Chapter 2 of Part 1 Exterminators

<body> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a href="#cathay">Cathay</a><br> <a href="#oldarmy">Army of Old</a><br> <a href="#heroes">New Heroes</a><br> <a href="#deal">The Deal</a><br> <a href="#darkarmy">The Dark Army</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> <td> <a href="#key">The Key</a><br> <a href="#bob">Bob</a><br> <a href="#blackbeast">Black Beast</a><br> <a href="#witchqueen">Witch Queen</a><br> <a href="#wasps">Wasps</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a name="cathay"></a> <h2>EXT- CATHAY- NIGHT</h2> <p>Past the forest line, deep in the valley, roads appear. Great bridges line the rocks. Ancient buildings grow from the grass. All of it speckles the land, stretching out from a greater density.</p> <p>The center of which is glowing with flames. The center is the kingdom Cathay.</p> <h2>EXT- BARRICADE- NIGHT</h2> <p>A tree crashes into place as MEN hack the ends to points. Caravans of horses cart in even more wood as thousands of MEN dig and chop and forge the outer wall.</p> <h2>EXT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="cthywa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Cathay Keep"> </td> <td> <p>SOLDIERS and horses sweat with the PEASANTS: all of them rushing through the kingdom. But, above the panic, the Castle Keep glows in peace.</p> <p>The castle is old, broken. It's a relic, once a mere decoration of urban gothic - now a monolith amidst the cottages and stone towers.</p> <p>High above, its wind-worn gargoyles watch the people below. And, with them, stretched across one's back, is AGATHA.</p> <p>She looms over the populace, a shadow in her black silks, eves dropping on their babble far below. Ignoring the chill against her lean feral body, her sharp ears sift through the conversing din, waiting for something of interest.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>When it's found, her wild eyes brighten, allowing one voice to come in crystal clear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAN (os)<br> Why are you doing this?! It's a cure!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With an arrogant air, she stands before the ants and, on an edge hundreds of feet up, saunters into darkness.</p> <h2>EXT- CATHAY KEEP GARDEN- NIGHT</h2> <p>TWO SOLDIERS drag a MAN to a back door of the moonlit garden. No one else is there, just them and the quiet.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAN<br> Please, my wife is dying.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But his pleas slow them not. They throw him down, pinning him to the stones. But they freeze to the creek of the oak door.</p> <p>Not just the man, the guards too, all three peer in terror.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> See? She always knows.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like meek dogs, the guards back off, leaving the man to hide his face from AGATHA's bare feet. His trembles have made him mute.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAN<br> (cont'd)<br> Please...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Gracefully, she kneels to him, caressing his gaze to hers.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> The people stay as they are, death and all. And he who changes must be damned before he damns us. As proclaimed by your majesty, Rhineback.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His stutters quicken, feeling a sash slip over his face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAN<br> Even... even parliament wants this.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> That's why you're here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In an instant, her fingers stab into his neck, bleeding him under the silk. He spasms but her embrace is inescapable. His body is hers.</p> <p>Blood gurgling into his lungs, the man chokes, his breath leaving with his life. Gently, she lulls him into death, cradling him in tender care.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Now sleep in grace.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She closes his eyes.</p> <p>The men don't make a sound. They keep their jaws locked before her.</p> <p>Laying him on the cobbles, Agatha wipes her fingers, admiring her handy work.</p> <p>But then the wind touches her nose, alerting her. Suddenly, Agatha is scanning the woods, piercing her sight into the shadows until the object is found.</p> <p>She signals the guards. They draw swords. The ferocity in her voice unfeigned, she calls the darkness.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Come into the light.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (os)<br> I see Rhineback has kept his policy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <p>From the forest, a hideous mess of a man appears - MAGWITCH. Entering the white of the moon, he reveals his face plus the puss and flesh dripping from it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> A leper, kill it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The guards advance, but Magwitch offers his warning medallion, dangling its glare in Agatha's face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Stop.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like a switch, they halt. Staring into its brilliant glow, she knows what it means.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Oh, I am no leper. And Rhineback needs to see me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> <td> <img src="mag1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Magwitch"> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I doubt he wants to see you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Trust me, I'm not here for that cow's pleasure.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A smile slinks up her cheek and she gestures the men.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Bury the body.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Leaving the corpse behind, she eyeballs Magwitch and saunters to the door.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Well, come on.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha then welcomes him into the keep.</p> <h2>INT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>Like an impressed pupil, AGATHA escorts the limping MAGWITCH down the torch lit ancient halls. His foxy glare doesn't leave her, analyzing her every move.</p> <p>Feigning disinterest, he opens his interrogation.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I see Rhineback has taken a new queen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> An honor worthy of his first mistress.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> What happened to the last queen?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Eaten by a wolf.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> No wolves in these parts.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It was in her bed.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She gives his suspicious eye a smile.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> It was a very clever wolf.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not his problem, he shoves past her, going straight to Rhineback's quarters. With one hand, she holds the GUARDS at bay and lets him barge in.</p> <a name="oldarmy"></a> <h2>INT- RHINEBACK'S QUARTERS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Ramming the doors open, MAGWITCH storms into the plush, golden room filled with soft couches, statues, a steel incubator, and a wall of a thousand skulls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Rhineback!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His ears perk to the crackle of a hollow intercom.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK (on intercom)<br> Who speaks to me?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> The self-righteous jackass.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>There's silence from the tomb. Then... And with disdain...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK (on intercom)<br> Magwitch?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Where the hell is my key?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hydraulics spit and the incubator thrusts open. From inside RHINEBACK ogles him bug eyed. Which is easy to do with his skin still growing back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Who let you in?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> My charm.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Agatha.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Leaping out, the juicy king throws a robe on, pacing about as hair slithers from his pours.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> (cont'd)<br> That infernal...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He stops, back turned to Magwitch, muttering to himself.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> (cont'd)<br> Agatha, the witch-queen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His patience at an end, Magwitch interrupts Rhineback's personal conversation.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Not my problem... Which immortal is trying to take my Bianox. Morgan, Calisto, Samson, you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Regaining his composure, Rhineback faces the festering old man.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Calisto is dead. So's Samson. Morgan's out fighting. And I'm here protecting.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He suddenly turns soft and very grim.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> (cont'd)<br> It's another army, an army of the old ways.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Coming closer, Magwitch searches the king with his bright stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> There are no other immortals. No one with the genetic know how.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Rhineback almost laughs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> It's Aldric.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Even with his skull on the wall.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> His whole skeleton.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The skull wall has one spot that is separate, special from the other bones. It has but one whole body there; and, from it, Rhineback dislodges the skull.</p> <p>Keeping his sad but happy air, Rhineback tosses the head to Magwitch, lamenting when it breaks like dusty leaves.</p> <p>Awe now has Magwitch, his foxy glare fading into nothing but dread.