomes SOURED for Loovik.
LOOVIK (IRRITATED)
Hmm? What was that?
ADLARTOK
I just said-
LOOVIK
That they can FLY? Who told you they can FLY?
ADLARTOK
...I simply meant that they are an inventive
people.
LOOVIK (INTIMIDATION)
Oh, I see. And what makes you say that? I mean,
what have you, as the prince of the Southern
tribes, heard about this INVENTIVENESS imbued of
the Tuserk?
ADLARTOK
...I think I may have said the wrong thing.
LOOVIK
No, no no! You've said nothing out of line! You've
just walked all the way here, to MY battle
grounds, disrupted MY trap, to deliver ME the
message that MY preparations and fighting spirit
are IDLE action...Because the Tuserk's men will
trample me, thanks to their assured
"inventivness," Is that about right?
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Loovik stares deep into Adlartok. The party commences beyond them, music
being played with crude drums and rattle makers.
LOOVIK (DARK)
...What do you know?
ADLARTOK chokes. He lashes out.
ADLARTOK (FLUSTERED)
NOTHING! I-I really know NOTHING! I came here only
to find out WHY you and the Tuserk are fighting!That is ALL! I-I SWEAR TO YOU.
Our prince stands attentive. He can't look Loovik in the ye now.
LOOVIK
Hmph. So you could then, what, start the repairing
process?
ADLARTOK
Perhaps.
LOOVIK
You wish to solve a problem you did not create.
You want to look like the innocent littleSoutherner, peering into the battle grounds,
waving around a feather for peace. But you're
prepared to pick a side in order to solve this
problem, hmm? You just need to know WHICH side,
first. That's why you're here...Which side are you
on?
ADLARTOK (BACKED INTO A CORNER)
...GrrrRR- WE DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ARE FIGHTING IN
THE FIRST PLACE! WE CAME HERE SEEKING COUNSEL! NOT
TO BE DRAGGED INTO A WAR! I SWEAR, I-
He catches himself.
ADLARTOK (DESPERATE)
I swear to you, Loovik, we are here to learn.
Only, to learn.
The Southern tribes men are taken back, while the Eastern tribes men act
like highschoolers OOOHing and laughing at his eruption.
Loovik's demanour twists around again, light on his feet.
LOOVIK
OOooo, very hot stuff! Shooting fire from the
mouth! Though maybe a little rain, too, YUCH!
LOOVIK wipes something off his chest as if he was spit upon, and then with
the same hand wraps his hand around an annoyed looking ADLARTOK.
LOOVIK
I believe you, I believe you! Who ever said I
didn't!?
ADLARTOK (SHAKEN)
You did. I-I-I, I told you that I didn't know
anything and-but you just kept going! And-
LOOVIK laughs into the sky, and ADLARTOK wipes his brow and composes
himself.
Loovik steps out, arms crossed. He faces our prince, his back to his men,
his camp, whordes of women, and even Adlartok's imprisoned soldiers.
The only thing that has Adlartok's back are the mountains and forest.
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ADLARTOK
Allow me some counsel. We will sit down and drink
tea and discuss everything.
LOOVIK
Let us talk now! Go on. Talk.
ADLARTOK
With tea. Formally. Around a counsel fire.
Loovik thinks for a second...
He JERKS his hand out. Adlartok jumps. Then shakes Loovik's hand.
LOOVIK
Fine, as long as you know, that I know, that
you're full of it. You're not just here to discuss
the fighting.
ADLARTOK (LYING)
...But, I am.
LOOVIK
You'll take a stand of some sort. I'm sure of it.
It might be with me, and it might be with the
Tuserk, depending on if you believe his lies. And
as we say here in the East, don't trust anyone,
even an old woman - it's an old saying, but you
catch the gist.
ADLARTOK
Right...right.
LOOVIK
Come with me come with me! Let us eat and drink by
the fire, ayeee?
EXT. LOOVIK'S CAMP FIRE
LOOVIK leads ADLARTOK and his men to a bon fire.
Everyone sits on the ground, except for LOOVIK has a log chair.
ADLARTOK sits across from him. He looks around his men, as if a mother
inspecting her children; he looks deathly, but still nurturing.
LOOVIK snaps his fingers, and he is draped with a blanket and given an
ottoman. He relaxes.
But here's Adlartok still just sitting on the ground. It's embarrasing his
men. Adlartok shoots up to his feet.
ADLARTOK (NERVOUSLY BUT URGENTLY)
Aah, tribe leader Loovik, per-perhaps you have
something for me to sit upon?
LOOVIK (SPEAKING WITH HIS HANDS)
No, no, I understand who you are, Adlartok. Your
men look to you to match my royal attire, but they
misunderstand that your humble equality with them
is far more regale. It is refreshing to see,
please, keep your seat.
Adlartok bows; Though Aipa eyes him as if confused. Was that real
appreciation or reverse psychology?
LOOVIK
So! You have travelled far. Can I get you
something to drink?
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ADLARTOK
Please.
LOOVIK
Greedy little thing.
He snaps his fingers again and Adlartok is given tea.
ADLARTOK
When did the fighting begin?
LOOVIK
Not long ago. About...thirty days back. The Tuserk
was up to something and we knew it.
ADLARTOK
Do tell.
LOOVIK
They're developing a weapon, something special.
A beat.
LOOVIK
Perhaps something that could fly.
ADLARTOK
Fly!?
LOOVIK (MOCKINGLY)
Well, its just their obsession, isn't it? Soaring
with the eagles? Its all they talk about in the
west. "The kingdom of the sky!" Oooo. Maybe if we
weren't entrenched by the fiercest wild lands
known to man we could think to watch the clouds
for a moment.