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> His own brand of practical joke. You killed a make shift clone, Magwitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Mind reeling, his persistence dissolves into panic.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Give me the key.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> No.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I can protect it better than you. Even use it to destroy the Bianox for good.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> That's why you won't have it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Dammit, Rhineback!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> It is a gift!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Both men are against the ropes, Rhineback being the one to restore calm.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> (cont'd)<br> A gift which we've been retraining humanity for the past four hundred years. Getting them ready for the day when they can understand and respect it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> They will never be ready. Humanity is unbounded, forever. You're holding onto a curse.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> And you're consumed by your cynicism. The key stays here, with those who cherish the Bianox as much as they fear it. Guards!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The GUARDS enter and, from Rhineback's tired wave, grab and pull Magwitch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Fear not, Magwitch. We have Morgan. He can hold back the fray.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BATTLEFIELD- NIGHT</h2> <p>MORGAN lies bleeding on the scorched grass, cringing at the sight of ALDRIC coming over him. He sets his sword's tip on the dying man's belly and pushes in. Too weak to scream, Morgan groans.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Hello, Morgan.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Breaths skipping, he forces out a defiant curse.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MORGAN<br> You'll never find it. In a million years, you'll never find it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> You mean the kingdom guarding the key?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With a smirk, Aldric leans closer.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Our spy is already in its king's bed.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>That smirk spreads wide.</p> <h2>INT- QUEEN'S QUARTERS- NIGHT</h2> <p>AGATHA checks her teeth in the mirror - pokes and prods them with her tongue. Her eye is next, a clumsy finger petting the contact.</p> <p>But, despite all the preoccupation, she still notices the glint of HELGA's eyes from the darkened rafters.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You should keep your eyes closed, they reflect.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Now, you're queen. Aldric would be proud.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Without a sound, Helga slinks to the floor, Agatha checking her other eye.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yes, let him grin wide. So I can chop it off cheek to cheek.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like a ghost, she rises behind Agatha, petting her shoulders.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Does he suspect anything?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> As far as he's concerned, you're as loyal as ever. Can you get the key?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Leaving her face, she locks eyes with Helga's reflection.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Rhineback refuses to think this place is unsafe. Until then the key remains locked in its shrine.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Helga whips in front of the mirror, making her urgency clear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Aldric will be at the gates in an hour.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And a war will not only force Rhineback to remove the key, but give him less soldiers to fend me off.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha smiles, lightly pinching her cheek.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Magwitch is here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You've met him?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Long enough to know he's harder than getting the key.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha pushes the chair back, lifting Helga to her feet. She gropes her, checking her body.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> How has Aldric been treating you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Normal.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Helga tries to resist, but grudgingly surrenders, letting Agatha find the glossy scab behind her neck. Agatha goes cold.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> It's nothing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She forces Helga to look at her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It's an electrical burn.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> To celebrate his victories, he had some interrogation machines redesigned. But it's only the harmless ones.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Eyes glistening, she just hugs Helga, holding tight.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Soon my sister, soon we will be his slaves no more. And soon after, we'll give the world that same kindness.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In the quiet, they stay bonded together.</p> <a name="heroes"></a> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>GUARDS throw MAGWITCH from the gate, RHINEBACK giving him a send him off.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> You served your purpose in time. Now, please, go away.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> At least get better men - ones who can actually fight an army of the old ways.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> I would, but where can I find men of such caliber.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BARRICADE- NIGHT</h2> <p>With a dead face, the GUARD eyes both JOHN and BOB. Bob smiles with LUCY's snort. John just waits.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> Exterminators?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Dragons, fairies, orcs.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> How did you hear about this?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> A girl.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John stops him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It's kinda hard to keep this a secret.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He gestures to the long and tall spiked barricade of freshly cut trees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> Wait here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A jury-rigged armored wagon is wheeled aside and the guard charges through.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Should've told him about the girl.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> That's why I do the talking. Get her name?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> No. Strange eyes.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Probably a damn witch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John looks back to the sharpened trees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Nice.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob points out the cannons to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Cannons... lots of them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Pointed up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John notices the oddity, questioning Bob with an arched brow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What the hell are we getting into?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- QUEEN'S QUARTERS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Dressed in armored leather, AGATHA chambers a round into her pistol, stuffing it deep into the thick lining of her matching dress.</p> <p>HELGA peers out the window, still keeping to the shadows.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Have you drudged up any support?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Greygen, maybe.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Still thinks Aldric's a god?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> It's a hard thought to break.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Suddenly, she perks up, joyously surprised by what she sees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> I don't believe it. They came.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Gesturing Agatha to the window, Helga points out the sight.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> Look there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>From the window she's shown JOHN on horseback, and BOB and LUCY being brought in by the guards.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Why do I need them?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You wanted men with experience.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha arches an eyebrow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> They're exterminators.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Perplexed, she stares at John.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>JOHN spots AGATHA in the window, meeting her eyes. BOB looks to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What is it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I think I just caught the queen's eye.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Stumbling from the wall, MAGWITCH spots John and Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You came!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Leper!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Energized despite his decay, he races past Bob and LUCY. Fending off John's defensive foot, Magwitch latches on and pulls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I'm no leper. Get down here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Using all his weight, he yanks John to the ground, leaping on top. Disregarding the puss dribbling from his face, Magwitch forces John to bring his ear close.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> Get the key. Save the world. You are the only one who can.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You're dripping, man!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob pulls Magwitch up. He breaks free, staggering from them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> Head for the mountain. I'll find you. Adventure of a lifetime.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He darts away, Bob picking John up and getting slapped away for it. Wiping off the dust, John tries to reclaim some dignity.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Just another day on the job.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- QUEEN'S QUARTERS- NIGHT</h2> <p>AGATHA, inspired, grins wide to a stunned but equally jubilant HELGA.</p> <a name="deal"></a> <h2>EXT- CASTLE- NIGHT</h2> <p>A GUARD approaches JOHN and BOB.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> We'll take your weapons and horses. The Queen will have an audience with you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Told you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> She was looking at me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Shut up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>LUCY nuzzles close to Bob. He gives her mane an open hand noogie.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Don't worry girl. I'll find you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He lets the GUARDS take her, following John to the keep.</p> <h2>EXT- CATHAY COURT- NIGHT</h2> <p>Wagon wheels chatter over the cobbles as SOLDIERS haul supplies to the inner wall. The GUARDS stop JOHN and BOB at the court's empty center. They say nothing. Just let them stew in silence.</p> <p>After a couple impatient fidgets, John breaks the ice.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So, you think you guys need us?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> Don't know. Ask the queen, her... grace comes now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John then hears the echoes of Agatha snapping and shouting in the walls. He huffs to the guard, smiling. The guard's look back is not funny.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RETAINER (os)<br> Rhineback has to be aware of everything.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA (os)<br> This is my own personal affair. Rhineback need not be bothered.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>AGATHA barges into the court with a very young RETAINER. He's a slim boy, having more elegant features than raw muscle.</p> <p>The DOGS, that were quiet before, now bark and howl at her, almost drowning them out. John's grin disappears.</p> <p>Over-stepping his bounds, the retainer grabs her, stopping them accidentally at the frenzied hounds. She turns to him, her face brighter, hungry for a fight.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RETAINER<br> We were supposed to leave at sunset. Now, you've invited two strangers.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Eyes sharp on him, she comes closer, making the boy stutter.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RETAINER<br> As your retainer...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She stops his chatter with a touch, breathing deep his scent.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Picked not for his strength, but for his bait.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RETAINER<br> It is beyond questionable.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You are such a pup.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In that instant, on impulse, she has whipped to one snapping mutt, backhanding it hard.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Shut-up!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Its yelp makes everyone jump, Agatha honing her rage on the boy. He's frozen.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Ask this: whom would you rather contend with, him or me?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Holding his innocent nerves, he surrenders a quiet bow and runs back to the keep the juvenile he is.</p> <p>Still seething, her fiery eyes find John and Bob, composing her self but keeping her command.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> You two: your names.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Bob.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He elbows the silent John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> John.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Follow.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She marches off, not even looking to see if they do follow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> I won't need any guards.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> We might.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob drags him along.</p> <h2>EXT- TOWER- NIGHT</h2> <p>At his cannon, a SOLDIER meanders in the small space he has. That is, until he faces the hillside. Stopping dead in his tracks, he's left with his mouth open to the wind.</p> <h2>EXT- BARRICADE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The toil of the MEN is interrupted by a drawn out shout from above.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER(os)<br> Eyes to the north! Eyes to the north!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Those men snap up from their labor, eyes going where told.</p> <h2>EXT- BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>From above, RHINEBACK hears the echo of the soldier's voice. He too gazes for north.</p> <p>There, fingering over the distant hills, is the black form of the ARMY. Like a coming storm, it's engulfing the landscape, swallowing it into darkness.</p> <p>Interrupting his awe is a SOLDIER whispering in his ear. What he says makes Rhineback gawk and, despite doom on the horizon, he goes.</p> <h2>INT- STRONG ROOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>The walls are lined with lush piles of gold and silver, the chests and crates billowing over with riches. There is but a small keyhole space for walking or standing - enough for AGATHA, JOHN and BOB.</p> <p>Perching her butt on a chest, she waits, allowing them to revel. Which Bob does, ogling the metals with a deep breath and hoot. He slaps John's shoulder, egging him on with an arched brow. </p> <p>But John isn't buying. Instead, he keeps his searching gaze on Agatha, ignoring her inviting stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What do you want?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The lacked response burns her and she's down to business.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Have you ever heard of the Bianox?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> A leper told me about it once.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Magwitch?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Magwitch lach Feragh.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She scoffs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> You know him?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yes. What did he tell you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It had something to do with power.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It is the greatest power: the most dangerous of powers. And I need to destroy it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Nice to have a hobby.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And as long as it remains, the whole world is at stake. Every living thing is at stake.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You see?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> That's fine, but what do we get?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Is money all it will take?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> No.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She digs up a pouch, extending it to John. But she exploits the chance and captures his hand, studying it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You keep yourself very clean, don't you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The oddity makes John stutter, sigh.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Thank you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her confidence back, she releases him, freeing John to check the pouch. From it, he reveals a pristine gold coin.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It's the purest gold, the finest. That pouch alone makes you a wealthy man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Without question, John slips the whole pouch into his belt pack.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I'm not saying we have a deal.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> We will and it's simple. Inside this castle, lies the only thing that can open the Bianox. It's a key. Without the key, no one can wield its power. It's useless.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> And I take you want us to steal that key thing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And follow me to the mountains with it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Just over a pouch of gold?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Fine, the whole chest behind me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I think I'll stick with the pouch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He goes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Huh?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You think you know better?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Better enough not to fight for someone else's lose cause.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A glance from her to Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Talk it over.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Humbly, she retires to a lone corner and sits it out. John lets Bob catch up, turning their backs but keeping close watch of her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Not to knit pick the obvious, but there's something very wrong here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You feel it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Feel what? What should I feel?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> This is the one.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Okay?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> That great thing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob tips his chin to Agatha.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> (cont'd)<br> We'll do it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The words stun him, taking the flabbergasted John moments to blurt out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hell no!