LOOVIK proverbially pokes Adlartok in the ribs.
ADLARTOK
Mhmmm.
LOOVIK
I'm not saying that's a good enough reason to go
in and attack the man! I had my spies find out
that they have plans to rule ALL the kingdoms.
ADLARTOK
...
LOOVIK
It's not so strange. Their whole culture is based
on conquering and back stabbing. Remember, they
weren't always a united people. Their region was
once a series of tribes, but now, it's all rulled
by The Tuserk. I wouldn't expect you to know this.
And that's fine. The Southern tribesmen have
always been naive to the ways of the war mongers.
And that's just the way I like you!
ADLARTOK
Why is that?
LOOVIK
It's as if you're the ray of sunshine. We hearstories about your summer time solstice festival,
oh yes. It sounds as if you people do nothing but
prance around in the forest and casting spells.
Hahaha. It's good to know someone out there isn't
taking things so seriously.
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ADLARTOK
Really? It's not because we'd also be naive of
your war mongering, as well, is it?
LOOVIK
No?
ADLARTOK
You spy on the Westerners, living among them,
creeping past their borders unlawfully, and then,
you admit you made the first attack.
LOOVIK
Yes. Quite like a straight shooting arrow, then,
aren't I? Non-wavering, attacking my only target
head on- trust me, you wouldn't get the same
treatment from that monster.
ADLARTOK
Come now.
LOOVIK
That slippery devil. I'd only have him beat over
the head with a rock if I could. Have him sittingright here, over the fire, first.
ADLARTOK
What kind of talk is that!? What has he done!?
LOOVIK
He has betrayed the trust HE installed in me! I
may have been spying on him but it is only because
I sensed it was necessary. You see, little
Adlartok...My father, he...
ADLARTOK
He died?
LOOVIK
...Yes. And I am now to be Kinged. Isn't it ironic
that he, too, and YOU, await to be crowned king of
their respective people? At the same time?
ADLARTOK
...What?
LOOVIK
Your people have not crowned you, yet, correct?
Your father only died a week ago?
ADLARTOKYes.
LOOVIK
You are still in mourning?
ADLARTOK
There is no time for mourning.
LOOVIK
Exactly my feelings. Not when I recieve news that
BOTH your father AND the former Tuserk expired at
nearly the same time. And my Father, as well. Died
in his sleep.
ADLARTOK
Was he poisoned?
LOOVIK
HA!
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Loovik claps his hands.
LOOVIK
You're asking me?
ADLARTOK bows his head.
LOOVIK
Not only is all this clearly disconcerting...but
the simple fact remains that I know they plan to
rule all of the known world and sit on it like fat
kings, not soaring eagles.
ADLARTOK
...
LOOVIK
...Anything else you wish to ask?
ADLARTOK
...I suppose I would like something to drink.
LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS)
A milk!
ADLARTOK
And something for my men.
LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS)
Lots of milk!
ADLARTOK
We should drink up and leave soon. Very soon.
LOOVIK
...What do you mean?
ADLARTOK
Excuse me?
LOOVIK (STANDING)
Your feet aren't more tired? You're arms, they
aren't needing of more rest from all this heavy
lifting, eh? We have much to discuss! Still so
much for you to learn about the West.
ADLARTOK
But, I...I-
LOOVIK
No, no! You're not wearing out your welcome! Ipromise, I enjoy your company! Plus, your
hastiness to leave...it makes me think you are in
a hurry to get somewhere...
ADLARTOK
No...Of course not.
LOOVIK
Good, I truly believe it to be so...And a milk for
me, as well!
CUT TO
HOURS LATER
It seems the entire encampment is drinking milk. Men slack off from work,
standing around the fire, along with their Southern Tribe captives,
listening to one of LOOVIK's hunt stories.
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LOOVIK
And then, as I crept over the bush and held aloft
my arrow, I thought to myself, if I only my arrow
was on FIRE. SO! I sat down as quickly as I could,
and I rubbed the sticks together as harshly as I
could, with vigor and vigor and firey vigor! And
something sparked, and an ember...I quickly used
it to light the arrow, I reached up, the beast was
still there, and...I LET GO! The beast took it in
the eye! A steamed meal inside his furry head, all
ready to eat!
This got a laugh out of the people, and some of them even clapped. Loovik
takes the applause magnanimously, and takes his seat. Adlartok sits down
near by, like jabba the hut and princess leia.
ADLARTOK
You really began a fire with two sticks as a bear
charged you?
LOOVIK
Yes and absolutely.
ADLARTOKWell thats...impressive.
LOOVIK
Haha, thank you!
ADLARTOK
Far more exciting that the uses we've found for
shrubbery back home.
LOOVIK (INTERESTED)
...Oh and what's that?
ADLARTOK
Oh you know...
Our heroic prince looks over the distressed and beaten expressions on the
faces of his men, and AIPA, who sheds a tear.
He goes on with his lusterless babble.
ADLARTOK
Prophecies. Ancient traditions used to tell the
future...sometimes I think the mystics and spirit
chiefs are just toying with sticks and stones, but
then again...
LOOVIKSo then, what do they say?
ADLARTOK
What do who say?
LOOVIK
The mystics? Wha-what do they say?
Adlartok stops to read Loovik's face. The man looks anxious, and jumpy.
Superstitious.
Adlartok gets an idea.
ADLARTOK
They've said many things.
LOOVIK
Did you ask for their input on your ventruring out
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into the wild or not?
ADLARTOK
Yes, yes we asked for their input.
LOOVIK's people begin to mutter amongst themselves, a tense hushness.
LOOVIK
And?
ADLARTOK
Well...The prophecy...It did not bode well.
LOOVIK
What!?
ADLARTOK
It is nothing to worry about! The prochicies are
just old play rituals, nothing more!
Loovik rises from his seat and steps back from Adlartok.
LOOVIK
What did she say!
ADLARTOK
She said...she said I and my men would be cursed.
LOOVIK
And you bring these evil spirits HERE? TO MY
GROUNDS?
ADLARTOK
Sir, you musn't worry! These are old women making
these prophecies! Old, decrepped things, probably
close to death, themselves.
LOOVIK (UNDER BREATH)Good god.
LOOVIK
Get out! GET OUT ALL OF YOU! OUT NOW!
ADLARTOK and his men rush out from the way they came, chased out by flying
rocks and bowls of milk.
LOOVIK
No! No! DON'T THROW ANYTHING! DON'T EVEN TOUCH
THEM! IT'S EVIL! EVIL!
Loovik's men and women run away, screaming.
Adlartok and his men and sprinting back into the darkness of the forest.
His face reads cunning delight.
EXT. FOREST WALL
ADLARTOK himself reaches down and helps up the last man to come out from
the wall's small hole.
AIPA
So, what do we do now?
Adlartok only gestures at the other end of the valley. The Tuserk's end.
ADLARTOK
We know Loovik will attack the Tuserk sometime
tonight. But all things considered, they may have
some rituals to conduct before they feel right
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enough to attack. To drive out whatever bad energy
was left there by our curse. C'mon men.
They begin their tread back.
AIPA
You see, then?! You see?!
ADLARTOK
Yes I DO see, Aipa. I saw that our supposed curse
just saved our lives.
The men began to mutter amongst themselves, even cowering from Adlartok a
little.
ADLARTOK
What? Oh, you people are doing this again!?
He stops walking and turns around to scold his men.
ADLARTOK
Aipa, do you see? I'm supposed to lead these men,
care for these men, treat them with respect, and
yet they cower from my every thought! From every
waggle of my finger!
He gives AIPA an example, and indeed the men do cower from his waggling
finger.
ADLARTOK
I just FREED us, DAMNIT!
Adlartok spins around and plants himself in the snow, his arms and legs
crossed.
A beat.
The wind blows.
AIPA
What hell. Your job is to feel empathy for those
who you share no likeness.
ADLARTOK
That's right, Aipa.
AIPA
Then perhaps we are exactly alike.
ADLARTOK's eyes come alive. He rises and faces AIPA.
AIPAWe're in this together, Adlartok. Are your men
running off in fear? We fear for our lives, yes,
but...we won't leave your side.
Aipa steps out in front and bows.
ADLARTOK (EMPOWERED)
Alright then. We have infiltrated the Eastern
tribe's encampment and come out of it alive,
thanks to all of us. We return to camp, and then
it's off again. To meet the Tuserk!
ADLARTOK'S ENCAMPMENT
The Prince and his men return, taking their pelts and heavy gear off.
ADLARTOK himself makes his way to the fire, and sits down by it, alone, as
his men refresh themselves.
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He rubs his eyes and yawns. He gets lost in the LICKING, DANCING flames. He
dozes off...
Blackness.
AIPA
Sir? Sir?
ADLARTOK jumps awake.
ADLARTOK
What?! What!? How long have I been asleep?
AIPA
Only, maybe a minute sir.
ADLARTOK
Oh.
He takes a look around, making sure everything is as it was.
ADLARTOK
Yes, yes. Well, sit with me.
AIPASir, the men will need maybe an hour to ready for
march.
ADLARTOK digests this, and then stands up, brimming with his certain kind
of O.C.D energy.
ADLARTOK
Men of the Southern triibes! You have fifteen
minutes to make proper preparations! Then, we are
on our way!
The men moan and groan and move about slowly, instead of rushing to the
finish.
ADLARTOK
Go on! Go! Get a move on!
AIPA
You really feel we don't have an hour to waste?
ADLARTOK
I don't, Aipa. My body is rest to sleep, but if I
rest now, I'll be groggy by the time I speak to
the Tuserk. And I'll need my wits about me. Tea,
please, Aipa.
He ignores the request.
AIPA
None of us slept either, you know.
ADLARTOK
And they can rest when we return from the Tuserk.
Until then, it is their duty to do what I say.
AIPA
They aren't your playthings.
ADLARTOK
And I'm not theirs! Go, now, tea!
AIPA stands still, angry tears in his eyes.
AIPA
No.
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Adlartok steadies himself.
ADLARTOK
...Please Aipa. I do not mean to mistreat you. But
I need this, now. I need your allegiance.
AIPA
Mpff. Right away, "sire"
He walks off, shouting at men to pick up the pace along the way. "Go on!
Hurry up! The King won't be taking any rest! Go on!"
Adlartok watches this with a pain in his heart, but it's not for thinking
about now. He goes to drawing in the dirt, and discussing the plan with
himself.
EXT THE TUSERK'S ENCAMPMENT
Adlartok and his men, in the dead of night, reach the Tuserk's deathly
encampment.
This time, there is no great gate, or anyone to lead them to camp, they
simply walk in, surrounded by dark fellows, drinking quiety, over camp
fires, some drink from iron cups and flasks, alone. It is a grave and
serious scene.
One yurt towers over all. It is more like a circus tent.
Every eye seems to be on our hero, glowing in the darkness.
Not one of these glaring eyes stands up to greet Adlartok.
ADLARTOK
Hello...
No response.
ADLARTOK
We are men of the southern tribes. We mean you all
no harm. I am the king and I brought with me
protection, nothing more.
No response.
ADLARTOK
T-the Tuserk, that must be his tent there, is it
not? Or maybe not?
Some people mutter among themselves, but none of them from Adlartok's
troupe. They are all deathly still.