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A bang punctuates his shout as RHINEBACK rams past the oak door with his GUARDS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Must be fate.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John's hard glare snaps to her girlish lip biting.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Why haven't you left?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Just exploring alternatives, your majesty.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Alternatives?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> In the event you realize the key can't be protected here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John whispers to Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> We should go.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But, before they can move, Rhineback waves the guards out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Door.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They close him in with her, and John and Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You can't compete.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> With your strategy?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You don't have the equipment. Nobody has the equipment.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She pauses, calmed by her understanding.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> If I thought we had a chance, I would back you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But Rhineback's still steaming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Really?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I want him dead more than you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Who?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Aldric.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Clears that up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Feeling Rhineback's leer, John bows and waves an apology. The king scowls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Cannons pointed to the sky.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And worse things will follow.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> And I will not lose my command, for whatever you think is right.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> A grand thanks for relieving you of your wife.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His eyes stab her, she stabs back: both of these royal titans ready to blow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Should we leave?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA/RHINEBACK<br> Shut-up!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>More waved apologies from John. Rhineback's fuming. But Agatha realizes something.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They're here, aren't they?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Infernal girl.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He kicks the door, ordering the guards back in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> (cont'd)<br> Bring them. Let's show these boys what they're up against.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Before Rhineback leaves, Agatha takes hold of him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Soon, Rhineback, no matter the sting to your pride, you will have to trust me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He hears her, but he also eyeballs her from the gut up. Though it's not her thick leathers that shock, but that there's metal plates sown in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> You're wearing armor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yes, your majesty, it is a war.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Moving past, she saunters out her own way, leaving Rhineback even more frustrated.</p> <a name="darkarmy"></a> <h2>EXT- CATHAY BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>RHINEBACK welcomes AGATHA, JOHN, and BOB to the edge, and to the view of the hillside. They see it on the moonlit landscape - the army. But it has no organization: no square blocks of disciplined troops.</p> <p>It is just one jagged shadow threatening the kingdom edge - pure black death.</p> <p>Smiling Bob's giant hand grabs John's shoulder, dragging him close to his annoying "I told you so."</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> BOB<br> See what happens when you take the honest scores. </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Blinking, John, probably again, gets the epiphany that Bob will surely lead him to his death.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> JOHN<br> The gods sent you to mock me didn't they, Bob? </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A hardy pat and Bob leaves John to make the most and work.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> So what do you got? </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> We're ready.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They're trained in concept. But they've never actually fought anything like this before.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Give me ten men, we can spread the word about something...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Guards.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha touches the king.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Indulge me. Please?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He just broods.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So, we wait.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She leans in close and whispers.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Not for long.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His face turns to her, turns to her slim smile.</p> <h2>EXT- BARRICADE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The MEN and SOLDIERS wait behind the trees with stone faces, watching the shadow, hands tense on sword, bow, and ax. There at the front-line, silence reins.</p> <h2>EXT- SHADOW ARMY- NIGHT</h2> <p>Beyond the grunting, snorting HORDE, ISAGOTH the dragon marches up. The beast flares its nostrils, calm in its ferocity as SARGOS tightens his gloves.</p> <p>Hooves clapping the dirt, ALDRIC clambers his horse next to him. The horse snorts. The dragon trumps it.</p> <p>His temper smooth and exacting, Aldric doesn't wait.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Recon has detected multiple cannon battlements: all aimed skyward.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Dragons.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> They know our ways, my lord.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric turns to him with his all too arrogant smirk.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Sargos, dragons.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos speaks into his helmet.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS (into radio)<br> Bravo/Alpha: copy?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- SKY- NIGHT</h2> <p>The DRAGONS skim the sky in THREE-SET formations. One set takes the lead, their RIDERS in steady command.</p> <p>A blue light flares under BRAVO LEADER's control yoke, searing the beast's skull, making it roar. But another electrical shock forces it to submit and slow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BRAVO LEADER (into radio)<br> Alpha/Bravo, we copy: form and stand by.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The other SQUADRONS flank them in the distance.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>CHARLIE LEADER (on radio)<br> Bravo/Charlie: ready.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>DELTA LEADER (on radio)<br> Bravo/Delta: taking rear.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BATTLEFIELD- NIGHT</h2> <p>Gaze on the Cathay keep, SARGOS gives the order.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS (into radio)<br> Acquire artillery. Focus on forward batteries. Engage.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>LEADER (on radio)<br> Copy. We've got the ball.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks to ALDRIC who turns to Cathay.</p> <h2>EXT-BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>In the brushing breeze, RHINEBACK snarls against the silence.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> What are they waiting for?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her attention set on the battlefield, AGATHA coolly responds.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> The cavalry.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Taking note, BOB scans the horizon, seeing nothing move.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Where're the horses?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She looks back to JOHN whose stare hasn't left her and winks. Realizing, his face pulls tight. Rhineback gets it too and gazes to the kingdom in sheer dread.</p> <h2>EXT- BUILDING TOP- NIGHT</h2> <p>A SOLDIER spies upward through his monocular, spotting something truly horrifying in the air. In his terror, he screams.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> Dragons!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Suddenly, him and the high mounted cannons explode as THREE DRAGONS rocket by. Wood, steel, and men fall burning.</p> <p>In the distance, more turrets go up in smoke, marked by mere glimpses of the soaring beasts.</p> <h2>EXT- BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>Glowing plumes spark and fade in ash as the DRAGONS dispatch their targets at lightning speeds.</p> <p>RHINEBACK is left dumbfounded. Before him months of preparations and strategy pounded away in moments.</p> <h2>EXT- CATHAY- NIGHT</h2> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <p>Finally, cannons are fired. MEN spin the turrets, load, and let loose their missiles.</p> <p>But they miss always. The DRAGONS are too swift and their RIDERS too keen.</p> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Lighted by a growing holocaust, MEN race artillery down tracks, shooting a ball ahead of the incoming DRAGON.</p> <p>It dives to safety, making way for another DRAGON to slam the inferno on them. The former slows to the side and washes the building with fire.</p> <p>The MEN inside and out shriek, consumed.</p> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>A cannon on wheels is spun and aimed. MEN scream and struggle at the gears. The barrel fires, the DRAGON flying around the shot with ease and blasting.</p> </td> <td> <img src="dgrdrwa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Dragon"> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The building blazes with the others, all artillery left to smolder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BRAVO LEADER (on radio)<br> Alpha/Bravo: targets down, moving to attack Zulu.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The SQUADS split and form double teams, diving for targets almost at random.</p> <h2>EXT- BATTLEFIELD- NIGHT</h2> <p>Cathay is in flames before ALDRIC, but he does not smile. Instead, he just responds with his common cold calculation.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Dogs.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>SARGOS nods and draws from his belt a rig enhanced air horn. He sounds the call.</p> <h2>EXT- BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>The screeching horn echoes across the kingdom, all the way to Cathay Keep.</p> <p>But what comes after chills AGATHA.</p> <p>A legion of banshee shrieks. The shrill warns her, she knows their name.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Black Beasts.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BARRICADE- NIGHT</h2> <p>At the barricade, ARCHERS fill the sky with arrows, trying to stop the DRAGONS as they light the spiked trees. Then they leave, letting them MEN stew in quiet.</p> <p>But it's not quiet for long. Though the fire blocks their vision, the men can hear.</p> <p>Beyond the flames, beyond their gaze, it's growing louder. This wicked banshee flood is coming.</p> <p>And then it was here.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <p>Above the SOLDIERS, it crashes in, flying from a powerful leap, a crazed BLACK BEAST. Landing on them, it mauls a dozen men in an instant.</p> <p>The men jump to the barricade, hitting the BEASTS with every blade they have. But no stab or slash slows the storm. Swords sticking out of them, the beasts don't stop. Instead, long pick teeth cracking limb and head, they trample and slaughter the entire human force in pure animal madness.</p> <p>The few men left, to live at all, scurry back to Cathay Keep as hundreds of black beast pour over the barricade and into the kingdom.</p> </td> <td> <img src="bb7wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Black Beast with gun"> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BALCONY- NIGHT</h2> <p>The destruction has left RHINEBACK frozen. He doesn't even twitch to AGATHA's sly voice.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You see what needs to be done.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Still he's paralyzed.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Rhineback!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His pale face snaps to her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> The key.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Almost in tears, he scowls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Why do you want it so much?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She lets him search her eyes, forcing her sincerity to the fullest.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> For your reasons: to keep it safe.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> I...already have men selected... but I need you too. Everyone I can get.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With genial passion, she holds his hand, securing their trust. One last look to the battle and RHINEBACK is off, bringing all his TROOPS.</p> <p>Her face twisting foxy again, she gestures to JOHN and BOB.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Let's go.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Nowhere else to go, John follows. But Bob remains on the balcony with an ever-hardening glare.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>A BLACK BEAST mounts a burning wagon and, with a machine gun slung from its side, shoots the fleeing MEN.</p> <p>From the gallery, ARCHERS try to cover their race to safety, but the horde is eating them alive. The CAPTAIN sees them with trembling panic.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>CAPTAIN<br> Get a ladder down there!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>MEN on the gallery run a ladder to the edge, aiming for the screaming wounded below. But, to all eyes, a swooning DRAGON appears from the dark above.</p> <p>Undaunted by the arrows, it blasts the wall, shattering the ladder and cooking the helpless men climbing.</p> <p>The Captain, men and archers have ducked, still sizzling. Hopelessness over-taking, they turn to their leader, only to find him shaking.</p> <p>But he fights it, forcing the spasms to be the engine of his rage. He screams with the one word he has left.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>CAPTAIN<br> (cont'd)<br> Fight!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>At once, every archer faces the edge, launching missile upon missile into the flux of the charging horde.</p> <p>But the DRAGONS float to the gallery, their inferno already roaring down.</p> <a name="key"></a> <h2>INT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>JOHN hits the wall, slipping as the castle tremors. AGATHA catches him, but her gaze is on RHINEBACK. Recovering their steps, the TROOPS unlatch the oaken door and heave it open.</p> <p>Beyond it, lighting them all is the KEY. Standing tall, Rhineback enters with two half bowing troops. Agatha takes John's hand and, in feral giddiness, pulls him into the brilliance.</p> <h2>INT- SHRINE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The KEY glows in a brightness worthy of legend, making the TWO SOLDIERS line the wall. But RHINEBACK, AGATHA, and forcibly JOHN remain close to its pedestal.</p> <p>With a wave, Rhineback conjures a graphic consul, the hologram scanning his palm. Nonchalantly, Agatha positions herself behind John and, exploiting everyone's awe as distraction, slips a hand into her dress.</p> <p>The castle shakes again.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Whatever you're doing, make it fast.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Some things take time, especially a thing as magnificent as this.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Holographic windows are opened. Icons are selected. Settings are made and "OK'ed."</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GRAPHIC<br> Loading.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A bar time is stretching, but doing it slowly. More flames rattle the room, glaring through the sunroof and reflecting red hues from solar panels.</p> <p>John peers to the hell storm above. But Agatha keeps her sharp eyes on the key...and the troops...and Rhineback...and John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What is it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> A power hundreds of years old: thousands ahead of you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GRAPHIC<br> Done.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that, the pedestal snaps open, releasing the arm that lowers the key to Rhineback's awaiting hand.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Where you will take it, I don't know. The fate of the world rests in your hands.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> Thank you, your majesty.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>From his palms, he gives the soldier the key. To which they and the other soldier wind up shot down, a bullet in the head for each.</p> <p>Claw pinning his jugular, John is trapped in Agatha's embrace, eyeing the smoking gun in her hand.</p> <h2>INT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>The SOLDIERS look to the shrine - to the shots fired.</p> <h2>INT- SHRINE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Fingers still clamped on his throat JOHN struggles with AGATHA's iron grip.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You really are a witch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Witch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She tosses him away. Tearing off her dress, she reveals her boa-skin leggings lashed to the knees with out-of-time firepower.</p> <p>With the clicks of machinery, she hoists the machine gun and smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> I'm a sorceress, child.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The SOLDIERS crash in, running into her shrilled stream of fully automatic lead pain.</p> <p>Slinging and snapping her suspenders, Agatha looks like medieval SWAT looming over Rhineback. Blood laces his half-hidden face. He doesn't move.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Rhineback was a liability. He would have slowed us down.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She takes the KEY and holsters it, looking to the still shocked John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I didn't ask.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> John.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Tugging her head, Agatha eggs him to follow her. But it's meant more as a command. Reluctantly, John grabs a sword, but stops, looking around.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Where's Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <a name="bob"></a> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>BLACK BEASTS scale the wall as MEN try to fend them off with blade, arrow, and hot oil. The creatures scream with steam and protrusions, but it only makes them climb faster. Not one falls.</p> <p>Another DRAGON makes it fiery pass, launching even more men from the gallery.</p> <p>Racing in vain, MEN run back and forth to re-supply the wall. But one MAN runs into BOB, the man being flipped as Bob steals his sword and knife.</p> <p>He then takes down an archer, grabbing the bow and quiver.</p> <p>TWO more DRAGONS flash by, whittling down the resistance one pass at a time.</p> <p>Climbing to the gallery, he removes a small pouch with fuse from his satchel. It's tied to an arrow and lit from a torch.</p> <p>The next DRAGONS are coming. Bob hangs back under cover.</p> <p>Some SOLDIERS watch him now. The dragons come, hitting the wall. MEN duck or are thrown. But Bob just smoothly pops an arrow into one of the beast's sides.</p> <p>The dragons soar off, seemingly unscathed.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> A great deal of good that did.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob rigs the next arrow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Watch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- SKY- NIGHT</h2> <p>The DRAGON DOUBLE TEAM fly close. The RIDER spots the burning arrow in the PARTNER DRAGON's ribs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RIDER (on radio)<br> Your side!