WESTERN WARRIORThe great yurt. Go. No one will follow you.
ADLARTOK
Thank you. Why would they...follow me?
The warrior is solemn as a stone solider.
The great yurt LOOMS over ADLARTOK, and it's guards greet our prince with
little admiration. They move their spears for him, and him only. AIPA and
the rest are left outside.
INT. GREAT YURT
He passes through the yurt's beads, and is hit with the smell of roasting
meat. All around him are women eating and drinking, sitting on pillows,
near small stone pits with fires brewing in them.
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A large silk curtain cuts the yurt in half, a small slit at it's bottom
catches Adlartok's eye. He walks through this room, the women giggling and
whispering as he crosses by. Before crossing over, he turns around.
ADLARTOK
Is the Tuserk beyond here?
He takes one look around at the women lounging about in the room.
ADLARTOK
Or are you one of you supposed to be him?
They SNICKER and whisper under their BREATH. Adlartok makes no sense of
this, and walks through the drape.
INT. TUSERK'S ROOM
The room is dark, and the shadows loom large. The scent of incense
thick.Chests treasures line the walls, the finest rugs lines the floor. The
light from the cooking pits illuminate the red silk, and a blood color
rinses over this royal space.
The Tuserk sits upon throne of pillows, his Genghis Khan-esque appearanceis recognizable even in silhouette. He puffs on a long, long pipe.
THE TUSERK
Adlartok...It is a pleasure...and a shame, to see
you.
ADLARTOK
You know my name?
THE TUSERK
Is it not your father's name, and his father's, as
well?
ADLARTOK
Yes.
THE TUSERK
Another young man, come to sell me on the ways of
the spirit world, and how it mirrors and effects
our own?
ADLARTOK
The only world I worry about is the one I can see.
THE TUSERK
Ah. And something does worry you now.
ADLARTOK
It does.
THE TUSERK
And it concerns the placement of my army, adjacent
the fiery Loovik?
ADLARTOK
Firey?
THE TUSERK
Yes. You expect me to call him a dog? I have only
the up most respect for my peers. As do you.
ADLARTOK
Loovik claims to have spied on you.
The Tuserk lets out of a puff of twirling smoke.
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THE TUSERK
Really.
ADLARTOK
You didn't know?
THE TUSERK
No. And I always know. He must be lying.
ADLARTOK
He says he spied on you, and that it was obviousfrom the intel...You were planning a massive take
over.
THE TUSERK
You've betray the Loovik's trust in your loyalty
quickly. If I wasn't going to trust you before-
ADLARTOK
But you were going to, weren't you? Trust me?
THE TUSERK
Mmmm. Loovik will have your head, now.
ADLARTOKNot if you protect me. As I have come to protect
you.
THE TUSERK
I can kill you, and it would be so easy.
ADLARTOK
What!?
THE TUSERK
Is that why you prefer me to him? Because I'm a
more ruthless killer?
ADLARTOK is shaken, and doesn't speak.
THE TUSERK
Because it's not true.
THE TUSERK transcendent from his pillowy throne and approaches ADLARTOK,
still smoking his pipe.
THE TUSERK
I could never kill you.
THE TUSERK places a hand on ADLARTOK's shoulder, and smiles warmly; he has
has decidedly KIND EYES.
THE TUSERK
Thank you.
ADLARTOK
The kings of our tribes, they have had mutual
respect towards each other for generations and
generations.
THE TUSERK
I know. It is an important bond. And now, once
again, the Tuserk and Adlartok are to be brothers
for another age. Strength has brought you here,
Adlartok. Now be strong enough to rest.
The Tuserk leads Adlartok to a chest. He hunches down and opens the chest
up and shows adlartok a scroll.
WE THE AUDIENCE DO NOT SEE WHAT IS ON THE SCROLL.
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Adlartok is marvelling at what he see's.
ADLARTOK
These are plans to construct...Some type for
flying?
THE TUSERK
My best engineers, my best scientists, and even my
most imaginative children, all came together and
may finally met the hawk on it's own territory.
ADLARTOK
But, this seems so implausible.
THE TUSERK
Oh?
The Tuserk STANDS UP to meet Adlartok at EYE LEVEL.
THE TUSERK
What if I told you that it's complete?
ADLARTOK
I'd hope it was well put together.
THE TUSERK
The design looks flimsy to you?
ADLARTOK
It looks...innovative.
THE TUSERK
But it could never work?
ADLARTOK
Its not that it's just, the whole thing seems to
be over my head.
THE TUSERK
Ah. Maybe you'll get to see it in action soon.
ADLARTOK
When I visited Loovik, he seemed very active with
his people, leading them, constructing with them.
I don't want to criticize, but I wonder why when I
come here, you are alone and secluded.
THE TUSERK
Because my people live by the virtues of
solemnity. They don't need to be herded, or
whipped. And at the same time, they're most
efficient, and much more intelligent than the
Eastern man.
ADLARTOK
I thought you said you wouldn't call them dogs.
THE TUSERK
Oh, no, they are most decidedly men. I mean no
disrespect when I state the facts! Only great
pride. We educate ourselves, and educate each
other. The Western tribes of course, they just
want to keep playing with their sticks.
He taps out his pipe, pockets it, and breaths a heavy sigh.
THE TUSERK
And you've solidified my belief! Loovik says there
are spies amidst my coven? Impossible. We know
every man, and we guard every treasure.
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ADLARTOK
You never know. He didn't fill me in on the
details, he could have done it quick, really
quick!
THE TUSERK
Quick or slow, no ear could have listened in to my
private discussions without being cut off. There
were no reported thefts, no reported oddities, no
reports of ANYONE of this nature.