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The pouch explodes, igniting the dragon's glands. The beast bursts into flames, crashing into the other.</p> <h2>EXT- CASTLE WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>The SOLDIERS see the DRAGONS explode in mid-air. The one SOLDIER beams back to BOB. But his smile drops.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> Behind you!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In an instant, Bob has thrown a knife into one oncoming BLACK BEAST, striking it down and another BEAST with his sword. His strikes are swift and to their bare throats, fatal his first blow.</p> <p>And, yet still, they kick and dance.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> (cont'd)<br> Hero.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>After a few more stabs into the stubborn beast, Bob turns to him: stoic.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Exterminator.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BATTLEFIELD- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC watches another DRAGON burst in the air, crashing hard. He speaks to SARGOS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> That was fairly professional. Deal with it. The wall too.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos snaps down his visor and backs ISAGOTH away.</p> <p>Keeping his eyes on Cathay, the wind beats Aldric's hair, the shadow of the dragon swooning over.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>BOB jumps from a fireball, sending an arrow to the DRAGON. It drifts away, but is suddenly stunned by its own explosion. The body lands on the BLACK BEASTS. The SOLDIERS cheer, diving back into the scaling frenzy.</p> <p>Not skipping a beat, Bob readies another arrow.</p> <p>He stops though, feeling the wind. Gazing high, he spies the enormous ISAGOTH.</p> <p>The beast swerves, aligning itself to the wall. Watching, Bob pulls his arrow and aims the bow. Other ARCHERS do the same.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- NIGHT</h2> <p>Bringing ISAGOTH in slow, SARGOS slides his rifle from the saddle. Yanking up a bracing bar, he takes aim.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>Arrows flaming, BOB and the ARCHERS wait for the DRAGON to reach range.</p> <p>But it's gotten quiet.</p> <p>Bob looks to the SOLDIERS. They're not fighting. The BLACK BEASTS have moved back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> That ain't good.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With only a zip and punch heard, an archer falls, then another, then another.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- NIGHT</h2> <p>SARGOS racks a fourth round and picks off a fourth archer.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>As another ARCHER snaps back, BOB looks to a SOLDIER.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Run.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SOLDIER<br> What?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Run!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- NIGHT</h2> <p>As SARGOS shoots the fleeing SOLDIERS, Isagoth's glands swell big.</p> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>BOB and MEN scurry from the gallery as yet another MAN is sliced by sharp lead.</p> <p>Hovering just above, the DRAGON is there.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- NIGHT</h2> <p>Slinging the rifle, SARGOS kicks the dragon's glands.</p> <a name="blackbeast"></a> <h2>EXT- INNER WALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>But, instead of hitting the wall, ISAGOTH's infernal ram slams through the gate, launching searing flames across the court.</p> <p>There's silence. BOB and the MEN are frozen in the calm. Then the howls come. From the fire, machine gun rounds dart in, piercing through SOLDIERS and their shields.</p> <p>Not a word shouted. Everybody runs into the keep, the BLACK BEASTS already charging against their heels.</p> <h2>INT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>From the second flight, AGATHA stops with JOHN, seeing the MEN rush in. BOB escapes the crowd, spotting them above.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks at John and shakes his head.</p> <p>In the corridor, the keep's last defensive portal, SOLDIERS ram the first gate shut. The rest slam down a portcullus at the other end. It creates a shooting gallery and ARCHERS line up the grates.</p> <p>Moments later, the first door explodes in fire, ISAGOTH backing off to let the BLACK BEASTS flood in.</p> <p>And they come, hundreds of them, rampaging straight to the grate. Archers shoot, hitting what they can. But soon the writhing horde rams the portcullus, almost knocking it down on the first punch.</p> <p>Swords stab through both sides as claws, hands, steel, and teeth gnaw at the metal braced wood frame.</p> <p>John and Bob follow Agatha to a door at the other end. She tries it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Locked!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Pulling an all-purpose skeleton key, John picks the lock.</p> <p>Above the corridor, MEN dump vats of hot oil on the beasts below, but it only makes them beat harder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Hurry up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> There.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He opens the door, but it's braced on the other side. So he rams in. Still no go.</p> <p>The gate is rocking. Dust is raining on the men. A soldier's head is grabbed and bled.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> We're going to die here!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Whipping out his sword, John tries to lift the brace up. It's locked in on the other side.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You gotta being kidding.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Machine gun fire blasts around the gate and it falls. The men are engulfed. Finished in a heartbeat. Not one is left standing.</p> <p>And that rolling, shrieking mass is pounding right to them. But Agatha has a surprise - grenade launcher.</p> <p>Whipping the sleek barrel from her side, she pummels the horde with blast upon blast. Parts fly as explosions burrow. Through the smoke, despite the beasts' relentless charge, she's holding back the wave.</p> <h2>EXT- CASTLE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The thunder is heard, the biting sounds undeniable: technology. SARGOS dismounts, slapping that war helm on.</p> <p>Without a care or fear, he's marching in to answer this question.</p> <h2>INT- CASTLE- NIGHT</h2> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="ag2wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Agatha with gun"> </td> <td> <p>Grenades spent, AGATHA lets the strapped gun swing, grabbing the machine gun.</p> <p>With that heavy rat-tat-tat, she again keeps the BLACK BEAST stampede at bay. And, though many are dead, still many remain, and all are coming.</p> <p>His sword still wedge in the door, JOHN struggles for dear life to get the brace to budge.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Come on!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Against that bullet beating, those beasts claw forward, each one not stopping until life is impossible. But as the mass closes, Bob is getting bold. Taking his chance, he dives into them.</p> <p>From the flood, Bob manages to snatch and wrestle one still kicking beast. It flails wild in his arms, taking Bob into a leaping roll.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But it's taking him to where he wants - the door.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Move!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John looks then dives, just escaping as Bob sends the whirling beast through the oak. To its mad throws, the wood explodes, the door gone in an instant.</p> <p>Its purpose done, Bob thwacks his sword, splitting the neck. To his luck, it dies then.</p> <p>Grabbing John, they go, Agatha guarding the way. But she can't flee. If she turns, the monster's wave will swallow her.</p> <p>She must fire on.</p> <p>But the gun stops.</p> <p>Now the raging shrieks arrive to devour her.</p> <p>Yet, in that sudden moment, a scream is heard: the god's voice of an air horn.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="bb1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Black Beast"> </td> <td> <p>And it all stops, the beasts own psychological conditioning forcing their straining limbs back. They slump, gurgling chests heaving, and wait. But, blood lust not cooling, their black eyes find her, armor pick teeth hissing red.</p> <p>Still, they wait. One of their masters has order them to. That hyena/shark face grins, being found by her drifting gaze - an old friend, SARGOS.</p> <p>He's at the other end, horn held high, sighing relief: so very glad to see her, and so very glad to see the KEY hanging from her belt.</p> <p>Open hand extended, he commands her with thanks.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Bring me the key, Agatha.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But her head drops, puzzling him. Before Sargos and a hundred furry maniacs, she breathes deep her courage: for the choice she's made can no longer hide.</p> <p>Exhausted smile rising, Agatha faces them and, letting her betrayal be known, gently flicks him off.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And then she runs: real fast.</p> <p>Now it is known. Two snaps and a point, and Sargos allows the horde to surge with all fury after her.</p> <h2>INT- CORRIDORS</h2> <p>Racing, AGATHA catches up with JOHN and BOB. Reloading the grenade launcher, she whips around, sending two punches to the ceiling, caving it in.</p> <p>Turning a corner, they reach another door, pushing it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Is this a way out?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Right here, I'll need some time though.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that, he points to Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You heard the lady.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>No answer, he just moves back to the impending swarm.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> What's he doing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Buying you time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Then he's an idiot.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Well, yeah, but he's also the greatest warrior on the planet.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- CORRIDORS</h2> <p>Squirming and wiggling, dozens of BLACK BEASTS break the cave in, opening it to the not stopping, never silencing horde.</p> <a name="witchqueen"></a> <h2>INT- PULLEYS- NIGHT</h2> <p>AGATHA leads JOHN into a room with a pit. Extending from the hole are ropes that go from the very bottom of Cathay Keep to the absolute top.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> This is your way out?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It's used to carry building supplies to the top. I just need to find the right rope.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To her shock, RHINEBACK stumbles out of the shadows, her bullet lodge in his thick steel and gold crown.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> Witch-queen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha gets her gun. A SOLDIER knocks it down the pit. But she's fast, slicing open his throat.</p> <p>Still there's more. CATHAY MEN: all with pick, ax, and sword; fresh of battle and there to do but one thing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAN<br> Time to dispatch your curse for good.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She's already nodding up her fury.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> All right, you want to see the witch in me. Here she is.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Screaming as wild harpy, she's flying to them, blades drawn, ruthless for their hides.</p> INT- CORRIDORS <p>BLACK BEASTS race past the pit corridor, too frenzied to hear the swordplay. But SARGOS does.</p> <p>Pick extended, he blocks the last BEASTS charge and brings them to that door.</p> <p>But, stepping before them, is but one man in their way - BOB. Sword at his side, he is merely waiting.</p> <p>And Sargos almost laughs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> You want to die, boy. Enjoy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Snap, point: the beasts are shrieking to target.</p> <p>Sidestepping, Bob slices them on the fly. Undaunted, they dive back.</p> <p>Bob keeps carving.</p> <p>A beast leaps to him, Bob swinging the blade right through its belly. But the entire horde, despite those wounds, are still at him.</p> <h2>INT- PULLEYS- NIGHT</h2> <p>A SOLDIER is upon JOHN, the two dueling hard, John getting cornered. The blades come close and he grabs, not giving the soldier the distance to strike. Rolling along the wall, they're grappling.</p> <p>Having gone low, AGATHA scurries to the MEN's center, rising with flashing steel. From their swinging hands, she's snatching their weapons, using them against their owners.</p> <p>Those men, determined to heart's core to end her, fall: raw metal having speared them through. Laced in red, she stands, her brutal madness having triumphed.</p> <p>Spotting John's opponent, with a quick fling of hand, she has sent a dagger spinning into his back. The man seizes, now an easy catch for John's sword.</p> <p>Still, there is one left, frozen to trembles at the knees. Cold wolf eyes finding him, Agatha sees who it is: her BOY RETAINER. And it makes her cringe.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You should run, pup.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He raises his sword.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Please...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Shouting his courage, he comes still and Agatha accepts. Pained snarl creasing, her blade punches through, impaling him, putting him to the wall.</p> <p>A maternal peck to his quivering cheek and Agatha holds him, lets him die in her arms. But still she hears, still listens: to the cowering RHINEBACK taking sword from the dead.</p> <p>She faces him, yet to let her boy go, halting Rhineback's advance with that sharp wolf stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Now you raise a sword.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>RHINEBACK<br> I should have never let you in.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Maybe.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She loses the boy and, with all fours and without sword, pounces on him, pinning him to the ledge.</p> <p>To his gasp, her fingers have stabbed deep into his neck. She squeezes. Gurgling away, he spasms beneath her, being drained by her rage: a rage that cracks her fake teeth.</p> <p>She spits out the thin ivories, finally revealing her silver fangs and finally letting Rhineback's corpse fall down the ropes.</p> <p>John is left as witness - next to enter her blood lust gaze.</p> INT- CORRIDORS <p>Its neck spraying scarlet, a BLACK BEAST darts, pouncing right back to BOB. He dodges it, chopping ANOTHER, rolling under the NEXT, and severing the head of the LAST.</p> <p>That one falls. And, though all should be dead, still the BLACK BEASTS fight. So, Bob greets them with steel again.</p> <p>One beast hits the wall, almost empty of blood. As its last play, the thing dislodges the gun strapped to its back and clumsily aims. Grappling with another beast, Bob spots the gun.</p> <p>Swiftly, he deflects the flaring machine-gun to the ceiling and seizes it.</p> <p>Using the beast's own gun and its own body, Bob whips it around and shoots his foes. Stepping behind the corner, SARGOS escapes the fire but the beasts don't.</p> <p>Now they fall. Bob, shoving the one he holds, retrieves his sword and stabs it in the neck. A twist, a yank, and a spin and the beast's head twirls from its shoulders.</p> <p>Bob's red-speckled scowl turns to Sargos's clapping, the man/beast coming for him with an easy gait.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Now me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In either hand, come drawn his choice: pick and chopper.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN (os)<br> Bob, get your butt moving!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With his sword, he gives Sargos a steel salute.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Another time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos returns it by flinging both weapons at him. Slapping them away, Bob smiles and runs.</p> <h2>INT- PULLEYS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Sword trailing, BOB leaps onto the ropes with JOHN and AGATHA, cutting one. Snapping, it releases, sending them flying to the top - just missed by Sargos's arriving claws.</p> <p>But he still has his radio. But it's not working. But Sargos has a stone ledge to smack it on.</p> <p>He wins. It crackles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS (into radio)<br> Target's at keep high tower. Get them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A watery voice screeches back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HAWK (on radio)<br> Alpha/Hawk Delta: I am engaging.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- CASTLE TOP- NIGHT</h2> <p>Thudding into the pulleys, JOHN and BOB already see the DRAGON coming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Wow, word spreads fast?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Wonders of the past.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Whipping it from her suit, AGATHA slaps a strap into Bob's hand. Looking over, John finds the rope barring flags leading from there to the stable below.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Oh no.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Oh yes.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>At full charge she rams him, locking him between her legs and, strap burning rope, she takes him into open air. Hugging for dear life, John clings to her torso, riding the line down with her and Bob.</p> <p>Zeroing in from above is the dragon. It fires. They let go, flames nicking them on their crash through the stable's roof.</p> <h2>INT- STABLE- NIGHT</h2> <p>BOB and AGATHA emerge from the soft hay. But JOHN groans from his hard dirt landing. Still, Agatha yanks him up and they run.</p> <p>Behind them, the walls explode.</p> <p>Grabbing and dragging screeching horses, John and Agatha mount quick and ride, passing a still marching Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Bob! Get a horse!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I got a horse. Lucy!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>From the squealing chaos, a steady black bulb finds him: as calm as ever despite an inch from death - LUCY.</p> <p>Teething off her reins, his girl is galloping to and around him. Bob takes hold, hoisting himself up and on.</p> <p>And they're charging, just escaping the next onslaught of hot billows.</p> <h2>EXT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>On open grass, BOB stops LUCY, eyeing the sky.</p> <p>JOHN and AGATHA look back, desperate to flee.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob, come on!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Pulling his bow, Bob is just watching the DRAGON swoon in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Keep going. I've got this one.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Again?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Every time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They speed away, leaving Bob to his quarry.</p> <p>Drawing and stringing his bow, Bob tracks his target dragon. A kick to Lucy, and they race for a fight.</p> <p>The great bat descends, strafing the ground, rocketing right to Bob. Lucy dives, just ducking the teeth.</p> <p>From the ground, shaking dirt from his hair, Bob finds his dragon, scowling to Lucy.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Girl, light your fight.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To his call, she stands, Bob riding her up all the way. Tossing the reins, eyes on the returning dragon, Bob draws his arrow.</p> <p>He pats Lucy taunt neck and she lunges to the incoming beast. It's a joust, the dragon already pounding flames upon them. But Lucy is leaping, diving; escaping every earth lifting blast.</p> <p>Again, the animals part, both swinging back for another run.</p> <p>His hands free, Bob twirls his arrow, pulls, and aims. At a lightning pace, the dragon is on them, vomiting its inferno.</p> <p>At blast's edge, he launches his arrow. Through those flames it pierces, the arrow's long tip, drilling straight to the sky.</p> <p>Hooves gnawing dirt, Lucy faces Bob to the dragon; just in time to watch it spin headfirst into the keep.</p> <p>It smacks, falls, crashes. Done.</p> <p>Bob spits to a hard job done well. Lucy spits too. But he doesn't know why. Lucy snaps, her head barking wild. Still, Bob's not sure...</p> <p>Then he smells it: hears the crackle.</p> <p>Peering to her ass, Bob finds her tail burning. Sighing, he smacks the blaze out and smirks. His grin to Lucy though is jerked away. He's thrown back, almost off as she juts into a gallop, his girl not wanting to hear a word.