ADLARTOK
Then maybe theres no spy. And Loovik's liar, is
that any reason to kill him?
THE TUSERK
No.
ADLARTOK
Then why are you locked in combat? That is all,
all I want to know. What is this all about?
THE TUSERK
...He lacks compliance. I could beg for peace, butwhat would that solve? The man attacked me. So I
suppose waiting until he does it again, while
preaching love, is that the better option?
ADLARTOK
It could be done. He only hurts you because he
thinks you're hurting him.
THE TUSERK
Lies. He has nothing on me. He attacked without
warning. He says to you that I'm a killer, that
I'm planning something. It makes no sense.
ADLARTOK is lost for words. He'd like to test something on him.
ADLARTOK
You know...my people have for tolled of a dark
energy surrounding this valley. A bad omen for all
who are here.
THE TUSERK
And?
ADLARTOK
The spirit chief, the eldest mystic our tribe has
seen in ages, asked the order to tell her, What
will happen in the Blood Soaked Valley?
THE TUSERK
And what did she say?
Adlartok SCREAMS horrifically.
THE TUSERK
WHAT'S WRONG?
ADLARTOK
She became a banshee! It was unlike anything we've
seen before! She howled and cried! So we marched
here. To tell you.
The hairs on The Tuserk's neck are standing up.
THE TUSERK
Quite chilling.
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ADLARTOK
So you see, you mustn't hurt Loovik. You need to
pack up and leave this place as soon as possible.
It only spells danger.
THE TUSERK
Are you through with this ghost story yet?
ADLARTOK
What?
THE TUSERK
It's a trick that won't work, Adlartok. Why do you
lie to me? You want to look more like a Easterner
to me? Don't soil our brotherhood so soon.
ADLARTOK
I-I'm sorry, you must imagine, though, the stress
of the situation. Everyone calls each others
liars.
THE TUSERK
You have better make your choice soon before it's
too late to choose either...Boy.
ADLARTOK
Please, sir
He drops to one knee.
ADLARTOK
...If you won't put an end to your fighting...Then
at least let me help.
THE TUSERK
What's that?
ADLARTOKIt's true. I don't believe in the prophecies. But
there is no doubt in my mind your battle with the
Eastern tribes will be a bloody one. If I can do
anything for you...Please, I just want to help
your people. Any people.
THE TUSERK
You would lay your men down for me?
ADLARTOK
No. I would do so, for your men.
THE TUSERKFine. You may join me. But you must be quick about
it.
ADLARTOK (STARTLED)
Why? When did you plan to attack?
THE TUSERK
Soon. Very soon.
COMMOTION.
Screaming and running coming from outside. The two kings trade glances and
run outside.
EXT. THE TUSERK'S CAMP
ADLARTOK
Whats going on here!?
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Adlartok's men run and race around, screaming and swatting at their backs.
They look as crazed loons, running from ghosts.
The Tuserk's men chase after them, as if trying to catch a greased and
wailing pig.
Two guards come OUT from a PARTICULAR TENT and rush out to help. Not long
after, one of ADLARTOK'S MEN come out from behind the tent and SNEAKS IN.
No one see's.
The Tuserk whistles and shuts everyone up, except for a few wimpering andcrying men of Adlartok.
THE TUSERK
Why are we all so upset?
SOUTHERN TRIBE SOLDIER
H-he said he could see the evil spirits! They were
everywhere!
WESTERN TRIBE SOLIDER
Sir, one buffoon started screaming about the
order, and it upset the others.
THE TUSERKWell have we all calmed down now?
The Tuserk gives Adlartok another glance over.
THE TUSERK
What was that? Some other clever ruse? Was that
supposed to have frightened my men into
cowardice?
ADLARTOK
I promise you-
THE TUSERKThere's no need, Adlartok. We've seen Loovik's
little fence. I could think twice about luring
myself into their death trap. Taking the back door
would be more appropriate.
ADLARTOK
Oh, oh god.
THE TUSERK
What?
ADLARTOK
They're on their way already, aren't they?
THE TUSERK
It seems I should have begun the attack even
earlier, yes - I've made the order.
ADLARTOK (PANIC)
I- I have still have men stationed with the Yupik
people. I still have men there!
THE TUSERK
Why would you do a thing like that?
ADLARTOK
It was necessary - in order for me to be allowedout! I must retrieve them! They'll be killed in
your raid, they won't know whose side to be on!
THE TUSERK
Oh, they won't?
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ADLARTOK
Please, I-I-I'll return! I'll return here, I
promise! I must get my men to safety! Please!
THE TUSERK (JUDGING)
Hmmmm.
ADLARTOK waits for no answer, and starts to leave.
He can feel The Tuserk's gaze on his back.
He rushes to his entourage and points forward; the mass of them make way
with their king.
The Tuserk's men do nothing to stop them, but stare at them all the way
out.
EXT. VALLEY - MIDDLE POINT
They're at a jogger's pace back, heading home, ADLARTOK at the fore front
in a mad hustle. AIPA catches up with him.
AIPA
Sir, what's happened! Inform, inform!
ADLARTOK
It's not good, Aipa. They're attacking Loovik's
camp from the rear, and in none too long. The
whole camp will be annihilated! C'mon! Run faster!
AIPA
But how did you get out?
ADLARTOK
I told them we still have men stationed at the
other camp.
AIPASo you lied your way out.
ADLARTOK
I did what I had to.
INT FOREST WALL
The soldiers stand ever vigilante against the wall, and become more alert
with fear as the sound of an army approaches.
They ready themselves, the stampeding feet of the Western soldiers coming
closer and closer, just beyond the wall, now.
The little sliding door SLAMS open, and the spears ready their point-
at ADLARTOK's face.
ADLARTOK
Take us to Loovik! Now!
INT YUPIK CAMP
Spear exercises, with Loovik leading them like an aerobics class. His mood
is self-assured and larger than life, but it changes to a white dread as he
catches glimpse of ADLARTOK and his following army.
LOOVIKWhat is this, a joke!? I told you to LEAVE. NEVER
COME BACK HERE.
ADLARTOK
Loovik, you must listen to me-
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LOOVIK
And pay you more mind than you, me? Where is your
respect?
LOOVIK is finally close enough to ADLARTOK to hit him, and he does, upside
the head.
LOOVIK
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, YOU CURSED RATS?
ADLARTOK (ON THE GROUND)I SPOKE TO THE TUSERK!
The Loovik and his men break fall silent in gasp.
ADLARTOK
He won't fall for your plan, h-he is deliberately
moving all of his troops far around the valley,
and hit you from the behind!
LOOVIK
What!? WHEN!?
ADLARTOK
I don't know, it could be, it could be soon, or itcould be right now! You've got to listen to me!
LOOVIK swings around and raises his arms to his men.
LOOVIK
Soldiers of the Wolve's paw. Load up your supplies
and ready the armaments. It is now time for war!
The men break out in a frenzy of preparation, and LOOVIK marches sternly to
his private yurt.
ADLARTOK can't help but follow.
INT. LOOVIK'S PRIVATE YURT
Inside Loovik's yurt, the mood is much more humble than at The Tuserk's.
There is nothing but a fire, a few swords, and an older woman roasting
fish.
ADLARTOK
So then, you're just going to head them off, huh?
That's the plan?
LOOVIK
And you have a better one!?
ADLARTOKSpeak to him!
LOOVIK stops, and is still, as if Adlartok is inside the eye of the storm
that is Loovik.
ADLARTOK
Come with me, we'll go together and speak The
Tuserk, personally.
LOOVIK
He'll slit my throat.
ADLARTOKHe'd trust you if I was there! And you need to
trust me.
LOOVIK
Why?
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ADLARTOK
Because I'm here.
LOOVIK
Ha!
ADLARTOK
Hmm?
LOOVIK
I'm thinking then, it's more pertinent, that youtrust me.
Adlartok CHOKES back a bit.
ADLARTOK
And sh-should I!?
LOOVIK
Yes! What are you so nervey for! You're the one
who came here, telling me, it's time to go, the
Tuserk are attacking!
ADLARTOK
I DID, but I didn't order you to attack! I orderedyou to listen to reason!
LOOVIK
Bah!
LOOVIK turns and leaves the yurt, Our prince FOLLOWS.
EXT CAMP
ADLARTOK
He is willing to make peace! He only attacks
because he believes YOU are the war monger! He
promises your information is wrong! Whateverinformation you think you heard, its WRONG!
Lightning strikes. A moment after thunder claps, followed by rain. Loovik
howls in laughter against the rain.
LOOVIK
Hahaha! Really, he really says THAT? Wow, what a
sneaky little devil. I'd like to spit in his lying
mouth.
ADLARTOK
I just need proof.
LOOVIK
Of what?
ADLARTOK
Of what you're claming! Of this war he's starting!
LOOVIK
Why?
ADLARTOK
so I can...
Loovik stops in his tracks again.
LOOVIK
So what then, so you can run back to your precious
TUSERK and tell him ALL about it?
ADLARTOK
If you tell me what you know, it can only help
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your case.
LOOVIK
...I don't think so.
LOOVIK takes off again, and ADLARTOK after him.
ADLARTOK
You can't be serious!
LOOVIK
I suppose he claimed to have nothing to do with
the deaths our fathers, then.
ADLARTOK
...Of course.
LOOVIK
And I'm sure you're just so convinced of that.
ADLARTOK
No. But I'm not convinced that YOU'RE an innocent,
either. Or that it was all fate's hand. It's all
up in the air.
LOOVIK
Hahaha. Stick by me, stick by me, you'll excel
quicker that way.
LOOVIK playfull, but forcefully, grabs hold of Adlartok and PUSHES him
forward, and forward.
ADLARTOK
Stop! Stop!
LOOVIK
You're coming with me, kid!
INT. MILITARY YURT
Loovik swings open the FLAPS of another yurt and quickly starts equipping
his armor, surrounded by men doing the same.
Adlartok rushes in after him.
ADLARTOK
This is suicide! Killing your fellow man, that is
suicide! He is a part of you, isn't he?
LOOVIK
What? Stand back!
Loovik comes marching out of the yurt and looking proudly over his slowly
self-preparing army. ADLARTOK comes out behind him, looking deathly
serious.
ADLARTOK
You'll meet his men on the battlefield...even
considering the circumstances of the prophecies?
Loovik's pride diminishes. He turns around.
LOOVIK
You don't know much about OUR old ways, do you?
You people may get by with tossing stones androcks, but we fear that sometimes a SACRIFICE may
be in order.
Adlartok turns pale.
LOOVIK
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But let's be honest. The only ones who need to be
sacrificed are the Tuserk and his enablers. But
you, you are not enabler, are you?
Adlartok cannot stand it any long. He simply shakes his head.
LOOVIK
Pray for me, that I am lucky in battle.
LOOVIK takes off. Adlartok composes himself, and then looks up, calling
out.
ADLARTOK
Aipa! Aipa!
DENSE FOREST - DAY BREAK
Adlartok and Aipa jog along with swafts of their men, who surrounded by all
sides by Loovik's army. They duck, weave and push off of trees to keep
themselves moving.
ADLRATOK
Watch out, watch out!
AIPAI can keep up, sir. You just need to focus on
yourself!