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Lucy says nothing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> (cont'd)<br> I'm sorry.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And they go, casually fleeing the hellish war behind.</p> <h2>INT- BOTTOM OF THE PULLEYS- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC crouches over the dead RHINEBACK, admiring the broad tear in his neck.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> So much for patience.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In lament, soft and kind, he closes the man's eyes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> I'll keep your promise.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>From behind, PRIESTS are dragging HELGA to his feet. They drop her, hands keeping her at bay.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>PRIEST<br> We found her where you said. She had these with her.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Unraveling a bundle, they present to Aldric a small, but efficient arsenal of guns and blades. But he waves it off: waves the men out.</p> <p>They leave them alone: leave Helga to face a father's loving stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You knew. Our whole plan... How?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I'm just the world's greatest guesser. So, why is she? What have I not given her?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She replies with only a scowl. Aldric returns only his understanding smile.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> She's lashing out. Youth. She still has a home though.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Helga tries to debate, but he stops her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> I can't lose both her and the key. Help me bring her home.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Though kind, though gentle, those eyes, his eyes, pierce deep. Feeling cold, feeling naked, Helga can't look at them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Where is she going?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Still, she won't answer. Like a shadow, Sargos is in the corner - the typical sibling sell-out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> There's two others with her: men.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric stalls, that word weighing in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> What "men?"</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>This faults Aldric's caring, it fading to his more predator insides. And Helga, in childish spite, twists the knife.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You know, I think she has a liking for one of them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Liking the spark she sees, Helga gives another dig.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> Who knows? Might be love.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Now, she's proud, not realizing the monster she woke.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Wasps.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> No!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Then answer me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She can't.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Or pray.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Eyes stumbling, Helga only looks to the floor. She won't.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Then pray.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric is up, flowing out on a storm of a march.</p> <a name="wasps"></a> <h2>EXT- CATHAY KEEP- NIGHT</h2> <p>In a monotonous clamber, a wagon is pulled into the court. Stacked in the reinforced wood bed are steel tubes. PRIESTS hoist out and stand one.</p> <p>Above them, ALDRIC and SARGOS watch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Is this going too far?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> She's resourceful. Besides, I didn't sick the black beast on her.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>This catches Sargos, making this dog flush with dread.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> It was rash.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> It was moronic.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His head bows, averting his eyes in obedience.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Forgive me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Don't beg. Just think.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The tube's hatch is lifted. A timed lock is wound. And the priests get back... far away.</p> <p>Spitting wet hisses, the tube splits. From the black inside, eyes creak open and glow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> I did see her betray you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Nobody betrays me, Sargos. They just work for me without knowing it. She'll survive. With any luck, she'll be the only one.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Within the darkness, wings rustle then buzz, the sound whirling into a sheer screech. Then it pours out - WASPS.</p> <p>A whole swarm of mutated carnivorous fairies: blasting into the air and arching skyward.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Should be easy to find. Just follow your nose.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He leaves Sargos to watch the hundred bugs vanish under the moon.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Now, in the quiet of the night, JOHN and BOB ride silently behind AGATHA. But John breaks it with a whisper.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Let's say we ditch the psycho. Get our butts out of here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> We stay.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Right, save the world? You don't even know what that does.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha stops, letting John catch up.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I told you what it is.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Fine, I just don't believe you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Didn't you ever want to fight for something?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Like you said, I know better.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> See that mountain. Get me there and you can go. Head back to the castle, they'll have plenty of carrion there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She rides on.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You... you can't guilt me!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> No. Not a man like you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John sighs, left to face Bob's stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not a word, he leaves him too.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> For crying out loud.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But LUCY stops, her bulbous eye staring past John. She's tensed, feeling something new. So, Bob and Agatha look with the horse.</p> <p>Then John hears it - the buzzing.</p> <p>He gazes over his shoulder. A shadow is engulfing the forest. He can't make it out. But it looks like...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Wasps!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="wspwa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Wasp"> </td> <td> <p>She bolts. John and Bob going right after her. All of them flee from the hundred of tiny flying ferocious bug men WASPS.</p> <p>They crash through the thickets as the swarm surrounds them. The tongues have spikes, cutting John's cheeks and arms. He swats, grabs and throws.</p> <p>Bob crushes one in his hand, tossing Lucy's reins.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Find water!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He grabs Agatha's mare and forces it along. The horses pound as hard as they can, the swarm crawling all over them.</p> <p>Lucy finds water. Her clearing is a swamp. Bob takes Agatha with them into the bile. John nosedives himself with them.</p> <p>The other two horses keep running - the swarm following.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John and Agatha in either hand, Bob rises out of the muck. Lucy shakes her hide.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Are they gone?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Looks it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Those weren't fairies.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> No. They were fairies. Aldric... Aldric makes everything a weapon.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Are you tired?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It was a hard run.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> No. I mean really tired.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You got a point. Agatha?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They're poisonous.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>That being said, she collapses.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Ah, crap.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The swarm is coming back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Ah, crap.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He falls too. Bob soon follows.</p> <p>And the wasps swoon in.</p> <p>But they are knocked back by a worse screech. The awful noise makes them scurry away as fast as they came.</p> <p>A hand in the dark lowers the horn. Its owner then finds the stumbling Lucy. That same hand gives her a shot. The horse jitters, still shaky.</p> <p>But the man holds her, helps her sway back to normal, smiling kind behind the puss and boils.</p> <p>MAGWITCH.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> No, don't sleep. I need your help.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks down to the three heroes limp in swamp goo and sighs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> What a mess.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760" height="60"> <tr> <td body align="center"> <br></br> <p><a href="brhmpg.htm">Home</a>|<a href="cntctpg.htm">Contact</a>|<a href="aboutit/abtit1.htm">About it</a>|<a href="gallerygatepg/gllrygt.htm">Gallery</a>|<a href="extermgatepg/extgt.htm"> Exterminators</a>|<a href="gdgatepg/gdgt.htm">God Dog</a>|<a href="../index.htm">Gate</a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <p>© all rights reserved, artwork and screenplays, E Felter 2003. This website was posted on 2/10/05</p> </td> </tr> </table> </body>