He doesn't respond - too focused and nervous.
One of his soldiers begins running along side him with a report.
SOLIDER
Sir! Some of the men are too weak to go on, sir!
They're reporting illness, a-and weak joints, sir!
ADLARTOK
How many?
SOLIDER
About 5, sir.
ADLARTOK
Let them go, but make it known that all others
must stay, NO MATTER WHAT... unless they want to
leave.
Adlartok nods at the solider.
CUT TO
The "sick" and weak soldiers lagging behind, chatting amongst themselves.They're all faking.
WEAK SOLIDER (TALKING TO HIMSELF)
I don't want to fight I don't want to fight I
don't want to fight .
WEAK SOLIDER
I swear, if this doesn't work, I'm just making a
break for it.
WEAK SOLIDER
What if they don't let you?
WEAK SOLIDER
What! I'll scream out, this is slavery! He's
marching us to our doom! We wouldn't fight in a
war under NORMAL circumstances. But under
a curse!?
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WEAK SOLIDER
Sssh!
AIPA appraoches them. They all stand still, AIPA looking at them
judgmentally, not unlike Snape.
The armies run past them like a river.
AIPA
So. You're all allowed to go. BUT - Adlartok is
only allowing five people out of the entire legionto go leave. For each of you who leave -
AIPA points.
AIPA
One more of your brothers must stay.
The soliders look amongst themselves. They feel ashamed for how they've
acted, but also very angry that they've been duped into staying. They begin
the march again, begrudgingly.
Aipa Returns to his king's side.
AIPASir, I dealt with the soliders, and good knews,
they've all decided to-
AIPA cuts himself off.
To their left, a series of men rushing to the fore front, carrying loads of
cut lumber, as if to assemble something.
Something large
AIPA and ADLARTOK give each other a look, and then begin sprinting.
They catch up to the marching Loovik, who appears triumphant already.
LOOVIK
Ach!
He rings his arm around Aipa's neck.
LOOVIK
Maybe a little assassin? Going to prick me in the
back and watch me pop like a bubble?
ADLARTOK
Let him go!
He releases Aipa, who brushes himself, cowardly like. Adlartok approachesthe Loovik prince.
ADLARTOK
We saw men carrying loads of wood. What is that
you're going to do with those, wield them
yourself?
LOOVIK
No. Friend, I'm going to build catapults.
ADLARTOK
Catapults!? Catapaults...Loovik theres something
you should know.
LOOVIK
Mobile catapults, designed to be constructed on
the fly. We invented the technology ourselves, and
kept it a dear secret. I doubt theirkind has ever
even heard of it.
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ADLARTOK
Loovik...The catapults.
LOOVIK'S prideful GRIN BENDS into a SNEER.
LOOVIK
If you want to speak, then speak.
ALDARTOK
...It's just that...I'm impressed with them.
Loovik's lips twtch uncomfortably, as he attends a cheeky expression.
They lock eyes.
LOOVIK
As I am.
Loovik looks ahead, Aipa taps Adlartok on the shoulder.
ADLARTOK
Not now.
Our prince comes up shoulder to shoulder with Loovik..
ADLARTOK
I think it's only your duty, to uphold enough
respectability, to take part in a few
conversations about peace once this whole bloody
affair is done, don't you think?
LOOVIK
Peace, that's more like it, let's talk about
peace. That's what we're aiming for today. Some
peace.
ADLARTOK
But you just won't have it with the Tuserk alive?
LOOVIK
Haha, if I really wanted him dead I should send
you back to him. Maybe you'll bite his head off
like you do mine. You're feisty, you know?
ADLARTOK
When this battle is over, will you sue for peace?
Loovik is looking triumphant again, and vital.
LOOVIKWell, I suppose it is only right. Sure. It is a
man's world, but women and children are the
currency.
ADLARTOK
Then try and spend as little as you can.
LOOVIK
Oh Adlartok. You are king, and yet you do not bask
in the riches of your own empire.
ADLARTOK
Empire?
LOOVIK
Yes! Empire! You think the Southern tribe was
always led by a king of your bloodline? That no
one ever attacked anyone, or burned anything, in
your heritage? That certainly would be a wonderful
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joke. A prosperous culture who never harmed a fly.
ADLARTOK
You seem to know my history better than I.
LOOVIK
No I suppose you have your detailed records, but
those only can only tell you so much. I'm sure
there was a time when blood was spilled, so that
yours may be royal. It's the truth we all kings
must live with.
ADLARTOK
And whats the point of this little speech, Loovik?
LOOVIK
Simply to respect an empire. Yours.
They come out of the forest and into a clearing, larger than the Stand Off
Valley, with very little trees. The men are assembling the catapults.
LOOVIK
It's so...white.
Loovik is upon the clearing, basking in it.
ADLARTOK
Really. I can only see red.
Time passes...
EXT. LARGE CLEARING
The Tuserk and his army hustles across this tundra, as the man himself
leads, traveling by throne.
His archers look fierce. Dressed in black, sharp armor, as if smoke were
rising off their shoulders and then frozen there. Hundreds of them.
One is able to pluck off a bird with his bow at a distance. Like it was
nothing.
They come around the bend of trees, and there they see waiting for
them...Loovik.
The Tuserk squints his eyes. What is he doing here? And as they continue
on, they see them:
THE TUSERK'S ASSISTANT
Catapaults?
This dark army comes to a hault.
The Tuserk is fixated on the wooden contraptions, looking on in disbelief.
They stay out of range of the catapaults, and continue along, circling
around Loovik like cowboys in a gun fight.
Very slowly.
LOOVIK
Wait until they're in range, boys. Then we fire on
them, reload the catapults, fire again. The trees
are enough protection for us.
But the walking dead men out there, they can'thide from a rock barrage.
ADLARTOK
I'm feeling sick now, Loovik. I'm feeling very
sick.
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LOOVIK (FOCUED)
Sssh. Just look, look. They're scared.
The Tuserk dismounts his chair.
He comes out in front of his legion.
He draws his own bow and arrow, and shoots an arrow right into the ground,
in the front of his foot.
ADLARTOK
What's he doing that for?
LOOVIK
I don't know...At least he's doing something.
The Tuserk army is still, and unmoving. The Tuserk himself standing just
behind his arrow, seemingly cool.
LOOVIK
He's not going to move past that spot.
ADLARTOK
Is he?
LOOVIK
No, he'd be smashed.
Loovik finally turns around.
LOOVIK
Now listen up everyone...When I count to three...I
want us all to, as QUICKLY as possible; push the
catapults to the left, so that they're aiming just
beyond that arrow. Ready men...One...Two...THREE!
They dash out from the woods and push the catapaults to face The Tuserk.
LOOVIK
And FIRE, ON ONE...TWO...
The archers still stand.
Loovik clenches his fist.
The Tuserk readies his bow at the ground once more...then points it towards
the sky.
His army follows suite.
LOOVIK
THREE!
The men LAUNCH THE CATAPAULTS-
WHICH BARELY FLING the ROCKS. The catapults FALL APART AT THEIR SEAMS.
The Tuserk begins laughing heartily. His army begin laughing. It's a rare
sight indeed.
Loovik's tosses his hat on the floor and stomps it out.
His men are ranting and raving, collecting the pieces of shattered wood and
rope, pissed off.
Adlartok and his men are shocked. It is as the prophecy said. The catapultswon't work.
Loovik wanted so badly to crush them in that moment. He was nipping at the
bud, tasting sweet victory, his finger at the finish line.
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He uses all his energy to contain himself.
And then he can't stand any more.
Loovik launches out from beyond the trees, into the clearing, throwing his
fists into the air and screaming.
He steps out past the ex-catapults.
THE TUSERK
YAH!
The dark army launch their arrows, and Loovik scurries back behind the
trees as fast as he can.
The arrows fall and plug into or wizz past the trees. Adlartok sits himself
on the ground, feetle position, just behind an old oak.
Loovik stands, his back pressed against a tree, steaming. Adlartok, next to
him on the ground,s, watching Loovik, as arrows briefly obscure his vision.
Loovik turns to face him.
LOOVIK
Fine. We'll have your grand conference.
The last arrow lands, and Loovik starts his march back immediately.
INUPIAT CAMP - DAY
The Tuserk and his men march solemnly into camp, and as they do, they
arrive in conjunction with Adlartok coming in, looking absolutely beat. He
just about collapses on his return to the Western tribes's encampment.
THE TUSERK
How death defying it is that you stand here before
me with no guards.
ADLARTOK
But the fac-
He tries to catch his breath
ADLARTOK
The fact that I'm even here-
THE TUSERK
It shows great courage, and it exemplifies your
great trust in me, yes yes. Is that all you have
to barter?
ADLARTOK finally collapses, still catching his breath.
THE TUSERK
It doesn't even matter to you, does it?
ADLARTOK
Water.
THE TUSERK
Get him something to drink. And bring him to my
room.
INT. THE GREAT YURT - DUSK
Adlartok sits in the great tent at dusk. He sips his water, and to his
right are women, waving at him, which he ignores. To his left is a man
pointing a spear at his neck.
THE TUSERK
Let's just get something straight.
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I don't trust you.
ADLARTOK
I see.
THE TUSERK
But not because I think you made the wrong
decision.
Adlartok has to touch and go.
ADLARTOK
Ok?
THE TUSERK
It's because you made the right decision, for
you.
ADLARTOK
I couldn't let my men die. And once I was there,
Loovik, he wouldn't let me leave.
THE TUSERK
So why are you back here, Adlartok. Before I tearoff your head.
The spear pokes at Adlartok's skull. Adlartok chokes out his words.
ADLARTOK
Loovik, he promises, he wants a conference. He
says, he wants to just talk.
THE TUSERK
What?
ADLARTOK
Yes. The King has agreed to a peace meeting. After
YOU showed him earlier today, fighting would be
pointless.
THE TUSERK
You fool. I didn't best him any more than he
bested me. He agrees to a peace meeting?
ADLARTOK
Absolutely.
THE TUSERK
What a disgrace. Let me guess, at his place? Just
beyond that little wall?
ADLARTOK
No, of course not.
THE TUSERK
The fact that he calls for a peace treaty now...It
doesn't seem fishy to you, Adlartok?
The spear taps his forehead.
ADLARTOK (LOSING IT)
No! No it does not seem FISHY! No more so fishy
than you, steeped tyrant! Huh!? Probably planning
on having my whole tribe killed! Huh? For what!Because I want to help you in between all this
MADNESS!?
The Tuserk lurches forward.
ADLARTOK
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Now, I didn't mean anything by it. You know that I
respect you, and I-I-I
The Tuserk raises out his fist, and gently lays it on Adlartok's shoulder.
He is sweet.
Yet the spear remains.
He speaks gently, and sternly. Patiently.
THE TUSERK
I don't want to hurt anyone. But I know, if I were
to begin accommodating Loovik in this so called
"meeting of peace," I promise you, I would come
out a very, sore loser. Now return home to camp.
ADLARTOK
You won't keep me here, to be sure I don't speak
to-?
THE TUSERK
Why not? You're harmless. Now off you go.
Finally, the spear backs off, after one last jab.
(CON'D)
And don't come back.
Adlartok leaves the tent, and is handed a lit torch by
